NBA Finals Game 2: Fourth Quarter Thoughts

The Lakers are off to a promising start. I like the fact that Kobe has found Ronny Turiaf for a few shots at the rim, but eventually, with the game still at double digits, Bryant needs to start taking some shots and drawing contact. The Celtics are still in a little foul trouble, and the Lakers right now have not exposed that fact.

I'm starting to get around to the way Rajon Rondo is playing. I didn't like his lack of agressiveness early on, but with the fact that he has 15 assists to this point, I'm starting to like it.

Right off a timeout, poor defense by the LA Lakers. Inbounds pass goes into Leon Powe, and he goes coast to coast for a flush. Embarassing defense.

Great to hear the crowd chanting Leon Powe's name. He deserves it. This is the best night of his NBA career.

Important last six minutes or so of the game. If I'm Phil Jackson, I'm thinking this game is out of reach, but I absolutely want momentum going into game three. My players need to make sure they are leaving everything out on the floor now to set some kinda of a standard going back home.

The Lakers have cut it down to 13 thanks to some important three pointers. With under four minutes to go, I still don't see the game in doubt, but it is definitely a promising finish for the Lakers. Good to see Fisher knock one down.

And just as I write that, out of the quick Celtics timeout, James Posey hits a three to bring it back up to 16.

Radmanovic cleans up a Bryant miss, and then after a Posey no-go, Bryant hits a three of his own to make this one a little interesting. Jeff Van Gundy notes it is a 21-7 run for the Lakers to cut the Celtic lead to 11.

Maybe I should just not say the game is out of reach. The Laker defense is shutting down a currently-dismal Celtic defense. Two straight steals, a Vujacic three, and a Radmonivic dunk, cut this one down to four. BTW, Radmonovic CLEARLY took an extra step. Where are you referees? Pay attention!

A couple of Bryant free throws cuts this one to two, but a foul on the Lakers sends Paul Pierce to the fres throw line, where he hits two to make it a four point lead with 22 seconds left. What will Phil Jackson draw up in this timeout?

Bad play by Vlad Radmonovic. He has it at the top of the circle and instead of getting the ball to Kobe Bryant, he goes the opposite way and finds a covered Sasha Vujacic who gets his shot blocked by Paul Pierce. QUESTIONABLE to say the least. The Celtics get a couple free throws to seal the deal.

Boston 108 - LA Lakers 102.

Important win for Boston to hang on to home court advantage by winning a couple at home. The Lakers have to have confidence, however, that they could cut a 24 point defecit to two in about 7 minutes.

In my opinion, the Lakers need to win ALL THREE in LA on Tuesday, Thursday, and next Sunday, because of the Boston Home sweep. It's tough to win three in a row in the playoffs, but if the Lakers want to prove they are a great team, it's time to come together and be on the same page.