2008 NBA Finals Game 3 Recap

A look back before tonight’s festivities….

The Lakers came home to Los Angeles and took care of business as they defeated the Celtics 87-81. Kobe was unstoppable, scoring a series high 36 points, hitting two clutch jumpers at the end of the 4th quarter to keep the Celtics at a distance. But it was not just Kobe who helped the Lakers win this game, as Sasha Vujacic came off the bench and lit up the Celtics with 20 points, including 3 threes. It was a great win by the Lakers, who played defense for the first time all series. The only negative aspect of the game for the Lakers was their terrible free throw shooting. They went 21-34 from the line, which is just 61.8%. In order for them to continue to win, that percentage needs to be much higher.

As for the Celtics, their shots did not fall tonight. Paul Pierce went 2-14, scoring just 6 points, while Kevin Garnett went 6-21, scoring jut 13 points. Ray Allen was the only member of the Celtics who had a good game, scoring 25 points on 8-13 shooting, hitting 5 three pointers. The Celtics shot 34.9% which is horrible for any team in the NBA, yet alone the team that had the best record in the league. The Lakers defense was swarming Pierce, and clearly it affected him despite Paul returing to his hometown. The Celtics need to knock down more shots and be more consistent with their offensive game in order for them to win anything in LA.

The Lakers looked like the team we have been watching ever since the Gasol trade. This was the first time all series where they played their style of basketball, while getting the production they needed from the bench. With Vujacic and Farmar giving big contributions off the bench, despite the struggles by Odom and Gasol, the Lakers will be fine. But in order for the Lakers to win the Finals, they are going to need Odom and Gasol to step up over these next two games in Los Angeles to give the Lakers the best chance to win the NBA Finals for the first time since 2002.