New screens of NBA Live 09, along with a prediction for the Finals

EA SPORTS NBA LIVE 09 SIMULATION PREDICTS LAKERS WILL WIN 2008 NBA FINALS

EA SPORTS™ NBA LIVE 09 has predicted that the Lakers will capture their 15^th NBA Championship by defeating the Celtics in the 2008 NBA Finals simulation. In a historic matchup that was last seen 21 years ago, the series lived up to its billing in a seven-game thriller. It was NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant who led the charge, averaging 29 points and 6 assists per game throughout the series. With this victory, Phil Jackson set a new record by winning 10 NBA Championships as a coach. The Finals tip off this Thursday at 9PM EDT on ABC. NBA LIVE 09 will be in stores on October 7, 2008.

Game 1: Celtics strike first over Lakers, 105-99

Point Leaders
Kevin Garnett - 20 Points, 9 Rebounds, 4 Blocks
Kobe Bryant - 25 Points, 10 Rebounds, 7 Assists

Field Goal Percentage
Bos – 47%
LA – 45%

Recap – The Fleet Center erupts after an exciting Game 1 of the NBA playoffs. Kevin Garnett leads his team in scoring and offensive rebounds. Also a monster on the defensive side of the ball, Garnett’s blocking rampage is reminiscent of the Bill Russell era.

Game 2: Lakers quiet Celtic fans at Fleet Center, winning 96-90

Point Leaders
Paul Pierce - 24 Points, 9 Assists
Kobe Bryant - 30 Points, 4 Three-pointers

Field Goal Percentage
Bos – 47%
LA – 47%

Recap – An uncontested Kobe Bryant slam dunk sets the tone early in the first quarter. Kobe and the Lakers never relinquish the lead resulting in a 6-point victory and more importantly, a split of the first two games in Boston.

Game 3: Lakers dominate at home, 109-101

Point Leaders
Paul Pierce - 23 Points, 4 Steals
Kobe Bryant - 36 Points, 9 Rebounds, 10 Assists

Field Goal Percentage
Bos – 46%
LA – 40%

Recap – Paul Pierce has a big game but doesn’t match up to Kobe’s near triple-double performance. Kobe’s dazzling dunk rejuvenates the Lakers and the fans at the Staples Center. The momentum shifts towards the Lakers after taking Game 3.

Game 4: Celtics come back to win 91-88 over Lakers

Point Leaders
Ray Allen - 29 Points, 6 Three-pointers, 4 Assists
Pau Gasol - 19 Points, 14 Rebounds, 3 Blocks

Field Goal Percentage
Bos – 49%
LA – 44%

Recap – Ray Allen leads the Celtics to an important victory in the Staples Center. Allen’s strong perimeter play gives the Celtics a strong lead early in the 4^th quarter and ties up the series.

Game 5: LA leads series by winning Game 5, 95-92

Point Leaders
Kevin Garnett - 21 Points, 10 Rebounds, 4 Blocks
Pau Gasol - 25 Points, 12 Rebounds, 5 Blocks

Field Goal Percentage
Bos – 47%
LA – 50%

Recap – The battle in the paint is the focus for much of Game 5. Rebounding is the key to the Lakers victory. Gasol outrebounds Celtic muscle-man Kendrick Perkins. Gasol also takes a page from Garnett’s Game 1 performance by blocking five shots, and keeps his number one rank as the leading shot blocker in the 2008 NBA Playoffs.

Game 6: Celtics force Game 7, 98-97

Point Leaders
Paul Pierce - 28 Points, 6 Steals, 8 Assists
Kobe Bryant - 28 Points, 8 Rebounds, 6 Assists

Field Goal Percentage
Bos – 46%
LA – 44%

Recap – The Celtics, led by a strong performance from Paul Pierce, overcome the Lakers to force a Game 7. Pierce goes shot for shot with Bryant, tying him in points, and rounds out his game with four defensive steals.

Game 7: Lakers win NBA Championship, 106-101

Point Leaders
Kevin Garnett - 29 Points, 7 Blocks, 10 Rebounds
Kobe Bryant - 38 Points, 10 Rebounds, 11 Assists

Field Goal Percentage
Bos – 48%
LA – 51%

Recap – The Lakers win their 15 NBA Finals Championship. After a quiet first half, Kobe scores 29 of his 38 points in the second half in an astounding triple-double performance, cementing himself as this year’s NBA Finals MVP. The Lakers beat the Celtics in the NBA Finals for the third time in a row. The lifelong rivalry now stands at 10 - 3 in Boston’s favor.