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Paul Pierce was wrong.
Either late tonight or early tomorrow morning, both the Lakers and the Celtics will be returning to Los Angeles to continue competing in the NBA Finals. But it will be the results of tonight’s game that put one of these teams in prime position to win the championship. The winner of tonight’s game 5 will only need one more vicotory to claim the 2010 NBA title. I’ve thought for a little while now that the first team to 3 wins will take this series. And after seeing how these Finals have become a back and forth affair where no team can really get a foothold by winning more than one game in a row, I believe this even more. Believe me, I’d much rather be in the Lakers position with 2 games waiting in my home arena, but having to win 2 consecutive games to take this series is going to be difficult for either team regardless of location. So if game 4 was a must win for the Celtics, I see this as a must win for both teams. Neither group wants to be one loss away from elimination.
And to earn this win, the question (again) is who will step up and play at that high level and give the performance that their team can hang their hat on? Kelly Dwyer is looking for Kobe Bryant to be that player and to a large extent I agree. I’ve talked a great deal about how the Lakers can try to crack the code of Boston’s defense; how they can run actions within the Triangle to get Pau good shots. How if they screen hard and cut hard they’ll not only get good looks in the post but other players moving off the ball will find the creases in the defense to get the makeable shots that every offense craves. But, Dwyer is also correct that this Celtics’ defense is a tremendous outfit that is taking nearly every first – not to mention second and sometimes third – option away. And when that’s the case, you need that tremendous effort from the nearly unguardable player to get points.
And in this series, that player is Kobe. Kobe will need his jumper tonight. He’ll need that excellent first step. He’ll need to draw fouls, get to the foul line, and take the momentum of the game in his hands and control it the way a samurai wields his sword. I’m not looking for Kobe to be the hero and play one on five. I’m looking for Kobe to control the game – there is a difference. He was able to achieve this against Utah and Phoenix by going into the post and making an unbelievable number of contested jumpers. Tonight, he may need to do the same to keep it so the Lakers never do trail in this series. I want to see him attack early and not depend on reading the defense at every turn to get a shot. I want to see him get the Celtics on their heels by using all facets of his tremendous skill set. Kobe knows the stakes, I think he’s ready to give one of those performances that make him the Kobe that we’ve followed his entire career.
But Kobe will also need help. Help that a good-to-go Andrew Bynum can hopefully provide. We all saw how having Bynum not able to play his normal share of minutes affected game 4. The C’s scored inside at will and owned the rebounding battle by grabbing 16 offensive rebounds. So having ‘Drew back will be major boost. Phil’s looking for 24 minutes from Bynum and if that can be provided, I think the Lakers will be able to effectively stagnate the C’s defense in the manner they have for most of this series.
The other player I’m looking to is Lamar Odom. He’s been a whipping boy around these parts for some time and his performance in this series has only raised the decibel level from those that rail against his inconsistencies. However, we also all know that Odom can be a difference maker. Odom knows this fact as well. But if LO is going to have the impact on this game that we know is possible, he’s going to have to get back to doing “Lamar” types of things. That means rebounding on the defensive end and pushing the ball back at Boston (like he did on a play in game 4 where he grabbed a rebound, pushed the ball, kicked ahead to Pau, then got the ball back and finished with an and one). It also means getting back to being active on the defensive end by hustling around the court, trapping ball handlers, and then recovering back to the defensive glass to rebound. Odom can not be a spectator for any of the minutes he spends between the lines tonight; he must be the player that is assertive and grabbing at the action with his long left arm. LO is capable of changing the tenor of a game and there would be no better night than tonight to make that happen.
The Celtics are also going to have their say in how this game plays out. They’re going to try and build on their success of game 4 and take their first series lead tonight. They’ll surely look to get Ray Allen back on track while also looking to get a sustained performance from Paul Pierce (who had a very good 1st quarter of game 4 with a dwindling impact over the rest of the game). Another key for the C’s will be getting Rondo going again after not doing much of consequence after his triple-double in game 2. He is the conduit for their most successful brand of basketball and it’s no wonder that the C’s have performed no where near their peak with Rondo not performing up to the standard that he’d set for most of these playoffs. And we can’t forget that they’ll try to accomplish of this while continuing to play their stifling defense.
There are obviously more keys than the ones that I’ve mentioned – rebounding, playing with poise, making the little plays that generate momentum for your side or taking it away from your opponent – but in the end, these teams are so familiar with each other that one of the aforementioned factors will likely tilt this game in either the Lakers or Celtics’ favor.
And so here we are. The NBA Finals have been reduced to a best of three series and tonight’s game is a major opportunity to gain the advantage that was not possible before this point. As I mentioned, tonight’s winner will be on the precipice of claiming a championship by getting to 3 wins. The stakes have never been higher. Tonight we see which team has what it takes to go back to LA with the series lead that will likely be the difference in the ultimate outcome of the Finals. Phil Jackson has been mentally prepping his team to be the team that achieves just that. Let’s see if they can go get it. Game on.
Matt R. says
For Warren!
lil' pau says
And Charlie!
Funky Chicken says
Notwithstanding the balky knee, I am much more comfortable placing my confidence in Andrew Bynum being the difference maker than Lamar Odom. Drew’s mere presence positively affects the game for the Lakers, while LO can only positively affect the game when his head is in it–which isn’t very often.
Let’s hope the rest, the knee draining, and the words of comfort from his personal doctor give Drew what he needs to gut it out, because two clear facts have emerged from this year’s finals: when the Lakers have Bynum, they are clearly the better team; and when Bynum is out and LO is a starter, the Celtics are clearly the superior group….
sT says
Matt R., now I can relax, the game is under control since the first comment at FB&G. We have to win this game and every piece of good carma is needed.
GO LAKERS and the Celtic’s suck…
Taylor says
Let’s do this! I have a feeling this game won’t come down to the wire. I feel it could go either way, but it won’t be close. I’m saying a 10-14 point game…hoping it’s the Lake Show. This could be a breaking point if we come out like we did in Game 1. I’m optimistic about Drew today too. Just seeing the numbers (+/- rebounds, shooting %, blocks) when he’s on/off the floor shows what a great asset he is. I’m expecting 20+ good minutes and a big impact tonight.
Let’s make it 1!!!
rawrrrrrr says
sad how Lamar Odom has turned into a weak person.
lil' pau says
3, how true that is (that bynum is the difference). even if bynum just stands there, the fact that gasol gets KG instead of perk is a huge difference for us. then add in bynum’s rebounding, shot blocking, and making things more congested for rajon ‘ET’ rondo on his drives, and it’s easy to see why he’s so important, even without talking about his offense. painful irony: this is the one team in the entire league for which bynum is absolutely critical, yet he’s injured once again.
indeed, it’s hard to see either team winning the series if they lose this game. even if one gives the lakers a 60 percent chance of winning each homegame, the odds of them winning both are 60*60 = 36 percent (I know there are certain assumptions/shortcuts attached to this computation which i am conveniently ignoring). by the same token, even if you put the lakers at 70 percent to win at home – which is way too high in my opinion – that works out to a 49 percent chance of winning both.
gotta win. game 5s have been sweet to us in the last 2 years– let’s keep it going!
Joel says
You and Mr Dwyer are echoing my own thoughts on Kobe. If we run the offense the same way we normally do, Boston finds it easier to force us to use options we aren’t comfortable with.
To me one of our most effective plays is the Kobe-Pau pick-and-roll. Where has that gone? If Kobe is going to be the dominant force on offense we have to find a way to get him some better shots and that’s one proven way to do it.
jcibal says
I love Lamar Odom.
I am always impressed when I see him driving the ball in the court. With that size, that talent, and he is lefty which it makes him looks even more “artistic”. The guy is something special, a rara avis.
I guess so high expectations lead sometimes to great deceptions.
Not all the players can have the focus Kobe has. That is why he is Kobe.
We can not all be the same. We need to accept that.
And then appreciate the good we have, which is very much BTW.
Lamar Odom is a basketball genius.
Funky Chicken says
jcibal, on the off chance that you are not being facetious, “basketball genius” ought to manifest itself with more than one rebound and no assists in 22 minutes of the second half of an NBA Finals game.
Nobody expects LO or anyone else to have Kobe’s level of focus. Instead, we only ask that a guy being paid $8 million a year actually show up and play hard–something LO most clearly does not do on a regular basis.
P. Ami says
#5, I’ve not had the luxury of seeing replays of the games but it seems there are two elements involving Gasol that work well for the Lakers. The first and best option is when he gets the ball in the post and can either make a move and pass back out for a repost or an open shot. The other is the 1, 5 (since this has been run mostly with LO in, late in the game) Pick and Roll. In both cases, the strength of the Boston defenders has effected Gasol’s ability to seal his player in the post, or to set a strong pick in the P&R. It just seems to me that Boston has been very good at taking spots away from the Lakers and, that being the case, it is much harder to feed players in time for plays to unfold (hence the 3PT shots to beat the clock).
Having Bynum there, if he can go strong for 24 minutes, will be huge but it takes away an option that I think is important for the Lakers as well. Just as Rondo getting rebounds and then running a play before the defense gets set is important for the Lepers, LO needs to get the rebound and push the ball. Even if the FB option is lost, at least the ball gets across the timeline and the offense can start working earlier in the clock. I almost feel as though it would help the team out to see 10 minutes of LO/Pau/Drew just so we get stops, secure rebounds, and have the LO break option working for a decent stretch of game. Hell, that unit should also be able to crash the O boards much better then we’ve seen from the Lakers since what, Game 1.
Matt R. says
sT: I’m doing everything I can today. We’ve won both games that I’ve preplayed on the XBox beforehand and lost both I haven’t. Woke up, played the game (won by 7).
Twitter alerted me to the preview being up, read it, saw no comments, and immediately gave it up for Warren.
No listening on the radio today. No Tivoing. Going to sit in the appropriate part of the couch…I’m looking for anything else I can do.
My girlfriend, I’m fairly certain, has become thoroughly convinced that I’m insane…and I’m having a hard time arguing with her.
jcibal says
Kunky Chicken. I am only trying to give my point of view. I understand Lamar is not the most consistent player, but I do believe he is a monster talent, and I like him very much because of that. Also because of what he does, when he shows up, but also because of what I see his potential is. I mean, I am not based here in facts or figures, this is my personal point of view. And for me he is as gifted as anyone can be for that game, and I like him very much. So I was just saying so when there was some comments pointing to Lamar as our weakest player in the series (probably with good reasons).
I am that faithful.
lil' pau says
11, tell her it’s just ‘pattern recognition’.
much loftier than the ‘s’ word…
SMT says
For me, LO’s series up to now was succinctly summarized by one sequence in Game 4. The Lakers were wisely and consistently trying to push the ball across the half court line to given themselves more time to work their offense. LO was slow to get back a few times. Finally, Fish came up behind him while dribbling across half court and pushed him in the back with his off arm, in effect, reminding him to hustle. Let’s hope he doesn’t need another shove in the back from a teammate for the rest of the finals.
Matt R. says
13. I already told her that I’m a programmer, and therefore “pattern recognition” is kind of what I do. So obviously it’s totally logical.
Matt R. says
What I really want to see tonight is Pau with the energy to play hard in the 4th. Hopefully we can keep him fresh enough that we don’t have a 3rd straight game with him sucking wind in the 4th quarter and us trying to run the offense with him at the three-point line after being pushed off of the block.
Darius says
Ahh, more outright dislike for Odom. I guess this how it goes with Laker fans – always needing someone to blame. A familiar role for Odom, I guess. I’ll just say it’s tiring to read, not only in regards to Odom but for any player that is consistently focussed on with as much venom that goes to these players. I’ve mentioned it before, but nearly every player on this team (including Kobe, Gasol, and Bynum) has been picked on as not being up to par and look how far the team has gotten. Phil’s even been ripped apart by many. Yeah, how’s that worked out. If Odom has a big game tonight I’m sure some of you will be here with a “finally!” comment about his game. It’s oh so tiring.
Mimsy says
Alright. I have my Lakers Girl shirt and the purple eyeliner ready. We’ve won every game this series where I’ve worn both. 🙂 We’re 2-1 when I post drinking games, so obviously it’s no guarantee, but I like the odds, so I’ll put one together as soon as I’m done exterminating the weeds my front yard flower beds.
The weeds are dark green and I am killing them… I like the symbolism in uprooting green things today.
Zephid says
Win the boards, win the game. Whoever wants this one more will take it.
Craig W. says
Darius,
Lamar is a known quantity — and he is an outstanding talent. For all that talent he mostly just floats along. That just won’t get it done against Boston — they are too aggressive, bulky, and defensively quick.
I certainly hope for a totally engaged Lamar, but that is not something I can ever game plan for. The result is extreme frustration. There is no tomorrow and none of us really know how Lamar will approach today. That is more the feeling, rather than just hating on LO.
Darius says
Craig,
Your perspective is much more understandable than some of other comments. I think we both understand the difference on that. But, even with what you’ve said, there are ways to get LO going that we have yet to really explore in game. I hope to see some of those things today.
penston says
In the doing what we can category: I will not repeat the experiment from last Sunday, where I investigated the effect of wearing a green shirt.
Matt R. says
On the LO front, I think Phil Jackson said it in the postgame: getting thrashed by Davis on the defensive end killed his drive on offense.
I’m hoping that he takes Zephid’s suggested tactic and lays off of Davis or that we put Ron on Davis to keep Odom from getting worked over on one end and checking out on the other.
That, coupled with Darius’ suggested approaches to getting LO around Davis on offense, I think will lead to more boards, more points, more assists…more everything we want from Lamar.
bluesky says
Tonight, I think Lakers will win with Bynum coming back. About Odom, He should think that he is no good, so he will spend more times to develope his game to the next level. Odom should know he is not only the talent player in the NBA. A lot of talent players in the NBA, the difference between them, one is a winner, another is inconsistent, up and down, unpredictable.
needle says
Yesterday I was going to bake cookies. I went to the grocery store. My cousin told me I should try baking mint chocolate chip cookies. I was going to, but the recipe called for creme de menthe. I found a bottle. It was green. I didn’t buy it. I told my cousin that mint chocolate chip cookies weren’t happening until after the Finals.
Mike Penberthy says
Here’s what i posted about Lamar after game 2. You can of course post the same thing about him after every game.
I’m surprised at most people’s reaction to Odom’s performance in this game.
Here’s a breakdown of a typical Lamar Odom season. 60% of the time he’s absolutely invisible. You know those games when his body is present but his mind seems to be in some completely other universe. For 30% of the games he actually does some good things, but the bad still outweighs the good. And then for 10% he actually plays like he did in the first 2 games vs Phoenix and shows why he was compared to Magic coming out of Rhode Island.
At 31 years old THAT’S LAMAR. He ain’t changing at this point. That’s the kind of player he is and the kind of player he’s always been in the past. Expecting anything defferent from him is like expecting Kwame Brown not to have hands of stone, or expecting Fisher to make layups, or expecting Bynum to be healthy.
It’s why there were plenty of people who didn’t mind him leaving this past offseason.
Matt R. says
There is non-colored Creme de Menthe, but probably best to play it safe.
Funky Chicken says
Darius, if you are referring to my criticisms of Odom as among those that are “oh so tiring” then I suppose I agree with you. But it is also oh so tiring to have make the same observations about the same player game after game, year after year.
It is hard to think of another player on the Laker team who has more natural ability, but it is also hard to find a Laker who has done less to improve his game. This isn’t a young guy who for whom the jury is still out. He is what he is.
Yeah, he’s got great potential, and it is precisely that potential that earns him scorn because he does so little to develop it (right hand, anyone?). The fact that we are four games into the NBA Finals and still waiting for Lamar having a good game says it all….
lil' pau says
No one’s said it yet, so let me be the one.
Quoth the Magic Man:
‘It’s winnin’ time…’
jodial says
I want nothing less than a definitive, championship-defining win tonight. And you know what? I think we’re going to get that from the Lakers, in an emphatic way.
Darius says
Hey everyone, in about 10 minutes (3:30 PT) I’ll be chatting over at ESPN’s DDL. Come by and give me virtual fist bump.
http://bit.ly/cE43zJ
chearn says
I for one am not looking forward to watching the Celtics bump chest, beat floor, holler or slobber on the Lakers! I’m looking for LO to give KG a mouthful and then back it up by playing his but off. He’s from New York isn’t he, then lets see some of that infamous New York trash talking. Maybe he’ll get fired up enough to bring his ‘A’ game.
Farmar said that he guesses that all of the trash talking gets the Celtics fired up and that that’s what they use to motivate themselves. The last time I checked there was no ownership on psyching ones self up for the game, as a player you do what ever it takes to get your self motivated to play at a high peak level.
Gr8 Scott says
Go Lakers! Go Kobe, Pau, FIsh, Drew, LO, Ron-Ron, Walton, Farmar, Brown, Sasha, Powell, DJ, Phil, Shaw, Vitti and everyone else. Tonight will require the entire team to help us fight at every opportunity for the win. This isn’t an elimination game, but it is definitely a must win. Let’s go boys – get the win and leave the new Garden up 3-2!
Igor Avidon says
I’m afraid Kobe already had that ‘special’ night, and we wasted it by giving Fat Baby the night of his career in Game 4.
http://www.hardwoodparoxysm.com/2010/06/13/moving-pictures-safely-under-the-radar/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Mimsy says
Alright, the weeds are gone, and I am all set for Game 5. The drinking game is all set… since it’s Monday tomorrow and most of us probably need to get up early, play at your own risk.
NBA Finals Game 5 Drinking Game
Standard disclaimer applies.
Drink some of your beer, wine, vodka, scotch, or any other beverage of choice when one of the following happens…
…Pau Gasol drives and dunks.
…Kevin Garnett pounds his chest and “roars” in standard Garnett bully fashion
…Paul Pierce goes down hard, looks severely injured, then recovers miraculously when it’s time to shoot free throws
…Lamar Odom makes both his free throws
…Andrew Bynum blocks a shot
…Ron Artest shoots and actually makes a three
…Derek Fisher makes a momentum changing shot at a critical moment in the game
…Kobe Bryant banks in a contested jump shot (this one is optional for those of you who have to work tomorrow)
…Shannon Brown dunks. Drink twice if he crushes a defender by dunking over him and knocking him over in the process.
…Kendrick Perkins gets his 7th technical foul
…Derek Fisher successfully takes a charge
…the Lakers win
chibi says
Lamar always *helps* the Lakers by doing all the little things, and he never gets credit for it.
It’s only when Lamar finds a way to *hurt* an opponent that people appreciate him.
I believe in our team because of Lamar. They’ll get the job done whether he fills the stat sheet or not.
Don says
I’m not worried about Lamar. I don’t think he is the same player who came into the league ten or however many years ago. I think in the past couple of years he has improved his mental toughness three point shooting and meshed beautifully with this championship team. And last year he became a champion, playing a pivotal role that showcased both his character and his talent. I believe those will ultimately be the difference in this series. I think his poor play thus far should be attributed to just that poor play bad matchups, bad games, foul trouble. I don’t believe it’s simply lack of mental focus or effort.
Taylor says
I’m nervous…
Joe says
This game is going to go down to the last 2 minutes, I guarentee it…
chearn says
Let’s go!!!!!!!! I’m looking for this Lakers team to create its own storied rivalry with Boston with a win!
Lakers8884 says
This game is about one thing, DEFENSE
Andreas G. says
Oh how sweet a win tonight would be – then I might actually be able to enjoy the final game. With a loss however, those last two games are going to be pure torture to watch.
Mimsy says
Let’s get this fight started already. I’m getting more nervous by the second.
Kenslc says
I’m callin it. Lakers win. Why?
Bynum brings something tonight. Even if it’s only making Perkins guard him and getting some boards.
Kobe, Kobe, Kobe. He hasn’t exploded yet. He hasn’t dominated. This is the game. I feel like he will facilitate, but also look to put up a bunch of pts. 36 pts, 8 reb, and 10 ast.
Pau will show up as well. He will cancel out whatever KG brings tonight.
Artest will hold PP to under 20 pts on 5-14 shooting with 8 fts added in.
Fish will hold RayRay in check and hit a couple huge 3’s.
And please for heaven’s sake…LO will show up and get his revenge on Big Baby!
We’re going home up 3-2.
the key says
boston pops sings the national anthem game 5. Lakers can’t lose. NO JAMES TAYLOR. game3 monica-lakers win game4 the idol guy-lakers lose game 5 boston’s pops- lakers win. Now all we need is to dress adam morrison and have van sing anthem game6. GO LAKER’S
TB-8788 says
Taking a look at a bigger picture, the preponderance of evidence suggests that in each home set, there is more times than not a comfortable win for the home team, and a close game. We’ve had the close games, so Boston is due for an aforementioned comfortable win.
To overcome that, we need something special, such as a Lamar Odom 18/10 type of game. I see him delivering that tonight.
I would like to see more of the P&R game with Gasol where he slips the screen into the short corner, receives a pass from Kobe, then hits our high pinch post on ball reversal. The ensuing high/low action worked beautifully in game 1, and Boston has no answer.
Lakers8884 says
Love Bynum’s activity already
Joe says
God…I hate when Fisher drives
Lakers8884 says
Artest HAS to move the ball or shoot, he holds the ball far too long in his hands
harold says
Trend-wise, this is our game.
Let’s hope that all Lakers cut hard and work to get that easy basket.
Sedale says
K. Bryant is putting Bynum in a position to have a legendary game with some gutty finishes in the paint.
Buttas says
Love our focus early. Hopefully we just continue to cut and execute.
Let’s go boys!
Zephid says
Bynum is really active to start.
Artest is still unsure of what to do with the basketball. Only bad things are happening when he touches the ball on offense.
Joe says
I dont think the Lakers have had one easy offensive possession once.
3ThreeIII says
Bynum in obvious pain, and playing well anyway.
Have I mentioned that Bynum has put everyone’s toughness concerns to rest? He is tough, for certain.
Zephid says
56, Bynum had an alley-oop and a dunk. I’m not sure how you get easier offensive possessions against the Celtics.
Lakers8884 says
Zephid, seriously it’s like the ball just sticks whenever it ends up in his hands. Sasha or Luke need to be inserted if something doesn’t change.
Joe says
ok, one easy possession…
TB-8788 says
Cross screen action is bringing our bigs into the block with some space. Artest, however, on two occasions started them off and took the ball elsewhere.
Lakers8884 says
Derek’s points so far have been found money
Josh says
Artest can’t throw a pea into the ocean right now and it totally kills the offense when he’s in because he simply isn’t a threat. Anyway, this is not a good start.
harold says
It’s early and they are shooting 66% or so, but at least they haven’t pulled down any offensive boards…
… i’m hoping Artest doesn’t break Allen’s 0-13… or even get near it.
… is it the C’s defense, or why is both Fisher and Artest shooting more than Kobe and Pau combined?
Lakers8884 says
Kobe has been mugged twice driving into the lane and there has been no call
Buttas says
Garnett has had two good deflections that would have been dunks by us.
Got to make sure passes.
Drew says
Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted that odom has flu like symptoms but is going to try to give it a go
That does not sound good…probably why we are still seeing Drew in the game
Zephid says
Artest needs to make quicker decisions. Twice now Pau has been wide open on the block and Artest has not made the pass. Why, I have no idea. If Paul Pierce is going to jab-step him to death and still make the jump shot, what’s the point in having Artest on the floor in place of Walton?
Joe says
Zephid lets face it….the Lakers have no idea how to attack the Celtics defense.
noles says
29% shooting. Really? Seriously? Not gonna get it done.
Mohan says
68 – I was thinking the same thing. It’s bad enough that he’s tentative with open jumpers – now he’s tentative with open passes too?
Mohan says
Take the open shot Ron, please.
Zephid says
Another good possession ruined by Ron Artest. That’s like… 5 by my count.
Lakers8884 says
Get Ron out of the game I’m sorry he’s killing us on offense and he hasn’t even slowed Paul Pierce down= no need to be on the floor
Great activity by Odom on that drive, and a terrible charge call by the refs.
Zephid says
Farmar and Odom pushing on rebounds have really helped the offense. We need more of that.
Kenslc says
Horrible charging call on that drive by Lamar.
Buttas says
Ron will have his hands full tonight. Pierce is much more in rythm than he has been all series long.
Joel says
Artest’s indecisiveness is a killer right now.
Buttas says
I hope that the bad charge call vs. Lamar doesn’t take him out of the game. He needs to keep his aggresiveness.
Love where we are at after one all things considered.
TB-8788 says
It doesn’t look like Ron goes anywhere when he “attacks” on the dribble. He doesn’t get the ball out ahead of him (it stays off his hip) and he takes baby steps.
busboys4me says
The most inconsistent call in the NBA is the charge block call. Lamar just went up in the air and Paul Pierce, though he beat Odom to the spot, slid over while Lamar was airborn. He was moving so why is that not blocking? The Celtics continually slide under a player to get the charge. They, especially Big Baby, get under people while they are airborn. You have to come down, so how is that not a block?
Mimsy says
Ron Artest is killing us on offense. Not surprising, but hes not giving us anything on defense either. Either Pierce has figured him out or Ron is hung over… either way, Ron isn’t slowing him down at all. If this doesn’t change soon, I hope Phil considers moving someone else to Pierce… I noticed Kobe was guarding him that last possession.
Fisher was a beast early on. If not for him and Andrew Bynum we would not still be in the game.
Speaking of Bynum, he deserves serious respect for the way he is playing this entire series. He’s in pain, and still attacking, playing hard, and doing everything he can to help his team win. Hat off to him, he’s grown a lot since he joined the roster.
Lakers8884 says
We need a push by the bench right now
harold says
Not much rest for the weary…
At least we’re showing life on the boards.
harold says
Funny how their bench is killing us. It seems like we have figured and prepared for their starters, but can’t get much going against their bench.
Josh says
Some of those overly optimistic pronouncements from earlier in this thread are looking kind of silly right now.
Buttas says
good pass by Kobe, Lamar’s shot was just a little flat.
Uggh.
Joe says
LOL, if it werent for the offensive rebounding we would have about 10 points at best, this Celtics defense is just awesome.
busboys4me says
Ron Ron is thinking instead of going on instinct. That’s never a good sign.
TB-8788 says
Lamar’s inability (or refusal) to use his right hand just cost us an easy two and gave them an easy two.
Lakers8884 says
We need starters in or this lead is gonna get out of hand
Kenslc says
Just trying to be optimistic… Celts have come out really strong and we’re only down by 8. Not too worried yet.
Mamula says
Where is Shannon Brown? Is this one of Phil’s psychological moves? Sit Shannon for a game so that he understands that his role in the rotation is not a given and Shannon needs to earn it. That would be pretty crazy. Also Ammo was activated for tonight, replacing DJ Mbenga. Interesting move on the Phil’s side again
Josh says
Now we’re getting a little run going here!
yajeel says
uggh… sick shot by Rondo. =(
Lakers8884 says
How many times have we said this before there is no need to extend pressure on Rondo, he is not a shooter
harold says
Yeah, I like how their starters match up with us a lot better.
Mohan says
I like that little push Ron just gave Ray Allen before the timeout.
Zephid says
That’s the way Ron. Be assertive and take the shot.
Buttas says
it seems like we have gotten some great looks when we drive and dish.
I am glad that Ron hit that open 3. Maybe that gets him going….
Josh says
Farmar on Robinson was a smart move though—Farmar is quick enough and long enough to give Robinson some problems.
Kenslc says
I like Phil’s rotations so far tonight! I hope he can get Walton in at some point when PP goes to the bench.
jordan says
odom has no rhythm whatsoever. we need to find some way for him to be effective.
Lakers8884 says
I like Phil’s rotations he has going right now
inwit says
Hit some outside shots and the Celtic defense will open up.
Zephid says
101, definitely deserves mentioning. Farmar and to some extent Sasha came in and gave us good minutes on offense and defense.
Tyler says
I like Odom’s activity tonight a lot better, specifically on the boards.
Taylor says
As long as Farmar doesn’t get into a pissing contest with Nate, he does a great job of D on him. Davis will be wiped if Drew is good to go. Kobe will get going. We’re clawing back against a very effective defense right now.
Have faith.
TB-8788 says
That’s the way to absorb their emotional surge. The Celtic crowd is a front running crowd, so if we hang around they will will get tense late.
Lakers8884 says
We will give Rondo that jump shot all game long, the law of averages will take care of that
Zephid says
We’re attacking in transition and getting easy buckets.
harold says
Our shooting % is terrible, but the silver lining is that we’re getting production all across our roster.
Lakers8884 says
We need Kobe to stop settling his jumper is not on like it was last game.
One handed attempt on a rebound by Pau cost us 2 points.
jordan says
gasol just tried to bait perkins into a t. didnt work
Zephid says
Artest is just rising and firing now, no more hesitation.
Taylor says
Boston won’t shoot this well all game…but they may not turn the ball over another 9 times either.
We need to execute.
Buttas says
as soon as kobe picks up his dribble it seemingly kills the possession.
Yet he is still making good decisions for the most part, just go to the basket.
we are going to have to keep shooting well from 3 to pull this one out it seems.
Drew says
Ray and Tony Allen are just playing incredible D on Kobe…he just doesnt seem to have any elevation on his jumper tonight
inwit says
If I were a coach I’d fine any player that goes for a Pierce pump fake.
Kenslc says
Celts won’t shoot 60% all game. As long as we keep playing decent defense they will come back to earth. We’re ok and I think they woke RonRon up.
Tra says
Can Kobe play any SOFTER. Attack the f n Basket. Stop Settling.
joe wright says
Maybe it s the worst game in the offensive end for Gasol all year long.
No today,please,fella¡
lil' pau says
celtics 19/29?! my god!
Mamula says
We are doing great guys. The team is executing very well on defense and dominating the boards. Role players are stepping up and bringing everything they have. Odom is the only missing contributor, but Bynum has be a great surprise. Do not forget the Celts are shooting 65% until now and that will certainly not last. We can pull this off
Joe says
I told you all how underrated a defender Ray Allen is
B-Nel says
Why is Ray Allen allowed to body Kobe up every time Kobe tries to turn the corner?
harold says
Hrm, I wonder if we can weather their bench in the 2nd half.
If not, we may see a very deflating blowout.
Lakers8884 says
We gotta get more from Pau in the second half
Also we gotta get someone to contest Paul Pierce’s jumpers instead of letting him run a shooting drill
yajeel says
Kobe is killing our rhythm on offense.
Mimsy says
So. The good news is that as bad as we are playing, we are only down 6. If we can just start making shots, we’re back in the game.We’re shooting 33%! If they can hold us to that we’re in serious trouble. If we can get back up to our normal level, I think we’ll be okay.
Taylor says
They shoot 60% and only have 45 points…
We only have 39…offense needs to put up some numbers.
Buttas says
Pau’s jumper has been flat all night. Kobe’s as well.
Pierce has had almost all of his shots wide open with no pressure, none. This has to stop.
Fish passes up an open 3 on the wing to then take a contested one in the corner?
All things considered though, we are in good shape.
Josh says
There’s no way to say for sure if the Celts’ hot hand will last or not. Sometimes teams get hot for a game. The fact of the matter is, whether they stay hot or not, if this level of stagnation on offense continues, we will not win this game.
jordan says
their good percentage will continue if we continue to not even contest pierce’s shots. just put a hand up !!!! come on !!!
harold says
We keep putting them in the penalty with good amount of time left, but can’t capitalize on it.
And Pierce is waking up, making Artest fail in the biggest test of the season. He needs to look at Ray and watch how he sacrifices his much more potent offense for defense, and simply play like Bruce Bowen – take shots when they’re there, but don’t force it.
Zephid says
It’s a tough choice, because I’d rather Paul Pierce kill us with 15 footers than get into the lane and draw fouls.
DirtySanchez says
Kobe doing his best Artest impression by dribbling too much. He needs to settle down and take what the defense is giving up. Too much one on one action is killing our spacing and rhythm. I hope Phil calms him down and gets his head back n the game at the half.
Joel b says
Just tuned into the game. The lakers looked tired the last two minutes. The Allens are playin good defense but I also see that whenever Kobe gets a step he’s met by 2 more defenders. Phil going to need to put in Sasha in the second have and hope he gets hot because the celtics will not let Kobe beat them period.
I was really disappointed in odom, how’s he doing so far?
Booze says
Ray Allen is allowed to play D with his hands. It makes no sense.
Joe says
The Celtics can keep up this hot shooting, they are getting good shots. Their turnovers are keeping us in the game.
sfjayp says
33% vs 66%, 3/big-4 shooting over 62%, outrebounded by 4… and yet a 6 point game.
Pau needs to get involved. Kobe needs to get better shots (i’d love to see him deep in the post again playing off the doubles or scoring off the single coverage).
All said, considering the stats it could be MUCH worse. Come out strong in the 3rd, get kobe some good rest late in the 3rd and we can do this in the 4th.
PS – why is fisher not shooting his open 3s?! It hurts seeing him pump fake every single time and then resetting the offense.
R.J. says
Celtics defense has the Lakers checkmated……
1.Allen can be up on Kobe not because of the knee injury, but because Kobe’s finger injury has left him with a shaky handle. This is the reason Kobe’s not going to the bucket.
2. Triangle is long gone, because Pau Gasol has wanted less and less of both the ball and the contact as the series has progressed. The entry passes to him produce absolutely nothing. He got an offensive board and was at the rim and backed the ball out. His jumper is gone because no Celtic big respects his drive.
3. Fisher and Artest vacillating between awful decisions and bad shooting.
The Lakers are only in this game because of their heart. They are playing hard, I absolutely credit them, but Boston is beating us with quantity (4 solid bigs against 1.5 counting a game and injured Bynum-Lamar is a basketball myth at this point) and quality (Pierce gone nuclear).
Pau has to answer with a great half. There are no other circumstances under which the Lakers win…and as it stands at -6, they are 2-3 minutes of hot Celtics O from digging way too deep a hole. It’s unfortunate that the injuries to Kobe and Bynum have impacted this series the way they have, but the Lakers must rise above AS A TEAM.
I still believe, but I truly wonder if the Lakers do at this point…..
paul says
i dont expect the celtics to continue to shoot 60+% but the celtics are playing great D. the lakers are not getting good shots and are settling for jumpers – especially kobe. he seems frustrated
Booze says
Kobe needs to play off the ball on offense. It is too easy for the C’s to overload right and force him left into help when he is initiating O up top. We need to initiate through Pau if he will get good post position.
Alex says
Looks exactly like ’08. Gasol’s invisible, Odom’s invisible, horrible ball movement on offense, Pierce and Rondo carving up our D and scoring at will, Kobe taking moronic shots and overdribbling.
Gonna be so great seeing Boston celebrate a title in Staples.
Joel says
Ever since Game 1 the Celtics have done a far better job of getting the shots they want. Thankfully their shooting has been on and off, but the looks have been there. More importantly, if the Lakers don’t create better shots for themselves then the Cs can get their running game going.
On a completely unrelated note, is Pau Gasol playing tonight?
lil' pau says
feels like 2008. only bos TO’s keeping us close. there must be some counter for the D on kobe, right? there are 2 guys on him every play– who’s open? artest in the far corner?
Alex says
The offense just looks so horrible. Unless Boston completely forgets how to play, I think this is gonna get ugly.
TB-8788 says
I’m hesitant to take solace in the notion that the Celtics can’t shoot any better and we can’t shoot any worse. There is a reason why Boston is shooting 60% and we are shooting 39%; their offense is producing open looks, and ours is producing contested fade away jumpers.
They are switching Kobe’s ball screens, and he keeps trying to split it with the dribble. I would like to see an extra pass in order to hit the roller and exploit the mismatch.
We’re not going to win a game 5 on the road with an anemic offense.
inwit says
If it were the Celtics down under these circumstances all we would hear is how happy they should be to be down only 6.
We could still steal this game.
Funky Chicken says
Boy, isn’t great how the multi-talented Lamar Odom showed up his critics in the first half? What’s that? Two points, two boards, one assist? Never mind.
chearn says
The Celtics team as a whole has a higher basketball IQ than the Lakers team as a whole. Pierce said that hes getting his shots because he watched tape and saw where he needed to go on the floor.
Darius says
Without looking at the tape, I think the Lakers have to start playing Kobe and Pau on the weak side by starting with an empty post. But Kobe’s got to do a better job of getting open closer to the basket and Pau’s got to get into the post more on that side too. The C’s are killing the Lakers with their strong side defense and the tilting of their D when Kobe is operating at the top of the key. It’s too easy to stack up on them when the ball is in that position.
Funky Chicken says
#142 RJ, best analysis of the entire blog.
Booze says
Phil wants offensive movement and also wants the players to be ready to shoot on the catch. I agree too many times Fish looks hesitant to shoot on the kick out pass. It looks to me as if Rondo’s length bothers him on those shots.
MB says
Listen, you can’t win when half the team is a non-factor.
We’ve completely regressed, it’s like I’m watching a tape of ’08.
Tra says
Gonna have to play a Phenomenal 3rd quarter if we intend to steal this game because they’ve dominated us throughout the series so far in the 4th …. We need to Contest P. Squares Shots. Put a Hand in his face …. Pau needs to get more opportunities …. Would like to see Kobe on the Low box. But once he receives the entry pass, he needs to attack quicker …. They’re going to try to bury us early in the 3rd
MB says
And the quarter opens with Rondo getting an easy layup.
Lakers8884 says
What an awful start to the half
MB says
Kobe still taking shots that are way too hard while Boston penetrates.
yajeel says
i guess they’re not calling fouls on Gasol’s defenders anymore?
Lakers8884 says
Jesus Pau grab the damn rebound
WHERE IS THE DEFENSE
MB says
Pau has gone into lost puppy mode.
I’m done spamming now.
Steve W says
Lakers defense is horrific right now. And the offense is relying on unsustainable Kobe Hero.
EDIT:
We’re in severely bad shape right now. This is what the Celtics did to the Cavs and Magic in games 5 and 3 respectively.
Lakers8884 says
Kobe is hot but this offense wont win the game
noles says
Celtics can’t stay hot forever? If you play no D, I beg to differ.
So now we have to rely on kobe going off to keep us in the game. Not a good formula…
harold says
Wow, that was pretty horrible.
Anonymous says
our defense is sucking, but kobe is on fire
so we’re not cutting into the lead
joe wright says
What the refs do to GAsol night after night is outrageous.Period.
PD: if you call that screen,KG should be fouled out after first quarter nite after nite.
BH says
Gasol has morphed into his 2008 version over the last couple games, and I don’t like it one bit.
Mohan says
What exactly is Ron trying to accomplish on D?
Lakers8884 says
Something better turn around quickly on both sides of the floor or this game is lost.
Kobe wants to guard Paul Pierce now so that means get Ron off the floor and add a shooter like Sasha to spread the floor.
Booze says
Offensive foul on Kobe could be the worst call of the series.
Buttas says
we have to get stops. That was a bogus call on Kobe, but whatever.
noles says
Boston can’t shoot 60% the entire game. Oh wait, they’re shooting 70%. My bad.
Zephid says
Celtics are scoring on every possession. Lakers need to man up and stop their men 1v1. We’re getting beaten because we’re depending too much on help when the help isn’t there.
Joel says
Pau better brace himself for more ‘Gasoft’ jibes if he doesn’t wake up quick.
sfjayp says
Not to be overly dramatic, but watching this gives me the same feeling from watching in 2005ish.
Kobe has come out STRONG. We should be tied now, but our defense is so bad that not only has Kobe’s run not kept us even, but we’re in WORSE shape.
So. Frustrating.
Sometimes I wish Phil was the kind of coach would would get up in players faces a bit. Pau is disappointing. No heart. No heart.
Tyler says
Hey, there’s always next year.
Joel b says
Is it me or does it look like the lakers don’t have it at all. From every aspect of the game. Their game plan on both ends of the court is shit. The lakers are clearly being outcoached as doc figured the lakers defense out and Phil doesn’t have answer.
Mix that with no effort extra effort defensively. I’m sorry he’s going to have to make Kobe defend pierce and take artest out of the game and put sasha on Ray fish on rond
MB says
Gasol is just standing. Not playing. Not hustling. Just existing.
Kenslc says
I can deal with PP hitting step back 20 footers, but if you’re going to give those up then you sure as hell can let him beat off the dribble to his strong hand. That’s just bad defense on that play. Mental break down on the front of KG by Pau.
Lakers8884 says
There is only one positive to what’s happening right now . . . Boston has been known to led leads slip all series long in the 4th quarter
magic days says
the lakers were up on rebounds in the 1st half which kept them close even while shooting horribly, but are now being out-rebounded in the 2nd and still shooting horrible. on top of that, not playing good d, hence the increase in the lead.
harold says
We’re not getting any sustainable offense, our shots are nowhere near the paint.
Whereas the celtics… well….
MB says
Can someone please show up to help Kobe?
Pretty please?
Lakers8884 says
Kobe in killer mode right now I wish someone else would step up and help the guy.
Ron Artest is the best Celtics player on the floor right now
Steve W says
That was an amazing finish by Kobe, but we can’t win this game without defense.
EDIT: Kobe.. sheesh.
Buttas says
Terrible foul Pau, Terrible
chearn says
Whose BAD?
Tonight, the defense is not getting it done!
Joe says
I love the heart of Kobe Bryant, he really wants to win ths game. Its ashame we cant get a stop to save our lives…
harold says
To think that Pau was in the Finals MVP discussion.
Ron, if you can’t stop Pierce, you might as well foul HARD.
Joel b says
This is some of the worse individual defense i’ve. Ever seen. The celtics are giving the lakers so many different looks and the lakers are so predictable.
Matt R. says
Someone else needs to make a play dammit.
Matt R. says
My brother just texted me: “Did Darko suit up in Gasol’s jersey?
Steve W says
Key is keeping it within striking distance going into the 4th.
Buttas says
Gasol…. what is going on? the over under is all KG does…
sfjayp says
Pau is making me sick.
Matt R. says
Goal-tend no-call.
harold says
Wow, Kobe has to do EVERYTHING to keep the lead from growing larger.
Lakers8884 says
If it weren’t for Kobe this would be game 6 all over again from 2008
joe wright says
Pau can t palay againsts refs.
No fault and goaltending.
Buttas says
come on Pau, we still believe. Just make it happen. Man up!
Lakers8884 says
This has become embarassing
yajeel says
Kobe’s keeping this from completely falling apart, but this is looking really bad. The C’s are being allowed to do absolutely whatever they want inside. Advantage, Celtics.
Matt R. says
No flow on offense. No communicating on defense.
MB says
Pau standing flatfooted watching Garnett tip that.
Can’t wait for Odom to come in with even less energy.
Steve W says
“Pau can t palay againsts refs.
No fault and goaltending.”
… Come on. Pau couldn’t play against my grandma right now. Partly because Kobe hasn’t passed this quarter, but still.
MB says
Ball game.
Josh says
It’s killing me to watch this. Kobe needs to RIP into his teammates during the time-out. They are totally failing him.
harold says
Let’s hope Kobe has enough gas left for the 4th quarter.
We need a real burst of something, but with the C’s bench about to come in in the beginning of the 4th, this is going to a real stretch.
Joe says
The Celtics are the better team, its as simple as that.
BH says
Maybe we should be talking about trading Gasol for Bosh, instead of Bynum. This is pathetic.
Steve W says
I think it’s over. The Lakers are doing nothing that can mount a comeback.
Josh says
207: Kobe is 7-9 in the 3rd. What has Pau done this game except give up hoops to Garnett and stand around on offense?
Mike Penberthy says
It should not be forgotten who the Lakers traded to get Gasol. He transformed this team from a 1st round fodder to a championship contender. BUT expecting him to be something he’s not is expecting too much. You can’t jump out of your own skin. Gasol’s “softness” was well documented before he came to the Lakers.
Matt R. says
I was hoping we’d keep from seeing Gasol pushed off of the block in the 4th…but I didn’t mean that I wanted to see it happen earlier.
Mama where is that man?
R.J. says
The Lakers have crumbled. Kobe is literally the only player with any interest in being out there at this point. It’s clearly desperation, but Josh Powell is on the roster, right? If for no other reason than we have to rest our bigs for any miracle desperation charge in the 4th……..Phil cannot keep combatting 4 quality bigs with 1.5, although now it’s down to .5, with Pau having spit out the bit this period. I feel bad typing all of this, but he has picked a bad time to regress.
sfjayp says
Nobody has given Kobe a single reason to pass the ball this quarter… and yet… he still has.
In other news… I actually think this is the type of game that Odom could thrive in. Odom has heart occasionally. I think he could step in here and make some big things happen. You know… if he decides to bring the effort.
Kenslc says
It’s too physical right now. Lakers can’t beat the Celtics at a physical game. If the refs continue to let it play like this… I don’t want the refs to take the game over with whistles, but they can’t let it turn into a brawl. Call it consistent on both ends. Kobe got called for pushing off on RayRay so call it on the other end.
Zak says
Gasol and Artest are playing terrible,I’m afraid it will be a blowout ,horrible feeling to watch this game,so disappointing.
Matt R. says
THAT WAS A GOAL TEND FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!
paul says
any chance the lakers pull this one out?
Funky Chicken says
Well, before Darius slams me tomorrow for (again) saying how badly Phil Jackson was outcoached, is there anyone on this blog who thinks that Doc Rivers isn’t clearly the best coach in this series?
Buttas says
there you go Pau! To the basket! Yes.
Lakers8884 says
Finally Pau goes up strong, took long enough
sT says
we have it down to a 10 point lead, just wonderful.
chearn says
Pau’s going to get going now!!!!
Things Luke does that will not show up in the stats, pass the ball ahead to Farmar for a chance at early offense!
Matt R. says
Come out of the time-out and 2 aggressive drives by Gasol and Odom. THAT is what we’re looking for.
Buttas says
Yes! Lamar to the basket. there you go LA!
MB says
Odumb
Steve W says
And a classic free throw split coming from Odom
EDIT: Nevermind. Missed both.
Josh says
Game’s not lost and neither is the series, guys.
Buttas says
umm he missed them both?
Matt R. says
How is that a clean block by Tony Allen? He jumped THROUGH Gasol.
Buttas says
Lamar misses 2 and Pau’s dunk was block?
Still liked how we finished the qrt. Have to come out HUGE in the 4th.
harold says
Let’s hope this is the Pau we’re gonna see in the 4th.
MB says
Only took them an entire game to wake up a little.
Josh says
8 pt game
jordan says
down 8. can we actually win this?
Mimsy says
The biggest problem right now is that no one other than Kobe is scoring He is single-handedly keeping the Celtics lead below 20 points, he is carrying us… and no other Lakers player is contributing at all.
I absolutely believe they want to win, and they’re trying their best, but they are not getting anything done. At all. Keep playing like this guys, and you don’t actually deserve to win this series If on the other hand you step up and play hard, and play fearless, and most importantly of all score when you have to, then we’ll take a loss if it’s a good loss. But if the Lakers win playing the way they are right now, I’d feel obligated to apologize to the Celtics fans.
Mike Penberthy says
222, don’t worry Phil won’t be here next year. It’ll be a lot of “fun” next year with Byron Scott. Phil will seem like a genious.
R.J. says
Devastating sequence at the end….showing some heart and at the line with 2 shots. Miss both shots, give up a bucket to Pierce, then Pau has his shot blocked for maybe the 33rd time tonight (just feels that way.) I like that he went strong to the hoop for the and one on Big Baby…..just don’t think it’s enough if the Lakers can’t find something on defense.
Matt R. says
8 points. That is a manageable lead. We can get this.
We need more play on offense like we saw at the end when Kobe was out. Good movement, hard drives to the hoop, don’t worry when you don’t get the call because someone hit you with a pool cue. Just keep playing hard.
Josh says
The question is not if they can- of course they can. The question is if they will. And that’s up to the Lakers.
yajeel says
we’ve spent a lot of energy trying to keep even so far… not sure how we’re gonna break through without the Celtics offense tightening up.
Mohan says
Down 8 is very possible, but it’s going to require more ball movement, assertive moves by Pau, and rediscovery of that thing we call “defense”.
harold says
If this is the quarter where the C’s take their shooting % down to their normal standards, and where we bring ours up to our normal standards, yes, 8 points is doable.
Very much rests on Kobe’s legs, Pau’s aggressiveness, and our ability to contain their bench.
As well as Ron’s production, of course.
MB says
Nothing so far leads me to believe they will win this game. I expect Boston to pull ahead in the first two minutes.
Please surprise me LA.
Lakers8884 says
Let’s all remember Boston is notorious for giving up leads in the 4th quarter, and the game the Lakers won in Boston during the regular season they had a large lead like this going in to start the quarter as well. It can be done but we will need 3 things, Defense and offensive execution and finally Boston needs to miss some shots
Buttas says
come on guys, let’s keep it together and just tighten up on D.
We need some stops. Got to have it.
paul says
i dont believe its a coincidence that the offense was better with luke in for artest. if artests isnt makin 3s hes a big liability offensively
Taylor says
Most frustrating qtr I’ve seen all year…maybe in the last few
That being said, only being a -2 for the most infuriating qtr, not all bad?
Anonymous says
I expected that from Kobe. But Ron needs to show up on defense and so does Pau. That’s why Kobe is the Mvp of the team not Gasol! Heart!!!
Steve W says
So what’s the motto of this site? The Lakers go as far as the defense will take them? Well, this is the quarter, this is the time.
Joe says
Didnt I tell you guys the Celtics COULD keep up this hot shooting?? If we want to win this game, we HAVE to get their shooting percentage down, its neary 70 for the game!
chearn says
I think Sasha deserves playing time this quarter he’s done nothing stupid!
TB-8788 says
Celtics’ shooting performance rivals Chicago’s in game 2 of the 1991 Finals where they knotted the Lakers at 1 game each.
Funky Chicken says
Penberthy, I don’t think Scott will be the guy, but pretty much any other coach would be acceptable at this point if it means actually presenting a game plan that adjusts to the other team’s defense.
Can you identify a single thing that Phil has done to help any of his guys get off in the way that Rivers adjusted to get Pierce involved in pick and rolls?
Matt R. says
What the hell was that Odom and Gasol?
harold says
You gotta be kidding me…
Joe says
Wait to go Gasol, just throw it in the back court!! YEA!!!!
Lakers8884 says
5 point swing thanks to Pau’s turnover
MB says
TO and a Wallace 3. Excellent start
Steve W says
Joey Crawford and company left their whistles under the bench prior to the 4th. They will stay there.
Terrible D on Robinson.
EDIT: If we can’t clsoe the gap on this roster by the 8 minute mark it’s over.
Joel b says
Odom is so garbage.
Buttas says
uggh. had the ball with a chance to cut it to 4. we have to keep our heads up.
Funky Chicken says
Phil is a great coach whose players are just making him look bad, is that it?
Matt R. says
What was going through Jordan Farmar on that 3 point try?
Lakers8884 says
Well thanks Jordan for a terrible shot
sT says
We can not get arrested for a shot.
harold says
Looks like we’re gonna need a 45 pt game from Kobe to win this one.
Joe says
I agree with Farmar’s shot, he was open. Cant pass up open shots against this Celtics defense, even if its early in the clock.
noles says
Looks like we’re gonna need a 45-pt. game from Kobe just to keep it within 10. Please get some f-ing stops and no turnovers!
Buttas says
Doc doesn’t leave his bench in long tonight. That was a good move by him.
We have to lock it down…
R.J. says
Just no defense….how in the world if you are Pau can you leave Wallace? That was the nail…..6 point lead becomes nine, now Pierce has a working margin to free throw Boston home. Forgot how painful it was to get through these series when your team is beat down the way Lakers are. Again, the spirit is there, but the solid basketball plays are not. Not Sasha’s fault on that nate lay up. You don’ t leave Ray Allen. Odom, how about not getting roasted on D?
MB says
At least we only have to hear about this loss for a day instead of two.
Steve W says
about to go to 11 points with 9 minutes left. Game not over, but it’s looking unlikely.
jordan says
kobe needs get to the line, only way he’ll conserve enough energy to stay in the game throughout
sfjayp says
Ditto, 273: Fine shot by Farmar. I’ll take that shot every single time.
And reinforcing the point for the 30 people who made it so far (and kobe): Defense. If we can muster good defense this quarter than we have a chance.
Funky Chicken says
Deuces wild for Lamar:
2 baskets, 2 turnovers, 2 assists, 2 steals, 2 missed free throws, and FOUR whole boards. Way to step up.
Anonymous says
we cant come up with a stop
so frustrating
Darius says
Boston’s defense is fantastic and it’s not that easy to just “find an adjustment” that makes everything suddenly work. So, bury Phil if you’d like, but you’re completely off base with wanting “anyone other than Phil that can make an adjustment”. That’s laughable, actually.
Steve W says
INteresting, Odom + Bynum. Pau didn’t rest much in the third I guess.
Matt R. says
Um, was anyone covering Ray Allen?
Buttas says
chip away, chip away.
Please secure the rebound!
Mike Penberthy says
funky chicken, yes that’s pretty much it.
When you only have 2 consistent players anyway and one of them didn’t show up today, that’s what you get.
Steve W says
Refs are fighting each other right now. Three consecutive makeup calls by a different ref. I think we’re about to have a double technical between Joey Crawford and the young white guy
Kenslc says
LO! Come on Lakers!
MB says
How nice of Odom to show up with 6 minutes in the 4th. Sugar kicking in I guess.
Buttas says
Loved Artest taking that shot, loved Lamar’s rebound and put back even more.
Let’s go!
harold says
Two more stops! Two more stops!
Mohan says
We’re in striking distance. Just need stops.
Lakers8884 says
Lamar and Bynum is looking better than Pau and (insert whoever) right now
harold says
6 minutes to go in the 4th, NOBODY other than Kobe in double digit scoring.
Wow.
sfjayp says
I told y’all Odom could thrive in a game like this. Don’t get me wrong – he hasn’t yet – but he’s come in and done some good things and hasn’t had any lapses. That’s more than we’re getting elsewhere.
-6 with the ball with 6 to go. This is on Defense and heart.
noles says
Just play tough D, secure rebounds, and execute on offense and we can take this game. We have to want it more these last 6 minutes and make Boston feel the pressure of possibly losing this game.
Funky Chicken says
Darius, it is amazing that the Celtics defense seems to become impenetrable every 2 years, in the Finals, against the Lakers. But never mind that, I’ll just take a coach who will teach his players not to front their opponents on defense when they have no backside help.
Taylor says
Dare I say ride the LO/Drew lineup to the end?
It’s not out of reach. Focus, play smart, don’t get down until it’s done.
sT says
We now have it down to a 6 point lead, cool huh?
R.J. says
Lamar put back….I’m still not convinced we can get enough stops to win….but nobody can question the Lakers’ heart as a team. They have no business being in this game, and the ’08 crew would have already been on the plane up against the great play Boston’s brought tonight. Many problems with the their play, but heart is not one of them. sorry to keep repeating it, but it literally is the only positive that’s been there all night for the Lakers. (as a team. Kobe individually has been incredible.)
Matt R. says
This is a 2-3 possession game if we can get some stops. DEEEEEEEFENSE>
joel r says
that offensive foul on bynum and that missed rebound by artest really hurt
ughh…lakers are blowing opportunities to come back.
and for the love of god, let kobe at least touch the ball on offense
Kenslc says
MB-
Are you even a Lakers fan? Please stop pretending if you aren’t… In striking distance after the Celts have shot out of their heads for most of the game. I like where we are right now. Other players are starting to show up.
TB-8788 says
This crowd will lose its exuberance if we can keep it close down the stretch. They were expecting a blowout celebration, but are being denied right now.
Matt R. says
That KG shot was well-defended.
Steve W says
Kobe stripped, back to 10 points, ballgame.
Matt R. says
That hurt.
MB says
I am, but I’m getting flashbacks to ’08 and it’s driving me insane.
harold says
Oh wow, clutch turnovers.
Matt R. says
Two straight steals by Rondo.
Matt R. says
Jesus guys. Lazy passes are killing us.
Steve W says
Celtics want it more right now. Every 50-50 ball going their way.
EDIT: Thanks a lot Rondo for proving my point. Meh. Artest with a garbage 3 and I’m going to go drown my sorrows. Night.
jordan says
another turn over, the kloser is killing us…
Matt R. says
5 turnovers in the 4th quarter. If we end up looking back at a loss, we’ll know why.
MB says
Rondo tips it in over 3 Lakers.
Near Road says
This is exciting!! Whatever happens, i still love Kobe. GO LAKERS!!
Buttas says
wow. what a bad 2 minutes for us. We even get a foul call to go our way, but of course it costs us a basket.
Tremble says
its over.
Matt R. says
Huge flop by Paul Pierce.
Kenslc says
How do they flop and get all the foul calls?
Funky Chicken says
Is this a surprise? This is exactly what happened in game 4, only this time with the Celtic starters. You can’t rely on Kobe Bryant, play him the entire third and fourth quarters and expect him to win the game.
Josh says
I can’t watch any more of this. I can’t believe I passed up a BBQ on a beautiful day to witness this.
Matt R. says
Down 6 with 6 minutes to go. Game within reach.
2 turnovers and suddenly the Celtics are essentially icing the game.
Joe says
Zephid and CDOG,
Do you NOW agree the Celtics are just better?? I alwas had faith in this Lakers team, but not againt a better team that wants it more.
Andreas G. says
We’ll still win those two in LA.
Lakers8884 says
Every player on this Laker roster failed Kobe Bryant tonight, wasting another brilliant performance. They should be ashamed, there are no excuses for this garbage.
Zak says
Can’t stand the fact that every LA player except Kobe is out of the game….
Mike Penberthy says
“5 turnovers in the 4th quarter. If we end up looking back at a loss, we’ll know why.”
Yes we will know why. Because only one player showed up to play.
harold says
Joe, well, if it’s Kobe vs Pierce/Garnett and Rondo, yeah, I’d think the C’s are better.
If only one of the other lakers produced something, we’d be in MUCH better shape…
sT says
This really is a bad time for the Lakers.
kobemoney says
Have you ever just wanting to cry after a game?
Josh says
Hear that? Kobe is ONLY LAKER IN DOUBLE FIGURES.
this is UNBELIEVABLE.
Joel b says
The lakers have only executed well down the stretch in 1 game.
The celtics have heart champions the lakers don’t . Plain and simple the celtics are willing to do everything possible to win. The lakers are passing the ball and standing and hoping the player next to them makes the play.
Phil is just sitting there watching it. Praying some one makes a play so he doesn’t have to get up and coach. This series is over lakers will lose on six. The celtics want it more, the players are willing to give everything they have, their coach inspires them and is continuously making adjustment not afraid to take one of his stars out of they are tired or hurting the team.
Why would Phil put Artest back in? Why won’t he play Sasha?
jordan says
again, considering out defense is awful, we need to hack – a- rondo right now
TB-8788 says
Ballgame.
Boston has won 3 of the last 4 and clearly looks like the better team with better players, better coaches, and better schemes right now. Give credit to them for stepping up at home, riding the crowd, and making every play when the game was in the balance.
Let’s hope Staples Center will bring the noise and our bruised and battered Lakers will play with more energy and confidence in the friendly confines.
harold says
kobemoney, how about during?
PG missing FTs… ARGH!!!
Funky Chicken says
I think when referring to Pau as being “soft” in the future we’d do well to clarify that he isn’t any more soft than any of his teammates besides Kobe.
Sophomore says
Honestly can’t understand complaining about the refs. Lakers have 11 more free throws than Cs, and the Cs have spent plenty of time attacking the rim.
Funky Chicken says
We might as well get a start on the post-game excuse of “we played like crap and only lost by ___” or “Celtics shot 60% from the floor and only won by ___”.
Sedale says
336,
I agree, but Allen is getting away with murder under the hoop.
Josh says
There’s no excuses for it 338. If everybody not named Kobe plays like this again in LA…the series will end on Tuesday.
Buttas says
some how, some why….
execute….
Joe says
Guys…..its not that nobody except Kobe came to play. There is just no flow to offense what so ever. It is our inability to get high percentage shots against a very good defense.
Sophomore says
That 3-point foul call Kobe got? Questionable at best. I really don’t want to hear any complaints about officiating. Good grief.
harold says
Let’s hope we get some FT line defense going…
sT says
When Boston plays like this, the only chance the Lakers have is if they play like their lives depended on the win, and tonight they did not play like that, unfortunately.
Joe says
Good call
Alex says
If we get that damn rebound…
Buttas says
wow, the ball never changed direction!
that was a huge missed call
joe wright says
I despise those refs.
R.J. says
People will lament the 24 second violation that wasn’t…but please note that Perkins had O rebound position yet again……Laker missed free throws looming large right now……
Joe says
We should do a hack a rondo now
Alex says
Another rebound we can’t grab. What the hell.
Buttas says
can’t rebound
Joe says
The offensive boards in this quarter are just killing us…..badly
joe wright says
Be a sportsman Celtics Nation.
Matt R. says
Nice work by Kobe on a great jump by Fish.
If only Artest could finish at the rim…or make a free throw.
Buttas says
I still love Fisher. He WON that Tip!
Joe says
Haha, Artest….what a choke job
Lakers8884 says
Thats a play Ariza would have dunked
harold says
Those two free throws… or any other we’ve missed… ouch…
Tremble says
I really want to cry.
Andreas G. says
Things just aren’t going Lakers’ way. Despite the so-so play, this could still be a victory with a few of the bounces or calls going our way.
Buttas says
Ron go to the rim hard. Why wait to be fouled to only miss the ft?
harold says
You’re telling me that you couldn’t hack rondo?!
Josh says
Artest just totally blew it.
Funky Chicken says
Is it called “zen” when you are so unaffected by the moment that you give up offensive boards, miss free throws and give up layups off inbounds plays?
Oh, and a better coached team would know to FOUL RONDO on that one. Just sayin….
Matt R. says
Wow. Great play by the Celtics. That should ice the game.
Alex says
364. That’s great and all. Boston will be 1 “lucky” game away from a title.
Mimsy says
I know we’re not supposed to complain about the refs here, but in all seriousness, anyone who is watching this entire series and does not get concerned about the quality of refereeing in the NBA today, has no right to call themselves a basketball fan.
These refs are the best the league has to offer.
BH says
Can we get Ariza back now?
Andreas G. says
Alex: Didn’t say it was great; actually quite the opposite.
Alex says
We have to keep pretending Artest’s horrific offense and b-ball IQ is offset by his defense.
I’d take Ariza’s athleticism and offense for a little worse D.
Joel b says
That’s absolutely the worst coaching advise I’ve ever heard. My point is exactly, Phil is praying the celtics give up the game instead of how the lakers can win the game.
Phil is just being out coached. The lakers are not prepared to be champions. The fact that Ron artest who has played terrible defense and is a 55% freethrow shooter. He misses 2 freethrows. Lamar missed 2 freethrows earlier. Gasol made one of 2. I don’t see champions when I look at these lakers.
Blizzard says
So, presumably game 6 will be fixed for us like this one was for the Celtics. The question is, do the refs even remember what to do when they’re NOT fixing a game?
harold says
We’ll win if Kobe gets 45.
Buttas says
I liked our fight in the 4th, but we will have to have a total game effort on Tuesday.
We have to take the good away from this game.
I liked the contributions of Sasha and Farmar. Driving and kicking to the open shooter worked tonight and it will work on Tuesday.
It’s a one game season now.
Kenslc says
If we hadn’t missed, what 7, free throws and got jobbed on that 24 second violation this game was ours for the taking. Tough loss, but we just have to come home and play better.
harold says
Boston just won 2 in a row.
Now it’s our turn to do the same…
Mohan says
6 point deficit, 9 missed FTs. That says it all.
sT says
We still have HCA, nothing has changed since game 1.
joe wright says
Call me a cynic but I strongly believe that Stern is going to fix Game 6 for us and the title will be decided in a clean Game 7.
It s all about t.v ratings nowadays.
Neo-con world sucks¡
Funky Chicken says
Joel b #375, you are dead right, but get ready to be blasted by Darius.
For the Jackson defenders, do you think it is a coincidence that a team with a passive and “zen” coach has so many players who play with no heart, while a team like the Celtics, coached by a passionate guy like Doc Rivers, plays their hearts out?
But hey, we’ve got the triangle offense and they don’t….
joel r says
jesus christ, lakers just couldnt come up with a defensive rebound
and 4 free throws missed by artest and odom in the 4th qtr
and i believe 3 turnovers in the 4th qtr
ughhhh….im frustrated
Darius says
BTW, those wondering about Phil’s “they know how to lose” statement should also understand that’s a hand picked soundbite that lasted only a few seconds. We have no idea what was said before or after. Who knows what he was telling the players they needed to do to take advantage of the C’s mistakes and what the Lakers could do to force those mistakes.
johnk348 says
wow, artest killed us in this game. pau was his typical gasoftian self also. lamar came up with some big boards in the end. what a waste of a great kobe game.
Allan Brazil says
Misleading score.
Game wasn’t that close…
Buttas says
This game was lost in the 3rd when we could not get any stops while Kobe was super nova.
Ron has to disrupt Pierce much more on Tuesday.
Still a lot to build on from this one, dispite everything that went wrong tonight.
Alex says
The missed FT’s hurt but our defense was so bad for this game. I don’t understand how anyone could blame that for this loss.
7 or bust
Joe says
Oh you know what, for those of you saying the game was fixed, shut the hell up. You guys are such big freaking babies. The Celtics played harder and better and deserved to win the game
Matt R. says
Well, we all expected a killer Kobe night, and he gave it to us.
We got 30+ minutes from Bynum, but his rebounding was absent.
Pau…I don’t know. Pau just seemed off tonight. He never once seem comfortable in Boston through all 3 games.
Ron Artest disappointed me a lot tonight.
DB says
This is not the time to give up, this is the time to have faith. No one said repeating would be easy. Lakers in 7.
swedishmeatballs says
I just hate the leps right now. And the refs. Can’t help it.
TB-8788 says
Bad stat of the night: Bynum had only 1 rebound?
joe wright says
390#You are welcome to disagree.But respect is welcome
P. Ami says
Not supposed to complain about the refs? Ridiculous. Game 4, I had no problem with the refs. The Lakers got outplayed. This game was handed to the Lepers by the refs, plain and simple. Anybody who says otherwise is plain stupid.
harold says
On a side note, if Kobe keeps this up and the series goes seven, he has a chance of becoming the Finals MVP regardless of the outcome.
Maybe he’ll join Jerry West first before he joins Magic.
sfjayp says
Artest didn’t play great, but he didn’t kill us, either. He played good, not great, D. Pierce just made some good shots.
What killed us? Nobody stepping up, especially Pau.
Personally, I put this loss pretty much fully on Pau. You CANNOT win a finals game with one person. Hell, most people say you need three big players in the finals. One will not get it done. This is ALL on Pau. Pathetic.
And I don’t want to hear anyone say Kobe didn’t trust his team enough. Kobe played this game textbook.
Buttas says
we have to get and secure those rebounds. It seems like every big rebound they got.
Just make the plays. That’s it.
Laker Kev says
Ron-Ron not ready for prime-time in Boston. Let’s hope a home environment brings out better play in him.
lesha says
i am so frustrated right now… i cant even describe it.
just a couple of thoughts:
– lamar keeps walking up the ball slowly and doesnt cut, nor does he set any screens. he doesnt drive on baby and he doesnt feel like banging with garnett. very, very sad
– pau gets hit and scratched on every posession. i cant believe they dont call any fouls under the rim
– vijacic needs to play more. he was very productive offensively and defensively.
– people need to move FAST when kobe post up and the double comes. he had nobody to pass to all night…
– and last but not least: artest should NOT crowd pierce and make him hit his jumperes. sticking to him from midcourt is really, really bad for everything were trying to accomplish.
– REBOUNDS…. F****** REBOUNDS!!!!!!
Steve W says
Artest doesn’t work smart enough to get over screens. He gets caught up in them every time. He’s ok 1-1 but he got killed in P&R. We gave up way too many layups. You can’t win shooting 40% vs 56%.
I’m depressed but I wish I was more surprised at this result.
Big J says
Whew this website has gone downhill badly. Complaining about the refs when the lakers shot almost double the free throws than Boston.
Face it people, the celtics played better. Period
Josh says
Kobe’s the only reason the Lakers didn’t get blown out in this game. The fact that with a couple minutes left in the 4th, no one but Kobe was in double figures (and he was 13-24 at that point) says it all. Pau, Odom and Artest wet the bed. Again.
Joe says
No 396, I aint going to respect a big baby who needs to make rediculous excuses in order to make himself feel better, get a life man
Darius says
IMO, this game was lost on sloppy play in the 4th quarter (too many TO’s – I think it was 5 in the quarter), missed FT’s, and ultimately the Lakers’ D. Boston shot 56% for the game (and higher for that than most of it). Boston was hot, but that’s not enough of an excuse. Gotta be more assertive on defense – close out harder, pressure the ball more, and stop with the mental mistakes (fronting where there’s not any weak side help, for example).
But, credit needs to be given to Boston. They had tremendous spacing on offense for most of this game and it put the Lakers D in some tough positions. Oh…just a frustrating game.
Buttas says
Hopefully we will leave it all out there on Tuesday.
Kobe played a great game. Set up his teammates early in the game, scored when we needed, and made heddy plays down the stretch.
We just need everyone to pick it up and play all out.
Don says
First of all, great game by the Celtics. Team defense has been tremendous, and their patience & togetherness on offense is admirable.
I’m ok with Pau having a hard time scoring against the mighty Celtic D. But defensively he failed to step up on rotations, didn’t show on pnr, couldn’t come up with loose balls, and couldn’t slow Garnett one on one. We’re going to need a teamwide defensive effort if we’re going to beat this celtic team.
I’m still hopeful for two straight wins at Staples. If we can get something from the bench, LO & Artest hit some shots, and feed off home energy, we’ll be OK.
P.Ami – I thought the game was well officiated, in fact even in our favor. A lot of flops and perimeter fouls going our way. I must be a complete moron.
P. Ami says
Don, I guess you are.
jooel says
A very frustrating game, and the Lakers wasted a big scoring game from Kobe. I agree with the poster above who said the entire Laker offense is thrown out of rhythm, and thus the poor shooting from everyone else. But, there are still two games left, and it is up to the players to show that they have what it takes. It will be VERY difficult but still very probable for the Lakers to win the next two.
Mohan says
Can’t blame the refs for complete disappearances of intelligence on defense. The 3rd quarter started with easy layups for Garnett and Allen, and that was a trend for the game. There was the casual drive into the lane by Nate Robinson with two left on the shot clock, the layup by Ray Allen off the pass by Robinson, and failures to box out all around.
Sophomore says
Lakers’ free-throw advantage 26-9, plus two intentional fouls the Lakers gave to make it 26-13.
If this is how the refs fix the game for the Celtics, they’re not very good at it.
Funky Chicken says
Well, I’m off for the night. Darius, you can tell me why I’m wrong about Phil Jackson getting outcoached again tomorrow.
Mike Penberthy says
It’s actually pretty incredible how little has changed since 08. The Lakers still only have 1.5 consistent players, while the celtics have 4. Yes they’re older and that’s why they only won 50 games in the regular season. But in the playoffs when the finish line is in sight, they’re able to play through the aches that they wouldn’t play through in the regular season.
Sophomore says
Also, I’m pretty sure the refs didn’t put in those buckets that PP and KG made. Pierce scored 27 points – 1 point from the line. One.
Matt R. says
Totally agree with Darius: sloppy 4th quarter play ultimately did us in. Boston just needed a push and they would have rolled over, but instead we gave them 5 free possessions and missed free throws (Pau, Artest, Odom).
We had a shot at this game at the start of the 4th and then crapped the bed.
Allan Brazil says
Despite palying an awful game (and boy, that was awful), we surprinsgly had several chances to get really close and sustain a good run.
But we shot ourselves over and over in the foot by commiting a turnover, missing free throws, giving up an offensive rebound, giving up a lay-up with few seconds on the shot clock, etc, etc.
Ok, there were some bad calls too, but there were several more bad (and frustating) plays from our players that led to this loss.
Cdog says
Nobody besides Kobe came to play tonight. Nobody. That was a pantheon performance by Kobe, but it was wasted because we couldn’t get any stops in the 3rd. I know if we go in up in the 4th we win that dang game. I am so pissed. Time to bring everything we got for game six.
All four of the big “four” had big games, and only Kobe did for us, and it came down to the wire. Ron’s missed free throws really hurt momentum – but the mental mistakes and inability to foul Rondo hurt worse.
So mad. World is not over, we just gotta win at home now. This can be done. Lets get it done.
R.J. says
…and it must be said that the Boston offense has the Lakers checkmated as well. Pierce carried them through the first half with exceptional play, and then their TEAM decimated the Laker defense with ridiculous efficiency. It should be noted that NO defensive strategy worked against the Celtics pick and rolls….switching, soft hedging, NOT SHOWING (Pau’s favorite option) so as to give up the uncontested three to Rasheed, under the screen, over the screen, the Boston Screen Rolls left the Lakers barbecued after one simple basketball movement, or two simple passes from the spit. This is when you’ve reached checkmate. Boston is getting better and better as these Finals go on, and the Lakers are getting less poised, less efficient, less effective, less physical….just less. I feel JVG calling out Bynum for not getting any rebounds is unfair. He’s playing on one leg and was clearly hampered. The Lakers as a team SIMPLY REFUSE TO BOX OUT CONSISTENTLY, and should Boston finish things off Tuesday, that will be one of the things engraved on the Lakers’ tombstone. Ironically, Kobe himself said it after the second of the Lakers’ two miraculous playoff wins on second shots (OKC and PHX). The pain is that he simply will not, can not, does not box out Rondo, and the rest of the Lakers have been just as poor.
And another thing: The Lakers do not know how to foul. This is a skill that can be taught and executed. The Celtics no layup policy helped win them the game. The Lakers give up more soft and ones than any team in the League. The mental challenge of having to absorb the blows and make the foul shots is one that the Lakers (save Kobe) have not been up to. Meanwhile, the Lakers compound awful defense by gifting Boston an extra point on too many possessions.
I am hesitant to agree with those who say that Phil Jackson is getting outcoached in this series (this term is overused anyway) for two reasons: First of all, it’s a staff against a staff, not Phil vs. Doc on a chess table. Secondly, people said about Coach Wooden that he could take his and beat yours and take yours and beat his. Does anybody seriously think the Celtics wouldn’t be up 3-2 with PJ coaching them? What would Doc’s answer be to Pau and Lamar no showing for such prolonged stretches?
The X’s and O’s are pretty much done for this series….it’s about heart and mental and physcial toughness, which leads to dotting t’s and crossin i’s. There is no question which team has been superior in these criteria through 5 games…….
And yet……Kobe Bean Bryant, with a significant portion of his legacy at stake?
Hope is all that’s left at this point.
Matt R. says
Kobe: 38 points
Rest of Team: 48 points
As much as Kobe tried, he also turned the ball over at some critical times.
Phil on Artest’s fast-break fail: “That was interesting.”
Darius says
I don’t think either team has consistent performers in this series. Name one player that’s played well in more than 2 games? Kobe? Gasol in games 1, 2, and 3? Really, no one has had any consistency to their game. Boston has earned these last two wins by playing better in the 4th quarter, but by no means has it been on any sort of reliable performance from any of their best 4 players.
Basketball is a game that can be influenced by big moments. I think one of those moments was when the Lakers were only down 6 with six minutes left and proceeded to give up a bucket, commit a turnover, and then give up another lay up to go back down by 10. Big sequence that deflated the Lakers big time.
Matt R. says
Phil Jackson when asked about Lakers’ bad defense:
“Didn’t we hold them to 92 points? We’ll take that. We just need to score.”
lil' pau says
devastating.
Allan Brazil says
Can we get two in a row in Staples?
Well, we did against OKC, Utah and Phoenix. But we couldn’t do it againd Boston in 08 nor this time.
Now we have another shot at it.
Maybe the third time is a charm.
Would be nice to be surprised by this Lakers team in a good way for a change.
Rudy T. once said that we cannot understimate the heart of a champion.
Hopefully they listen to him and emulate the ’95 Rockets, winning games 6 and 7 at home.
Matt R. says
Jackson isn’t getting out-coached, the Lakers are just being out-hustled.
Big J says
I disagree with Phil there a little. If they are struggling on offense then they need to turn it up on defense to make up for it. Too many times tonight, the offensive futility affected the overall defensive focus and it led to open jumpshots and layups for Boston
Matt R. says
OK, I’m going to Disneyland to go clear my head.
awang says
Well, Boston has had their fun. It’s time we bring we take care of business at home. This is why we fought so hard for home court advantage during regular season. We need hold on to our serve. The championship is ours.
whatever frustration we have suffered in the last couple of games, it’s all in the past. We were close, even most of our players played poorly. I was hoping Fish would have a standout game again. But it wasn’t to be.
Back home, all players will be re-energized. Go Lakers.
Pato says
We have the talent, they have the guts… I hope I’m wrong… I’m devastated right now… I’ll be facing a Lakers haters tomorrow…
PS: Is Gasol alive? Can you tell him there’s a game on Tuesday?
Mike Penberthy says
I agree, no need to overanalyze this game. Only one Laker came to play. That’s all the analysis you need.
P. Ami says
When the refs let the Lepers push and shove, grab and pull, all game long, and the Lakers are called for fouls when trying to do the same, I blame the refs.
When the Lepers are given the calls on just about every decision at moments when the momentum is shifting towards the Lakers, and these are bad calls, I blame the refs.
When the bad calls give a championship quality team second chances after good to excellent defense by the Lakers, I blame the refs.
Of course, the Lakers did not play a perfect game, and of course if they played a perfect game then the refs couldn’t be blamed. That doesn’t mean the refs are blameless. Once again, they don’t have 5 men with skills and a system put in place to thwart their efforts, while the players do. I agree that LO needs to push he ball more. I agree that Pau needs to be more assertive. I agree that some of the bad calls went for the lakers but, momentum is a huge factor when two even teams are playing each other. Mistakes will be made by players because the opponent is there to create those mistakes. The refs have a much lesser excuse. The refs have let the Lepers keep momentum a number of times (games 5 and 2) when the game was still right there for the Lakers to take in the end. I blame the refs.
TB-8788 says
Positive thoughts for game 6:
1) Lakers completed this very task in 1988. After losing 2 of the 3 middle games in Detroit, the Lakers returned to the Forum to win games 6 and 7 and complete the Repeat.
2) The older Celtics played their best two games of this series after having 2 off days. When they had to fly across the country on their lone off day, they played poorly in the game 3 loss. We have the same set up for game 6, and it’s at home. Advantage Lakers.
k e o says
*need some happy thoughts.*
thanks #431
Joel b says
Funky chicken of course Darius is going to defend Jackson. Jackson, pau, Lamar and fish can’t do any harm. Anytime someone calls them how for their play/decisions, we have to read why that isn’t so on this sight. This sight is the only one that feels the need to defend those guys, but second evertime someone calls out bynum and Kobe. I love this site for all the insight, but why what’s the point of defending those 4 paticular guys whenever someone calls them out.
But back to the game. Doc trust all his guys to play. Phil doesn’t. Doc makes adjustments, Phil doesn’t. The celtics defend for 48 minutes, the lakers defend for 20 minutes. The lakers look for the home run play, the celtics wait for the best play. Doc is worrying about how to win the game, Phil is hoping the celtics give it up. And it’s funny that Phil brings up how bad the celtics are and closing how game, yet they stole 3 games by playing better in the 4th quarter. And the lakers have been absolutely terrible in executing in the 4th quarters in 4 out of 5 games they were just lucky to be up 20 going into the 4th in game one. The series isn’t over, but I would be more surprised of the lakers won in 7 if they lost in 6. The lakers buckle under pressure. Pau misses so many big freethrows. Lamar and artest are just bad freethrow shooters and don’t make them when they matter the most either. The lakers just have a bad case of step-up-itis.
Matt R. says
Lakers outscored 46-32 in the paint.
DJ says
Celtics were playing with eight guys tonight, three of them in grey
Cdog says
No. The defense was horrible. In the 3rd Quarter when Nate is on the floor our defense is just terrible. He has really been their most consistent player, and we have not played well when he is on the floor. Phil was wrong, just flat out wrong. We never had any sort of control in this game, and always making runs from behind. When you do that on the road it becomes very difficult to win.
If we didn’t force a turnover they got wide open looks all night. Our rotations were bad, and we deserved to lose. Now the Lakers have got to step up big time. We outplayed them in game 4 and lost, and they outplayed us in game 5 (and handily I might add if not for Supernova from Kobe). Kobe was supernova from 3 in game 4 as well, so its not like he is to blame (had turnovers, but is being fouled on every possession and they are “letting them play”) We lost this game because nobody but Kobe remembered this was the NBA finals.
Gah. Gah. Gah.
This is why we have home court. Gotta defend our home court.
Mike Penberthy says
“The lakers look for the home run play, the celtics wait for the best play. Doc is worrying about how to win the game, Phil is hoping the celtics give it up.”
What does that even mean? There are so many baseless cliches there i don’t even know where to begin.
Allan Brazil says
Completely agree with Darius.
6 points down, 6 minutes to go.
That was the moment to take the game over and we just made mistake after mistake, on offense and on deffense, and all of a sudden the lead was back to 11.
Today was a awful and frustating game.
Nobody played a good game. Nodoby.
Even Kobe Bryant.
He had a monster, out-of-this-planet third quarter, but had a cold 1-2 quarters and a sloopy 4th quarter: too many turnovers, forced shots and bad D in critical moments.
Hopefully he and Gasol and the bench bounce back and we have a great game 6 and repeat it on game 7.
Mace says
I told you so. I can’t BELIEVE there are still some of you complaining about the refs. REALLY??? Also it never works to have a one man offense. Shooting 35% aint gonna cut it. Lakers are toast.
Matt R. says
Something to consider: Bynum gave us minutes tonight, but he didn’t give us great minutes. 1 defensive board. Not effective boxing out, not effective rotating on defense…he doesn’t look as good.
He’s better than what we got in game 4, but if he’s not able to go back to 1-3 Bynum, we’re in trouble unless the bench really steps up at home.
Cdog says
In the last three games I have asked myself – who besides Kobe is going to step up and help us get the win. Fisher did in game 3. Nobody did in game 4. And nobody did tonight.
chearn says
Just a thought, why can’t LO start and Bynum come in off the bench, seeing as how Bynum is getting bench minutes anyway.
Darius says
“of course Darius is going to defend Jackson. Jackson, pau, Lamar and fish can’t do any harm. Anytime someone calls them how for their play/decisions, we have to read why that isn’t so on this sight. This sight is the only one that feels the need to defend those guys, but second evertime someone calls out bynum and Kobe. I love this site for all the insight, but why what’s the point of defending those 4 paticular guys whenever someone calls them out.”
You must not read this site, then. I’ve criticized all of those people, but I try to measure my criticism and try to use facts. Simple statements like “Phil needs to make an adjustment” “Phil’s being outcoached” are just statements with no substance. Tell me what adjustments are there to be made. Tell me what the player should do rather than just complaining about what is done. Simple arguments with little to back them OR ones that lack nuance to actually see the big picture don’t really fly with me.
Also, I think it’s interesting that Phil is taking the approach that he is. IMO, he’s trying to build his players up because that’s what they need right now. Burying his guys right now doesn’t do him any good. He needs a confident team and one that believes they’re going to win game 6 and then the series. At this point, there’s no need to harp on all the mistakes – and he’s no dummy, he knows there were mistakes. At this point, it’s time to circle the wagons and get everyone believing that their goal is still right there for the taking. I don’t know if it’s going to work, but I see the wisdom in this approach. But then again, you know, I’m just a lackey that never sees the bad in anyone. 😉
Matt R. says
I misspoke. Bynum had 1 offensive board and NO defensive boards.
Lamar Odom the only player with a positive +/-, with Ron Artest at an even 0.
Matt R. says
Darius’ point on what Phil seems to be doing jives with what I’m seeing too.
At the podium they asked him about not being able to steal the win and he said something to the effect of “they got some lucky breaks with the airball call that went their way, a few fouls that were peculiar, and that really lucky inbounds play. They got the lucky bounces tonight and we were right there.”
That sounds like someone trying to keep his team believing.
The question is really who’s confidence is the most shaken. I think that Andrew’s confidence in his knee is not there. I think that Pau is doubting himself a lot. Maybe being at home will help him. I don’t know, but I hope Phil’s able to hold them together for 2 games.
Celtics Nation says
Yes DJ and ONCE AGAIN, the free throw disparity once again heavily favored the Lakers. Funny how that works.
Cdog says
Bynums minutes were fine. I actually think we are paying Perkins way too much respect from 15 feet out. There is no reason to ever cover him out there – even on his picks. He is not Amare Stoudemire and does not roll to the hole in the same way, and he is not a jump shooter. If he is going to be 15 feet out we gotta ask for that shot all day, cuz thats a 30% look for Boston.
Our bigs are showing on every pick involved with ray allen, pierce, or robinson, and even though they may clank, it gives Perkins too easy of a chance for rebounds.
I also don’t understand why the Lakers do not try to force mismatches. When Sheed and Baby are in the game, Lamar has to cut through Pau’s lane and set a screen against Sheed so that Baby is on him. Sheed is a much better one-on-one defender than a help defender. Odom does not need to be playing the floor spacer out there, the Celtics are begging him to take that shot and are allowed to soft double Pau all day with Odom out of rebound position.
With the Lineup – Fisher, Artest, Kobe, Pau, and Odom – they are always showing a double on both Kobe and Pau and the Lakers are not spacing correctly to take advantage of it.
Also, bad passing and critical mistakes with 6 minutes left in the fourth Q took any sort of momentum we had built from the 8 to 6 minute mark. I think the Lakers were trying to cut 10 to 2 in 1 minute, and were not running an offense with good shots. The stops were coming in the 4th because Ray was way off and the Celtics were running out of gas, but our guys did not play with poise on the offensive end.
Twice in the game the Lakers allowed a tip up fro under the rim off a shot where the Lakers had position to rebound and a hand on the ball. 4 points right there.
You can tell I am ranting and I am sorry Darius. So dissapointed that our guys did not come to play tonight.
Darius says
#451. Cdog,
Tough loss, so I understand. I’m not a robot and I’m in a tough mood too. Remember, I’m the one that said tonight’s winner would have a very strong hand going back to LA. This is a tough defeat to deal with.
All that said, at this point this game is over. We’ll recap the contest (Phillip is on it tonight) but we’ll move on to what needs to be done the next game. I still believe in this team. Some things need to go the Lakers way (there will be some luck involved here), but the Lakers need to do better and seize the moment better.
Buttas says
We had our chances and just had some poor execution in the 4th that did us in.
Give the Celtics some credit, they made the plays in the end to sustain the lead and keep us at bay.
I like the fact that we turned them over so much tonight. Something that we can build on.
Just need to bear down and win game 6. that’s it. one game. and then worry about 7.
jooel says
Darius is on point here. At this point, the first step is for the team to believe in its resolve, and take what lessons they can from tonight and move on. The Lakers are doing a decent job attacking the basket, and getting the free throws, but need to convert those points. Now, they can stand to do an even better job attacking the basket, and that will take the coaching staff and the players to figure it out.
Also, i agree with Cdog, the Lakers gave Perkins waaaaayyy to much credit on his jumper. As well as the the fact that they are not taking advantage of the Celtic’s defense. But, there are still two chances to win, and it the team is capable of winning both granted it takes one game at a time and play with even more effort and poise.
SAZMD says
Unfortunately, the trend is going the wrong direction. We dominated G1, choked in G2, had to get bailed out by Derek Fisher (!) in G3 and got outhustled in G4. Tonight we just got outplayed. Boston is showing a mental toughness and patience that we are simply lacking. That and they are getting rebounds. Can somebody on the Lakers get a rebound, please?
I’m so disappointed and frustrated. I’m not hopeful for G6, but maybe being back home will get us going.
Shaun says
The bynum comments are unwarranted , there was nothing for him to rebound defensively with the 66% shooting for most of the time he was out there, Pau really need to step up , The Refs are incredible because that one missed call with the Allens airball changed the game just like pierce’s charge that went the other way n the 4th last game, Celtics didnt shoot any free throws because we dont foul them like they do to us , and yes the celtics got away with a ton of fouls because everyone was complaining about the flow of the game and now they get to play dirty for the rest of the series, we need to take it consistently to the whole and get either perkins of sheed ejected next game
chearn says
The Lakers had their first home loss at home in game 2, so I expect them to make a come back at home to win game 6. Game 7 will be up for grabs!
Steve W says
At least there’s only one game layoff between 5 and 6. Not gonna help Bynum but maybe Pierce and KG will lose their legs a little.
Truth be told I just hope the Lakers come out with spirit, honor and intensity and play the game the right way in game 6. If they lose, they lose, but lose with your holster empty. Many times in Kobe’s career when the Lakers have been eliminated have been embarrassing performances and I can’t stomach that again. I can handle being beaten fairly by the better team, or even losing out in a hardfought way to a less talented team, but if they go out like they did in 2008, 2006, 2004 or 2003 it will be disheartening. I’m honestly very fearful of that.
harold says
If you look at the root of things, it comes down to this:
1. Kobe is unstoppable
2. The rest of the Lakers are not only stopable, but you can actually make them disappear like role players.
Substitute Kobe for LeBron, and you get the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Steve W says
Another interesting factor of this series – it demonstrates how the 2-3-2 setup really favors the road team. The Lakers have faced game 5 in tied series three times this year. Twice on their home court because they had homecourt advantage, and won. Once on the road because the NBA inexplicably switches things around, and lost.
Now, if the Lakers just took care of business as the Celtics did in 08 it wouldn’t be an issue, but this isn’t really a Laker-Celtic point, I just think it’s an inane way to run a series. MLB doesn’t do it.
Cdog says
As far as the game recap I can sum it up quickly. The Lakers got outscored in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Quarters because their defense was not ready to play with the intensity it needed to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots or rotations. In the 4th Quarter, the Lakers made a mini-run, but could not sustain it due to multiple mental lapses, even though the Boston O gone flat. This wasn’t like game 4 where we clearly ran out of gas – the was Game 2, just on the road, where the Lakers tried to force the issue against a Celtics D that couldn’t buy a bucket unless it came off a steal, and thus went for the steal on every play, and succesfully got them. Thats the recap in a nutshell – we got mostly outplayed and had a chance to win. But that’s not a good enough solace to me – the Lakers needed to play to win that game, and aside from the Kobe outburst in the 3rd quarter that kept the game from becoming a blowout (on shots that were just impossible I might add), they played to have a chance. Not the right attitude on the road.
Now game 6 they hafta play to win, cuz there is no other way.
Jane says
How am I going to sleep the next two days? By telling myself the Lakers will regroup to win game 6 after losing two in a row, and that the one and only Kobe Bryant will NOT lose a game 7 at home.
lil' pau says
460: or maybe bos is a hell of a lot better than OKC or PHX.
R says
sigh.
dxbravo says
This sounds ridiculous, but the triangle seems stifling. Slow offense, no swinging the ball, having to struggle for every basket. Don’t think this is how Tex drew it up-or maybe Boston’s defense is that good. Either way, I’m sick.
3ThreeIII says
Am I missing something?
We still have homecourt advantage, yes?
Lakers in 7.
Bring it on.
Ben says
Some numbers:
Offensive rebound percentages.
LA: 36 percent, this is very, very good
Boston: 28 percent, pretty good also
For perspective LA came in with a 30 percent in the playoffs (1st among all teams) and 26 percent in the regular season (10th). Boston was 23 percent in the post season (13th of 16).
So LA was solid overall, though not timely on the boards.
In paint: Boston-LA
Game 1 30-48
Game 2 36-26
Game 3 50-38
Game 4 54-34
Game 5 46-32
I’m sure some will see this as refs, some of the numbers are distorted by fouls/free throws, but in any case that is not good. Refs missed some calls, but none truly were egregious and a number were borderline anyway.
Can’t rely on Kobe in the third like that unless you get someone, anyone, to step up in the fourth. I still feel LA is better in a lot of ways (purely in terms of talent/coaching ), now they’ve just got to play like it.
Snoopy2006 says
That was just heartbreaking for me. I can’t remember a more pain (non-elimination) playoff loss in my lifetime, other than Game 4 of 2008. I don’t know why it hit me so hard.
It just looked so much like 2008. Their defense is stifling, and I get exhausted watching how hard Kobehas to work for every bucket. But what made it look like 2008 was how we reverted defensively. We fronted with no weakside pressure, missed rotations, let guys walk past us to the hoop, and missed backdoor cuts. Kobe kept us afloat offensively, but we just could not get a stop to save our lives.
What was worse – the few times we did get stops, every 50-50 ball would go the C’s way. We’d fumble the rebound out of bounds, or else give up the offensive board. It was so frustrating to watch.
Pau has regressed as this series has gone on. The “soft” label is a substitute for real analysis. Bottom line – Pau’s facing a killer defense like the rest of the Lakers. Last game, Pau would wait too long to survey the floor and allowed the defense to reset. Tonight, I thought he attacked when he had the chance, but their players rotated phenomenally. The way Kobe overcame a great defense tonight, that’s what Pau will have to do in LA.
Such a depressing night. I’m at a loss. This team’s defense is so good, and they’re manhandling us on the boards again (in critical moments – although early we were getting the offensive boards). With Pierce catching fire, it just feels like 2008 all over again. And with Pierce catching fire, I’m running out of ways to defend Artest. His hesitation in the offense is hurting us. But let’s not make him a scapegoat – very few Lakers could do anything against the C’s defense tonight. We’ll have to sharpen up on both ends of the floor if we want to win.
Mimsy says
!$%%@#^&($@*!!!!
That is it. no more drinking games. Period.
Yes, I just typed out “period”. I am extremely frustrated by the way our team played tonight. I’ll be back to comment tomorrow when I’m sober, and better able to be coherent.
amyable says
Can’t blame this one on the refs. They (finally) let both teams play out there. I’d be pleased if every game from here on out was officiated the same way. Boston just completely outplayed us. The only reason it was close was because Kobe caught fire and Boston got foul-happy at the end.
All in all, just very depressing. Boston deserved to win tonight.
Steve W says
I’ve now talked myself back into this series. The Lakers in 1988 and the Rockets in 1994 both lost games 4-5 on the road to go down 3-2, before proceeding to win games 6 and 7 for the title. It can be done, it has been done, and Chick willing, it will be done again.
EDIT: and 463 obviously the Celtics are better than OKC or PHO. That goes without saying. My point was that this format penalizes the home team by putting what is often the critical game of the finals – game 5 – on the road. I have never liked it since they instituted it, even when it benefited teams that I root for (as in 1985 where the Lakers won critical game 5 at home before closing it out in Boston) and I don’t like it now.
Cdog says
To be a fan of a sports team – any sports team – you have to be willing to take the down nights as well as enjoy the good nights. This is definitely a downer night, but it is not our last night. I know I have been ranting on this blog all night, but basically this comes down to how the Lakers play on their home court. Switch games 2 and 3 (which you really could do), and each team has held serve. I was not one to believe the Celtics would go down easy, and I know our guys aren’t losing at home without one hell of a fight.
I can (and probably will) sulk about this loss (as well as game 4), until Tuesday nights game starts, but the Lakers absolutely cannot. They gotta come out pissed – the same way they were in game 1 – and hold their home court in game 6. The Celtics still have to beat us 1 more time, at our house, and that is no easy task. The fans better be ready to go bonkers – cuz if I was there I would, and the Lakers better be ready to hit shots and take blows.
We are not down and out yet. We are in a tough series – one that we can win, and cannot give up. We aren’t down 0-3 or 1-3, or even 0-2, but 3-2. And the only way to make sure we get that game 7 is to win our game 6.
I am as frustrated as many of you tonight, but this series and season are not over. We just have a big test on Tuesday that the Lakers need to pass.
Our backs are officially against the wall – down in a series and facing a close out game – for the first time since 2008. Let’s show em what we have learned.
Zephid says
I don’t see how you can blame the coach for defensive lapses, untimely turnovers, and missed FT’s. Once again we went into the 4th quarter with a good chance to win, only to blow it in the 1st few minutes because we a.) turned the ball over and b.) couldn’t get stops. It sucks because Fisher and Kobe are killing themselves every minute of every game in order to win, and it doesn’t seem like anyone else is killing themselves like that. Pau didn’t start going hard until about 6 minutes left in the 4th. Lamar didn’t start showing signs of life until about the same time. Artest was in a funk the whole game, and outside of 2 nice threes in the 2nd quarter, he was non-existent on offense and defense.
Credit our guys because they made it competitive in the last 5-6 minutes of the game, but we need that type of effort for all 48. Maybe our guys relaxed after winning Game 3, maybe not, but they need to come with the same energy and desperation that they had in that game. Since Game 3, I haven’t seen all 5 guys on the floor giving it everything they have at the same time. They’ve all been great in flashed individually, but I’ve yet to see them play great as a team, except for maybe the 2nd quarter of Game 3.
There are no more adjustments to be made. These teams know each other so well now that it’s all about who’s going to execute better, who’s going to play together as a team, and who simply wants it more. Tonight, the Celtics simply wanted it more than the Lakers, and it was obvious. I want to see these Lakers fight hard; I don’t want to see them crumble like they did in 2008. If they go down swinging, I can still enjoy the fact that the team fought. But if they go down meekly, then it’ll be like 2008 all over again.
Buttas says
Well said Cdog.
Let’s regroup and come out fighting!
Ben says
Cdog right on the money
Phillip says
Recap is up:
http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2010/06/13/lakersceltics-game-5-down-but-not-out/
chibi says
We’ve got HCA. The Celtics do not.
Lakers in 7.
ken says
Ron Artest another 2 for 9 game.
Blows 2 freethows at biggest time in the game.
Wrong spot on in-bounds when he was suppose to foul.
Forgot to get back as the deep man on Rondo.
Schooled by Pierce on defense.
if you followed Ron’s career in chicago, Indiana, Sac and Houston you would see a pattern of times like this that in big games at big moments Ron bricks..
Ariza 2009 shoots 52% from 3’s and 80% from freethrow line in finals.
Enough said.
ken says
Wondering why in a rough and tough game. DJ did not even suit up. Morrision did instead.
Wonder why in a game we could not shoot other then Kobe, Shannon Brown played ZERO ZERO ZERO minutes.
Wonder what Phil is thinking.