Jonathan Lee - AccuScore Analyst

Given that this is the NBA Finals, most analysts and fans have taken to hyperbole saying each game is a “must-win” for both teams.  While the pressure is ramped up this time of year, there is no reason to panic for either squad until something unexpected happens namely a home team losing.  Each team has done what was expected of them: win at home.  Both the Lakers and Celtics have shown they are capable of winning on the road, but until that happens nothing should cause the teams too much worry until the ultimate pressure cooker in Game 7.  Right now AccuScore now gives the Celtics a 57 percent to be the championship with 4 games remaining.  If the Lakers win Game 4 on Thursday however, they will move into the role of favorites.  Projections show L.A. more likely to win a road game than Boston.  Of course, Boston does not have to win in Los Angeles in order to win the title. 

There were good and bad signs for both teams in Game 3.  For the Lakers, the free-throw shooting disparity swung in their favor this time around as they took 34 shots compared to just 22 for the Celtics.  Bryant found his touch from the outside shooting 60 percent from the field and taking over the game when he wanted.  Many fans and analysts had called for him to defend Paul Pierce, but Phil Jackson instead switched him early on Rajon Rondo.  This move created a fantastic cross-match for the Lakers as Rondo could not handle Bryant in the open floor or in the half-court set.  L.A. also won despite the continued poor play of the front court.  Lamar Odom was plagued by foul trouble all night and scored just 4 points with 5 turnovers.  Pau Gasol only scored 9 points and Vladimir Radmanovic made just one 3-pointer and played less than 13 minutes.  Gasol and Odom did become much more aggressive late in the fourth quarter and were crucial in sealing the win by attacking the glass and getting some garbage points.  The pair needs to find a way to play with that kind of intensity and energy much more often the rest of the series.  Another good sign for the Lakers was the strong play of Jordan Farmar.  The second-year point man had 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists and picked up a charge against Pierce.

The Celtics endured a terrible all-around game from Pierce, and a weak offensive performance from Garnett.  The two combined to shoot just 8-35 from the field.  Pierce spent most of the game in foul trouble and was pretty much a non-factor.  He has been the lynch pin for the Celtics being the main man on offense and playing some very good individual and team defense.  Despite the poor play of two of its stars, Boston still took the lead in the third and was in the game down the stretch as well.  Obviously they need to play better with the next two games at Staples Center, but they continue to play solid defense and are playing with more energy and hustle than the Lakers.  Ray Allen continued a great series by scoring 25 points hitting 5 3-pointers.  He can’t however be left alone to guard Bryant late in games.  It was strange to see Doc Rivers trap Bryant in the fourth and force him to give up the ball yet abandon the strategy as the game wound down.  Boston clearly needs to gamble on other players beating them considering how Gasol and Odom are struggling from the field.

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