The one thing we can take from Game 5 is that the Lakers have heart. They could have quit and to be honest I thought they would. The task they have in front of them is a daunting one. I will go as far to say that if the Lakers won the NBA Championship that it would be the greatest comeback in league history. The Lakers once again blew huge leads and Kobe did not play well after the 1st quarter, but they ground it out. They did what they had to do to extend the series. Until a team has four wins anything is possible. I don't think you will see a lot of people jumping back on the Lakers bandwagon, but they are at least waiting at the bus stop.
The Celtics are playing a dangerous game. Anyone who is watching this series can see when the Celtics lock in defensively, they can strangle the life out of the Lakers. That is why they can come back from any deficit; but the Celtics have been notoriously slow in starting games and this time they couldn't come all the way back. Paul Pierce has been outstanding the last two games. Now I am not a coach, but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night so the Lakers may want to either: (a) force him to make 1000 jump shots; or (b) double him. Up to this point the Celtics defense on Kobe Bryant has been nothing short of brilliant throughout the series, but, with that being said, the longer you play Russian roulette with a serial killer, the more likely you will get shot.
The pressure is clearly on the Celtics. If the Lakers win Game 6, the amount of pressure on the Celtics will be bigger than THE HULK for Game 7 with the best player in the league trying to cement a legendary comeback. Celtics fans, you don't want that.
What happened to the curse?
yeah I choked tonight
I fully expectected the LakeShow to win last night, anything else would have been a disgrace. Every team has pride and if the lakers would have lost , and allowed Boston to win on their home court, I would have lost all respect for em, even though KG choked big time and from what I've seen so far, if its up to him then the lakers will win the series cause he doesnt possess that killer instinct. As far as pressure, I dont think there is any on the celts. Remember, EVERYONE picked Kobe and the Lakers to win and win easily, The Celts were not given a chance and now that lakers are on the brink of losing it all, all the pundits are trying to do damage control and redeem themselves from making that "glamor pick". If the lakers do comeback and win, I don't see how it would be the greatest comback, when according to everybody and their momma, they were suppose to win. Heck based on the logic i've seen used in the media, when/if the Lakers lose, it will be the biggest "Choke" in finals history!
Agreed Eli!
This is one finals I'll be glad to see end!
The Lakers are prolonging the inevitable and the Celtics are afraid to fire the kill shot.
I have little doubt this ends Tuesday night but this is taking too long.
And the idea the Lakers have a chance is hilarious.
I guarantee the Lakers come all the way back. And win.
Tell Littal to give me my respect
It's on tonight