HEROES
Pierce, Garnett, Allen.
The Celtics’ “Big Three” played their biggest game at the most opportune time. Paul Pierce scored 20 points with seven assists, Kevin Garnett notched 16 points with 11 rebounds, and Ray Allen scored 19 with nine rebounds and sank the game’s biggest shot.
ZERO
Lakers’ bench silent.
The Lakers’ reserves, as they displayed earlier in this series, weren’t a factor in a game the Lakers lost. Five guys played, combining for 15 points.
X’S AND O’S
Top stops.
The Celtics, notably Pierce, did a good job of keeping Kobe Bryant from hitting the big shots. Bryant shot 6-for-19 from the field, finishing with 17 points. Even Lamar Odom scored more (19).
THE SCENE
Star city.
The whole Staples Center was carpeted red, with spectators including Toby McGuire, Justin Timberlake, Maria Sharapova, Will Smith and Donnie Wahlberg.
Benjamin Hochman, The Denver Post
