In a Game 5 that would put one team in the driver’s seat and one team on the ropes, Kobe Bryant came to play…the rest of the Lakers didn’t. The Celtics relied on strong performances from Paul Pierce and the rest of the “big four” to come away with a 92-86 victory to take a 3-2 series lead.
While the Celtics controlled the lead for much of the game, Bryant tried to take matters into his own hands in the third quarter where he scored 19 of the Lakers’ 26 points. Bryant hit tough shot after tough shot, frustrating the solid Celtics defense. But even after what looked to be a classic NBA Finals performance in-the-making, the Lakers still didn’t outscore the Celtics in the period – as Pierce pitched in 11 points of his own. The quarter, however, gave Lakers fans the hope that Bryant would will them to victory singlehandedly, as he has done many times before in his career. Perhaps even Bryant’s teammates were thinking the same thing? Unfortunately, Bryant just didn’t receive the help from the rest of the Lakers that he needed.
The Celtics on the other hand, displayed great cohesion within their starting unit. I’ve been critical of the Celtics starting-five throughout this series, noting that there hasn’t been a game where each of the “big four” put together a solid effort on the same night. Tonight was that game. It was easily Pierce’s best offensive game of the series, dropping 27 points in an array of isolation moves and patented shots from the elbows. Kevin Garnett didn’t look as old as advertised tonight either. Celtics fans will take this KG stat line any day: 18 points, 10 boards, 5 steals, 3 assists 2 blocks. Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo also combined for 30 points on 14-22 shooting. The big four performed up to our expectations tonight, and when they do that the Celtics are tough to beat.
Although the Celtics played like a true team (except for a pathetic display of teamwork by Pierce at the end of the first half), the same can’t be said about the Lakers. Their whole offense depended on Bryant. While this may be a “chicken-or-the-egg” scenario, Bryant’s effort to carry the whole team on his shoulders might have led to their downfall. I’m not sure one can even blame Bryant for taking over after seeing the effort that his teammates had produced in the first half, but it looked as though he didn’t trust them with the ball anymore. More often than not, this resulted in his teammates standing and watching Bryant operate by himself, allowing the Celtics defense to tighten the clamps on him even more. Bryant’s individualistic offense also meant that his teammates wouldn’t be in much of an offensive rhythm when they did get the ball, which was reflected in the team’s 39% field-goal shooting for the night.
While the Celtics had four players in double figures, the Lakers had just two – with Pau Gasol’s measly 12 points as the best supporting performance to Bryant. Ron Artest, Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum combined for 21 points on 9 of 21 shooting. The Lakers better find a way to find their rhythm again, and get some production out of their supporting (even starring) cast, or this series might not reach seven games. However, the Lakers have the benefit of having the final two games on their home floor, which may be just the edge they need to get back on track.
Do you think the Lakers will bounce back and push this series to a seventh game?
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Another great game in a classic Finals. I’m loving this, man.
I actually thought the Cs would have put an ass whupping on LA if the refs called an even game. This felt like the ‘fix’ game with every early whistle going LA’s way…but they were still getting worked.
And I actually hate the way Kobe played tonight. Those are the shots Boston wants him to take- long contested jumpers. The fact that he made so many of them speaks to his talent but if he takes those same shots again in G6, they’re done.
Indeed, this is a great Finals matchup. I’m not a fan of either of these teams, but this is just a damn good series – especially with the rivalry here.
Clearly Kobe isn’t going to outscore the Celtics all by himself, so he’s going to need to change his game up if they want to win. Definitely agree, those long contested jumpers are fools gold – not something you can rely on on a regular basis.
I’m really surprised that Kobe is having to do it all. He usually gets his team together.
Thanks for the comment, College Boy. It is a bit surprising, isn’t it, especially with all of the talent he has surrounding him. I would understand if he were alongside Kwame Brown and Smush Parker, but that just isn’t the case. I think a trip back to LA might just be the thing they need to turn it around though.