NBA Finals Game 5 Review
(Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers)
The Celtics took game 5 of the NBA Finals giving them a 3-2 lead in the series. The bad news for the Celtics is that the last two games will be in L.A. if necessary. Kobe had a masterpiece and scored 38 points but not little to no help from his teammates. The Celtics were lead by Paul Pierce and won 92-86. The Celtics are just one game away from winning the NBA Finals 2 out of the last 3 years. They won in 2008 and Lakers won last year in 2009.
The Boston Celtics have never lost a 3-2 lead in the NBA Finals and a Phil Jackson coached playoff team has never lost a series after winning game one. The Lakers claim that they are not scared because they are a good team and playing at home for the remaining part of the Finals. Kobe again, only got a little help from Pau Gasol. The rest of the team was a disappointment. The themes in the Lakers victories are that they have strong play from someone other than Kobe and Gasol. Bynum played 32 minutes last night but was ineffective. Odom has an ok game but Artest had yet another disappointing game. The experiment of replacing Trevor Ariza with Ron Artest appears to be a failure.
The Celtics finally had a big game from Paul Pierce who was the Finals MVP in 2008 when they last won the championship. Pierce got plenty of help from Kevin Garnett. KG had a double-double with 18 points and 10 boards. KG also had 5 steals and 2 blocks. Rondo had 18 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, but he did make 7 turnovers. The Celtics didn't need much help from their bench in this game.
The Celtics can smell victory only needing one win with 2 games to go. They know it won't be easy as both games if necessary are in Los Angeles. For the Lakers to win championship number 16 they will need help from someone other than Bryant and Gasol. Artest and Odom will need to have a big game to force game 7. The Celtics know they just need one more victory to raise a record 18th Championship banner. Boston will need their veterans to continue their solid play have their floor general Rajon Rondo keep running the show. One more big game from Pierce and Garnett could spell the end for the Lakers.
By Steven Spector
