Kobe and Lakers Need to Step up Defense Tuesday Night

June 15, 2010

The Boston Celtics are just 1 win away from securing what may be their most improbable title. A hard fought defensive effort led to a 92-86 win at home in Game 5 over the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers came into this series as the top seed in the West and were 2 to 1 favorites to win the Championship over the aging Celtics. However, after a gritty win in Game 2 at Staples Center, many NBA handicappers started to change their perspective on this team.

This series was predicted to go 5 or 6 games by most basketball experts, but after trading wins through the first 4 games, Boston is now just one win away from the title with a convincing win in Game 5. As expected, Paul Pierce led the charge for Boston as poured in 27 points on 12-21 shooting. Kevin Garnett woke up in a Game 3 loss at home, and has been instrumental in the wins at home in Games 4 and 5. His presence inside the paint has made it difficult for Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. Garnett has obviously lost a step over the years, but he makes up for it in experience and length.

Rajon Rondo has become one of the most dominant point guards in the league over the last few years, and has made the Los Angeles guards look slow at times. His motor is always running at full speed which translates to many steals and rebounds on the defensive end of the floor. Boston has so many weapons off of the bench that it’s almost impossible to stop them. Game 4 was dominated late by Nate Robinson and Glen Davis. Robinson and Davis combined for 4 points on 2-5 shooting and the Celtics still won comfortably.

Although the Celtics seem to have a decided edge in this series it would not be far fetched to believe the Lakers could pull this series out with consecutive wins at home in game 6 and 7. Tune in Tuesday night as the Los Angeles Lakers look to force a game 7.

Written by Glenn Andrew · Filed Under NBA

Comments

Got something to say?