Game 2 is going to be very pivotal. The Celtics don't want to to go LA 1-1 with 3 games in a row looming there. I really do hate this 2-3-2 format. It puts the team that fights for home court all season at a disadvantage. But since that is what we have, it makes game 2 a must win for the Celtics. We know that the Lakers will come out strong. They will look to take control right from the beginning and the Celtics must pick up their intensity to match. The Celtics' defense must be there from the start because they can't afford to let the Lakers get off to a quick start.
My biggest worry about tonight is how effective Perk and Pierce can be. With the Lakers vowing to rebound better and establish a bigger post presence, Perk is going to be crucial. I know Perk will play. He is a warrior. But, how effective will he be against the quicker Lakers front line with his ankle hampering his movement? And we will need Pierce to have a big game with Kobe more than likely going to shoot much better. Will he be able to cut to the hoop? Will he have the lift to hit his jumpers? All these are questions that could determine the winner of this crucial game.
In the you've got to be kidding department, the Lakers were complaining that they thought the rims in Boston were to blame for their poor shooting. Hmmmmm The Celtics were shooting at the same rims. If the rims were different, wouldn't it affect both teams? They have been really quick to blame the rims, but no credit has been given the Celtics defense.
If this is any indication, Ray Allen is feeling it.
The times sure are changing. We knew that when some so called Celtics fans chanted for Kobe when he had that big game in Boston. But now, they are giving Kobe ice cream on his apple pie. Where are the fire alarms at 3 am? Where is the sewage in their water fountains? Where is the cold water in the showers? Where is Dan Ackroyd to kidnap Kobe and get him drunk the night before? But then again, we do have the magical rims that close up for the Lakers and open for the Celtics and angels that visit players in the locker room, so I guess it evens out.
Defense is once again going to be the deciding factor in this game. The Celtics allowed the Lakers to shoot 50% in the first half of game 1 but then clamped down on defense in the second half. With a much more focused and determined Kobe and Laker team, the Celtics must come out with the lock down defense from the beginning. They can't wait until the second half. They especially have to stop the pick and roll, something they didn't do in the first half of game 1.
With the Lakers vowing to be more physical in game 2, this game could be a war. We really need Perk in there to out physical them. Powe also will be needed as he is as physical as they come. Posey may see more minutes as if Kobe starts to go off, Posey is the best wing defender to cover him. Sam can't come in and chuck up shots like he did in game 1. If he doesn't run the offense, Doc needs to sit him and either play House or keep Rondo on the floor.
The best thing that could happen for the Celtics is for Kobe to continue to try to play the hero. As long as he is shooting 30 shots and not trying to get his teammates involved, it is better for the Celtics. The Lakers have been so good because Kobe was playing team ball. But for some reason, he reverted to Kobe against the world in game 1. I wonder if he was jealous of Pierce's attention and wanted to get the attention back on himself. Anyway, if Kobe stays in Hero Kobe form, the better for the Celtics.
This is it. The Finals. Game 2 on the Celtics' home court. The Celtics simply have to be focused and bring their A game. KG must go inside more. Pierce has to play well. Ray has to play the best defense of his life along with hitting his shots to make Kobe play defense. They have to be aggressive from the tip and most of all, they have to be focused on defense. If they play their game and defend like they are capable of, the Celtics will be 2-0 going to LA. But, if they underestimate the Lakers and slack off on defense like they did to start game 1 and if Pierce and Perk are limited, it will be a long night. The Celtics simply can't afford to let up even briefly because the Lakers are too good and will take advantage of any weakness the Celtics show.
I leave you with this image from game 1. Hold this thought. More of same to come.
I answered before but you must have missed it. It takes me anywhere from 4-6 hours depending on the number of links. The day after game 1 it took me just over 8 hours. I couldn't believe how many links there were that day. I am definitely going to take a break after the Finals are over.
I dont blame you FL. Yeah Lex FL helps a number of blogs out by posting daily links. Obviously, creating all the code is very time consuming and then to be a correspondent for several other blogs will take a long time. FL is one of the hardest working bloggers in the blogosphere. I hate sharing! LOL! Anyway, words are not enough to thank you for all that you do here FL.
