A 2-1 series lead is dangerous for both teams in the NBA playoffs.
For the Boston Celtics, Game Four is essentially a must-win. They cannot afford to drop their first two home games of the series. History is not on the side of teams that trail 3-1 in a best-of-seven series.
At the same time, the Los Angeles Lakers need to win Game Four to maintain control of the NBA Finals. Losing would even the series at two games apiece. If the Celtics were to win Game Five as well, the Lakers would suddenly have to win two straight home games.
The stakes are high. The players are emotional.
The key will be which team can remain level-headed in the heat of battle.
Kobe Bryant knows the series is not over. Even if the Lakers were up 3-0 and were winning by 20 in the fourth quarter of Game Four, he would play with the same intensity.
As the unquestioned leader of the Lakers, it's up to him to convey to his teammates how important Game Four is, along with how dangerous the Celtics can be.
Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett have each had their turn to step up so far in the three Finals games. Rajon Rondo ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Brian Chappatta
NBA Finals 2010: Los Angeles Lakers Need To Know the Series Isn’t Over
June 9th, 2010 by Brian Chappatta Leave a reply »
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