Boston Celtics power forward Leon Powe has had a dream fulfilled last season by being a part of championship team. Now with the chance of a repeat, Powe is determined to do his part to help raise banner number 18 up to the rafters.

Randy Zellea of InsideHoops.com recently caught up with Powe in world famous Madison Square Garden in New York City and discussed this year’s Celtics team, the life of an NBA player and his NBA Finals experience.

InsideHoops.com: Can you compare this year's Celtics to last year’s team?

Leon Powe: I think we have a lot of similarities. This team really likes to play defense and we all get along with each other on and off the court. I think it’s pretty even as far as this year’s team and last year's team goes. We lost James Posey and we miss him but everyone is chipping in to contribute.

InsideHoops.com: Besides your home court in Boston, what is your favorite arena to play in?

Powe: My favorite arena to play in? Madison Square Garden has to be one of them. I remember the first time coming to MSG, I was antsy. With all the other arenas in the league I was able to keep my composure but with MSG I was nervous. I also love the area back home in Oakland.

InsideHoops.com: How did it feel to be in the NBA Finals last season?

Powe: It was a lot pressure. You put everything you have into every possession and I felt like I was able to grow up through that series. We just went out there and we knew what it took to win games. If you don’t execute, you can just as easily lose those games and put yourself in a position to fail. You never think going through the series that a certain play is really important. The truth is, every play is important, so you have to execute every trip down the floor.

InsideHoops.com: What do you like to do in your free time?

Powe: I love playing video games. I play online with my teammates and friends. We have a good time with the online systems. Recently we have been playing NBA 2k9, Mortal Kombat and other games. I play video games and watch movies with my family.

InsideHoops.com: What is something the fans do not understand about the life of being an NBA player?

Powe: The day-to-day routine. Fans think we just show up to the arena and play. The reality is, we wake up and handle appearances, go to practices, and work out for three hours, shooting practices, and then you might have commitments later in the day. Some of us have family and friends who rely on you to fulfill responsibilities. So we have to fit everything in on a daily basis, so it’s really difficult at times.

Discuss Powe and the team on the InsideHoops.com Boston Celtics message board.