Rajon Rondo danced his way to a triple-double.
Ray Allen set an NBA Finals record from distance.
Heading back to Boston in a scenario that most Los Angeles faithful dread, the Lakers went from being a favorite to secure a 16th NBA title to being in dire need of a road win. The C’s decisive 103-94 victory at Staples Center Sunday pushed the Lakers into a corner, making Game Three a must win.
Sounds a lot like 2008, right?
Boston spent the majority of the interim between Games One and Two hearing the media dismantle the team for its age, lack of speed, and passive play. Now it’s the Lakers' turn, as they were the ones looking slow, non-aggressive, and inactive on their home court.
In order for the Lakers to reclaim home court advantage in the NBA Finals, there are four areas head coach Phil Jackson needs to emphasize in practice if they want to make Pierce a liar.
Problem No. 1 – Keeping a Body On Ray Allen
Obviously, Game Two displayed this in full force, as Allen lit up the Lakers for 32 points on 8-of-11 shooting from three-point range. But the main reason for all of his points was the distance between him and defender.
Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher, and many other Lakers defenders tried to shoot the gap and go for the steal on nearly every play, which gave Allen all the separation he needed. He already has one of the quickest releases in the game, so without a hand in his face, Allen can make Game Three another exhibition in long distance shooting.
Allowing Allen, the NBA Finals’ all-time best three-point shooter, at over 50 percent, to be wide open and see the ball go through time after time is a recipe for disaster.
That’s a guarantee.
This problem can be strategically fixed. First, the Lakers have to get ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
