This game is one of the classic games in the 2010 NBA Finals. Call it slow, call it rough or even call it ugly, but the thought that the bench players were doing the starter job in major minutes in the fourth period that caused them won the game, while the starters were cheering for them made the game memorable for Doc Rivers. Celtics and Lakers traded basket after basket in the first period. Paul Pierce who played limited minutes on the floor due to his foul issues in Game 3, has led all scorers with 10 points after the first period of play in Game 4. The game tied 3 times before Nate Robinson hit a three with 3.4 seconds remaining to end the first quarter. Celtics lead 19-16. In the second period, Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant carried the load for the Lakers. Kobe Bryant scored his eight of his 12 points at the half, Gasol added five to finish the first half with 13 points, leading all scorers before the break. Pau Gasol denied the three point attempt of Allen but Garnett got the lose ball and pulled a jumper to beat the buzzer. First half ended 45-42 in favor of Lakers. In the third, A fade away jumper from Garnett in the 5:09 mark regained the lead from Lakers. However, Kobe’s 3 three point baskets took the lead away from Celtics. Wallace missed a jumper but Big Baby Davis was there to put the ball back in with a minute remaining in the quarter. The score was 62-60 in favor of the Lakers at the end of the quarter. In the final quarter, the bench squad composed of Nate Robinson, Tony Allen, Glen Davis, and Rasheed Wallace played quality minutes on the floor. They ran good offense and played very good defense as well. In fact, Doc Rivers had to choose whether to keep the bench in, or return to his veterans. As the fourth quarter reached to the point when Doc Rivers traditionally would begin bringing his starters back in, he imposed a rule: If the Lakers got within six points, the bench squad was coming out. “I was really looking at the clock thinking, ‘Man, when is he going to take us out,’ Davis said. “I want to give Doc a hug man. I sure appreciate it.” Big Baby Davis scored 18 points, 7/10 from the field in 22 minutes on the floor. After their loss at home in Game 3, The Celtics were able to retaliate and dominate Game 4. Four of their five starters finished with double figures plus the 36 crucial points off the bench, including the 21 big points in the fourth quarter. At the 2:51 mark, the starters checked back in to finish the game. Paul Pierce finished with 19 ponits, five assists and six rebounds. “I don’t think [the starters] really care, and that’s what makes us ?? that’s why we’re here, it really is,” Doc Rivers said. “Hell, Rondo and all of them, they were begging me to keep guys in. ‘Don’t take them out! Don’t take them out!’ It was great. That was the loudest I’ve seen our bench, and it was our starters cheering from the bench.” Celtics took Game 4, 89-96, series now tied at 2-2. Game 5 will be Sunday, June 13, 2010 8PM ET More Info.. Celtics even the series at 2-2 in Game 4, bench delivered is a post from: Daily World Buzz Continue reading →
