Celts go up 3-2

The Celtics finally took control of the series. Last  night was a great game. Any true  basketball fan had to admire the way both teams played.

The Celtics found offense early in the first half with Paul Pierce. Each time down the court it seemed like they were running an ISO for Pierce and he delivered. Pierce looked unstoppable last night, especially in the first half. He was hitting jumper after jumper and looked unstoppable after a great step-back on Odom. 

At the end of two quarters the Celtics had a slight lead, but seemed to be in control. In the third quarter Kobe Bryant put on a show. I'm no Kobe fan, but he was amazing . He put up 19 points in the quarter and made some of the most difficult shots you'll see in an NBA game. The Celtics were able to weather the Kobe storm with great team play. While Kobe played great, his team played terribly.

To me the game really took a turn when the Celtics bench came in during the third. Tony Allen blocked the shit out of Pau Gasol on a lay-up attempt (Excuse my language). That play is one that I guarantee you will see 50 times more if the Celtics win the series.

During the fourth the Doc Rivers let his bench begin the quarter. They held the lead and did well enough to even build on it. At around the 8 minute mark Doc came back with his starters and they kept the lead for most of the quarter. However, with about two minutes left the Lakers mounted a small come back. Ron Artest even had a chance to close the lead to three points with about a minute left on the clock, but as he has done so many times this series, he missed. On the next play, Paul Pierce got his "Randy Moss and Tom Brady on," with a good catch over Fisher and a great pass to Rondo which sealed the deal.

The Celtics are going into LA with a chance to close out the series and win the franchise's 18th championship. Its going to be tough and I'm sure Kobe will play strong, but with Bynum hurt and the Lakers are going to be in trouble. If Pau can bounce back and the bench can play well they have a chance, not to mention its going to be hard to beat anyone three times in a row.