That Was a Little Unexpected, Wasn't It?

The 2008 NBA Finals had its defining game last night as the Boston Celtics overcame a 24-point deficit to stun the Lakers 97-91 and move one win away from its first title in 21 years. Dominating from the start, LA had all but tied this series at two, but Boston conjured up a performance that completely overshadows the struggles they experienced in Atlanta and Cleveland earlier in the postseason. Questions regarding the toughness of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett are no longer neccessary. Each displayed true grit in fighting until the end and completing a seemingly impossible comeback given the circumstances. The Lakers invincibility at home was exposed as they fell apart on the offensive end in the second half.

Lamar Odom finally stepped up, putting together his best game of the series by far, going 19 and 10 to lead LA. However, 15 of those points were in the first half when the Lakers held an 18-point lead at the break. But, the Celtics did their work in the third quarter, like they have all series, using a 21-3 run to pull within two entering the fourth. That’s when Boston displayed more composure, overcoming 10 4th-quarter points from an ineffective (shooting-wise) Kobe Bryant to earn a seismic victory on the road.

Bryant was held to only 17 points, marking the first time he was held under 20 in the entire postseason. It was also the first time the Lakers lost at home, which prevented them from becoming the first team to ever win 10 consecutive home playoff games. The league's MVP did have 10 assists, but his 6-19 shooting from the field let down his team when they needed most during a severe drought in the third quarter. Staring at a 1-3 deficit, the Lakers are faced with the daunting task of having to beat Boston three times in a row when they have lost to them five of the six times they’ve played.

The stunning victory has entirely changed the complexion of this series. No team has ever come back from 3-1 down in the Finals. Los Angeles would have to win two in a row in Boston, which is diabolical to think of a young team that was overwhelmed by the moment in Game 4. It’s tough to pinpoint the MVP of this series, but I’m leaning towards Ray Allen. He’s been the most consistent throughout, shedding his slump at the perfect time. He’s been at the top of his game this entire series, and made the icing basket in last night’s game. Paul Pierce’s theatrics in Game 1 and his 10 long years as a Celtic make him the next most likely candidate.