3rd Quarter
The beginning of the third quarter featured tough and physical basketball. The players were making their shots and the style of play was very entertaining to watch. The players became “feisty” and flashbacks of the old Lakers-Celtics rivalry began to come back. With 8:24 left in the third, the Lakers led 53-48 and the momentum began to shift toward Los Angeles. However, just as it looked like the Lakers would pull away, the Celtics put up a run. With 4:59 left in the quarter, the Celtics rallied back and took the lead, 54-53. The teams went back and forth and eventually Kobe hit back-to-back threes and gave the Lakers a four point lead. The quarter ended with the Lakers leading 62-60; entering the fourth quarter Bryant had 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 three point field goals made.
4th Quarter
In the final period of Game 4, the Lakers had Kobe Bryant on the floor along with several bench players. The opening minutes of the fourth quarter featured a Celtics team that was out-hustling the Lakers. The Lakers had no answer for the effort shown by the Celtics’ bench and especially Glen Davis. With 8:22 left in the quarter, the Celtics opened up a 71-64 lead. The momentum shifted to the Celtics and they expanded their lead to 8 with fewer than 8 minutes left. The Celtics’ bench was carrying the load, while their starters were resting on the bench. The Lakers began to score the ball, but could not get stops on the other end. The game was beginning to heat up and the players knew what was at stake. With about 5:30 left in the game the Celtics were still clinging to a 7 point lead, 79-72. The Lakers made a late push, but because of costly turnovers by Kobe and Pau, the Lakers never reclaimed the lead. The final score was 96-89 and the Celtics tied the NBA Finals at 2-2. Kobe put up 33 points, but his efforts were not good enough and the Lakers lost the game. Instead of taking a commanding 3-1 series lead, the Lakers are now going to play a pivotal Game 5 on Sunday in Boston.
Finals Thoughts
The Lakers could not match the Celtics’ effort and because of that, they lost the game. During the final stretch, the Lakers were unable to hold on to the ball, and the two turnovers by Kobe and Pau cost them the game.
Game 5 is going to be the game that will decide the series; the Lakers will either go back to LA looking for one more win, or down 2-3.
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