Game 3- What to Look For

Game 2 was a great game, and entertaining as it was, we saw some unusual things. It was a surprise that the Celtics won while Paul Pierce and KG were absent on offense. Kobe Bryant getting five fouls so quickly (on some absolutely ridiculous calls) was a surprise as well. I never would've imagined the Lakers would lose if they got 21 from Kobe and so much production from Gasol and Bynum. There are a few things that the Lakers can change to give themselves a better chance in game 3, but the main adjustment is that Artest/Odom/Fisher have to shoot better. Kobe was taken out of his rhythm with the foul trouble, and the combo mentioned shot so poorly (4 for 21, 1 3 pointer)that not having Kobe at his best was a fatal blow. Also, the Lakers started the game with crisp passing and ball movement that tapered off for most of the rest of the game. If they move the ball better, working inside to out, they will make more of the perimeter shots. Making those shots, combined with continued stellar frontcourt play and more minutes for Kobe, and the Lakers will be fine on offense.

Defensively, they have to find a way to stay with Ray Allen and cover Fisher's inability to defend him. Kobe is much better at working his way around screens, but the Lakers can't leave Kobe on Allen the whole game. He will wear down, and Rondo will torch the Lakers again. Vujacic may see some time on him, but the biggest thing will be working as a team. They need to force him to use multiple screens to get free, fight through those screens, and step up on him. I would start Kobe on Allen, to keep him from getting going early. The Lakers also need to rebound better. They were outrebounded by a Celtics team that struggles in that department, which is difficult to do for a team that blocked 15 shots. The main culprit was Rondo, who was the leading rebounder in the game. Rondo is often left open on the perimeter (because the Lakers are begging him to take jumpers), so there is no one with him to block him out. The Lakers need to always know where he is, and put a body on him when in rebounding position.

For the Celtics, I expect Pierce to have a better game. He played stellar defense in game 2, but offensively, he was deferential to Allen (which probably was a smart move). I expect to see him have a scoring mentality tonight. The Celtics need to continue to push the ball up the court before the length of the Lakers length gets set. I would like to see Rasheed on the court more, he and Baby each had 18 minutes and 7 boards, but Baby needed 8 more shots to score one more point. On defense, they need to use Pierce and Tony Allen on Kobe as much as possible. Kobe struggles some against T. Allen's tenacity and Pierce's size. He lights up with Ray Ray on him. Rasheed's length should help inside, as well. As for KG, I think he will play better tonight, but I'm not betting on it.

This series is pretty evenly matched, but the team that wins tonight may have the upper hand. Since moving to the 2-3-2 format for the finals, the team that won game 3, after the series was split going in, is 10-0.

Enjoy

Dr. Bob