The Celtics would certainly want to forget about their terrible loss in L.A. that should've clinched their 17th NBA title in 22 years. Now, the series shifts back in Boston and stage is set whether the C's will try to capitalize and win it all or let the Lake show take over and spoil their party yet again.
Everything is at stake for both teams. For the Lakers, a win would equalize the series and extend for a Game 7. The Celtics on the other hand, will try to silence their critics and make sure the Larry O' Brien trophy comes home to Boston. Game 6 will be an all important game and neither Boston or L.A. are taking things lightly.
Just ask Kevin Garnett. "Played like garbage" as he would describe his performance in Game 5. Kendrick Perkins could only watch his team from the sidelines as he couldn't do anything to help KG and the rest of the Celtics. Pau Gasol took advantage of it in every way. Sending KG in foul trouble early in 1st quarter of Game 5 gave a huge boost for the Lakers.
It will be a game time decision however for Perk if he's gonna play in Game 6. Ray Allen is ready to play for their huge game in Boston. Allen left the Staples Center right after the game due to a health issue with one of his children. They need his shooting touch to add some firepower to the Celtics offense. Coach Doc Rivers is confident Ray Ray will be playing in Game 6.
At least, that's good news for Paul Pierce. He intends to do whatever it takes to get that ring he so wanted. An NBA Finals MVP candidate, he still managed to score 38 points in a losing effort to Lakers. Pierce should motivate his team mates to be more aggressive not just on the offensive but also defensively.
Rebounding is also another concern coach Rivers. Having Leon Powe to start for Perkins didn't do any good for the Celtics. Veteran forward PJ Brown got extended minutes for his rebounding duties despite being in foul trouble like Garnett. They really need another reserve forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis to step up to the plate in case Perk is not in the rotation. Davis has yet to make an appearance in the championship series.
Still playing with a sprained ankle, Rajon Rondo needs to step up as well despite racking up 16 points in Game 5. They need his quickness to penetrate the Laker defense to create some shots for his team mates.
The Celtics must prevent Kobe Bryant from going one-on-one and get aggressive in the paint. They didn't double or triple team him everytime he drove to the basket. Going back to their usual 2-3 or 3-2 zone should be a good adjustment on the Celtics defense. It should take away the ball movement and the set up of passing lanes in Lakers' triangle offense.
Good ball movement will give the Celtics easy opportunities to score and make runs. The Big 3 must keep themselves out of foul trouble and get their scoring rhythm flowing. Creating second chance opportunities should keep the Celtics offense going. The supporting cast must make an impact that's why they have James Posey and Eddie House to rack up 3-pointers in the clutch.
This is the chance for Garnett, Pierce and Allen to finally earn their championship all season long. Being back in Boston could very well be an advantage for them. They shouldn't let the opportunity slip away again especially on their home floor. expectations will be high and the pressure is definitely on the Celtics. The Lakers will have to steal a win at the parquet in front of a hostile Boston crowd and perhaps upset the opposition.
For 48 minutes, these two teams will endure a physical battle come tip-off in Game 6. A game that could very well be a classic. Emotions will be high, the crowd will be rowdy and loud. Both teams are hungry to win. In the end, when the smoke is cleared, there can only be one.
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