Split decision from ESPN scouts (game 2)

[wdleehi]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/columns/story?page=ScoutingLakersCeltics-Game2



David Thorpe

The Lakers did not shoot or rebound well, nor did they come up with as many "hustle plays" as Boston did. But we know they are capable of doing much better in those areas. They got outscored by nine from the 3-point line and seven from the free-throw line and lost by only 10 points. Expect all three of those numbers to improve in L.A.'s favor in Game 2. Utah proved that L.A. can be beaten in two straight games, so Boston is even more capable of getting that done. But the Lakers have been at their best when severely challenged, and going down 0-2 is a very scary thought for them. -- David Thorpe

Thorpe's Prediction: Lakers win Game 2

Mike Moreau

As much as the Lakers talked about missing open shots in Game 1, the key point is that they made them early and missed them late -- which is the designed effect of the Celtics' defensive scheme. Conversely, Boston missed shots early and made the big ones down the stretch. Look for this trend to continue in Game 2.

With The Black Mamba hearing comments about what a great job Allen is doing to contain him (twice in the regular season and now in Game 1), expect a more aggressive Kobe to go out of his way to right the Lakers' ship -- which might play right into the Celtics' hands. -- Mike Moreau

Moreau's Prediction: Celtics win Game 2

I like the second prediction much better.   

[RebusRankin]

Disagree on the comment about the Lakers improving their rebounding. Thats been a sore spot all play-offs. I don't see that changing.

[paintitgreen]

I agree. Moreau, I think, was one of two ESPN experts to pick the Cs to win the series from the start (I think Sheridan did too). His analysis actually looks crisper too. Thorpe may be right that the Lakers' 3 point shooting could improve (though that is a point of emphasis for the Celtics' defense), but getting to the line is a problem when the Celtics don't let you get in the lane in the first place. And his belief that the Lakers can rebound better is way off. The Celtics are simply a much better rebounding team. The Lakers can win Game 2, but the chances of them drastically changing the rebounding differential is minimal at best.

[wdleehi]

I agree. Moreau, I think, was one of two ESPN experts to pick the Cs to win the series from the start (I think Sheridan did too). His analysis actually looks crisper too. Thorpe may be right that the Lakers' 3 point shooting could improve (though that is a point of emphasis for the Celtics' defense), but getting to the line is a problem when the Celtics don't let you get in the lane in the first place. And his belief that the Lakers can rebound better is way off. The Celtics are simply a much better rebounding team. The Lakers can win Game 2, but the chances of them drastically changing the rebounding differential is minimal at best.

The only way the lakers 3 point shooting improves is if kobe can suddenly penetrate over and over.  If it doesn't happen, the shooters are not going to get the open looks.

[Vermont Green]

The Celtics will need to produce a more consistent defensive effort in Game 2 or the Lakers will make more shots.  They did miss some pretty good looks.  I think the Celtics are capable and will defend better (more consistently) though and win game 2.

[Redz]

Boston missed shots early and made the big ones down the stretch. Look for this trend to continue in Game 2.

The Celts weren't exactly lighting it up in the 4th, they justdid a great job of stopping the Lakers.  The last 6:53 of the game the Lakers were 1-for-14, the Celts were 2-for-7 (one hoop being the KG putback).  They won it on the defensive end an at the line down the stretch.  The C's were 9-for-10 from the line in that stretch (the Lakers were 4-for-5)