Lakers vs. Celtics Game 6: Lakers Force a Game Seven With Dominant Showing

Playing their best game in the NBA Finals since their Game One victory at Staples Center, the Lakers defeated the Celtics 89-67 to set up a decisive Game Seven.

The Lakers' return to Los Angeles was a triumphant one, after they played two lethargic games at the TD Garden in Boston. 

Tonight, the Lakers had their energy back, as well as the stifling defense that was missing in Games Four and Five.  The bench also made a rare appearance for the Lakers, at one point outscoring the Boston reserves 24-0.

But it wasn’t quite the blowout that the score would indicate.  The Celtics’ low 33 percent shooting wasn’t all due to the Lakers defense.  The Celtics blew at least a half-dozen easy layups, as well as some open jump shots. 

Rajon Rondo was the main culprit for the Celtics, hitting on only five of 15 shots. 

The Lakers also out-rebounded the Celtics 52-38.  Part of the reason for that was the injury to Kendrick Perkins.  He injured his knee going up for a rebound against Andrew Bynum and Kobe Bryant in the first quarter and did not return.

The extent of Perkins’ injury has not been disclosed.  Bynum had problems of his own, re-injuring his torn meniscus.  He spent most of the second half on the bench icing his knee.

So, the question remains: How much will this game affect Game Seven?  Other than forcing the final contest in the first place, it may not have much.

Like Kobe Bryant said tonight, “Forget about this game and go onto the next one.”

The Lakers have to push the pace and hurry to set up their defense and not let the Celtics beat them back.  They need to run the court like they did tonight, and not lope along like they did in Boston.

Loose balls and tipped balls also had a lot to do with tonight’s game.  That is strictly a matt...

About the Author