Two factors we identified as decisive in the first three games of the NBA finals—namely, rebounds and assists—have continued to be decisive as the Celtics and Lakers have fought to a 3-3 tie. The numbers are instructive:
Game 4: In their 7-point victory Boston outrebounded LA 41-34, dominating off the backboard offensively with 16 offensive rebounds to the Lakers’ 8. The Celtics had the edge in teamwork, as measured by assists, with 15 to the Lakers’ 13. Both teams shot over 80% from the free throw line.
Game 5: This time LA was aggressive on their own shots, pulling in more offensive rebounds (16 to Boston’s 7), but the Celtics dominated defensively, grabbing 28 defensive rebounds to the Lakers’ 18. The Celtics also blocked 7 shots, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett each with two. The odds an NBA player will average at least 2 blocks per game in the playoffs over his career are 1 in 155.8. The Celtics’ superior 56% shooting was aided by their 21 assists to the Lakers’ 12.
Game 6: The Lakers charged back, led by strong efforts from Kobe Bryant, who had four steals to go with his 26 points, and Pau Gasol, who fell one assist short of a triple-double. The Celtics lost the game with their awful 33% shooting as much as the Lakers won it with inspired play, but it’s worth noting that this time LA outrebounded Boston 52-39, and matched the Celtics in assists with 17.
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