CELTICS / Lakers Game Five

[scout]

From all reports three out of five starters are banged up. Perkins is in the worst shape and is listed at 50/50. I'm thinking he will not play and although he makes his contributions and flexes his muscles, he's the least valuable of the starters. The small line-up spreads the floor with Posey and Powe taking his minutes. Another site has Scal coming off the bench, saying he's a big body, good defender and can hit the three. Does Big Baby see some minutes? P.J. Brown will get his minutes, maybe a few more.
Rajon may still be slow with his injury which takes away his game. Does the Zen Master put in a press with House or T.A., or Sam i am, bringing up the ball. Pierce tweaked his knee, of course he'll play, hopefully, he will not have a game 3 performance. I'm thinking the big three can taste it, and will want it badly no matter what L.A. throws at them.
The MVP race is between Pierce and Allan and whoever outperforms the other on Sunday will probably land the award. I've got to go with Pierce. I think if push comes to shove he'll be unstoppable and will want to win it at 'home'.
For my last Celtics prediction for the year:
Celtics 99
Lakers 93
Pierce MVP
Garnett 15 rebounds
Allan 33 points
Boston Celtics World Champions

 

[patriotspride]

i predicted celtics in 6 ill stay with that. just a reminder the series isnt over. the injuries concern me. thank god they have sat off also.

 

[jmt57]

I see Big Baby essentially taking the role/minutes of Perkins.

The dings to Rondo and PP are my biggest concern; if I was Phil Jackson that would be part of my game plan.

 

[scout]

I see Big Baby essentially taking the role/minutes of Perkins.

The dings to Rondo and PP are my biggest concern; if I was Phil Jackson that would be part of my game plan.

This is where a great, or even a good coach would show his mettle. The Celtics are hurting and will have to go to their bench (inferior players). Phil Jackson got outcoached big time in the last game, can he make the adjustments for the next game? The Lakers by all rights should win this game.

 

[Wildo7]

You have Ray Allen scoring 33 points and Pierce getting the MVP? Allen's been excellent in the finals so far, I'd think a 33 point game to close out the series would get him the MVP.

 

[scout]

You have Ray Allen scoring 33 points and Pierce getting the MVP? Allen's been excellent in the finals so far, I'd think a 33 point game to close out the series would get him the MVP.

Yea, I know. But, even tho Pierce might not have Allan's points, he'll be up there and if the Celtics win, its most likely that he put on a big-time defensive game ( I bet that blocked shot on Bryant bothers him beyond the last game). Of course, Rays been very good defensively and is pulling down rebounds.

 

[JoeSixPat]

There's so much possible psychology for the players right now - and while I don't see the Celts losing three straight - or the Lakers winning three straight - I always keep in mind that anything is possible.

The Lakers were just humiliated in a game that would have dramatically changed the dynamics of the series.

The only thing they could possibly do to salvage themselves from the infamy of losing the biggest lead ever in the playoffs is to do what no other team has done - turn the tables to make the Celtics the first team to ever be up 3-1 to lose. I'm sure Jackson is playing that up in a big way.

Will Kobe respond to that? You bet. Will the Euroweanies who wear hair nets be able to put Game 4 out of their minds and dig down to scrape out 3 straight wins? Nothing I've seen tells me they've got the heart to do that.

By the same token, it's not out of the realm of possibilities that given injuries the Celts could suffer from a let down.

But I don't see that happening either. The Big Three smell blood - and they are NOT going to let this opportunity to all get what they've wanted for their whole careers pass them by.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

1A. Will the celts be able to survive the first quarter(not that this is really a big point, but coming back from a big margin in two straight games is difficult) and the typical Lakers 12 free throws versus celts 3-4 free throws?

1B. Can the celts match the Lakers intensity as I expect Koby to come out shooting?

2. Who will be the surprise role player? Powe? House? Posey?

3. and will Garnett post up and eddie house and pose being in there might delay double teams?

4. Let's not put in Sam "I'm shooting once I touch the ball" Cassel. He shoots awful on the road and takes some awful shots.

5. And like many have said... what is the psyche of each team. are the Lakers defeated?

 

[scout]

I think the biggest asset for the Celts, is what Joesix stated, that the big three smell blood. Those three are going to be at a higher level of emotion and intensity then any other players on the court, no matter what speeches are given from the opposing coach. The fourth Celtic is Posey, he always brings his game and if he's on, a great defensive team (not currently playing one) would have a hard time stopping the Green (case in point, Allan's layup).

 

[patriotspride]

nobody has ever come back from three to one in the finals but there are teams that have come back from three to one in the playoffs. celtics sixers in 81 comes to mind.

 

[PittPatriot]

I see Big Baby essentially taking the role/minutes of Perkins.

The dings to Rondo and PP are my biggest concern; if I was Phil Jackson that would be part of my game plan.

I'd like to see Big Baby's low center of gravity get some movement around the paint.
I think Gasol shoots over him at will...but Baby should pound him every chance he gets.
I'd also like to see a good hard foul or 2 on Kobe and Vujacic...they have it coming.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

There's so much possible psychology for the players right now - and while I don't see the Celts losing three straight - or the Lakers winning three straight - I always keep in mind that anything is possible.

The Lakers were just humiliated in a game that would have dramatically changed the dynamics of the series.

The only thing they could possibly do to salvage themselves from the infamy of losing the biggest lead ever in the playoffs is to do what no other team has done - turn the tables to make the Celtics the first team to ever be up 3-1 to lose. I'm sure Jackson is playing that up in a big way.

Will Kobe respond to that? You bet. Will the Euroweanies who wear hair nets be able to put Game 4 out of their minds and dig down to scrape out 3 straight wins? Nothing I've seen tells me they've got the heart to do that.

By the same token, it's not out of the realm of possibilities that given injuries the Celts could suffer from a let down.

But I don't see that happening either. The Big Three smell blood - and they are NOT going to let this opportunity to all get what they've wanted for their whole careers pass them by.

LOL Euroweanies... Yesterday WEEI kept reporting that Phil gave his team the day off for psychological reasons...

I don't think it's a slam dunk for Sunday, but moreso because legit fatigue and injuries to the C's could allow the psychologically damaged to pull one out. But no way it then goes past 6.

 

[scout]

I'd like to see Big Baby's low center of gravity get some movement around the paint.
I think Gasol shoots over him at will...but Baby should pound him every chance he gets.
I'd also like to see a good hard foul or 2 on Kobe and Vujacic...they have it coming.

Ever since I heard that story concerning Big Baby picking Shaq up over his head and body slamming him I've been in favor of Davis playing in the paint.
Oh yea, and the guy can shoot.

 

[otis p. driftwood]

Ever since I heard that story concerning Big Baby picking Shaq up over his head and body slamming him I've been in favor of Davis playing in the paint.
Oh yea, and the guy can shoot.

What story was that? I must have missed it. I've got a man crush on Davis...I think he's going to develop into one of those borderline special players. I feel the same way about Powe--except he's already a (very) borderline special player.

As for Game 5--anything can happen, and it usually will, but I don't think Kobe has the heart to put the team on his shoulders, and I don't think the team is all that willing to climb up there anyway. The way he treats his teammates, I'm shocked they play together at all. He's nothing but a punk. A talented punk, but still a punk.

Pierce will leave his very heart on the floor (and almost did the other night in fact). Garnett, despite sometimes not appearing to care will also. House and Rondo do every night, and Powe and Davis do as well.

The Lakers just don't seem to have the nuts. It's like watching the Colts and Pats....

 

[scout]

What story was that? I must have missed it. I've got a man crush on Davis...I think he's going to develop into one of those borderline special players. I feel the same way about Powe--except he's already a (very) borderline special player.

As for Game 5--anything can happen, and it usually will, but I don't think Kobe has the heart to put the team on his shoulders, and I don't think the team is all that willing to climb up there anyway. The way he treats his teammates, I'm shocked they play together at all. He's nothing but a punk. A talented punk, but still a punk.

Pierce will leave his very heart on the floor (and almost did the other night in fact). Garnett, despite sometimes not appearing to care will also. House and Rondo do every night, and Powe and Davis do as well.

The Lakers just don't seem to have the nuts. It's like watching the Colts and Pats....

Davis told someone ( a reporter/analyist/announcer) to ask Shaq about him. Shaq said, that at Shaq's basketball camp, Davis picked him up over his head and body slammed him. Shaq said he would never mess with Big Baby again. This was when Big Baby was either in college or high school (can't remember). It does give one a fairly good idea of how strong Big Baby is.
You know, in a few years when the big three retire, the Celtics might not be too bad with the three kids and whoever Ainge finds in any of the two rounds. One very good free agent would also be helpful.

 

[otis p. driftwood]

Davis told someone ( a reporter/analyist/announcer) to ask Shaq about him. Shaq said, that at Shaq's basketball camp, Davis picked him up over his head and body slammed him. Shaq said he would never mess with Big Baby again. This was when Big Baby was either in college or high school (can't remember). It does give one a fairly good idea of how strong Big Baby is.
You know, in a few years when the big three retire, the Celtics might not be too bad with the three kids and whoever Ainge finds in any of the two rounds. One very good free agent would also be helpful.

Damn. Shaq is a big dude...and lifting a person over your head is a lot harder than just lifting 350 lbs on a barbell too...sheesh...thanks.

 

[Pats Fanatic]

nobody has ever come back from three to one in the finals but there are teams that have come back from three to one in the playoffs. celtics sixers in 81 comes to mind.

For me the 81 series was the greatest I ever remember. The Celtics won two games they had no business winning. The two teams had an intensity at the time that exceeded Celtics-Lakers. also remember listening to Johnny Most on radio, then waiting until 11:30 to watch it because CBS at the time did not carry it live.

 

[patriotspride]

For me the 81 series was the greatest I ever remember. The Celtics won two games they had no business winning. The two teams had an intensity at the time that exceeded Celtics-Lakers. also remember listening to Johnny Most on radio, then waiting until 11:30 to watch it because CBS at the time did not carry it live.

game 6 of the 81 series in philly maxwell went into the stands. i agree sixers celtics was = to yankees redsox . in 82 they almost pulled it off again against the sixers down 3 to 1 but this time they lost in 7 . and the beat la chant was born in that game.

 

[IcyPatriot]

For me the biggest question is does Doc try to win this or does he play it safe ... that is give the bench lots of playing time. Phil Jackson has his hands full because he really does not have a clue as to what the Celtics will do here.

Well .. I have 1 prediction that will drive Phil over the edge ... Posey will start at small forward as Pierce plays guard with Allen. Then, leon Powe comes in as a sub for Posey ... Phil will go nuts ... Doc will leave his 3 shooters out there with Powe and Brown ... it will be funny.

 

[otis p. driftwood]

I'm not much of a basketball guy (I was a C's fan years ago, watched with my grandparents when I was young, and freely admit to not paying a huge amount of attention during the last few years)...but it seems to me that Jackson just doesn't have the ...drive? Will? Killer instinct? There just doesn't seem to be any real urgency from him. Apparently (judging from his book) he doesn't like Kobe much, and Kobe sure is no MJ. And it also seems like the rest of the team doesn't like Kobe all that much either...does anyone else see this or am I imagining things?