LOS ANGELES — Instead of a Finals hangover, the Finals hang over the Celtics’ head.
After Sunday’s Game 5 loss, they traveled back home to Boston, where tonight, again, they’ll play to win the NBA Finals.
“We wanted to come home, but we didn’t want to play,” said Boston coach Doc Rivers, whose team leads Los Angeles 3-2. “But we fought for (home-court advantage) all year. We have Game 6 at home, and that’s not a bad place to be.”
Yes, it’s hard to believe the Celtics could lose two straight at home, considering they lost there only once this postseason. But winning this thing has become such a to-do. And one Boston starter (point guard Rajon Rondo) is playing hurt, while another (center Kendrick Perkins) might not play at all because of a shoulder injury. And Boston’s MVP candidate, Kevin Garnett, said his last game was “garbage.”
And on the other team, the actual MVP has an eerie calmness about him.
“This is a great opportunity for us,” said Kobe Bryant, as if his team led 3-2.
In Sunday’s Game 5, Bryant scored 25 points — but only 10 in the final three quarters.
Through one lens, his performance in Game 5 was subpar — he forced shots late and made a game-high six turnovers. But through another lens, his performance was superb — he controlled his team’s offense in the airtight fourth quarter and made a game-high five steals.
For Los Angeles, a Game 6 win will be all about finding the perfect formula for Bryant against the NBA’s top defense.
“(Boston assistant) Tom Thibodeau was an assistant with the Rockets, and I know when we played them, they threw the whole kitchen sink at me,” Bryant said. “Could I force myself to get 40 points? Yeah. But is that better for our ballclub? No. We’ve got guys open, I’m going to move the ball and do what I need to do.”
Bryant’s teammates looked at Game 5’s success as a showcase of what the Lakers can do when they play aggressively — and thrive on teamwork.
“We’re not going to beat them if it’s not balanced,” said power forward Lamar Odom, who tallied 20 points Sunday.
Boston was clearly the more aggressive team in this series for Games 1-4, but without Perkins and with foul trouble handcuffing Garnett, the Lakers dominated Game 5. Even if Perkins finds a way to play tonight, he surely won’t be 100 percent. And though Garnett’s “garbage” Game 5 was likely an aberration — he thrives on his home court — one has to wonder if the Lakers’ newfound confidence also made the flight East.
“Nobody is going to back down,” Lakers guard Jordan Farmar said. “We have a great belief that we can get it done and be world champs.”
Benjamin Hochman: 303-954-1294 or bhochman@denverpost.com
“Cinderella” could be the Lakers’ story
Entering Game 5 of the NBA Finals, the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant compared his team’s situation to that of the single-elimination NCAA Tournament. With a Game 5 win, the Lakers are now in the “Final Four.” Here are four things Denver Post writer Benjamin Hochman says the Lakers must do to force a seventh game in the Finals:
Contain Pierce
Paul Pierce scored 38 points in Game 5, thanks to his nifty pivots to get by defenders and overall aggressiveness from inside, outside and from outside-into-the-inside.
Play obliviously
You’re on the road in a hostile environment and one loss ends the season. So what. The Lakers have to be mentally tough and drown out the crowd.
Turn on the “Machine”
After shooting 7-for-10 in Game 3, reserve Sasha Vujacic combined for 3-for-19 in Games 4 and 5.
Stay hungry
The Lakers’ frontcourt, finally, played aggressively for four quarters in Game 5. Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom must both be factors — and on both ends of the court.
