There are a few reasons for Celtics fans to be weary of tonight's game. For starters, Kobe Bryant has yet to have a deadly shooting night (although much of that has to do with the Celtic defense). Next, the Lakers aren't getting any shorter and shot-blocking will continue to be an issue. The black hole that is Kedrick Perkins' offensive game, which was pointed out by the great Peter May today, is something that the Celtics will have to deal with as well.
With those factors in mind, I can't see this team losing tonight. This isn't even me being a homer because I think the remainder of the series is still in serious jeopardy. However, losing tonight would give the Lakers a 3-1 advantage and pave the road for a quick exit from the 2010 Finals for Boston. After watching the past month of basketball from this team, I hardly see them going out with a whimper.
My reasoning? Right here:
-Paul Pierce hasn't lost the art of the jump shot overnight. His shooting will be back tonight.
-Despite falling into a 17-point hole and never fully recovering from it, I really thought the Celtics played great defense in Game 3. It was a matter of offensive ineptitude rather than lack of defense. I assure you that more shots will fall tonight.
-Kevin Garnett's resurgence will carry over to Game 4.Cedric Maxwell was right about the fact that KG's recent problems have revolved around his head, not any sort of injury. Now that he know he has the ability to take Pau Gasol to the hole at will, it opens a lot up for this Celtic offense.
-Rajon Rondo is pissed about Derek Fisher did in the fourth quarter in Game 3, even if he wasn't directly involved in all of Fisher's scoring. Rondo should and will take issue with a 35-year-old point guard dominating his team in the most crucial moments of a Finals game. There won't be a second half disappearing act from Rondo this time.
-The Celtic bench was good (Glen Davis with 12 points) but can be so much better if Rasheed Wallace can integrate himself into the game without picking up quick fouls.
I have no clue how the rest of this series will play out but I know this team will not lay down tonight. Celtics 100 -- Lakers 92.
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