Game 2 Adjustments

The biggest adjustment for the Lakers will be rocking their Sunday white unis, the best in the business. The Celtics are the ones who need to make adjustments after the Lakers dominated game one. Without some major changes, the Celtics will be going home down 2-0, needing to win two of three at home to send the series back to L.A. The most needed adjustment will be an active, focused Kevin Garnett. In game one, he missed shots, didn’t rebound well, and was thoroughly outplayed by Gasol. The Celtics need a better KG in game 2. Also, Ray Allen has to stay on the court. Somebody has to help Pierce carry the offense, and that somebody needs to be Allen. The Celtics need his outside shooting to space the floor for their bigs and Pierce, and to open up lanes for Rondo. With the Lakers able to collapse on Rondo in game one, he was forced to pass when he got to the hoop. He must be able to create easy shots at the basket for himself and others. The Celtics didn’t get those shots in game one, and they need to in game 2. Another way to create easy baskets is to use the fast break. Rondo is extremely fast in the open court, and Pierce and Allen are excellent in the secondary break. They need to play under control, but somehow create and convert easy looks. Also, when Kobe is out of the game, the Celtics must take advantage of the Lakers bench. Considered a significant disadvantage heading into the series, the Lakers’ 7-10 players played well in game one. If the Celtics can’t take advantage when the Lakers’ subs are in, it will be a long series for the Celtics. On defense, KG has to keep Gasol from getting position for his post moves, and Perk and Sheed need to grab boards and neutralize Bynum. I expect to see more Rasheed and less Big Baby because Baby lacks the length to play up to par against the Lakers. Kobe will get his, but they can’t allow Fisher and Artest to get open looks. Also, the Celtics should notice by now that Michael Finley is way to slow to keep up with Farmar or Brown. The Celtics can win this game, but they will definitely need to make some significant adjustments to do so. If they lose this one, they are in TROUBLE. Beating the Lakers 4 out of 5 games is a very tall order, something I don’t think they will be able to do.

Game starts at 7 central tonight on ABC. We'll see if the Celts can tie the series up.

Enjoy

Dr. Bob