vlaze.com

The Lakers face elimination after blowing a 24-point lead in their game 4 loss to the Celtics. Paul Pierce had a great two way game. He scored 20 points on 6-13 shooting and covered Kobe Bryant in the second half as the Celtics limited the Lakers to only 33-second half points. We have been riding Boston in LA because of their ability defend. The Celtics big men are just physically stronger than the Lakers big men. Now here is where things get tricky. The Lakers were a 9 ½ point favorite in game 3 at home and now get 3 more points from the linesmakers in game 5. The Celtics know if they drop game 5 they can go home and with two home games in their pocket need only win 1 for the title. If a game 6 were necessary they would have to fly cross-country and play with only 1 day’s rest. If the Celtics fall behind in this game Doc Rivers might just throw in the towel and keep his older troops fresh for game 6 Tuesday in Boston. Kobe Bryant is 29 years old now and if this were 5 years ago you could right off the Lakers in game 5. The Lakers will be all out to win to save face with their home crowd. The Celtics will be accommodating looking to conserve energy for a quick turnaround in game 6.