Celtics Take 3-2 Series As Finals Head Back To LA

It was Paul Pierce early, it was Rajon Rondo late and it was stingy defense throughout the contest that gave the Boston Celtics a much needed 92-86 win in Game 5 of the NBA Finals despite a spirited 38 point performance from Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Celtics led throughout most of the contest but the Lakers were able to get within 4 in the game's final minutes to keep the issue in doubt. The Celtics benefitted from an officiating mistake after Kobe hit 3 consecutive free throws to close within 5 with 1:30 left in the 4th quarter. The Celtics held the ball and got it to Ray Allen for a 3 as the shot clock expired, Allen failed to hit the rim on the shot and possession should have gone to the Lakers however it was too hard for the refs to tell in real time and the Celtics retained possession with a fresh 24.

Paul Pierce was on fire in the 1st half and early in the 2nd, which allowed Boston to weather Kobe's 19-point barrage in the 3rd quarter. Kobe was on his game in the 2nd half but the rest of his team failed to show up preventing LA from making much headway. The Celtics were charged-up late thanks to the energy provided by PG Rajon Rondo whose hustle plays were the difference in the game's final minutes. Once again the Celtics got contributions from all of their players including 18 points, 10 rebounds, 5 steals and 2 blocks from Kevin Garnett. The versatility of this team's offense has been very evident in Boston's 3 wins so far in the Finals. The series now moves back to Los Angeles where it will be do or die for Kobe Bryant and his supporting cast. If the rest of the Lakers come out as flat in either of the next 2 games as they did tonight then the Celtics will be hoisting another NBA Championship banner soon.

I expect Kobe to be at his absolute best in Game 6 as he returns to his home court in a must-win elimination game. He is too good and too determined to be anything but spectacular. It's hard to foresee the Lakers losing Game 6 at home after dropping their last 2 in Boston so I think we all need to get ready for a thrilling Game 7 showdown for the NBA Title this week. I think Boston will pull it out in the end but wouldn't be surprised to see Kobe take over and try and win this thing by himself, he's capable of it.