There were multiple plays in the 4th quarter of last night’s NBA Finals Game #5 that could be considered ‘momentum shifting plays’. But there was only one play that in my mind should be considered the dagger. It stemmed the tide of the Lakers 4th quarter comeback, and it put Boston in a position down the stretch where it was their game to lose.
With less than a minute remaining and the Lakers swarming, Garnett was forced to make a tough lead pass to Pierce on the inbounds. Trying to tow the right sideline, Pierce had to think fast and saw a streaking Rondo for the pass. Although Rondo certainly could have held the ball and killed some more clock with under 40 seconds remaining in the game, with the Celtics up 5 points, he chose to put up a tough lay-up to extend the lead to 7 points. Game Over!
What amazes me more each time I watch the replay back, is the degree of difficulty of each sequence in the play. Garnett made the very tough lob inbounds pass to Pierce, he in turn showed great court vision getting the ball to Rondo in a crunch, and the most amazing of all was Rondo getting the perfect spin for the kiss off the glass, seemingly releasing the ball for the lay-in while behind the backboard. Damn, that’s puttin’ in work….
