I'm really looking forward to this game! Definitely a big, big one, if not the biggest of the series.
Either L.A is going to strike hard and get HCA back right away, and put pressure on the C's for the next 2 home games, or Boston will beat L.A and put all the pressure on them for the next games, taking a big 2-1 lead (and big psychological edge).
There a lot of factors involved in this game but, to me, one interesting subplot will be L.A's level of play in Boston. The Lakers are only 4-4 on the road in these playoffs and the Garden will be fired up even more than in 2008 in my opinion. How will they play in such a hostile environment? Logic says they won't be affected by it but there is still a chance they fold in this environment, get flashbacks of 2008 and get destroyed. Don't think it will happen but it could... anyway we will be fixed about it tonight!
Also, I was hoping for some "homecooking" officiating for us which would only be fair after the first two games in L.A and the FT differential, so I was hoping Boston would get more FT's on drives to the basket (they didn't get any of them on obvious fouls in game 2, especially Paul) and L.A's big men would be in foul trouble, but seeing the officiating crew for tonight... forget it. And I expect our bigs to get called for A LOT of moving screens.
Anyway, can't wait to see the Garden crowd and the players introduction, it will probably we awesome/epic!
I hope Pierce has a bounce back game and KG wakes up, fueled by the crowd.
Definitely a crucial game tonight. Let's win this one, TP FL (awesome preview pics
) and go Celtics!!