June 16th, 2008 – Dr. Browntorious
Well it wasn’t pretty now was it? But a win is still a win, and the season is still alive for the Lakers. Unfortunately for Lakers fans all of those questions regarding Kobe Bryant’s offensive performance thus far in this series have still not been answered. He did improve on his performance in Game 4, however Game 5 was definitely not a tape Kobe will be putting in the all-time performance collection any time soon.
Although Kobe scored 25 points, he did it on only 8-21 shooting and finished with a whopping 6 turnovers. Once again give credit to the defensive tag team of Paul Pierce and Ray Allen for hounding Bryant from start to finish. But amidst Kobe’s continued shooting struggles a new ray of hope emerged. Defense. For all the talk of the Celtic’s ability to defend the Lakers both one-on-one and as a team, Kobe Bryant served up a bit of defense and grit of his own last night. Fight fire with fire right? Kobe was everywhere last night, like spiderman he was swooping in to help defend the Big Three, and quickly back again on his own man to shut down the opposition scoring. Kobe finished the game with a game high 5 steals, but it was also his numerous deflections, bumps, and charges taken that set the tone defensively for the Lakers.
Probably the key defensive play of the game for either team, came at the hands of Kobe Bryant when he stripped Paul Pierce of the rock from behind in the closing minutes of play with the Lakers up by just 2 points. The steal led to a fast break dunk that ignited the crowd, and certainly turned out to be the nail in the coffin of the Celtics on this one. This was the type of defense we saw flashes of during the regular season from Bryant, and certainly the type of defense that highlighted Bryant’s international play last summer for team USA in the FIBA America’s tournament to qualify for the Olympics.
However, Kobe Bryant has still not been able to solve the Celtics stifling defense. Given Kobe is one of the most gifted offensive players of all-time; this has got to be quite the pat on the back for the Celtics. With the series now shifting back to Boston for games 6 and 7 get ready for a defensive and gritty battle for the remainder of the NBA Finals as Boston’s defense at home is ‘tighter than a nun on a Sunday.’ The game had lots of other new developments and nuggets of information that are important to watch for Games 6 and 7.
Dr. Browntorious’ Game 5 Highlights and Lowlights:
- Kendrick Perkins was sorely missed in Game 5. If Perkins was healthy and plays Game 5, this series is over. For one reason and one reason only, defending Pau Gasol. Garnett did an admirable job on Gasol, however the speed and agility of Garnett is much better served defending a player of Lamar Odom’s abilities. Pau Gasol plays a much more deliberate big man style of offense in the post that does not favor Garnett. Perkins however with his big frame, and lanky reach gives Pau Gasol fits in the post. Gasol in Game 5 clearly enjoyed the night off from Perk while he posted a solid game of 19 pts, 13 boards, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks, all the while committing 0 turnovers. If Perkins is unable to play in Game 6 we can expect more of the same from Gasol. How will Doc Rivers adjust?
- The Lakers have got to be concerned that Sasha Vujacic continued his poor shooting performance in Game 5. Going just 2-10 from the field and shooting 0-5 from beyond the arc in 20 minutes of play is an unwelcome sight. If the Celtics don’t have to close as hard on the Lakers shooters, it will clog things up even tighter for Bryant and Gasol. Keep on eye on this.
- The physical toll its taking on Ray Allen to guard Kobe Bryant may be starting to affect his offensive game. He shot 4-13 from the floor, and certainly seemed to lose a bit of hop in his step in coming off screens looking for his shot. The Celtics have to hope that making the trip back home to Boston rejuvenates Jesus Shuttlesworth.
- Paul Pierce was once again ‘The Truth’. Without the modern day Celtic great, Boston would not have been able to keep this game close, or once again bounce back from a horrendous start to this game. I expect nothing less than an All-Star performance from Paul Pierce in Game 6 back in Boston. If this series should end in the favor of the Celtics, Pierce has done more than enough to now solidify his choice as the Finals MVP.
- Phil Jackson must have a stress ball hidden deep in the palm of his hand that we cannot see. If you are a coach, how can you mentally hold it together when players like Pau Gasol, Luke Walton, and Sasha Vujacic make ridiculously silly and unnecessary fouls in the closing minutes of the ball game when your opponent is in the bonus? Phil Jackson is a great coach and teacher, but how can you teach common sense? Luke and Sasha are notorious for bone head plays such as these, but Pau Gasol? C’mon man, you’re better than that. If the Lakers want a shot at even winning one game out in Boston, they better clean up their act in this department.
- Eddie House is quickly becoming recognized for his ability to make big shots in the clutch. How can the Lakers continue to leave this guy wide open defensively, when the game is close and the Celtics are making their final push? You would think the Lakers would have learned their lesson following the Game 4 clinic Eddie House put on in the 4th. Look for Eddie House and experienced veteran James Posey to log the bulk of the minutes down the stretch of the final two ball games in Boston.
- Either Rondo’s ankle is bothering him more than we know, or his confidence is shaken after Games 3 and 4. He looked lost out there offensively and defensively for the Celtics, contributing a 1-7 shooting performance and two turnovers in just 14 minutes of play. Look for Rondo to enjoy the home-cooking more than any other Celtic player, as the Celtics must be hoping a return home is just what the doctor ordered.
If I missed some keys to Game 5 that we need to be aware of for Game 6, post your thoughts for our readers.
I’m out like Rondo in the 4th quarter.
Game 6 – June 17th, 9 p.m. EST in Boston
