Still breathing
The Lakers, faced with a Sunday night elimination game on a home floor that they have defended well throughout the playoffs, pushed back against the Celtics in Game 5 of the NBA Finals with a hard-fought slugfest of a 103-98 win, forcing a Game 6 in Beantown on Tuesday night. It wasn't easy, and it certainly wasn't pretty, but the Lakers did what they needed to do, putting the champagne back on ice and forcing the Larry O to hop aboard a plane (or be carried on, we presume). It took a balanced effort to get there. Kobe Bryant again struggled with his shot after a red-hot first quarter, but the Lakers were the beneficiaries of big nights from Pau Gasol (19/13/6/2) and Lamar Odom (20/11/2/4), who took advantage of foul trouble with Kevin Garnett and PJ Brown, plus the absence of Kendrick Perkins in the middle, to play a strong game in the post. Both were big throughout, with Gasol setting the tone early with strong, physical play against KG.
There was a little deja vu, as well, when L.A. built another big first-quarter lead - this time 17 points - and lost it, then another in the fourth as large as 14 ... and lost that too. But a big steal from Kobe on Paul Pierce (who, with 38 points, six boards and eight dimes, was absolutely unbelievable) helped ice the game for the Lakers. Finally, they punched back when Boston tried to take the game away from them.
With the win, the Lakers are still in a large mathematical hole, but the odds of a series win did inch up a little more. It's a mistake to count them out until they are, in fact, out. As for Boston, they'll go back home with two cracks at a title, but no question, they had a crack at it on Sunday, and let it get away.
Save a very productive game from Jordan Farmar, it was another tough night for the L.A. bench. Phil Jackson tried a few different combinations, even dusting off Chris Mihm for a couple minutes at the start of the second quarter. The Lakers will definitely need more from the reserves in Boston if they're going to pull the upset.
The Celtics will want more from KG, who beyond his foul trouble Sunday missed key free throws and a late tip. He certainly wasn't pleased with how he played. There's also the worry that the Lakers may have taken Rajon Rondo out of the series. (No worries - Sam Cassell says he's ready and rarin' to go in Game 6, if need be.) There's certainly confidence in Celtics Nation for a strong game on Tuesday.
BDL takes a look at the game. Ian Thomson of SI.com sees success in Lakers balance. That might explain some of these high marks. They'll have to continue holding up effectively to Boston's swarming D and physical play to have a chance. It's a huge test, no question.
Mamba,
Please add me to the I still believe bandwagon. Have not turned on a TV or read the paper since Game 4. This will be my only post, but wanted to shout out some Laker love and let you know that our combined positive energy can hel win this thing.
Kobesbaaaaaad (and he is)
Posted by: Kobesbad | June 16, 2008 at 02:37 PM
I would love to see the Lakers take down the C's. I am getting tired of the four letter network's downplaying of the Lakers in this series. The Lakers have WON two games(so far), not because the Celtics blew chances to win, but because the Lakers found ways to win. None of the so-called experts on that four lettered network have said anything positive about the Lakers wins, but continue to bash a young team who in reality was not even expected to get this far. I am glad to see this team grow as much as they have. I did not expect them (lakers) to even be in this position with the turmoil that began with last off season. All I know is this, the Celtics better beat them now, cuz' next year, andmany to follow, the Lakers will be tough to beat!
Posted by: var8rfan | June 16, 2008 at 02:46 PM
I just find it very mature for a guy who's jumper has evaporated to up his game on the defensive side of the ball. I just hope our young players are picking up on that. Some of them have a tendency to play poor defense when they are shooting poorly.
If Kobe can sow that seed in them, it will make them all better players for years to come.
That is what you want your MVP to do.
Although, If I'm Rhondo, I'd be getting pretty mad/embarrassed about Kobe totally ignoring me on the defensive side of the ball. He should man up and take the ball to the rack every single time Kobe does that. I can't believe he kept passing up layups trying to set up Pierce for three point shots. He's supposed to make Kobe pay for that, and he isn't.
We're gettin' game 6.
Lakers in 7.
--Fearless
F the F'ing Celtics!
Posted by: Fearless | June 16, 2008 at 03:40 PM
Is anyone else sick of these pundits. It's almost like Lakerland has to apologize for winning that game. I had to turn down the volume listening to ABC' coverage. Bottom line is that we won the game. It is all about surviving! The Lakers have came a long way this season. Go LA!
Posted by: lakerwyo | June 16, 2008 at 03:40 PM
If Lakers play the same in game6, the way they played in game5. Lakers will loose in Boston!!!
I'm very happy Gasol & Odom finally man-up, and the overall defense is okay. But, if they cannot solve the pick'n roll with Pierce, Lakers will have a very hard time in Boston. Also, Lakers got to play much better defense on in-bound, screen plays. How many times did Celtics get a good look on those plays in the critical 4th quarter??!!!
I believe!!!
Lakers will either blow out the Celtics, or grind out another close game 6.
then....
Game #7 will show who truly has the heart of Champion.
and,
if PJ can make Red Aubeuch eat his cigar, instead of smoking it.
Posted by: bvh | June 16, 2008 at 06:29 PM
We, the Lakers, just have to take 1 quarter at a time.
Just like what Kobe said,
this is March Madness now.
There is only 8 more quarters to go, before Lakers return to their rightful post.
On top of the NBA.
Posted by: bvh | June 16, 2008 at 06:36 PM
I see crying Celtics...I hear the lamentation of their women...
Posted by: CornerJ | June 16, 2008 at 07:49 PM
Hey Guys,
Where is Ronny? I think I have been the most disappointed with his effort. He is an energy guys! When he is on the floor, you don't even know that he is there. He looks like he is feeling the pressure. He plays like his has glue on his shoes. The one thing you could always count on from him is energy and there is none out there. It says alot when Phil plays Mihm. That is a serious indictment of Ronny's play. He doesn't have to score but hustle and emotion will give us what we need. As far as the series goes, if Pau and Odom don't come with the same game together at the same time, then we have no shot. I have been a Laker for over 30 years and I just don't feel very good about what we are doing. It seems that we can blow them out and then just stop what we are doing. I like the suggestions that Van Gundy is giving on ABC (especially on defense) but these guys still don't know who to double or when to double. I say to only double Paul Pierce and Kobe should be the double guys since he has Rondo. Pau will have to hang in there with Garnett. He does a decent job when he is motivated like last game. Please don't hate...I am still a Laker but I have to call it like I see it.
D
Posted by: D | June 16, 2008 at 08:19 PM
Pierce could'nt hit an outside shot but he still got 30 points on Layups and Freethrows. Lakers need to defend Pierce better or they are history. Kobe has to stop taking so many jumpers, and Sasha has been hopeless the last 2 games.
Posted by: Stan | June 16, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Pierce's jumper was out to lunch but he still had 38 points on 7 layups and 16 freebees. (30 pts on layups and freeones) not a good sign for the Lakers. Unless they can stop Pierce from getting to the basket the Lakers will lose game 6. Kobe is taking too many jumpers.
Posted by: | June 16, 2008 at 11:22 PM
Sorry. I want to be a Laker fan but not until you get rid of Kobe. Yes, get rid of him. We will never win another championship with Kobe as a team leader. Either get rid of him or have a series of scimmages with Kobe playing against the whole team until he realizes he is NOT better than the team.
Posted by: peter | June 17, 2008 at 07:52 PM
I must say - I am shocked ! Stunned. What happened Kobe? I mean really? What is going on? I expect a major move again this offseason for the Lakers. Danny Ainge is really good GM.
Anyhow I hope they did not get tired on the Airflight, that is a LONG trip and you need all the rest in the NBA FINALS.
I am a Big NBA Fan, but I wanted a closer match-up. Poor Lakers. I guess the Refs could not cheat to force a Seventh Game because of the David Stern-Tim Donaghy Scandal? Any ESPN Insights on that one?
I also think perhaps, so it seems, that the Lakers wore "Sede Vacante" Caps or maybe I should "Mente vacante" Baseball hats? I mean really:
http://www.zazzle.com/vatican_baseball_cap_hat-148990466825652270
All I know the "Big Three" (Pierce, Garnett, Allen) went to the Vatican in Rome, Italy before the season with Doc Rivers to find a Common Basketball Philosophy, I am not sure what happened there? Anyone know about the Vatican-Roma Camp the Celtics had? I know Kobe's dad owns a team, I think in Milano? Maybe there is some special Latin Tridentine Mass Papal Ritual they attended to bless their Record Season?
Where were all the Hollywood Stars cheering on LA? I mean everyone loves to "jump on" the Hollywood Bandwagon, right? Like for example, Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson, Mike Huckabee, Chuck Norris Timothy Henneberry, George Michael, Anthony Hopkins, Robert De Niro, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Don Johnson, Clarence Kelly, Michael Bishop, Magic Irving Johnson, Sylvester Stallone, Jack Nicholson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, George W. Bush, Vince Young, Michael Vick, T.O., Kenyan West, Britney Spears, Monsignor Georg Gänswein, Sean O'Malley, Bernard Law, John Kerry, Ted Kennedy, Barack Obama, John McCain, Tony Blair, Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, Guy Richie, Mon. Bernard Fellay SSPX, Tom Delay, Howard Stern, Tony Armani, Eddie Murphy, Tom Hanks, etc.
I mean really, this was suppose to be the BIG TIME Lakers vs Celtics Rivalry FINALS, and I did not see many Hollywood Stars and other Celebrities at the Boston Garden there,why? DId David Stern and Senator Specter deny them invitations? Is Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens banned from NBA Games? Or is it traditional for them to need to receive an "Universal Indult", you know, to get into the Front Row Seats?
The crowd booed David Stern, is that Anti-Semitic? I felt weird.
Anyhow, Congrats to Paul Pierce (a LA Boy) -- we all can cheer for him, he is a secret-Lakers fan, I heard from a certain unknown Rafa Erofadaps,
Shhh!
NBA is Fantastic.
I can't wait for the Olympic Games in China, I hope Kobe plays.
- Jason McMichaels
Posted by: Sede Vacante | June 17, 2008 at 11:54 PM
I've been a dye hard Laker fan for as long as I can remember. This lost is very hard to take. But I still say that we need a guard that can penetrate with some consistancy to break down the other teams defense, right now we don't have that, no knock on Jordan and we also need someone who can hit the outside jumper on a regular basis, we don't have that either. And last but not least we need a rebounder, someone who is not worried about scoring. Next seasons Lakers should really worked souly on their defense.
Posted by: Nathan | June 18, 2008 at 12:42 AM
Congrats to our Boston Celtics for pushing that "Special Delivery" envelope to the Lakers!!! I've enjoyed reading the posts here for the duration of the series, the armchair quarterbacks giving me lots of laughs.
I'm not going to waste my time with a lot of put-downs on the Lakers. Both teams worked hard to get to The Finals. I think it was obvious to those who watched that the Boston Celtics are a well-oiled TEAM....TEAM being the key word. TEAM on the floor---TEAM on the bench.
Congrats to Paul Pierce - MVP
Congrats to the Boston Celtics TEAM
Congrats to the Boston Celtic Fans for their continuous support.
It's sweet being a New England Sports Fan nowadays. And go ahead, all of you who like to bash us and our teams, we're well seasoned at taking all the bashing. It only fuels our fire and loyalty..... and you know what they say about the last laugh.....hahahahahahahaha!!!!
Posted by: Cathie P. in Massachusetts | June 18, 2008 at 08:34 AM
Hello Lakers fans. I don't mean to be redundant here, but I said it before and I'll say it again "defense wins championships". If you don't believe me just ask Kobe. I hope the Celts and the Lakers can do this again next year it was exciting, at least it was for Celtics fans. One change I would like to see for next year is in the starting time back east, 9:00 pm was brutal for many of us over here.
Ciao for now
Posted by: viggie | June 18, 2008 at 08:46 AM
The Rolling Parade In Boston Today Was A Sight To Behold!!!!!! Till next year.....sayonara
Posted by: Cathie P. in Massachusetts | June 19, 2008 at 11:12 AM