Celtics Lucky To Win, Despite GREAT Rebounding

Well, the one things the Celtics DID do very well in the 4th quarter --

despite, once again, losing their focus at a time when they could / should have put the game away, with Kobe on the bench --

was REBOUND ... and play EXCELLENT team defense ...

That said, Wayne's point about their offensive lulls was certainly confirmed ...

And here a main, altho far from only, culprit was Kevin Garnett,

who kept throwing up 17-foot jumpers even tho he kept missing them -- like 8 in a row ...

He's GOT to get down into the low post and force Gasol to work defensively AND have a chance to pick up some fouls, with the Lakers in the penalty ...

altho his follow on Posey's miss was BRILLIANT ... as were his free throws with a minute to play ... both of which together help put the game away ...

which only shows, once again, WHY he should be playing down low in the 4th quarter, and not chucking up mid-range jumpers ...

Otherwise, aside from one clutch 3, Sam Cassell once again slowed down the offense, dribbling and just chucking it up -- sorry, Mark ;-) ...

And the Celts' foul shooting also could have been a bit more clutch down the stretch ...

Which was also true of the Lakers ... the result, I think, of both teams finally getting tired after SUCH a close, well-played game ...

Finally, Rondo played the kind of game he needs to: attacking the hoop, creating openings and good looks for others, and getting both clutch shots AND rebounds ...

Great Game 1 ... of what looks to be a fabulous series ...