17th
Lakers win Game 5 at home, 103-98. The series goes back to Boston for Game 6 with the Celtics ahead, 3-2.
The Second-by-Second +/- graph highlights what a weird 2nd quarter took place. Garnett sits for practically all of it, yet the Celtics’ subs vastly outplay the Lakers’ subs, bringing Boston back in the game. Tony Allen, a tough and athletic non-shooter, appears to be a good backcourt complement to Sam Cassell. Expect them to get their minutes together again in Game 6.
And does Laker coach Phil Jackson trust Jordan Farmar too much? Or is Farmar just more reliable than the two shaky Euros, Vujacic and Radmanovic. Luke Walton had solid minutes off the bench in Game 5, but again proved unable to keep up defensively and made himself a non-option by acquiring fouls in bunches. Maybe Walton can take advantage of the extra rest he’s gotten, along with the brutal travel the Celtics have endured, and have a big Game 6. Regardless, between the four, if Jackson can have one finish the game playing well, he has to feel good about his team’s chances, especially now that Odom and Gasol have both gained familiarity with their opponent, and seen the Celtics’ size advantage go away.
Doc Rivers faces a similar situation with his shaky point guard situation. Expect him to find out who among Rajon Rondo, Eddie House, and Sam Cassell has their A-game, and to ride that guy through the second half. The strategy worked well in Game 5 with Sam Cassell’s positive play. Forget about each team’s Big 3, one of these shaky guys has the chance to come through big. If it’s Cassell, he’s made history. If it’s one of the others, they’ll have made themselves millions in future salary. Either way, it’s a good night’s work on basketball’s biggest stage.
