A couple of hours from now will perhaps be the last battle of the L.A. Lakers against the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the NBA Finals at the Staples Center. The Celtics leads the series 3-1 and no team in NBA Finals history has come back from such a huge deficit. Staying alive in the series is the only option Kobe and company have on their minds. Even Lakers coach Phil Jackson is hoping for the same outcome. As for the Celtics, 48 minutes is the only time they have in finally vanquishing their rivals and claiming their 17th championship in 22 years. It's that close they could taste it. All they have to do is keep Kobe from getting a crack at his scoring rhythm for the whole game or else the celebration will come a little later than expected.
Mentally Ready
The Lakers skipped practice after viewing their game 4 loss. The Zen Master figured it was a good idea to give them (the players) a good rest to prepare for Game 5. He (Phil Jackson) feels the series is far from over, yet winning the whole series after being down 1-3 prove to be inevitable. Even Kobe's confident that he and his team have moved on from the terrible loss will have a high energy level of game come tip-off. They must play inspired basketball for the whole game if they want redemption.
2-3-2 Format
Since the adaptation of the 2-3-2 format in 1985, the Lakers chances of getting redemption and upsetting the mighty Celtics is pretty much slim. Even if they do pull off that crucial win, the next two games will be in Boston. No road team has ever won the last 2 games of the series since the new format was established. The only consolation for Kobe and the gang is to win Game 5 at least and redeem themselves in their home court.
The Kobe Factor
Mamba needs to step up his game another level if he wants to at least avenge their game 4 loss to the Celtics. A not so MVP performance scored only 17 points in game 4 and his team mates were a non-factor in the last stretch. The rest of the Lakers panicked when their 24 point lead was virtually erased after the Celtics run was sparked by the offensive plays of Ray Allen breaking down the Lakers' defense, James Posey's Clutch 3 pointers in the 4th quarter. But it was Paul Pierce strong defense on Kobe that created a huge turmoil in the Lakers offense. Kobe has to break the C's defense and hope that every shot he makes would go in.
Bench Mob
Jordan Farmar and Trevor Ariza created a spark for the Lakers in the first of game 4 and that what team needs to force a Game 6 in Boston. Sasha Vujacic must take every shot and with confidence. Getting a shooting rhythm out of three pointers for him would boost the Lakers' offense. He's a deadly shooter from the outside and that's what Celtics are keeping an eye on.
Shut down Big 3
The Lakers were able to control Kevin Garnett forcing him to take jump shots instead of posting up in the paint and score. Give credit to Pau Gasol for giving KG a hard time making high percentage shots. Another key for the Lakers' defense in game 4 was not giving Paul Pierce easy looks at the basket, challenging his shots and making him earn his points from the free throw line. That would be the key in staying alive in Game 5.
Be Aggressive
Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol must be aggressive whenever they have the ball. If Kobe can't score, these guys must step up. Pau Gasol was able to control Garnett in the post thus increasing his points production in the paint. Odom should keep his aggressive play every time he penetrates the Celtic defense. As long they have a strong start keep playing that way for 48 minutes in Game 5, it give a lot of pressure for Boston.
Kobe's Leadership
It's now up to Kobe to lead his team and boost their confidence. He must now put up MVP numbers and have his team mates work with him. His motivation can help his team contribute in a must win situation. His much needed help in the 4th quarter came in a little too late. He must be able to start the scoring run and hope the Celtics can't keep up.
It's Do or Die
One thing's for sure, Game 5 is a must win for the Lakers or it's time to pack for summer training camp. The confidence level will be high as tip-off is just less than an hour away. The home crowd will have to be a high level as well. It's going to be emotional, it's going to be loud at the Staples Center. Every time a Celtic touches the ball, expect loud boos from the Laker fans. It will be just like the old times. Jack Nicholson will have to do better at cheering his Lakers. if all else fails, Kobe and the gang will have a lot to ponder on once summer training camp starts.
No comments:
Post a Comment