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Celts in 4 or 5? It could happen

Jun 10th, 2008 by Bill Burt

In my opinion, the Lakers, or really the Western Conference, are fakers.
They are good. I will give them that with Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. The problem is the Celtics are very good, maybe even great (I am leaning toward very good).
The problem is the Celtics are focused more on the prize. It means more to them — Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen … specifically — than it does to Lamar Odom or even Gasol.
The Lakers will probably win a game. My guess, though, is it won’t be tonight.
It would be Game 4, with Kobe scoring 90 points, or something like that. I believe the Celtics treat Game 3, tonight, as if it is Game 7.
Pierce is the key tonight. If he has a great game, so will Allen. And if those two are on, it’s lights out.
The Lakers have been disappointing thus far. They just aren’t tough enough, and I’m not referring to the physical play.
Do you agree? Is there a matchup advantage the Lakers will have over the Celtics tonight?
Send me you comments, observations or questions.
I have a story in today’s Eagle-Tribune with observations as they prepare for Game 3 tonight at 9 p.m. at the Staples Center.

Posted in Celtics | View Comments

  • jim-red sox nation west

    I cant believe the Fakers made it out of the west. Gasol is still a grizzlie and Odom is still a Clipper. They just arent winners. Kobe is Kobe. The best player on Earth but it wont be enough! They are too soft. Radmonavich and Vujacich play ZERO defense. They would rather shoot from half court before any defenders come close. I do know things can change…especially with the celts going on the road, but i doubt it. Its in the refridgerator, the doors closed, the lights are out and the Jello is jigglin.

  • http://blogs.eagletribune.com/sports/ Bill Burt

    Jim
    I believe you are overstating things a bit, but I get your point.
    Here’s a premise I have with the Celts taking this series: If Pierce keeps up with Kobe, which he has done with flying colors so far, then it comes down to Garnett and Allen vs. Gasol and Odom. While I like Gasol, he is no Garnett. And Odom does indeed still seem like a Clipper. He disappears when it matters most.
    Tonight is the night. If Celts can withstand early barrage and 10 point deficit, and be in the game in the fourth quarter, they will win … tonight.
    It won’t be easy, though. The Lakers are very good at home.
    Enjoy. Sorry I’m not there with you out west.

  • Cal

    Defense wins championships.
    The Lakers don’t play defense. I agree with Jim.

  • Dave

    I’m torn on what to think heading into Game 3 after how Game 2 ended. Prior to the fourth quarter the C’s just seemed to be the superior team. The bench has been huge for them and I think the starting five for Boston is better. The huge difference-maker in my mind has been defense. The Lakers have looked amazingly soft on D while the Celtics have been the complete opposite of that and I think that’s the biggest reason for the 2-0 lead.
    The fourth quarter though…what do we think of that? The EEI morning show guys posed an interesting theory saying that in Game 2 the Celts learned they could whoop the Lakers but also got a good wakeup call so they don’t get cocky. That may have merit but I’m worried that instead of sucking the life out of the Lakers with a 30-point win, they gave them hope. They tasted success that may have given them the confidence a big loss would have taken away.
    Of course these guys are pros and most likely what happened in the last game doesn’t matter! While I don’t think the Lakers did what they needed to to get fouls called in Game 2 (drive somewhere near the hoop) I expect the call discrepancy to swing the other way beginning tonight. I still think the Celts are the better team though – sneaking suspicion they get the L tonight but am feeling good about the chances for the next banner in our rafters!

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