NESO'S TAKE ON SPORTS

The series is now tied at 2-2 after the Celtics defense and strong bench performances from Glen Davis and Nate Robinson earned them the victory in game four.

After each game, it seems like the winner has a mass of momentum in their favor. After Game 1, the Lakers looked unstoppable, but were dropped by the C’s in Game 2.

Of course, Boston looked like they were looking to end the series after winning the second game. Unfortunately, after a near pounding by the Lakers, Los Angeles seemed to be gearing up for another road victory which would put the Celtics in a choke.

Now that the C’s have won Game 4, it would be easy to say that they have lots of momentum on their side.

These two teams are so evenly matched, however, that one small drop in level of play by the Celtics will easily cost them a game.

The Lakers do have a slight advantage in this series as of now. They have to win two of the next three games (as does Boston), but they have two games at home to do it.

Andrew Bynum, however, is clearly not healthy, and the Celtics dominated inside after he was deemed ineffective in the latter part of Game 4.

Game 5 is on Sunday, so Bynum will have a couple days to rest his meniscus-torn knee, but Games 6 and (assuming there is one) 7 would be played with only one day of rest.

Picking a team right now to win the series is really just a toss up, but I like the Celtics to win.

They have played sensational defense, even in there losses. Doc Rivers has pointed out that offensively they have been getting spectacular, open looks, but have been unable to drop easy shots.

Naturally, basketball is a game of ups and downs, so if the Celtics go on a tear where they start making these open shots (Rondo missed 8 layups yesterday, and Kevin Garnett missed 4 usually automatic jump shots).

Also, Ray Allen has been slumping. I don’t expect another 8 3-point game from him, but I do think he’ll be back to nailing his open-look threes come Sunday.

Also, many don’t realize how well the Celts have defended Kobe Bryant.

He has scored 20+ points in all of the games thus far, but these are coming on 10-20, 10-25 shooting nights. As in, Kobe’s getting his points, but taking 50% more shots than he normally would to get there.

Tony Allen is harassing Bryant to the point where some of his threes look like Kendrick Perkins is taking the shots, and although Bryant has made some ridiculous shots over Ray Allen, he has been heavily contested.

Further, Kevin Garnett finally seems to be owning Pau Gasol in the post offensively, and the Celtics are playing Perk against Gasol when Bynum is out or Odom is playing.

This makes Gasol have to constantly bang it out with the strong, heavy and physical monster that Perkins is, and although Pau is not as soft as he used to be, the man is still not your “bang it out” big man.

The biggest advantage the C’s have though, is their bench. Glen Davis and Nate Robinson (as apparent) both bring massive amounts of energy to the game, and as already mentioned Tony Allen is a lock down defender.

Rasheed Wallace, sometimes inconsistent offensively, has the length and mental ability to get inside of Pau Gasol’s head, and Michael Finley, although he has not played, provides veteran leadership and a last resort spark.

The Lakers rely on Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown off the bench. Both players are good, but they don’t bring the same explosion the C’s bench can.

Also, LA has Lamar Odom off the bench, but he is very inconsistent, and after playing two rather solid games is due for a couple of tough performances.

I guarantee that in either Game 5 or Game 6, if not both, Odom will be a no show.

It sounds like the Celtics are just a hugely better team after reading all of their advantages, but one monster performance from Kobe Bryant or even Pau Gasol, and these advantages will easily be neutralized.

We all know that’s not far out of the realm of possibility.

I will also say this.

The refereeing in this series has been disgusting. (That’s really, really, really, really bad.)

Watch four possessions of the game, and you’ll find at least one blown call.

At least they’re not favoring one team though. They’re equally screwing both teams. Hopefully that changes.

Ending on a positive note, these next few games will be exciting.

Bold Prediction: Paul Pierce catches fire in Game 5 and drops 28.