Finals Game 5: Celtics at Lakers 06/15 6PM Pac.Time

[milesfides]

I think pretty much anything could go, for any game.

Aside from Game 1, which was closer than the 10 point margin at the end, every game has been decided by 6 or less points. The Lakers have led at halftime 4 out of 5 games. Both teams have made huge runs as well as given up large leads. No lead is safe for either team.

It's been a battle every game. If the Celts approach this as having two shots at beating the Lakers, there will most definitely be a Game 7.

[8'sReverse]

Vlad will start again, I would be surprised if he isn't.

Ariza will play in the second quarter and will ride the bench the rest of the game.

Fisher will go to the bench at the 3 to 4 minute mark in the first quarter and will not start the fourth quarter.

Kobe will not play the entire game.

Patterns guys... patterns. Phil's a great coach, but too predictable. Although I do give him an A+ for surprises: Chris Mihm.

[MAMBAEMD]

Phil usually does not make significant in-game adjustments.
But not to make adjustments between games is a dissappointment for me.

They know what's coming (KG and Pierce pick and roll) and have got to figure something out.

One way would be to get the ball out of Pierce's hands by double teaming him.

True that the players have to get out there and bust thier behinds in order for us to get a win, but Phil and his staff have to make some moves.

[Gek]

BOSTON THREE PARTY


BY YF

[minifang]

Boston's plane broke down today. Maybe it's a sign.

[milesfides]

They know what's coming (KG and Pierce pick and roll) and have got to figure something out.

One way would be to get the ball out of Pierce's hands by double teaming him.

I hope not! That'll get open shots for Boston's shooters like Posey and Allen.

I think Kobe should guard him one-on-one, and without the foul trouble that hampered his efforts on Sunday, he should do a great job. Cheating off Rondo should be re-assigned to somebody else.

Re: the high screen and roll with KG and Pierce, Pau needs to lay back and discourage penetration. Instead, Pau jumped out on the screen every time, leaving the lanes wide open for Pierce.

If Pierce shoots behind the screen, let him. That's a lower percentage shot than him getting 2 fouls. And if he makes a couple in a row, THEN Pau should come out on the screen.

Defenses could rotate quicker, namely Lamar Odom, but really, I think the solution is to have Kobe man-up on Pierce, and make sure Pau denies penetration by dropping down from the screen.

[Slava]

game thread up. Mods do yo thing!