5 Alive

Two very good games so far in Boston. Both Boston and L.A. are playing super defense. The effort and execution have been outstanding. Some of the blocks have been absolutely spectacular, on both sides. Best Finals in a while.

I was not particularly surprised that the Celtics dropped Game 3, in that they have been so up and down at home all season. Ray obviously could not hit the side of the barn. But Paul, Rondo, Baby and Tony Allen also missed several gimmes. Throw in the missed free throws and rushed 3s, and you have the 2010 recipe for a Celtics’ loss. But even in the Game 3 loss, Boston started establishing themselves on the boards and in the paint. KG was awesome. Rasheed and Baby are playing wonderfully together. The length and range of Wallace and the heft and deft of Davis presents problems for L.A., especially with an increasingly hobbled Bynum.

Watching Derek Fisher close out Game 3 was awful. What a clutch son of a gun/scrub ass sucker. But I know Laker fans were feeling ill after Glenn Davis and Nate Robinson controlled the 4th quarter of Game 4. Along with Tony Allen, Baby and Nate gave Boston a powerful burst of youth, energy and athleticism that L.A. could not counter. Through out the Playoffs, these guys have found a rhythm that undeniable. They can lock down their opponents and they attack the rim. Especially when big bad Andrew Bynum is on the sidelines.

Game 5 is gonna be damn fun. Hard to say who has the upper hand. So far, both teams have won the game they needed. Now both teams need to win. Of course, Bynum’s health will be a huge factor. Boston has gained the advantage on the boards after getting pounded early in the series. The team that rebounds wins this series. Another huge factor will be shooting percentage. Boston has missed a TON of good looks on jump shots the last two games--an unfortunate trend at home games all season. One of these next two games, Paul is going to catch fire and drop 30. Lord knows Ray Allen could hit a few more. If Boston wins Game 5, they are winning it all, even if it means winning in 7. Boston plays better on the road. And unlike Game 1& 2, Paul usually goes nuts in his hometown. Plus, you all saw KG pound the floor.