Back To Boston

Back To Boston

By BRANDON FINLEY
Sports Columnist

Kobe was able to get it done in Game 5 at home, but now comes the real test. Bryant will take his Lakers back across the country for Game 6 on Tuesday night, but do the Lakers have enough left to overcome the series deficit.

Los Angeles will now continue their attempt in becoming the only team to ever overcome a 3-1 series deficit after four games. They did their part in Game 5, but down the stretch the Lakers continued to struggle.

It's been the story of the series. The Lakers have been able to build leads early, but they haven't been able to hang on. That was until the final game in L.A.

The biggest advantage that Kobe and the Lakers have coming back to Boston is the lack of rest both teams will receive. With the game only scheduled two days later, both teams will have a shortage on practice time. This is clearly the advantage of the Lakers, who have played the last three games of this series at home.

However, if the Lakers want to complete the comeback they're going to have to find a way to slow down Paul Pierce. Although Bryant is the MVP of the league this season, it's been clear who's been the series MVP thus far.

Pierce did everything within his limits to push the Celtics to the NBA championship in Game 5, but even his thirty eight points were not enough on the night. Now, the big three which also includes Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen will return to Boston with one mission.

The Celtics must win one more game. For the Lakers it's do or die. Game two tips off at 9:00 on Tuesday night.