Last postseason, the Bulls-Celtics series treated us with one of the most exciting series in recent memory, and arguably, the best of all time. On Friday, they square off at 8:00 in Boston’s TD Banknorth Arena prepared to continue the new built rivalry between each other, from Joakim Noah’s steal and dunk to Ray Allen’s backbreaking 3’s. From Derrick Rose’s block to Rajon Rondo and Kirk Heinrich’s scuffle (worst fight ever). The list goes on and on. The series elated fans and drew in a lot of new ones due to big plays and clutch performers from each squad. Friday, they push to create the same theatrics from the series, and I am sure no one on both teams has forgotten the pain and anguish each has bestowed on one another.

The teams look a little bit different from last year with Boston acquiring Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels to improve Boston’s lack of depth, but most of all for, Kevin Garnett is healthy and ready for battle. I can’t imagine how upset he most of been watching this epic series unfold right before his eyes and able to do nothing. I almost feel bad for Derrick Rose in this game. It’s a big difference going through the lane with Glen “Big Baby” Davis defending compared to the 2008 Defensive MVP. Here is a gentlemanly conversation between the two. “Hi. My name is Derrick Rose. Can I kindly go to the basket and score two measly points, Mr. Garnett?” -…“Denied! Get the EXPLICIT out of my house and go back to your mommy! This ain’t Chicago!” …Classy.

On the other side, Chicago gets a healthy Luol Deng back, who looked impressive last night against the Spurs , and lose Ben Gordon to free agency who made big shot after big shot in the series last year. Anytime Chicago needed a basket, Gordon was fearlessly there to knock it down. Who is going to take the big shot now? Rose? Salmons? Deng? Gordon may have created problems with the chemistry of the team, but his big play ability in crunch-time is going to be missed dearly, and I know this game is going to go down to the wire.

With all of the energy and emotion carrying over from last year, this game is going to be an all out war. And with the season starting out right for both teams, fans could be so lucky to witness this rivalry continue so soon. Enjoy, this doesn’t happen often.

-The Ref