Los Angeles and Boston Square Off in Game 2 of NBA Finals

June 6, 2010

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics will go at it again Sunday night at Staples Center as they play game 2 of the NBA Championships. Kobe Bryant scored 30 points as the Lakers handled game 1 with a 13 point win at home over Boston. The aging Celtics looked to be a step or two slow in game 1. If they continue to allow the Lakers big men to dominate the inside, this series won’t last very long.

Many NBA analysts predicted that the defending Champions would win this series in 6 or 7 games due to the home court advantage and the 2-3-2 format in the Finals. However, if Kevin Garnett doesn’t improve on both offense and defense, this series might not last that long. Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol got the best of Garnett on Thursday. Combined they went 12-20 shooting (60%) for 33 points and 20 rebounds. KG’s offensive numbers were right on par with his playoff average, but he only managed to grab 4 rebounds in the 13 point loss in game 1. He will need to be much more aggressive under the basket if the Celtics are to have any chance of winning game 2 on the road.

Paul Pierce played well despite being guarded by Ron Artest. He had 24 points with 9 boards and 4 assists, but it won’t be up to Pierce to get the Celtics a title this season. Rajon Rondo will be the deciding factor in this series. He sets the tone and dictates pace for Boston. If he can penetrate the lane and force the Lakers defense to collapse around him, he will open up shots for the Celtics perimeter players. This is when Boston is at their best.

My NBA prediction from the start was that the Lakers would win in 7. I still feel this series will be long and intense. Tune in Sunday night as the best 2 teams this season and in the history of the NBA square off for game 2 of the 2010 NBA Finals.

Written by Glenn Andrew · Filed Under NBA

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