Series is now at 2-1 in favor of the Lakers. Lakers lost at home in game 2, but they bounced back and took 1 road game against the Celtics in Game 3, 91-84. This is not like what we have seen in the NBA Finals 2008. And this series is expected to be longer and tougher down to the end. Boston started the early run in the first minutes of the game. Lakers regained their composure and took the lead at 13-12 in the 5:13 mark in the first period. They traded lead 3 times until they tied at 16-16 in the 4:19 mark in the first quarter. Lakers took 5-0 run. Lakers lead at the end of first quarter 21-16. In spite of Kevin Garnett’s ten points and Rajon Rondo’s six in the first quarter, Boston is down 26-17 at the end of the first period of play. Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce got their early two personal fouls, causing Pierce to sit early to stay away from foul trouble. Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett carried their respective teams in the second quarter. Kobe finished the first half with 16 points, grabbed 6 boards. Meanwhile, Kevin Garnett scored 14 ponts and grabbed 5 rebounds. Paul Pierce struggling in the first half, shooting 0 out of 6. He finished the half with 5 points, 1 out of 2 from the three point and hit 2 out of 2 from the free throw line. Lakers moved the ball well. It was a team effort. Kobe did well and so as to Garnett, but the only difference, Lakers’ role players did well of backing up their star player. Boston lacked support on Garnett’s impressive performance. At the half, Lakers led 52-40. In the third, Kobe Bryant missed shots but has made important baskets to keep their lead to 6 points after the quarter. He defended well not only doing his offensive tasks. He ended third quarter with 25 points. Boston reduced the lead to six points after three quarters of play. The score at the end of third quarter was 67-61, in favor of Los Angeles Lakers. Paul Pierce sat after 21 seconds of play in the fourth quarter giving up his fifth personal foul. Even though Pierce is not on the floor, Boston managed to come back and reduced the deficit to only one, 67-68 in the 9:46 mark. Derek Fisher who only scored five points in the first three quarters made his presence felt as the veteran made his shots when the Lakers needed him. Fisher’s defense was terrific, but his offense saved the day, as he scored 11 of his 16 in the final quarter. “Derek Fisher was the difference in the game,” Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. “He’s just a gutty, gritty player. Fisher basically took the game over.” “We didn’t doubt our ability to win here, even though we hadn’t done it in the playoffs,” Derek Fisher said. “We understand that in order to be the best, you have to win wherever, whenever.” More Info.. Lakers vs. Celtics – Lose 1, steal 1 is a post from: Daily World Buzz Continue reading →
