C's Eye Green 17 In Game 5

by CelticBalla32 on Jun 15, 2008 1:49 PM EDT in Boston Celtics Games

NBA Finals, Game 5
Sunday, June 15
9:00 PM ET
TV: ABC
Staples Center

Chat l Game Thread

Three days following the largest comeback in NBA Finals history, the Boston Celtics will have a chance to close out the series at the Staples Center in Game 5, which would net the franchise its 17^th title.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of tonight’s game to look out for is the mindset and reaction of the Los Angeles Lakers, who blew a 24-point lead and the chance at tying the series up 2-2 in Game 4. Will they come out like gangbusters and let the Celtics know that they are not ready to lay down, or will their body language suggest that they believe it is already over? We know how Kobe Bryant will respond, which could be a bit scary for the Celtics, but will the supporting cast deliver?

This won’t be any easy game to win for the Celtics, as multiple key players are banged up. Paul Pierce tweaked his knee and ankle near the end of Game 4, just after Kendrick Perkins strained his left shoulder while defending a Lamar Odom drive. Additionally, Rajon Rondo’s ankle injury from Game 3 continues to linger.

Regardless, this is no time to make excuses. You're one win away from Green 17; take it down on Father's Day, boys.

BEAT LA!

Projected Starters

C Kendrick Perkins / Pau Gasol
PF Kevin Garnett / Lamar Odom
SF Paul Pierce / Vladimir Radmanovic
SG Ray Allen / Kobe Bryant
PG Rajon Rondo / Derek Fisher

Key Matchup: Ray Allen vs. Kobe Bryant

With the Lakers in "win or go home" mode, it is widely anticipated that Kobe Bryant is going to look to take over. Ray Allen, and whoever else is matched up with Bryant, needs to make sure he doesn’t explode.

Celtics X-Factor: Who Wants It More?

This isn’t time to go in with the mindset of "we’ve got a 3-1 cushion, whatever happens, happens." It’s time to step on their throats, Boston. Kick them when they are down, and host that Larry O’Brien trophy in their building. On the other hand, the Lakers need to make sure that they don’t go into tonight’s game thinking "it’s over, no team has ever come back from a 3-1 deficit… we’re done." Game 5 won’t come down to x’s and o’s as much as it will simply come down to who wants it more.

Injury Report
LAL – Andrew Bynum (recovering from left knee surgery – out)
BOS – Rajon Rondo (sprained left ankle – probable)
BOS – Kendrick Perkins (strained left shoulder – probable)
BOS – Scot Pollard (torn tendon in left ankle – out for season)

Celtics Keys to the Game

Attack
48-Minute Sense of Urgency
Defensive Rotations, Close Out
Rebounding
Ball Movement
Bench Play

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Comments

I had a dream that we were up 10pt at 7 minutes left in the 4th quarter. What happened after that, I don’t know. Go C’s. Prove everyone wrong. We were the underdogs all playoff series and even now, people still don’t believe. Play this game like it’s game 7 at home. Win it and prove everyone wrong.

by infoaturp on Jun 15, 2008 2:20 PM EDT reply actions

Great preview CB32. Celtics need to close this out tonight. Their injuries aren’t going to get better and if anything, the long flight home will aggravate them. They haven’t played 48 minutes of defense in any game in this series yet and if they do, we should be celebrating this time tomorrow. Defense is the key.

by FLCeltsFan @ CelticsBlog on Jun 15, 2008 2:43 PM EDT reply actions

I love the â€œprove everyone wrongâ€ mantra you Celtics fans have. The Celtics were the pre-season favorites to win it all!

They were then favorites to win it all after winning 66 times this regular season. The doubts only began when they pooped the bed against Atlanta, while the Lakers steam rolled the tougher West.

Kobe will not let them celebrate a championship in LA. We’ll see what happens in Boston for Game 6. GO LAKERS!!!

by S. Nicholson on Jun 15, 2008 4:04 PM EDT reply actions

We got this.

FOCUS.

by dobbs on Jun 15, 2008 4:30 PM EDT reply actions

I expect the Lakers to come out and play with the desperation
of a team on the brink. The Celtics must match that intensity
and more. Getting stops on D and getting out in trasition to
get easy baskets is the key. Keep the pace fast.

by Greg37 on Jun 15, 2008 4:50 PM EDT reply actions