LA Lakers Eye Game 4 Win After Ray Allen Meltdown

It was a wild turn of turn of events for the Boston Celtics’ Ray Allen and a terrific opportunity for the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, who gained a 2–1 series lead over Boston in the NBA finals with their 91–84 win at the TD Banknorth Garden.


Allen, who just two days earlier drained eight 3-pointers to set a new record for an NBA finals game, had the worst shooting performance of his career on Tuesday night.

The veteran shot a miserable 0–13 from the field including eight missed 3-pointers. That was one missed shot away from tying the worst NBA Finals shooting performance.

“It’s a hell of a swing, I’ll tell you that,” Celtics coach Doc Rivers said.

The current Celtics have always been a team that hasn’t relied on any single star player. But not even Kevin Garnett’s 25-points and solid performances from Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce could make up for Allen’s woes.

“Ray went 0-for-13,” Boston second-string center Glen Davis said. “Who would have ever thought that? [If] he hits a couple of shots and we’re in the game, we’re winning the game.”

Sure, the blame for Boston’s Game 3 loss on home court can’t entirely be put on Allen’s shoulders; an all-around first half offensive letdown and a heroic surge by the Lakers’ Derek Fisher down the stretch were equally critical to the game’s outcome.

But Allen’s numbers were just so glaringly awful, and unexpected, that it’s hard not to point fingers.

The game began with an explosive start from Garnett, who performed a beautiful post move on Pau Gasol and nailed two alley-oops in the opening minutes to ignite the home crowd. “Beat L.A.!” was a chanted throughout the Garden.

But Boston’s defense turned sloppy midway through the first quarter and a slew of fouls ensued, giving Kobe Bryant the opportunity he needed to shine.

The Lakers star made up for his poor shooting from beyond the perimeter by attacking the basket and getting three-point plays.

Sixth man Lamar Odom also played well and the Lakers took control of the first half, at one point extending their lead to 17. They headed to the locker room up 52–40.

Led by Garnett, Boston mounted an impressive comeback in the second half closing the gap to one point.

But shortly after that Bryant and Fisher turned on the heat; Bryant led in the third quarter and Fisher scored 11 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter, and had four baskets down the stretch. Bryant finished the night with 29 points.

“Derek Fisher was the difference in the game,” Rivers said. “He’s just a gutty, gritty player and he gutted the game out for them.”

“We didn’t doubt our ability to win here,” Fisher said.

Now with Boston hurt and probably a bit embarrassed by Allen’s futility, the Lakers are eyeing their next win in Boston on Thursday.

A Game 4 win would probably ensure a finals victory for the Lakers as Boston would have to win three straight to prevent a Lakers title.

“I just need to go in there and get my shots up,” Allen said. “I never hang my head. Tomorrow is another opportunity.”