Must Win

Game 4 now becomes a must win for the Boston Celtics who need to win three out of the next four games to win the series. Game 3 saw Ray Allen and Paul Pierce shoot a combined 5/25 with Allen checking in at 0 for 13 (0/8 on threes). He is a shooter, and like all shooters there are streaks, but he will keep firing up shots with confidence. I do think he should have attempted some closer shots or that Doc could have rested him more with the struggles. However, to me  it was most disappointing to see Kevin Garnett finally have a dominant offensive game, yet he received no other consistent help on the offensive end. 

I was wrong about the Celtics winning in five games, but I still feel the Celtics are going to win this series. I always knew it was an even match up, but I saw the Celtics as mentally tougher and more poised to win. The Lakers are younger, taller, and more talented on paper, and they need to do less to win. Where as the Celtics need more things to go right for them and more people to play at a high level for them to win. Allen is going to bounce back from his woeful 0/13 performance and Pierce has to give you more in Game 4. 

A bright spot in last night's loss was the fact that the C's established Garnett early on and as Rivers said in post game "I think we didn't go to Kevin enough, we talked about twenty shots before the game, and he got sixteen". With the 6-0 run to start the game (all KG baskets) the Celtics looked ready to run the Lakers out of the building. Never was the case, as after dominating early in the first quarter Boston never saw the lead again.

Also, late in the game you cannot let Derek Fisher burn you as he did along with the fact that (as well as he was playing) Glen Davis at 6'8 should not be assigned to guard 6'10 Lamar Odom or a 7'0 Pau Gasol. It is concerning that Rasheed Wallace is having back problems as we will need him to cover some of these seven footers. No matter who is covering who, Game 4 is a must win for the Boston Celtics. Look for them to move the ball better by making the extra pass and watch for energy from all players in an effort to play better defense. Can't wait for Game 4's must win victory.