Davis’ Diligent Delivery

Post-season success in the NBA is often measured by a diligent bench. That was the case last night in Game 4 of the Finals between the Boston Celtics and L.A. Lakers. The Celtics evened the series at 2-2 Thursday after their reserves provided 21 fourth quarter points in a 96-89 home victory. The teams traded baskets throughout the first half, but L.A. faded and fizzled after the break to find themselves in a deadlocked series. Boston’s bench plucked away the Lakers’ two point edge heading into the final quarter, anchored by Glen Davis’ nine buckets. The reserve forward tallied 19 in the win and went 7-for-10 from the field. Nate Robinson added 12 points and a pair of assists in his 17 minutes of court time as the Celtics outlasted and out-rebounded their purple-and-gold opponents.
Kobe Bryant led all scorers with 33 points, including 6-of-11 beyond the arc. He also endured seven turnovers and received little help from teammates other than Pau Gasol. Gasol reeled off 21 points in the loss but also collected four of L.A.’s 15 turnovers. The Lakers held a 45-42 advantage at halftime thanks to their veteran duo, but everything came undone in the second half. The Lakers allowed 36 fourth quarter points while managing to put up just 17 in the third quarter. Boston’s Paul Pierce had 19 points and Kevin Garnett provided 13 as the Lakers couldn’t keep the Celtics off the board. Bryant’s trey with just over a minute in the third gave the Lakers a 62-58 lead before Davis’ putback pulled the Celtics within a basket. Davis followed by charging down the middle for seven points in a four minute fourth quarter span.
Lamar Odom was ineffective in replacing starting L.A. center, Andrew Bynum. Bynum lasted 11 minutes before exiting the game in the first half. Odom’s defense was dismal and L.A. failed to prevent Robinson and Davis from taking over the final quarter. The Celtics’ scoring binge evaporated the Lakers’ lead. Boston’s bench outscored L.A.’s by double and pummeled the visitors in the paint. Odom recorded ten points off the bench as one of three Lakers to score in double figures. Odom was otherwise, awful. He was schooled by Davis in the second half as Boston slammed the door shut. Ron Artest put up a nine spot and dished out nine rebounds for a Lakers’ high. Boston did a tremendous job finding Davis to give the 6’9” power forward open looks. The Lakers looked fatigue down the stretch in what has become a roller coaster series between the storied franchises. Boston needed last night’s game the most, and Sunday’s Game 5 at home appears another must-win if they expect to win the Finals. Bynum is optimistic about playing Game 5 despite a torn right knee ailment. The Lakers need their strong center to strut his stuff and keep in contention with the Celtics.

Parting Points: What a strange walk-off win for Milwaukee over the Cubbies.

It looks like Nebraska is headed to the Big 10.

Angry female rock pop song of the day- Kelly Clarkson’s “Since You’ve Been Gone”