Celtics/Bulls
I'm not surprised by well the Cs are playing actually. I thought that w/out Garnett they'd still make it to Conference Finals. Allen/Pierce is a helluva combo still & I reckon Rajon Rondo to be well underrated - sure, he can't shoot to save his life but he has great handle/vision & w/that ridiculous wingspan it's a tossup in my mind as to who's the best defensive PG in the league, him or Chris Paul. Actually if anything's surprising to me it's how well the Bulls - who really are not very good (tho things are finally looking up for the future) - are playing.
Cavs/Lakers
Yeah but Celtics/Lakers had that mystique - it was larger than just basketball - it defined an entire era. I mean that rivalry is essentially what catapulted the NBA into national consciousness (well that & David Stern's run as commissioner). Plus I'm not saying the Cavs & current Lakers don't have solid teams. But Celtics/Lakers I mean, beyond Bird & Magic we're talking, Parrish, McHale, Kareem, Dennis Johnson (RIP), James Worthy, legends each & every one. Admittedly not many rivalries can compare to that - but still, I mean Kareem vs. Ilgauskas, Gasol vs. McHale & the Chief...I dunno man...if you see what I mean.
Nuggets/New Orleans
No I didn't watch the game but good lord...