Inside the Paint: Celtics On Verge Of Banner 18

The Celtics were suppose to be too old and slow. No way they could beat the Lakers in a seven game series. Now the Celtics are one win away from banner 18. The Boston Celtics beat the Los Angeles Lakers last night in the Garden 92-86 to take a 3-2 lead in the series that is shifting back to Los Angeles. Quite frankly, the Lakers were punched in the mouth last night by the Celtics and they didn't know how to respond.



Kobe Bryant had a great game, 38 points 13-37 from the field, but the rest of the Lakers decided not to show up. Pau Gasol was the only other Laker who scored in double figures and that didn't happen until late in the fourth quarter. Gasol last night was flat out abused by Keven Garnett. Reminiscent of the 08 Finals when everyone said Gasol was too soft. Since Andrew Bynum hurt his knee in Game 4, Gasol has been exposed by the Celtic big men. Bynum gave the Lakers another rebounder who is as physical as the Celtics. Bynum also provided a distraction for the Celtics which gave Gasol leeway to work the post. With Bynum playing but struggling, the Celtics have focused all their attention on Gasol who is the Lakers only low post threat.



Paul Pierce motivated his team with a 27 point output on 21 shots with no turnovers. Meanwhile the Lakers have withered under the intense pressure of Kobe. Here's what Kobe had to say after the game, “We’ve regressed since Game 1. Our defense belongs on milk cartons in the last two games.” Nothing like your leader throwing the entire team under the buss.



Now the series shifts back to Los Angeles with the Lakers on the verge of collapse and the Celtics on the verge of glory. Will the other Lakers despite Kobe show up? Will the Celtics age show up in Game 6? Will Ray Allen snap out of this funk he's been in since Game 2? Game 6 will definitely be fascinating to watch.