Going into this game, the Lakers knew that they would have to play better than they did in game 4 of the NBA Finals to keep the Celtics from winning their 17th championship. And I will just go ahead and say that they failed miserably. Usually I would go through and break down the game quarter by quarter, but really there is no need for a detailed synopsis, or in-depth coverage of what happened. Game 6 was on old fashioned, take you behind the woodshed ass kicking. After the 1st quarter ended wit a 24-20 Boston lead, the Celtics beat on the Lakers like a red headed step-child.
When games happen like this in a elimination game in the playoffs, let alone the Finals, I always wonder what the losing team was thinking when they woke up this morning. I can remember games that I have played in that I was on both sides of a beating. When that momentum gets going against you, it is so hard to do anything right, or get it back in your favor.
The story of the Lakers losses in this series was uninspired play, lackluster team play, and the inability to keep the consistent good play going. Kobe Bryant came out firing, but was absent for the remainder of the game. This game played out as a microcosm of the entire series. The Lakers defense was exposed, as each defender was exposed showing cracks in their individual and team defense. Defense is all about effort and desire, as the Boston Celtics proved. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce have never been known as defensive players, but this year they were held to higher standard. Between the two, they played some of the best individual defense I have ever seen on Kobe Bryant.
Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom failed to be the worthy sidekicks that they are supposed to be, with 11 and 16 points respectively. All that these 2 players are asked to do is show up, rebound, and shoot open shots. Several times throughout the game, both players caught the ball off of drive and kicks in spots they usually are comfortable shooting, and they both looked uncomfortable. In many of these instances they just stood motionless, and waited for kobe Bryant to run up and get the ball from them. Gasol was stripped multiple times in the post while executing weak moves to the basket.
For a man as talented as Gasol, it is hard to fathom that he could only average 15.4 points during this series. This is the same reputation that followed him from Memphis. Never at any point during this season did it look as if he was the same aggressive, dominant player that showed up in the first 3 rounds. After Garnett blocked his shot, Gasol looked very frail, and afraid to go to the rim hard. Maybe twice per game he would get excited and show some emotion, but for the most part he was almost invisible on the court.
Hats off to the Celtics for taking what they felt was theirs from the beginning of the season. Many times these “Team of Destiny” fail in their mission to win it all, but the Celtics proved to be focused from day 1. Finals MVP Paul pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen stepped up and earned the pre-ordained name of the “Big 3,” and I think the original “Big 3” of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish are proud to share their namesake.
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