In most games, you don't always see how important Kendrick Perkins is to this team as his contributions don't always show up in the box score. But tonight, we were able to see how important Perk's presence in the middle is by the fact that the Lakers were able to get to the basket pretty much at will. The Celtics defense just didn't have that inside toughness without Perk in there. Also, without Perk blocking, the Lakers out rebounded the Celtics 40-37. The Lakers outscored the Celtics in the paint 50-40.
Leon Powe started in Perk's place, but played only 5 minutes and was replaced by PJ Brown. Just as in game 4, the Lakers raced off to a big first quarter lead as they led 39-22 at the end of one. The Lakers shot 65% in the first to just 40% for the Celtics. Just as they did in game 4, the Celtics chipped away at the lead and were down just 3 at the half (55-52). KG sat out much of the first half in foul trouble as he picked up his second foul with 1:08 left in the first quarter and then picked up his 3rd less than a minute after returning in the second quarter.
The Celtics took their first lead of the game at 58-57 with 2 minutes gone by in the third quarter. The lead went back and forth with the Lakers making a run at the end to take a 79-70 lead into the fourth quarter. In the fourth, the Celtics went down 14 with 9:11 to go at 88-74. Once again, the Celtics chipped away at the lead to tie the game at 90with 4:30 left in the game. The Celtics had their chances down the stretch but couldn't make the plays or get the stops when they needed to. The final score was Lakers 103 and Celtics 98.
KG was never a factor in this game. He had a double double with 13 points and 14 rebounds, but he was saddled with foul trouble all game and missed 2 big free throws down the stretch. Paul Pierce did his best to put the team on his back as he scored a game high 38 points on 10-22 shooting to go with 6 rebounds, 8 assists and 1 steal as he played all but 2 seconds of the game. Ray Allen once again struggled with his shot as he hit just 4 of 13 shots for 16 points along with 2 rebounds and 2 assists. He fouled out with 16 seconds left in the game.
Rondo struggled in the game and played only 14 minutes, finishing with 3 points (1-7), 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. Doc with with Eddie, Sam and Tony Allen for the most part at the point. Eddie had 6 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists in 13 minute and Sam had 9 points, 1 rebound,and 2 assists in 18 minutes. Tony Allen saw his first real minutes of the playoffs and made the most of them as he scored 6 points on 3-4 shooting to go with 1 assist and 1 steal in 11 minutes. PJ Brown played 25 mintutes in Perk's absence and scored 4 points and pulled down 3 rebounds. James Posey was once again a factor making many hustle plays that don't show up in the box score and finished with 3 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists.
The Celtics defense just wasn't up to usual standards as they allowed the Lakers to shoot 46% while shooting only 43% themselves. Even though the free throws were even at 31 each, there was a lot of contact not called on the Lakers while the Celtics got called for a lot of ticky tack contact. The Celtics bench played well with 28 points for the Celtics to 17 points for the Lakers. Both teams played sloppy as the Celtics had 18 turnovers while the Lakers had 17. Kobe scored 25 points but shot only 8-21. Again the presence of Perk was missed as Odom came up with 20 points and 11 rebounds and Gasol had 19 points and 13 rebounds.
The series now shifts back to Boston. Hopefully Perk will be able to play, but if not, the Celtics have to figure out how to fill in for his absence in the middle. KG must be more aggressive and stay away from picking up fouls. Pierce can't do much more than he did in this game. The Celtics must pick up their defense. They can't allow the Lakers to shoot 65% in the first quarter and 46% for the game and expect to win. There is a quick turnaround between games and a long flight back to Boston. The Celtics struggled in game 3 after the flight to LA and hopefully the same thing doesn't happen in game 6. It would have been nice to close it out on the Lakers' floor and return the favor from 1987, but winning it at home would be even more special for the fans. The Celtics have another chance on Tuesday to win the title and hopefully, they will come to play like they want it.
[Box Score]
[Discuss this topic on the Celtics Green Forums!]
|
