Lakers Get A Game 6

June 16, 2008

The Lakers were able to get a win in Game 6 versus the Celtics to force the series back to Boston. They pulled out early in the game but once again were unable to hold on to the lead. If the Lakers want to win in Boston they have to play better defense. They have been getting killed by the pick in roll. They have also been losing guys like Ray Allen, James Posey, and Eddie House by trying to double Garnett, and they have been getting lost on screens. There ability to get defensive rebounds has also led to numerous open threes for the Celtics.

Phil Jackson needs to step it up too. I know he likes to be a calm guy and do crazy things here and there like when he put Javaris Crittenton in the final minutes of a Knicks game were the Lakers blew a 20 something point led. Even the announcers calling that game were like what the hell? But this is the Finals, we don’t need to see Chris Mihm on the court, we don’t need to see Walton guarding Pierce, we don’t need to see Lamar and Fisher sitting the fish 6 minutes of the 4th quarter, we don’t need to see Radmonovic guarding Pierce.

If the Celtics want to close things out they have to start the game off good and get the crowd in the game. They have to feed Garnett in the post if he decides to go down there and have 4 shooters ready to catch and launch when he passes out of the double team. They also have to keep the big three on the court. Pierce and Garnett struggled with fouls in Game 5 that limited their productivity.