Just when you thought the NBA Finals couldn't have been more embarrassing for the L.A. Lakers, they did something to top their 24-pt. epic collapse in Game 4. They got completely annihilated by Boston in the clinching game 6. Boston won the championship over the L.A. 131-92 and set multiple Finals records along the way:Game 4: Biggest comeback in a Finals Game (Boston was 24 pts. down)
Game 6: Largest ASS-WHOOPING in a Finals clinching game (39 pts.)
Game 6: Most Steals by a Finals Team: Bos (18 steals)
Coming into the game I had some confidence in the Lakers knowing that there were a bunch of unforeseen circumstances:
1. Ray Allen had an illness in his family. Who knew where his head would be at, especially with his hideous Eastern Conference playoff performances.
2. Kendrick Perkins was a game-time decision. When Perkins didn't suit up for Game 5, Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol were dominant in the paint, scoring 39 points.
3. The Celtics didn't land in Boston until 8:00 PM PST Mon. because of flight problems.
None of these factors mattered, except maybe for Perkins. He barely played in Game 6, but they didn't need him because the Celtics were raining 3's on the Lakers all game long. It looked like the Lakers were the team who were running on fumes staying all day at LAX.
The Lakers gave up 131 points to a team that couldn't even touch that total during the regular season. It was the highest scoring output of the season (regular and playoffs) for Boston in the last game of the NBA season. When it was all said and done, the Celtics played more playoff games than anyone else in history.
Paul Pierce was named the unanimous MVP of the series. Ray Allen had been the most consistent and scorched the Lakers from 3, erasing his past playoff woes. Kevin Garnett chose a clinching game to finally show up and demolished the Lakers on both ends of the court. "The Big Ticket" finally earned his nickname.
L.A. was sloppy all game long giving up 19 turnovers. Rajon Rondo had six steals and was excellent ripping the ball away from Kobe.
Speaking of the devil, Kobe Bryant had one of the worst games of his career. He may have statistically been worse in other games throughout his career, but this game meant more than any other. Kobe had one assist and four turnovers. He was 7-22 shooting with 9 of those shots coming from 3-pt. distance. He only made three 3's, and once again settled for outside jump shots, refusing to drive into the paint at times. When he did slash, he was met my multiple Boston defenders and turned the ball over.
It was like he was playing Boston for the first time. He became a rookie all over again, just like in the playoffs against Utah in 1997. He Launched one prayer after another, trying to make the right play, but he fell short of his 4th championship, but more importantly...
Kobe fell short of winning a championship without Shaq. If he never wins one, it will forever stain his brilliant career. Kobe won the MVP, and had a phenomenal season, but Boston crushed him in the Finals. He never had a breakout game, and I give most of the credit to the Boston D. They shut him down. Everyone can now officially put the Michael Jordan comparisons on hold.
Bryant's career isn't over. His team should be back and better than ever next year, but that's another blog all together.
6 comments:
The steals the Celts were getting were down right ridiculous, man! It truly was embarrassing and I'm hoping for a better next year with Bynum. Plus Odom and Gasol need to seriously step their games up.
This has nothing to do with the NBA. But Turkey vs. Croatia was one of the most shocking futbol games to ever be played. Jon my man i know you report on local sports prodominatley but please have a spot for the Turkey upset in here. Long story short, Croatia was up with a minute to spare in overtime. Turkey scored with a second left, penalty kicks insude, Turkey wins! Incredible with a fraction of a second left, the team that was losing wins. WOW!
JONATHAN you have done a great job on your articles say .As far as the Lakers are concerned , don't forget they over-achieved this year and they actually won the western conference. The Lakers have a great future ahead of them and maybe next year you will be writing an article about how great they looked WINNING A CHAMPIONSHIP. KEEP THE FAITH GEORGE IN HB
I wonder which sports are you going to cover now Jey? Enough with the Lakers, there's always next year but you know there's UEFA Euro 2008 if you are instereted cos i know i'm. Good match tomorrow Italy vs Spain. Or what happened to those Dodgers, are they still in the league????!!!!!
Yo Baj! I actually watched some of that Turkey vs. Croatia game. Unfortunately, I was only able to catch the very end. Turkish goalkeeper Rustu was unbelievable in the net. He would've made my ancestors proud, that's for sure! I can't remember seeing a better ending for a soccer match, it was fantastique!
Nivine, I love your passion for soccer! Should I root for the dirty Italians (who flop more than a Ginobili out of water) or the Spaniards (who I would've been cheering for had Pau Gasol played well in the Finals)!
Viva Italia, but i've a feeling that they're gonna lose today. My predicitions for the final match would be between Russia & Turkey. Rajadotcom agrees toooooooo. (((Go Dodgers.....)))
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