Boston pulled the ‘desperate’ card and was able to take Game 4 last
Thursday.
Now its the Lakers’ turn to do the same.
In a game that was ugly from the start, the Lakers actually lead coming into the second half.
But Boston, in a stretch that I guess should be dubbed as ‘Big Baby Time’, was able to regain a lead and would keep it.
Once Andrew Bynum left the game due to tweaking his knee, the Lakers lost their inside presence. But they didn’t seem as intent on establishing it as they did in the first half.
Kobe simply didn’t have the energy to carry his team late in the game as he usually does. Even though he finished with 33 points.
But what really hurt the defending champs was the rebounding disparity. They were outrebounded 41-35. With most of the damage coming from the fourth quarter. Where ‘Big Baby’ and other Celtics were able to grab their own rebounds after a miss.
LA played much better defense this game, but just couldn’t knocked down the shots needed towards the end of the fourth quarter.
The Lakers had this game within reach and could have (and should have) won Game 4.
But Game 5 bodes in their favor.
Both teams have played with a sense of urgency after losing. You can bet that the Lakers will be playing that way on Sunday and should be primed to win Game 5.
Also, with the two days rest, LA’s leg will be fresher. This will be critical for both Bryant and Bynum.
Keys to the Game:
Rebounding
To put it quite simple, when the Lakers rebound better than their opponent, they win. Even without Bynum on the floor, the Lakers are at a better size than Boston. The game will be much better if the Lakers make sure they block out any player in or around the paint.
Rotation
If Bynum has to sit out (which he’s stated that he’s ’100 percent’ ready to play for Game 5), Phil may want to try DJ MBenga. MBenga is an athletic 7-footer who can play great off-ball defense and block shots. The only problem is he’ll get jumper happy or he’ll be in immediate foul trouble due to his aggressive play. But even if playing DJ will give Bynum the rest he needs for five more minutes, it can make a huge difference.
Keep it real, Lakers.
The Lakers are the better team, period. When I look at Boston, nothing about them impresses me other than their apparent resiliance. But they don’t seem to be able to play much schemed defense without being ‘foul-physical’. When Big Baby is the star of a game for you, you know your team isn’t as good as advertised.
With that said, other Lakers players have to step up offensively to relieve pressure from Kobe and Pau. Essentially this is a call for Lamar Odom to play better for Game 5. We seem to know the old saying “When Odom plays better, the Lakers better”.
He knows it, we know it.
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