So much for Boston’s vaunted defense.
The Celtics offense and Lakers defense battled to a virtual draw in the Lakers' 102-89 victory over Boston in Game One of the NBA Finals. However, Boston’s defense was picked apart by LA’s offense.
Here are the particulars.
Lakers Offense vs. Celtics Defense
While Paul Pierce and Tony Allen saw some daylight defending Kobe Bryant, Ray Allen bore the brunt of defending Boston‘s public enemy.
Unfortunately, this strategy had major holes that were unveiled at the game’s onset. Twice early, Kobe was able to blow by Allen’s earnest—but inferior—defense, a problem that was exacerbated by the total absence of a defensive rotation. In 2008, this was not.
Unlike two years ago, Kobe dominated the Celtics defenders at the point of attack and prevented them from simply funneling Kobe into a contested short jumper. In effect, he dominated the game—10-22 FG, 1-2 3FG, 9-10 FT, 7 REB, 6 AST, 4 TO, 30 PTS. This was so for a number of reasons.
Allen doesn’t have the defensive quickness he once had, while Kobe i ...
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Article written by Erick Blasco
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