It’s pretty obvious that the Boston Celtics display much more teamwork than their arch-nemesis Los Angeles Lakers in the ongoing, hotly-contested NBA Finals.
Which is why it doesn’t surprise me that the Celtics, despite the fact that they’ve gone older due to the presence of their aging “Big Three”, are ahead, 3-2 as they head back to LA at the Staples Center with a chance to wrap up their second NBA title in three years.
Sure, the Celtics don’t have the home crowd behind them come Game 6, but what they lacked in crowd support, they make up so well by playing together far better than the Lakers.
Just look at the stats sheet: Kobe Bryant 38 points that included twisting, difficult shots against Boston defenders in Game 5. But what about the rest?
Pau Gasol had 12 points only, a sign of his inconsistent plays, which happened as well during the 2008 Finals face-off the Lakers had with the Celtics. Lamar Odom coughed up just eight points and eight rebounds. While center Andrew Bynum has been slowed down no doubt by his nagging knee problem.
Sure, LA has two chances to bag the title and overhaul the 2-3 Finals deficit against the Celtics. But one misstep tomorrow will end any of the Lakers’ narrowing hope for a back-to-back title.
The Lakers have been the Celtics’ favorite whipping boys in the Finals, having been the two biggest protagonists in the NBA’s 64-year existence.
Come Game 6, it’s up to the purple-and-gold to prove to doubters that they don’t choke against a confident and proud Celtics franchise. They can prove it once and for all before their adoring fans at the Staples Center.
It won’t come easy, but if THEY PLAY TOGETHER like the Celtics have done so well all season long, the championship won’t be an impossible task.
Here’s a piece of “unsolicited advice” for Kobe–want the NBA championship?
Don’t ball hog. Basketball is a game of five players. And the triangle is designed for everyone to contribute.
Playing solo has never produced any championship because 5 is always better than 1.
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