Boston Looks to Even Series in Game 4 of 2010 NBA Finals

June 10, 2010

After a phenomenal game 2 performance in which he made an NBA Finals record 8 three-pointers, Ray Allen went 0-13 from the floor Tuesday night as the Boston Celtics blew a great opportunity to retain home court advantage. The Los Angeles Lakers took control of game 3 in the second quarter, and never gave back the lead.

Kobe Bryant scored a game high 29 points, and Derek Fisher put together an amazing 4th quarter shooting display that sealed the game for the Lakers. Los Angeles was held well below their playoff average by the tough and gritty Celtics defense, but Boston could get any shots to fall as they managed just 84 points at home.

Game 4 will be a true test of will as the Celtics are now in desperation mode. With the Lakers taking game 3 on the road, they have secured the fact they will have an opportunity to go back to Staples Center for at least 1 game. That may be a relief for L.A., but you can be that there won’t be a let-down as Kobe will keep his team focused on what would be his 5th Championship.

Kevin Garnett finally showed up in this series as he began the game with 3 straight buckets. He will need to do the same Thursday night if the Celtics are to tie the series up at two games apiece. Boston will need to either speed up the tempo when they are on offense or work a little harder on “D”. Tony Allen and Nate Robinson combined for 12 points on 5-8 shooting. It is still baffling that head coach Doc Rivers hasn’t realized the huge advantage the Celtics have in the open court. There were several fast breaks in which the Lakers “big men” simply couldn’t get back in time to play defense. Rivers needs to take advantage of his speed advantage the same way that the Lakers take advantage of their height and length under the basket.

The Vegas oddmakers have set the game 4 line at Boston -3.5 points. This is a 1 point increase over the game 3 point spread. Anyone who knows about NBA handicapping that the increase in a line from game to game is strictly based on the public’s perception of what’s to come. With Boston being down 2-1 and losing the first game on their home court, the public is subject to believe that the Celtics will rebound from their horrible performance and tie the series up. Basketball handicappers and NBA experts know enough about the science of sports wagering to not fall for the trap that the lines makers set.

Thursday’s game should be a much more highly contested game than game 3, but the Lakers may very well end up with another victory. Tune in as the 2 most successful NBA teams in history battle in game 4 of the 2010 NBA Finals.

Written by Glenn Andrew · Filed Under NBA

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