Lakers Head Back Home on a 3-2 Hole

“Beat LA, Beat LA” was the chant thundering at the Garden, “One More” was what Pierce said, as I flash backed to 2 years ago when the Lakers body language looked as gloom as this one. The Leprechauns are 1 win away from claiming their league high 18^th title, 10^th at the expense of the Lakers. The Lakers were out of synch reverting back to their old bad habits of one man team, the game was really not as close as the scores indicates, Lakers had a chance at the end, probably the only bright spot, that considering how bad they played, they had a chance to steal it. Lakers had 12 assists on 31 field goals, Kobe shooting 12 more times than the whole bench combined, sure he had an outstanding 3^rd quarter, but in the end, if it didn’t generate a “W”, that sure was a waste of scoring display. Pierce had his best game making Artest look nothing like the defensive stopper the Lakers pushed to get. Garnett and Rondo also had strong games and now look to get 1 more and solidify themselves in the hallowed halls of Celtic lore.

Leprechauns.

Krypto-nate. Came down to earth a bit, 10 minutes, 4 pts, and 4 dimes.

Tony Allen. Allen contributions are not measured in points, in this case 4, it is in how difficult he makes it for Kobe to dominate, Kobe went off this game 13/27, but never got his teammates involved, for Allen to stay out of foul trouble while playing him has been impressive.

Big Baby. How do you follow up a career game? Lay an egg, Davis took 1 shot missed, 0 points, 3 rebounds.

‘Sheed. Bench played very little, including only 15 mins from ‘Sheed, he did hit 1/3 and finished with 5 points, he continues to wreck havoc when he’s on the floor.

Grumpy. Like Allen, Perk does not have to contribute offensively, his 7 boards are valuable as is his presence in holding down vs. the Lakers bigs, Bynum only got 1 rebound in 32 mins.

Allen. Slowly shooting his way back, still has not made a 3 pointer since game 2, still had 12 pts.

KG. A double double for the ticket, you know that’s not good, KG also had 5 steals on the night to go along with his 18 pts, KG actually has looked pretty good offensively all series, so much for him losing a step.

Rondo. 18 pts, 8 assists, save for his 7 turnovers, this may have been a blow out.

Pierce. The Lie had his best scoring game, totally making the addition of Artest look like a failure, 12/21 shooting, 2/4 from downtown, for 27 points, only 1 / 2 freebies, not bad.

Lakers

Walton. Don’t understand why he doesn’t play more, 7 minutes, no points, 1 assist, oh that’s why.

Farmar. 14 minutes, no field goals 0 /4, again you don’t have to score to contribute, had very little to nothing in the other categories, hey I hear Ridnour will available, what do you think Mitch?

Vujacic. Scored series high 5 pts, now has 10 times more points than last Finals, Machine needs to be over hauled, it’s beyond broken.

Odom. 8 pts, 8 rebounds, decent right? Not enough LO needs to be aggressive but after 5 games it’s clear it’s not going to happen, most disappointing of the series so far.

‘Drew. 1 rebound in 32 minutes, I don’t care if you’re playing with 1 leg, if you’re almost as tall as the goal and weigh as much, surely you should get more than 1 rebound. Fail huge!.

Ron Ron. Had chance to put Lakes in position to steal it, could not hit a freebie. Arggh! Why do you think they call them FREE throws, no one is guarding you! Dammit Lakers you’re gonna give me an ulcer.

Fish. 2/9 shooting, but got more rebounds than ‘Drew, damn ‘Drew are you kidding me? Worried? Nah, he’s got a dagger or 2 to hit still.

Gasol. The Spaniard had a double double but his lowest output so far as KG has put the clamps on him, 5/12 shooting, 12 points, 12 rebounds, you need to get 20 Pau especially when only Kobe is showing up.

Mamba. When MJ’s Bulls were dominating I always figured if team would let him go beserk ,they WILL win, Jordan was not gonna outscore the opposing team, let his team mates get involved and you’re in a world of shit, for MJ can score pretty much at will, no different with these Lakers. Kobe can pretty much scores any time he wants, so what? Boston wants him to take all the shots, if he’s not feeding the rock to his team mates, they become spectators and they lose. 27 shots including 10 from down town, not gonna get it done.

Player of the game. The Lie, with scoring a series high and making Artest look ordinary.

X-Factor. KG, besides continuing to play well offensively, his 5 take aways show he is still a fierce defender.

Should Have Been Benched. Walton, that’s why you don’t play Luke, sometimes you’re way to unselfish, stop thinking and play dammit.

Laker Hater. The Lie, for having good games vs. LA, since he joined the league

Overtime: The last time the Lakers trailed 3-2 and won? 2002 Conference Finals vs. Sac town. Bostn lost a 3-2 lead last year vs. the Magic, of course KG was not available, neither was reserve Powe, don't see this team choking, but they have a tough test as they must win the next two in LA, where Lakers have been dominant for 3 years, of course the ony team to score 2 wins in that span, was of course, most of these Celtics. Expect a fallout like 2004 if Lakers cannot defend their homecourt.