Looking into the final two games...

[Real Deal]

Let's go back to square one:

 

1) Phil Jackson stated that the key match-up in this series was going to be Gasol and Garnett. The idea was that, because Pierce and Rondo were being defended by Artest and Kobe, Garnett would be outmatched on both the offensive AND defensive end, which would lead to frontcourt dominance, even with an injured Bynum. Gasol basically confirmed the mismatch when he made comments about Garnett losing a step, doesn't matter what he said afterwards (about him adjusting his game). Garnett took it to heart, and he put it on Gasol. At that point, Rivers began to out-coach Phil Jackson, allowing Garnett to be the most aggressive player on the floor, setting a tone for the Boston offense that was having trouble to begin with.

 

2) With Bryant sagging off Rajon Rondo, it allowed him to help Gasol...but in turn, it gave Rondo a chance to set up plays and pull up for easier jumpers.

 

3) Going back to Boston, the crowd and the overall environment fired up the Celtics' bigs, and they played a more physical game against an intimidated Gasol, pushing him out of the paint and forcing him out of his comfort zone, 16-18 feet away from the rim. Home cooking also provided a spark for Paul Pierce, who took advantage of the screen and rolls, abusing Odom and Walton multiple times, and even having his way with Artest when Ron was slacking off and letting him catch the ball in his spot.

 

The first half of the last one (#3) was devastating because, without Bynum in the post (playing just 12 minutes the other night, and an on-and-off 30 minutes last game), the Lakers have no post play, which breaks the triangle and forces bad spacing along the perimeter. Bad spacing = easier defense for Boston, and that equals more turnovers for the Lakers, as well as contested jumpers for LA. This provides the Celtics with longer rebounds, disabling our advantage under the rim (second chance points) and igniting a fast break that leads to our weak transitions and, ultimately, a bucket for the Celtics.

 

How do the Lakers adjust? First, we need more post play. Gasol, Bynum, whoever...they need to be in the post. Eliminate poor spacing. In 2004, the Detroit Pistons ate us alive because of our poor spacing, and our finesse play led to poor spacing in 2008, where we lost once again.

 

We also need role players hitting their shots. Artest, Fisher, Farmar, Vujacic...all need to knock down the open jumpers being fed to them. Boston will give them shots all day long if it means containing Kobe more than they did in Game 5, so it's their responsibility to make them pay for it.

 

Finally, we need to play better defense. We really don't need an adjustment, just more physical play on that end of the floor. Jump to contest shots (ODOM), continue to close out on Ray Allen (something we do an excellent job of, especially Gasol when switched), and force the ball out of Paul Pierce's hands (stop letting him catch it and get to the elbow).

 

The final games are in Los Angeles. If the necessary adjustments are made, the fans are into it, and the bench feels it, we have a good shot at winning this in an epic seven games, but it won't be a cakewalk. Boston will show its ugly face every game, and we need to exceed expectations right out of the gates, keep our foot on the gas, and execute until the clock hits zero.

[Poe]

I've stated before that the Lakers starting line up has a clear advantage over the Celtics starting line up when Bynum is healthy and nobody is in foul trouble. However, the Laker bench has yet to outscore the Celtic bench IIRC.

 

I think a big key that's keeping this series so close is the Celtics' superior bench play. We've seen big games from Nate and Big Baby, and Sheed and Tony have done a solid job in their roles as well. In order for LA to win this series, the bench absolutely needs to step up. Odom needs to be huge, and somebody else needs a big game. Whether it's Sasha, Shannon, Farmar, it doesn't matter.

 

Simply put, if the Lakers don't get some better play from their bench, their chances of winning are slim.

Edited June 15, 2010 by Poe

[Real Deal]

I've stated before that the Lakers starting line up has a clear advantage over the Celtics starting line up when Bynum is healthy and nobody is in foul trouble. However, the Laker bench has yet to outscore the Celtic bench IIRC.

 

I think a big key that's keeping this series so close is the Celtics' superior bench play. We've seen big games from Nate and Big Baby, and Sheed and Tony have done a solid job in their roles as well. In order for LA to win this series, the bench absolutely needs to step up. Odom needs to be huge, and somebody else needs a big game. Whether it's Sasha, Shannon, Farmar, it doesn't matter.

 

Simply put, if the Lakers don't get some better play from their bench, their chances of winning are slim.

Our bench outscored them last game, just barely.

 

I think that part has more to do with SOMEONE ELSE just stepping up and scoring for us, not exactly our bench beating theirs out. Basically, you can look at it like this: Bynum is part of our bench, because Odom is playing starter minutes...yet, neither can contribute for us, so the bench has nothing aside from Farmar, Brown and Vujacic, three shot-chuckers.

 

If Odom goes 15/10, or even Bynum grabs that duo in his statsheet, we have an excellent chance of winning. However, with Artest and Fisher shooting poorly, and Odom and Bynum playing like Darius Miles and a 45-year old Shaq, we're going to need a 40-point outing by Bryant, and a 25-point game by Gasol, and excellent defense by everyone, just to pull this out.

[Need4Sheed]

I have a feeling it's goodnight for LA tonight.

 

I think there are too many adjustments for the Lakers to make in this crucial game.

[Warren2ThaG]

Time to own Boston 2 games in a row... Kobe for Finals MVP 1nce again while LeBron is watching at home.

[Dr. Feelgood]

I've got 60 bucks on this game in favor of the Lakers. I just don't see the Lakers losing at home again to the Celtics. For one, they'll be at home with a very fired up Laker crowd. I honestly see Gasol and Artest stepping up big in tonight's game. I can't wait for it.