For three years, NBA fans have been counting down the days when Lebron, Wade and Bosh would become available for every team with a boatload of cap space. It has become a riveting and compelling yet tiring spectacle as speculation dominates over substance. NBA teams have gutted their teams much like desperate people keep buying lottery tickets in the hope that they would hit the jackpot.
On July 8, 2010, the first domino to fall will be when Lebron James announces where he will go. Every NBA fan as well as the long-suffering Knicks and Nets fans will hope he will be the savior that leads them to former glory. It will be the culmination of all the rumors that have spread starting from the proposed but fading Big 3 (Wade, Lebron, and Bosh) in Miami to Lebron going back to Cleveland while Wade goes to Chicago and Bosh going where the money is.
Cities like New York, New Jersey/Brooklyn, Chicago and Miami, are trying to catch the fancies along with to a comedic extent, the Los Angeles Clippers. The courtship has become reality show upon itself as they try to attract them to a team in the hopes of glamor, marketing power and on the side a chance to rule the NBA for the next decade. In fact, they may dominate the rings for the 2010s as Kobe retires within five years.
At 9pm/6pm Pacific Standard Time, it will be an event that may forever change the NBA landscape much like how the signing of Shaq sent the balance of power to the West. His decision will bring joy to a city while bringing heartbreak and despair for another. The Summer of 2010 will be a year to remember. Yet, it has a sequel to along with it: An impeding Lockout of 2011. Till Then, Enjoy the show.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Game 4: Celtics bench finest hour
Since 1984, Game 4 has been the defining moment of each series between these two bitter rivals. It has brought out the good, the bad, the ugly and at times greatness in each of these two teams. We have seen countless moments that become ingrained in our memories from years to come from the Junior Sky Hook by Magic Johnson to the dramatic layup by Ray Allen that sealed a dramatic 25 point comeback just 2 years before.
In fact, Game 4 has been the turning point for classic moments that have defined each series. It has defined the players and coaches careers in this game. Some rise to the occasion while others are left to pick up the pieces. Even, the fans lucky to be at the game are witnesses to that one moment in time that they will tell their children and grandchildren for many years to come. The fans watching will also remember where they were when they witnessed a moment of absolute greatness. Will it be a Laker or a Celtic who rose to the occasion? Heck, will it be the team itself that rose to the occasion?
Tonight, we can confidently say that it was Celtics bench that rose to the occasion and may have saved their season and probably the championship with a 96-89 victory. They rose to the occasion and were aggressive. They were mean, confident and constantly mugging the Lakers as if they were an old lady in a dark alley. They were led by Glen Big Baby Davis and the Little Giant (Nate Robinson) who were 1-2 punch that sent the Lakers spinning and the Celtics fans' in a euphoria of ecstasy.
Glen Davis scored 21 points and had 6 rebounds. He abused Lamar Odom and took it right to him again and again. It was something the Celtics continued to do as they shoved 6'9 and 290 pounds brick-house into the Lakers throats. He was active and was hungry for more. Did I forget to mention that he is paid 3 million a year. Quite a bargain. Considering that he is playoff tested and can hit a big shot. Don't believe me? Watch this clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oJWDMd9KTI.
Nate Robinson also was instrumental as he made clutch shot after clutch shot. He came up with timely baskets at a time when the Celtic offense was stalling. He made 2 three pointers that set the tone for his 12 point performance tonight. He ran the Lakers ragged and did something neither Lakers did make his technical foul free throws. Together, the Big Baby and Little Giant dynamic duo made the Lakers cower in their presence. They were Batman and Robin in this game sending a bunch of pow, boom, kapow and slam to the Laker team. I wonder if we shall see the same on Sunday?
The Celtics bench outscored the Lakers window dressing of a bench 23-6 in the Second half after it was relatively even in the 1st half. They were the catalyst for the 36-27 Fourth Quarter barrage that was the difference in this game. They out-rebounded the Lakers 41-34 and were active in the paint. Much like Game 3, they shoved them around like a bunch of rag dolls as Andrew Bynum's sore knees could only watch. It may explain why the Celtics had 54-34 edge in the paint. Bottom line: The Celtics intimidated the Lakers the same way they did in 2008 where they beat them like a red-headed step child.
It was riveting for Celtic fans while for Lakers fans it felt like watching an old horror movie knowing full well how it all ends: Celtics throttled the Lakers. Celtics made the big plays and refused to go down, which is in their DNA. None bigger than the steal by the savvy Rajon Rondo who stole Kobe's pass and scored the back breaking lay-up. The Celtics are a team that since Game 4 of the Cavs series have never given up and get seemingly stronger every time they face adversity. It's a team that has shown championship poise again and again. Yet, it remains to be seen for the Lakers.
As for the Lakers, it was game for the taking and they let it slip away. In fact, they were up by 5 early in the third quarter and the Celtics were missing shots. It was a time that they could have gone for the kill but could not execute. They could not corral the big rebounds when they had to nor the defensive stops in the final minutes. Now, they are tied 2-2 heading into an another war of attrition at the TD Garden.
Kobe Bryant had his usual great game. Yet, it felt like he was one man army facing a sea of green. He was the only guy that went to make shots and his teammates were nowhere to be found except for the occassional Gasol basket or blind squirrel finds a nut basket by Ron Artest. The Celtics made him a scorer and his teammates as life size mannequins.
Pau Gasol had 21 and 6. Yet, it feels more like sizzle than meat because he was virtually invisible in the final moments. They rarely got him the ball at all as he was neutralized by the crazy basketball savant that is Rasheed Wallace. He got to the line 10 times early but never walked to the free throw line in the final quarter.
Ron Artest and Derek Fisher were helpless as they were just bystanders in a game where their contribution was needed but lacking. They were nowhere to be found except for the occasional basket or for something else such as when Artest was torched like a Christmas tree by Paul Pierce in the first half.
Andrew Bynum was mostly invisible as the pain of his knees hindered his movement. He was there for 12 minutes with just a basket and 3 rebounds. In a sense, the Lakers and the City of Los Angeles championship hopes rests on the health of Bynum's knee. Not a good sign, considering his history.
As for the rest of the Lakers' bench they were once again outplayed by the Celtics bench. Unfortunately, they saw limited action and demonstrates how little faith Phil Jackson has for his bench. They were outscored 36-18 and need to step up. Lamar had 10 points but was routinely abused and mugged by Glen Big Baby Davis time after time. In fact, Lamar needs to be sent to spend this summer training with Russian Army or with the Marines. He was passive and looked like a sissy in purple and gold.
Heading into game 5, the Lakers need to set the tempo early on. They need to stand up to the Celtic bully by sending the tough guy tactic right back at their faces and showing the championship poise they earned just the year before. Kobe needs to get his teammates involved early and often. He also needs to attack the rim with reckless abandon and someone also needs to keep the Celtics honest whenever they make Kobe try to win the game by himself. In addition, the Laker big men need to stand tall and take it to the Celtics the same way Daniel-San took it to the bullies in the original Karate Kid. Finally, they better hope that the training staff will work miracles on Bynum's knees before Sunday. In other words, divine intervention from the heavenly deity from above.
As for the Celtics, they need to ride Glen Davis and Nate Robinson like a hot hand in Vegas. The fans and the team need to continue becoming one major force on Sunday. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce will need to find ways to get their shots off. Rondo needs to push the ball and continue to pester the Laker bigs for rebounds. Kevin Garnett has to take it to Gasol inside and often. The Celtics must continue to intimidate the Lakers until they can demonstrate that they can counter by punching back with equal force. Heading into Sunday, we shall see which of these battle tested teams will have the inside track of what has been a roller coaster of a series.
In fact, Game 4 has been the turning point for classic moments that have defined each series. It has defined the players and coaches careers in this game. Some rise to the occasion while others are left to pick up the pieces. Even, the fans lucky to be at the game are witnesses to that one moment in time that they will tell their children and grandchildren for many years to come. The fans watching will also remember where they were when they witnessed a moment of absolute greatness. Will it be a Laker or a Celtic who rose to the occasion? Heck, will it be the team itself that rose to the occasion?
Tonight, we can confidently say that it was Celtics bench that rose to the occasion and may have saved their season and probably the championship with a 96-89 victory. They rose to the occasion and were aggressive. They were mean, confident and constantly mugging the Lakers as if they were an old lady in a dark alley. They were led by Glen Big Baby Davis and the Little Giant (Nate Robinson) who were 1-2 punch that sent the Lakers spinning and the Celtics fans' in a euphoria of ecstasy.
Glen Davis scored 21 points and had 6 rebounds. He abused Lamar Odom and took it right to him again and again. It was something the Celtics continued to do as they shoved 6'9 and 290 pounds brick-house into the Lakers throats. He was active and was hungry for more. Did I forget to mention that he is paid 3 million a year. Quite a bargain. Considering that he is playoff tested and can hit a big shot. Don't believe me? Watch this clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oJWDMd9KTI.
Nate Robinson also was instrumental as he made clutch shot after clutch shot. He came up with timely baskets at a time when the Celtic offense was stalling. He made 2 three pointers that set the tone for his 12 point performance tonight. He ran the Lakers ragged and did something neither Lakers did make his technical foul free throws. Together, the Big Baby and Little Giant dynamic duo made the Lakers cower in their presence. They were Batman and Robin in this game sending a bunch of pow, boom, kapow and slam to the Laker team. I wonder if we shall see the same on Sunday?
The Celtics bench outscored the Lakers window dressing of a bench 23-6 in the Second half after it was relatively even in the 1st half. They were the catalyst for the 36-27 Fourth Quarter barrage that was the difference in this game. They out-rebounded the Lakers 41-34 and were active in the paint. Much like Game 3, they shoved them around like a bunch of rag dolls as Andrew Bynum's sore knees could only watch. It may explain why the Celtics had 54-34 edge in the paint. Bottom line: The Celtics intimidated the Lakers the same way they did in 2008 where they beat them like a red-headed step child.
It was riveting for Celtic fans while for Lakers fans it felt like watching an old horror movie knowing full well how it all ends: Celtics throttled the Lakers. Celtics made the big plays and refused to go down, which is in their DNA. None bigger than the steal by the savvy Rajon Rondo who stole Kobe's pass and scored the back breaking lay-up. The Celtics are a team that since Game 4 of the Cavs series have never given up and get seemingly stronger every time they face adversity. It's a team that has shown championship poise again and again. Yet, it remains to be seen for the Lakers.
As for the Lakers, it was game for the taking and they let it slip away. In fact, they were up by 5 early in the third quarter and the Celtics were missing shots. It was a time that they could have gone for the kill but could not execute. They could not corral the big rebounds when they had to nor the defensive stops in the final minutes. Now, they are tied 2-2 heading into an another war of attrition at the TD Garden.
Kobe Bryant had his usual great game. Yet, it felt like he was one man army facing a sea of green. He was the only guy that went to make shots and his teammates were nowhere to be found except for the occassional Gasol basket or blind squirrel finds a nut basket by Ron Artest. The Celtics made him a scorer and his teammates as life size mannequins.
Pau Gasol had 21 and 6. Yet, it feels more like sizzle than meat because he was virtually invisible in the final moments. They rarely got him the ball at all as he was neutralized by the crazy basketball savant that is Rasheed Wallace. He got to the line 10 times early but never walked to the free throw line in the final quarter.
Ron Artest and Derek Fisher were helpless as they were just bystanders in a game where their contribution was needed but lacking. They were nowhere to be found except for the occasional basket or for something else such as when Artest was torched like a Christmas tree by Paul Pierce in the first half.
Andrew Bynum was mostly invisible as the pain of his knees hindered his movement. He was there for 12 minutes with just a basket and 3 rebounds. In a sense, the Lakers and the City of Los Angeles championship hopes rests on the health of Bynum's knee. Not a good sign, considering his history.
As for the rest of the Lakers' bench they were once again outplayed by the Celtics bench. Unfortunately, they saw limited action and demonstrates how little faith Phil Jackson has for his bench. They were outscored 36-18 and need to step up. Lamar had 10 points but was routinely abused and mugged by Glen Big Baby Davis time after time. In fact, Lamar needs to be sent to spend this summer training with Russian Army or with the Marines. He was passive and looked like a sissy in purple and gold.
Heading into game 5, the Lakers need to set the tempo early on. They need to stand up to the Celtic bully by sending the tough guy tactic right back at their faces and showing the championship poise they earned just the year before. Kobe needs to get his teammates involved early and often. He also needs to attack the rim with reckless abandon and someone also needs to keep the Celtics honest whenever they make Kobe try to win the game by himself. In addition, the Laker big men need to stand tall and take it to the Celtics the same way Daniel-San took it to the bullies in the original Karate Kid. Finally, they better hope that the training staff will work miracles on Bynum's knees before Sunday. In other words, divine intervention from the heavenly deity from above.
As for the Celtics, they need to ride Glen Davis and Nate Robinson like a hot hand in Vegas. The fans and the team need to continue becoming one major force on Sunday. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce will need to find ways to get their shots off. Rondo needs to push the ball and continue to pester the Laker bigs for rebounds. Kevin Garnett has to take it to Gasol inside and often. The Celtics must continue to intimidate the Lakers until they can demonstrate that they can counter by punching back with equal force. Heading into Sunday, we shall see which of these battle tested teams will have the inside track of what has been a roller coaster of a series.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Game 3: A Fish named Derek
After losing home court advantage to the Celtics, the Lakers had some questions to answer as the series was heading to Boston. The Lakers themselves told everyone that they were a team that can execute but on Sunday it was the complete opposite. With a boisterous and at times hostile crowd awaiting them, could the Lakers show the heart of a champion and respond to another case of adversity?
Tonight, that answer was answered with a relieved yes for one game. They played just good enough to pull out the victory. It was a see-saw game in the second half that just made you feel that Boston was gonna pull it out. Yet, the heroics of Derek Fisher slammed the door shut on the Celtics and their rabid fans looking for purple and gold blood.
For most of the first half, the Lakers controlled the game while the Celtics shot blanks most notably Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. The Laker defense and offense were humming. Yet, the Celtics grinded it out with their defense to get in the game. It stalled the Laker offense and led to Kobe shooting ridiculous shots that had no prayer going in. In addition, it led to the mugging of Gasol as well as the Laker big men. Soon, it was a one point game and the Celtic fans were going nuts ready to stick it to the Lakers once again. The Lakers needed a hero and Derek Fisher answered their calls.
Every time the Celtics got close, Fisher was there to shut the door back. He made the big shots and was fearless in the face of the Green Goliath that was turning the majority of his Laker teammates into a cowering, slobbering mess. His 11 points in the fourth quarter were life saving for the Lakers. None more bigger that when he drove to the basket as three Celtics were trying to stop him from a getting an easy lay in with just under a minute to play. He hit the lay-in and converted a back breaking three point play that has the Lakers with a 2-1 series lead rather than being down 2-1 heading to Game 4.
Time after time, Fisher in his career especially last season in Game 4 of the 2009 Finals has come up big for the Lakers. He has been consistently derided by most as slow, past his prime and a liability. Tonight, he was the little engine that could and with the heart of a lion to boot.
As for the rest of the Lakers, Lamar Odom finally showed up to the big stage as he made two crucial baskets as well. Each were timely as the Celtics were within a basket of tying or taking the lead. He scored 12 points and was 5-5 shooting, which was evident by his crazy three point shot that banked in. For the first time all series, Lamar showed up. Now, can he do it again in Game 4? Only he knows.
Kobe Bryant had 29 points but was shrouded by the Tony Allen, Ray Allen and anyone the Celtics threw at him. He was a man on fire earlier in the game but then became a brick layer in the fourth quarter much to the delight of Celtic fans. It was a rough night for him but his team took the victory.
Pau Gasol was routinely abused by Kevin Garnett and the Celtic front line. He grinded it out and made a tough basket against Glen Davis that gave the Lakers a four point lead with two minutes to play. Ron Artest had a quiet game but he was big defensively as he shut down Paul Pierce and made a timely defensive play that caused Glen Davis to turn the ball over at half-court.
As for the Celtics, they came out strong early but petered out. They were out-rebounded 43-35 and were awful from three point land with 4-22 shooting. Their free throw shooting was terrible in the first half but they were able to turn it around but those misses in the 1st half would later hinder their comeback chances.
Kevin Garnett had a vintage KG game as he attacked Gasol with impunity. He was hungry and made some big baskets in the fourth quarter as the Celtics tried to pull it out. Garnett took it to Gasol for easy lay-ins and was spry as evidenced by his alley-oop slam in the first quarter. Unfortunately, his 25 points and 6 rebounds were wasted.
Paul Pierce could not go off in front of the hometown faithful. He got Ron Artest in foul trouble early but could not take advantage of it. It was his moment to make his presence felt in this series and he wasted it. He made 3-4 three pointers but it could have been more.
Ray Allen had a game to forget as his three point shooting prowess that he displayed in Game 2 was a mirage in the comfy confines of the new Boston Garden. He was 0-8 from three point land and was an absolute liability on offense. It was a game to forget for such a prolific three point scorer. Every Celtic fan, will be playing the what-if game wondering if Ray had at least a couple baskets fall.
Rajon Rondo was quiet despite putting up ok numbers. He could not penetrate nor run the team in transition. He was forced to play half-court basketball and it stunted his brilliant creativity. In fact, he nor Allen did not attack Fisher when he had five fouls. They could have put more pressure on the Laker defense but never took advantage of it.
Glen Davis was big for the Celtics as he scored 12 points and was the sparkplug that brought the Celtics to life. He was a terror for the Laker bigs as he used his girth to power his way for baskets and getting to the line. Yet, he never got the ball in crunch time when the Lakers had no answer for him in the post.
Heading into Game 4, the Celtics need to find a way to manufacture some baskets. Their offense was stalling and choking in the third quarter. They could have easily have been down 20 points had it not been for their grind it out defense. They need to get Ray Allen of Game 2 to show up and Rondo needs to play like the triple double threat he was on Sunday. Boston needs to find the hot hand and feed it constantly.
As for the Lakers, they need to run their offense by moving the ball rather than letting Kobe bail them out with desperate shot after desperate shot. They were very lucky to win this game considering how their offense stalled for nearly the entire second half. The Lakers must continue to play good defense and rebound. Through three games, the only certain thing is to expect the unexpected well unless you count the three blind mice officiating the game.
Tonight, that answer was answered with a relieved yes for one game. They played just good enough to pull out the victory. It was a see-saw game in the second half that just made you feel that Boston was gonna pull it out. Yet, the heroics of Derek Fisher slammed the door shut on the Celtics and their rabid fans looking for purple and gold blood.
For most of the first half, the Lakers controlled the game while the Celtics shot blanks most notably Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. The Laker defense and offense were humming. Yet, the Celtics grinded it out with their defense to get in the game. It stalled the Laker offense and led to Kobe shooting ridiculous shots that had no prayer going in. In addition, it led to the mugging of Gasol as well as the Laker big men. Soon, it was a one point game and the Celtic fans were going nuts ready to stick it to the Lakers once again. The Lakers needed a hero and Derek Fisher answered their calls.
Every time the Celtics got close, Fisher was there to shut the door back. He made the big shots and was fearless in the face of the Green Goliath that was turning the majority of his Laker teammates into a cowering, slobbering mess. His 11 points in the fourth quarter were life saving for the Lakers. None more bigger that when he drove to the basket as three Celtics were trying to stop him from a getting an easy lay in with just under a minute to play. He hit the lay-in and converted a back breaking three point play that has the Lakers with a 2-1 series lead rather than being down 2-1 heading to Game 4.
Time after time, Fisher in his career especially last season in Game 4 of the 2009 Finals has come up big for the Lakers. He has been consistently derided by most as slow, past his prime and a liability. Tonight, he was the little engine that could and with the heart of a lion to boot.
As for the rest of the Lakers, Lamar Odom finally showed up to the big stage as he made two crucial baskets as well. Each were timely as the Celtics were within a basket of tying or taking the lead. He scored 12 points and was 5-5 shooting, which was evident by his crazy three point shot that banked in. For the first time all series, Lamar showed up. Now, can he do it again in Game 4? Only he knows.
Kobe Bryant had 29 points but was shrouded by the Tony Allen, Ray Allen and anyone the Celtics threw at him. He was a man on fire earlier in the game but then became a brick layer in the fourth quarter much to the delight of Celtic fans. It was a rough night for him but his team took the victory.
Pau Gasol was routinely abused by Kevin Garnett and the Celtic front line. He grinded it out and made a tough basket against Glen Davis that gave the Lakers a four point lead with two minutes to play. Ron Artest had a quiet game but he was big defensively as he shut down Paul Pierce and made a timely defensive play that caused Glen Davis to turn the ball over at half-court.
As for the Celtics, they came out strong early but petered out. They were out-rebounded 43-35 and were awful from three point land with 4-22 shooting. Their free throw shooting was terrible in the first half but they were able to turn it around but those misses in the 1st half would later hinder their comeback chances.
Kevin Garnett had a vintage KG game as he attacked Gasol with impunity. He was hungry and made some big baskets in the fourth quarter as the Celtics tried to pull it out. Garnett took it to Gasol for easy lay-ins and was spry as evidenced by his alley-oop slam in the first quarter. Unfortunately, his 25 points and 6 rebounds were wasted.
Paul Pierce could not go off in front of the hometown faithful. He got Ron Artest in foul trouble early but could not take advantage of it. It was his moment to make his presence felt in this series and he wasted it. He made 3-4 three pointers but it could have been more.
Ray Allen had a game to forget as his three point shooting prowess that he displayed in Game 2 was a mirage in the comfy confines of the new Boston Garden. He was 0-8 from three point land and was an absolute liability on offense. It was a game to forget for such a prolific three point scorer. Every Celtic fan, will be playing the what-if game wondering if Ray had at least a couple baskets fall.
Rajon Rondo was quiet despite putting up ok numbers. He could not penetrate nor run the team in transition. He was forced to play half-court basketball and it stunted his brilliant creativity. In fact, he nor Allen did not attack Fisher when he had five fouls. They could have put more pressure on the Laker defense but never took advantage of it.
Glen Davis was big for the Celtics as he scored 12 points and was the sparkplug that brought the Celtics to life. He was a terror for the Laker bigs as he used his girth to power his way for baskets and getting to the line. Yet, he never got the ball in crunch time when the Lakers had no answer for him in the post.
Heading into Game 4, the Celtics need to find a way to manufacture some baskets. Their offense was stalling and choking in the third quarter. They could have easily have been down 20 points had it not been for their grind it out defense. They need to get Ray Allen of Game 2 to show up and Rondo needs to play like the triple double threat he was on Sunday. Boston needs to find the hot hand and feed it constantly.
As for the Lakers, they need to run their offense by moving the ball rather than letting Kobe bail them out with desperate shot after desperate shot. They were very lucky to win this game considering how their offense stalled for nearly the entire second half. The Lakers must continue to play good defense and rebound. Through three games, the only certain thing is to expect the unexpected well unless you count the three blind mice officiating the game.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Game 2: It's a Rondoful Life
It was a typical Los Angeles Sunday where it was beautiful enough to go to the freeway and take a dip in the cool Pacific Ocean. Yet, for the Celtics it has been a weekend of stormy criticism as they were told that the Lakers were a different ball club. Tonight, the question was can the Celtics respond from the shellacking they received in the biggest stage?
After Game 2, that answer was a resounding, Yes. The Celtics played like the tried and tested team everyone saw in their run to the Finals. They were aggressive on defense and it was a record-setting night on both sides. They out-rebounded the Lakers 44-39 and outscored them 11-4 on the fast break. They outscored the Lakers 36-26 on the paint, which was a reversal from the Game 1 drubbing they were handed. The Lakers had a record 14 blocks while Ray Allen had a first half for the ages as he nailed 7 three pointers and nail another to have the all time record in a NBA Finals Game. His shot was sublime and nobody not even Kobe could cover him. Although, he cooled off in the second half his damage was too much for the Lakers to overcome.
Yet, the big story was the performance of Rajon Rondo as he took over the game and may have swung the series into Boston's favor. He made the big plays on both the defensive and offensive end. He made the big shots especially an open jumper that put the Celtics up by 5. His performance was the catalyst for a game ending 16-4 run that has this series tied rather than a 2-0 Lakers heading to Boston.
He scored 19 pts. 10 assists and 12 rebounds. Let me repeat that: 12 Rebounds!!!! He was everywhere and was Havlichekesque as he did everything that made this Celtic victory possible. Rondo and Ray Allen were the two players who did the most damage and left the Lakers spinning as well as their fans.
As for the Lakers, they came out flat and looked like the Celtic team in Game 1. Their defense was shell-shocked by the shooting of Ray Allen and shredded by Rondo's passing, penetration and scoring. Their offense was stagnant as the Celtics forced the Lakers to shoot from the perimeter. In addition, the Lakers were 5-22 from three point distance. They frustrated Kobe and took him out of his game, which explains why he got 5 fouls. They shot 39 free throws but that was moot by their poor execution and timely defense of Rondo.
Pau Gasol had a great game with 25 points and 8 rebounds. He was effective in the post and punished the smaller Celtic big men. In some stretches, he was dominant. Yet, he was never heard from again during the final Celtics push in the fourth quarter. The Lakers never got him the ball and he did not get as many rebounds as he did in Game 1. Amazingly, he was on the bench for 7 minutes and should have been in the court the whole fourth quarter.
Andrew Bynum was spectacular as he scored 21 points as well as 6 block shots which contributed to the record 14 blocks. Unfortunately, he only got 5 rebounds. He was a destructive presence in the post and a terror for anytime the Celtics came into the paint. He played 39 minutes which is considerable because he usually plays 20-25 minutes a game. Yet, he needs to pick up his rebounding just like Gasol.
Ron Artest was awful in this game as he made dumb foul after dumb foul. He jacked up unnecessary three point shots. Artest was 3-8 from the Free Throw stripe and 1-6 from three point land along with 1-10 shooting. He was a liability on the offensive end and on defense as he stalled the Lakers attack which led to their undoing in that 16-4 run by the Celtics.
The rest of the Lakers could not shoot the side of a barn and Lamar Odom has yet to appear in this series. Like Game 1, he was invisible and that is bad for the Lakers going forward as the series progresses. It seems that the Celtics control Lamar both mentally and physically.
For Game 3, the Lakers must move the ball to the post with impugnity just like they did in Game 2. They must play intense defense and crash the boards like there is no tomorrow. In addition, they need to be aware who has the hot hand and continue to ride it just like Boston did with Ray Allen the entire 1st half. It's officially a series and now the Lakers must respond in an arena where the fans will be on them all game along. Don't believe me? See this twitter link: http://twitter.com/celticschant. Will it be a Boston Massacre or a Hollywood ending? I don't know but it's so fun imagining all the possibilities heading to Boston.
After Game 2, that answer was a resounding, Yes. The Celtics played like the tried and tested team everyone saw in their run to the Finals. They were aggressive on defense and it was a record-setting night on both sides. They out-rebounded the Lakers 44-39 and outscored them 11-4 on the fast break. They outscored the Lakers 36-26 on the paint, which was a reversal from the Game 1 drubbing they were handed. The Lakers had a record 14 blocks while Ray Allen had a first half for the ages as he nailed 7 three pointers and nail another to have the all time record in a NBA Finals Game. His shot was sublime and nobody not even Kobe could cover him. Although, he cooled off in the second half his damage was too much for the Lakers to overcome.
Yet, the big story was the performance of Rajon Rondo as he took over the game and may have swung the series into Boston's favor. He made the big plays on both the defensive and offensive end. He made the big shots especially an open jumper that put the Celtics up by 5. His performance was the catalyst for a game ending 16-4 run that has this series tied rather than a 2-0 Lakers heading to Boston.
He scored 19 pts. 10 assists and 12 rebounds. Let me repeat that: 12 Rebounds!!!! He was everywhere and was Havlichekesque as he did everything that made this Celtic victory possible. Rondo and Ray Allen were the two players who did the most damage and left the Lakers spinning as well as their fans.
As for the Lakers, they came out flat and looked like the Celtic team in Game 1. Their defense was shell-shocked by the shooting of Ray Allen and shredded by Rondo's passing, penetration and scoring. Their offense was stagnant as the Celtics forced the Lakers to shoot from the perimeter. In addition, the Lakers were 5-22 from three point distance. They frustrated Kobe and took him out of his game, which explains why he got 5 fouls. They shot 39 free throws but that was moot by their poor execution and timely defense of Rondo.
Pau Gasol had a great game with 25 points and 8 rebounds. He was effective in the post and punished the smaller Celtic big men. In some stretches, he was dominant. Yet, he was never heard from again during the final Celtics push in the fourth quarter. The Lakers never got him the ball and he did not get as many rebounds as he did in Game 1. Amazingly, he was on the bench for 7 minutes and should have been in the court the whole fourth quarter.
Andrew Bynum was spectacular as he scored 21 points as well as 6 block shots which contributed to the record 14 blocks. Unfortunately, he only got 5 rebounds. He was a destructive presence in the post and a terror for anytime the Celtics came into the paint. He played 39 minutes which is considerable because he usually plays 20-25 minutes a game. Yet, he needs to pick up his rebounding just like Gasol.
Ron Artest was awful in this game as he made dumb foul after dumb foul. He jacked up unnecessary three point shots. Artest was 3-8 from the Free Throw stripe and 1-6 from three point land along with 1-10 shooting. He was a liability on the offensive end and on defense as he stalled the Lakers attack which led to their undoing in that 16-4 run by the Celtics.
The rest of the Lakers could not shoot the side of a barn and Lamar Odom has yet to appear in this series. Like Game 1, he was invisible and that is bad for the Lakers going forward as the series progresses. It seems that the Celtics control Lamar both mentally and physically.
For Game 3, the Lakers must move the ball to the post with impugnity just like they did in Game 2. They must play intense defense and crash the boards like there is no tomorrow. In addition, they need to be aware who has the hot hand and continue to ride it just like Boston did with Ray Allen the entire 1st half. It's officially a series and now the Lakers must respond in an arena where the fans will be on them all game along. Don't believe me? See this twitter link: http://twitter.com/celticschant. Will it be a Boston Massacre or a Hollywood ending? I don't know but it's so fun imagining all the possibilities heading to Boston.
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