Archive for the ‘Game Recaps’ Category

ESPN Recap • Forum Blue & Gold • Silver Screen and Roll

Pace: 86 possessions (slow-ish)

Offensive Efficiency: 78 points/100 possessions (calamitous)

Defensive Efficiency: 103.4 points allowed/100 possessions (elite)

Thumbnail: The Lakers defense destroyed Boston’s offense, and when the game was in the balance, LA rebounded a third of its own misses in out-working and out-playing the Celtics to force Game 7 on Thursday. The status of Kendrick Perkins for that game is unclear after he left tonight’s game in the first quarter with a right knee injury, the exact nature of which is unclear as I write this.

Recap: Above all else, the story of this game is the fact that the Lakers’ defense just annihilated Boston’s half court offense with a combination of hard work and sound strategy—strategy that Boston can counter in Game 7 if they are up to it. But if there’s one concern that has dogged this team all season, even during this playoff run, it is the question of whether Boston’s offense—which ranked just 15th in points per possession this season—could produce in the half court against an elite defense.

They couldn’t tonight, and before you start ranting about missed lay-ups (there were a few) and dunks (there were two—hi, Shelden), give some credit to Phil Jackson and the guys in blue and gold. » More: Disaster in LA: Lakers 89, Boston 67

ESPN • Forum Blue and Gold • Silver Screen and Roll

“[The Celtics] know how to lose in the fourth quarter.”  ~ Phil Jackson

Luckily, they also know how to win.  After dominating the entire game, shooting an other-worldly 65% through three quarters, the Celtics were a vintage Kobe Bryant performance and a fourth quarter collapse away from being down 3-2.

Instead, the Celtics hold on to take what would seem to be a commanding lead in a series that has failed to have a clear-cut better team.  Most have said that the first team to win two in a row will win this series. Let’s hope they are right.

» More: Anything is Possible? Celtics 92, Lakers 86

ESPN • Forum Blue and Gold • Silver Screen and Roll

Exhale….

Breathe in…

Exhale…

Breathe in…

The Lakers are good.   The Lakers are really good.  The Lakers won the first three quarters of this game on the offensive end handily.  The Celtics merely got enough stops in the first three quarters to keep it close.  Then, the unthinkable to most.  The Celtics’ bench starts the fourth quarter with Ray Allen the only starter to remain on the court.  A surprising move by Doc Rivers, but it paid vast dividends as the Celtics proceed to 11-2 run to go up for good.

Nate Robinson was huge.  Glen Davis was huge. Tony Allen…could have been better…

I kid Tony only because I love him.  He has the hardest job on the entire team and he plays it really well.

All along we have been saying that the Celtics’ bench is their biggest asset and advantage and we have finally been proven right.  After three games showcasing some underwhelming performances from the bench, they finally stepped up to their billing.

Enjoy this one Celtics’ fans, because this series is a complete dog fight. » More: You Can Breathe Now: Celtics 96, Lakers 89

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This game felt like another Lakers buzzer beater win in the making.  I actually kept expecting it to come even with it being a three possession game with under a minute to go.  This Lakers team is just that scary.

The Celtics really showed some guts tonight.  Despite tonight essentially being a two man show between Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen.  This team did not show any sign of packing it in after giving up a 14 point lead and after rounds of devastating miscues following long stretches of stellar play.

Rondo sealed the deal with some huge free throws with a few minutes to go.  Props to ABC’s Audio crew for picking up that excellent sound byte of a Celtics player (Nate Robinson?) congratulating Rondo.

» More: Impending Film Session: Celtics 103, Lakers 94

ESPN Recap • Forum Blue and Gold • Silver Screen and Roll

Not a blowout, just the Lakers remaining in complete control throughout, imposing their will on the C’s for the majority of the 48 minutes tonight. Altogether, it was a thoroughly impressive effort by the defending champs, dominating the C’s on the board, in the paint and on the defensive end.

A line has been drawn in the sand and as of tonight, it was the Lakers that looked like the tougher team. They were the ones making the hustle plays and playing the tough physical D needed to be Champions. The good news is there are still plenty of games to be played, the C’s just need to answer the call. The Lakers won’t make that easy.

There were a lot of heroes tonight wearing yellow jerseys but you have start with the Spanish Llama, one Pau Gasol. Taking the knocks on his toughness to heart, he led the way for LA, logging over 46 minutes and putting up a crucial 23 points and 14 rebounds, (8 offensive), 3 assists and 3 blocks. Just a tremendous line that spoke volumes about just how much of an impact had on his contest. » More: Complete Command: Lakers 102, C’s 89