Lakers 91, Celtics 84 (Lakers lead 2-1)

Say what you want about Derek Fisher, but he was a huge reason that the Lakers won, even after three replay reviews tainted the game (in my opinion). But more on that later. The Celtics came out hot right from the tip, and looked like they were as focused as ever coming off of their Game 2 victory. One Phil Jackson timeout later, and the Lakers had a 26 to 17 lead. Through the second quarter, the Lakers hit cruise control and headed into the break with a dozen point lead (52-40). Of course Boston would come storming back, mainly backed by solid defensive play.

Rajon Rondo is continuing to make a name for him self as he made play after play on both sides of the ball. With Rondo, his stats weren’t ultra impressive (11pts, 8asts), but he still finds ways to make impact plays.  Ray Allen, coming off of his ridiculous Game 2, decided to suck tonight. He had two points on 0 of 13 shooting including 8 missed treys. OUCH!

Oh, Kevin Garnett. I used to love you so much. Tonight, you impressed me as you definitely took it to Gasol and all but carried your team offensively. Twenty-five points is great, but you need to stop letting your emotions get the best of you. After the Celtics got the ball back after another officials’ review, Garnett “truck sticked” Pau Gasol while setting a screen. The C’s were down five and could’ve really made this a game with just under 40 seconds to play. Keep in mind Ray Allen still blew the layup that no longer counted, but still. Set the screen KG!

Derek Fisher made countless plays in the fourth quarter, as if he had been sipping on Kobe Bryant’s gatorade. One play which stays in my mind was a Derek Fisher breakaway where he hit the layup while getting fouled by three Celtics, who all landed out of bounds. After the game, a teary-eyed Derek Fisher preached how he was happy to play well for his teammates, as they look to win another championship.

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Now onto these officials’ reviews. I still don’t know how I feel about officials reviewing out of bounds calls in these games. All three times, the review got the calls right, however on one, it was clear that Rondo’s holding of Lamar Odom’s arm was the reason for the ball landing out of bounds. But you can’t call a foul on a review, so the Celtics ended up with the ball. Fortunately for the outcome, KG had his aforementioned bone-head foul, but imagine the possible impact of that review.

How do you feel about official’s reviewing calls?

I think its an interesting concept, but still needs a little more work.

-G