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Boston stop's Mr. Unstoppable

Posted June 9, 2008

The man Lakers coach Phil Jackson once called “Unstoppable” was shut down once again by the boys in green as the Lakers lost game two to the Boston Celtics 108 – 102. The Lakers closed out the first quarter leading 22 – 20 against what is always a very tuff Celtic’s defense. But by half time it seemed like Paul Pierce was the Celtics Answer to everything. After gaining a 24 point lead in the fourth quarter Boston seemed to get a little too comfortable and defensively became a little slack allowing the Lakers to close the gap to a mere 6 point victory.

Leon Powe a second year reserve had the game of his life, with 15 minutes playing time he turned in an impressive 21 points and 2 rebounds. Obviously Phil Jackson was the only one in the Garden tonight who could not hear his name as it was chanted throughout the stands. During his post game interview he mispronounced his name calling him "Pow".

Rondo had an amazing 16 assists, 6 rebounds, and 4 points. Kobe Bryant was able to pick himself out of his slump in the 4th totaling 4 rebounds, 8 assists, and 30 points (13 scored in the 4th quarter) for the night.

Next we will head to the Staples Center for game 3 – 5 with Boston leading the series 2 -0. The Lakers are 8-0 in the post season at home and 14 straight at home since March 28th.

After the game Pierce had this to say, “We did our job, we held home court and now we can break it back with another win in game 3. We’re not settling on a 2-0 lead. We want to go out there and win two games in L.A. That’s our focus, and that’s what we want to go out there and try to do.”

Breakdown:

L.A. had 36 rebounds, 20 assists, 28 personal fouls, 1 technical foul (Bryant), and 102 points (31 in the paint, 18 on turnovers, and 10 on the fast break). L.A.’s three point leaders were Bryant with 30, Gasol with 17 and Radmanovic with 13.

Boston had 37 rebounds, 31 assists, 21 personal fouls, 1 technical foul (Garnett), and 108 points (30 in the paint, 19 on turnovers, and 14 on the fast break). Boston’s three point leaders were, Pierce with 28, Powe with 21, and Garnett and Allen both with 17.

Game 3 is Tuesday night at 9:00 p.m. at the Staples Center.