Jun 10, 2008 2:53 pm US/Eastern
Column: Game 3 Is Upon Us
Reporting
Dan Roche
LOS ANGELES (WBZ) ―
It's been rather strange being out here in L.A. for a couple of days. Everywhere we go it's "depression" when it comes to talking about the Lakers. There's no question that L.A. fans thought their team would be heading home with at LEAST a split of the first two games.
And now, it's on to Game Three.
Easy prediction would be a return to "Showtime" and a runaway victory for Kobe and Company. And that may very well be the case. If that does indeed happen, then the Celts simply have to try to take either Game 4 or 5 and be happy to go back to Boston up 3-2.
But, let's hold on for a minute.
What's boggled my mind when it comes to these Finals is how quickly Boston was dismissed (and dissed) by the so-called national experts. Most predicted a series win for L.A.
But my question is - why?
The tough and deep Western Conference? Well, my friends, the Celtics went 25-5 against the West this season.
The mighty Lakers, who won the West? Well, Boston went 2-0 in the regular season against L.A. And yes, that was before Pau Gasol arrived, but it's still 2-0 isn't it? Kobe played in those two games, didn't he?
The Lakers averaged 108 points-per-game, 4th best in the NBA this season. However, they gave up 101 points-per-game, 20th in ranking in the NBA. Boston? 90.3 points-per-game, 2nd to Detroit in the league. Defense wins championships?
I also think that maybe the Celts simply match up better with the Lakers. Gasol, Odom and company can't seem to handle K-G, Perk, Powe, etc.
So here's the dream scenario for Game Three if you're a Celtic fan? L.A. gets off to a fast start, getting every call, hitting every shot, etc. Kobe goes off and L.A. is up by 10 or so after three. But then, just like in Detroit, Boston takes control and simply puts it right back at the mighty Lakers.
Or better yet, Boston dominates L.A. like it did Detroit in Game 3 of the Eastern Finals.
Wouldn't that be fun for the Big Green?
How will it play out? Who knows? But that's the beauty of it, isn't it?
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