NBA Finals Game 3: Third Quarter Thoughts

Allow me to state the obvious. With the Celtics up 12 going into the start of the second half, it was imperative that the Lakers start the third quarter with some emotion and fire.

I didn't mean a technical foul when I meant emotion and fire.

Kobe Bryant had some words for one of the officials after making a basket. He wanted a foul. Looking at the replays, there was definitely no contact.

If there is anyone right now for the Lakers in need of getting their game together, it is Kobe. Missing shots, playing frustrated, and being on the bench a lot more than he would like due to foul trouble. And, he isn't getting to the free throw line. Right now, he's only been there once, and that was on the KG Technical back in the 1st.

Foul trouble is becoming an issue now for the Boston Celtics. Three guys, including Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, have three fouls, and Kendrick Perkins has four. Part of that is due to their very agressive defense, but now is not the time to let up on the throttle.

With 1:20 to go, this game may soon be out of reach if the Lakers don't start to shape up. The Lakers trail by 20. Bryant is starting to get his points, but he is whining just as much. Vladimir Radmonovic's play is putting the Lakers behind the eight ball. The bench and role players right now are absolutely ABSENT.

It's a complete 360 from the last Lakers time out, where Kobe Bryant was extremely vocal towards his teamates. Maybe he is starting to throw them under the bus?

Interesting with the game starting to get out of reach, Kobe Bryant is sitting. Questionable coaching move by Phil Jackson.

I think we just saw the play of the game with two of the key players to end the third quarter. Rajon Rondo fakes the behind the back pass while driving to the rim, then gets a bounce pass to a cutting Leon Powe for a flush. Right now, LEON POWE is the player of the game.

Boston 83 - LA Lakers 61