Final Score: Celtics 92, Lakers 86

Kobe Bryant did everything he could on Sunday night to lead his team to victory. But a one-man team was no threat to the Boston Celtics’ full-team 48-minute effort.

The Celtics, lead by 4 players in double figures, held serve on their home court in Game 5 to take a 3-2 series lead in the NBA Finals. A loss would have been crushing, but the victory has them 1 win away from another championship. Games 6 and 7 (if necessary) will be played in Los Angeles.

Kobe Bryant had 38 points in this game, including 19 points in the 3rd quarter to keep his team in the game. For a stretch from the late 2nd quarter to the late 3rd, Bryant scored 23 straight Laker points. Not a single other player scored for over 10 minutes.

Kobe finished with 38 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, while going 13 for 27 from the field. At least 60% of his shot attempts were incredibly difficult, well-contested jumpers. He still was able to hit several tough shots.

Without Bryant, this game would have been a blowout. The only other Laker in double figures was Pau Gasol, who had just 12 points on 12 shots. He also added 12 rebounds. Gasol was outplayed by Kevin Garnett, and no other Los Angeles player scored in double figures. Ron Artest, Derek Fisher, and Lamar Odom combined to shoot 8 for 24. Andrew Bynum played 32 points but had just 6 points and 1 rebound in a completely uneffective performance.

The Celtics were led by Paul Pierce’s big night. Pierce had 27 points on 12 for 21 shooting. He picked his spots, and got to them with ease all night. It was a classic effort from Boston’s leader, who didn’t dominate the ball or fill up the stat sheet, but was very efficient in his opportunities.

Rajon Rondo struggled in the middle 2 quarters to make shots, and he had 7 turnovers. However, he was huge down the stretch and to start the game, finishing with 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists on 9-for-12 shooting. Rondo also showed some tremendous hustle and toughness throughout the game. In the 2nd quarter, he picked up a technical foul for pushing Ron Artest after a hard foul on Kevin Garnett. The backing of his teammate was respected by the team, even though coach Doc Rivers was not pleased with the technical. Rondo skied for a high offensive rebound amongst several 6’10” players late in the 4th quarter to record an impossible putback layup that provided a spark for the team. He made several other crucial plays down the stretch to seal the victory.

Kevin Garnett, meanwhile, had a very effective game. Garnett scored 18 points with 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals, and 2 blocks in a terrific effort. For the first time all series, Garnett outplayed Pau Gasol. He was intense all night, but in control of his emotions.

Ray Allen also scored in double figures, with 12 points on 5 for 10 shooting. He was 0 for 4 from three, which means that he has missed his last 16 three-point shot attempts. His futility from deep is shocking. He hasn’t hit a three since he hit his NBA Finals record-breaking 8th one in Game 2.

Glen Davis and Nate Robinson, the heroes of Game 4, did not have major impacts in the game. But then again, they didn’t have to. The bench was not asked to carry this team for long stretches, as the starters were able to hold leads throughout the night. The goal of the Boston bench in Game 5 was to give the starters a rest and continue to give 100% effort during their time on the floor.

Boston dominated in fast break points, 14-3. They also had more points in the paint, 46-32. The only deficiency of Boston’s Game 5 was their 17 turnovers. However, only 6 of those came in the 2nd half. The first half was especially sloppy, but they corrected the issue and ran a much smoother offense in the final 2 quarters.

The Lakers head back to Los Angeles needing to win both games. The task is not what they were hoping for, but certainly what they expected. The Celtics did what they had to do in holding home court. Now it’s up the Lakers to hold down the fort at home and force a Game 7.

As for the Celtics, they will be looking to end this series on Tuesday night in Game 6. Even if they lose, they know that anything can happen in Game 7. The NBA Finals has been fantastic and unpredictable thus far, and there’s no reason to expect anything different going forward.

Kobe Bryant needs more help at home. The Laker role players usually play better in Los Angeles, and they will have to do so to have a chance to win the title. The Celtics are a tremendous road team who won the last game in Los Angeles, Game 2.

It’s been a great NBA Finals, and I’m excited to see what drama unfolds in Los Angeles. Can’t wait for Game 6.