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1Sunday, June 12
9:00 PM ET
TV: ABC
Staples Center
The outcome of Game 3 was not of much appeal to the Celtics or their fans, as they dropped a winnable game on the road, 87-81. Boston went away from their attack mindset that they displayed through the first two games of the series, and reverted to settling from the perimeter. Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce were the catalysts for this deficiency, as the two stars combined for 8-35 shooting from the field. The Lakers, on the other hand, forced the issue and made it a point to come out and be the aggressors. As a result, they attacked the basket, got to the free throw line, and made the big plays necessary to put the game away.
With all of that said, the Celtics still hold a 2-1 series advantage and have two chances to get at least one victory at the Staples Center. Will the green get it done tonight in Game 4 and put themselves up 3-1, or will the Lakers even this thing up at 2-2 before yet another pivotal Game 5? Stay tuned.
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: Paul Pierce vs. Whoever Is In His Way
The "Paul Pierce vs. Whoever Is In His Way" title didn’t work out as well as planned prior to Game 3, as Pierce struggled from the floor (2-14 shooting) and failed to have the LA outburst that we are immune to seeing. However, it’s tough to imagine The Truth putting up two straight stinkers at the Staples Center. Step your game up, captain.
Celtics X-Factor: Attack, Attack, Attack
Simply put, Boston’s lack of aggression in Game 3 was depressing. From a team that had just blown a game wide open by attacking the basket two nights before, it was appalling to see the Celtics settle from the perimeter as much as they did on Tuesday night. Doc Rivers’ memo to the troops heading into Game 4 should be to attack, be aggressive, and just as the commercial says, never let up.
Injury Report
LAL – Andrew Bynum (recovering from left knee surgery – out)
BOS – Rajon Rondo (sprained left ankle – 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
- Pick n’ Roll Coverage
- Rebounding
- Ball Movement
- Bench Play