NBA Finals Game 5

There's not a whole lot to analyze as these series go deeper and deeper. The teams know each other and it just becomes a matter of execution. The Celtics dominated Game 5 on both ends of the floor. Did the Lakers have a chance? Sure. Why? Two reasons.

1. Sometimes you cannot stop Kobe regardless of the defense you are playing.
2. Rajon Rondo had a bigger turnover game than he had been this series.

In the third quarter, there was no way to defend Kobe. He hit every shot that was available and several that weren't available. Kobe's mastery was enough to keep the Lakers close, but he can't do this by himself.

The Celtics interior defense has improved every game of this series. They still allow some easy baskets to Bynum, but it usually involves a precise set-up by one of the Laker playmakers. Kevin Garnett has found youthful legs to use in Boston for games 3-5, not only establishing himself as a real scoring threat, but reinventing himself defensively, allowing Doc Rivers to leave him on Pau Gasol. And if the Celtics need to guarantee the inhibition of Gasol, Rasheed Wallace has devoured him.

As has been mentioned, late in the series, it is no longer time for a new game plan, it is a time for execution. The Lakers will have the opportunity to win an NBA Championship by taking care of business at home. Though one slip up and they fall to Boston for the second time in three years. With Game 6 just hours away, three thigns:

1. Ron Artest was sluggish in Game 5. Artest was pretty much the only person unimpressed with his defensive efforts in the first 4 games of this series. He promised to come out with a renewed fervor in Game 5, and play the kind of defense he is used to playing. Artest did exactly the opposite. He was slow getting around screens all night, and Paul Pierce was finally able to use the pick and roll to get himself scoring opporunities, having his best night of series. Ron Artest has to ignore his lack of production offensively and focus on Paul Pierce. If he comes out with rejuvenated, as we expected in game 5, it will go a long way toward a Laker win.

2. Wear down Kevin Garnett. Andrew Bynum needs to be healthy. With Bynum healhty, the Lakers are more physical. That physicality was debilitating to Kevin Garnett in the early games. Back in LA, KG was having little impact. Andrew Bynum needs to be a physical force in the middle, banging around in the paint, putting pressure on the old legs of the Celtics. On that same note, the Lakers need to get the ball inside consistently to Pau Gasol. I know his offensive production has fallen short in the last couple games, but they can't let that shut the idea out of their mind. Forcing KG to play defense every other time down the floor will hamper his abilities on the scoring side. They need to attack him and knock him out of rhythm.

3. Kobe Bryant needs scoring help. Kobe will be Kobe, but he can drop 60 points in this game and the Lakers can still lose. Some say they need that second big threat, but I think the Lakers need that little bit from everyone. I have been a supporter of pushing the ball down to Gasol, but the Laker offense is even more effective if they are getting 8-10 from Odom, Artest, Farmar, Brown and Bynum. Kobe is going to take over parts of this game, but he needs to use that take-over ability to his advantage, as it will free up his teammates. Kobe, in my opinion, is the best player in the NBA, but no one can do it alone.

-APT