 June 10 -? Unlike most NBA teams, the Boston Celtics often play better on the road than at home, but despite this foible, they cannot be blamed for losing 91-84 to the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Tuesday.
The truth of the matter is that the Boston Celtics didn't do anything wrong on Tuesday in front of their home crowd - the Los Angeles Lakers were just slightly better. I say slightly, because both NBA finalists were firing on all cylinders.
During and after the game, fans of both the Celtics and the Lakers were heard complementing their teams on fixing issues evident in their first two NBA Final games. But on Tuesday, all kudos went to the Lakers, especially Kobe Bryant.
The interesting thing about Kobe Bryant - who many NBA betting fans feel is the best player since sliced bread - is that he has a huge set of 'expectations' to live up to that would crush most other NBA players, but that he manages to meet.
For instance, Bryant is such a high-scoring player that his team and fans expect him to routinely put close to 30 points on the board in every game because that's what he averages. But as soon as his average goes down, eyebrows go up.
Consider that leading up to the NBA Finals the Lakers' star play maker was averaging about 29 points a game, but in these last three NBA Final games, Bryant's average has dropped to 26.7 points per game, which is still nothing to sneer at.
However, being Bryant, fans are expecting him to drop a bomb soon by racking up the real 'big points' to help the Lakers take home the trophy. That said, Bryant's contribution - as it was - on Tuesday helped give his team the game and lead.
As a best-of-seven, the Boston Celtics have to dig very deep ahead of Game 4 tonight in Boston (Thursday, June 10) if they want to stave off defeat. They too will be hoping Bryant doesn't wake up on the right side of the bed and bring it!
Here are the NBA Finals Game 4 odds as laid by leading online sports betting site, Bodog.com:
| |
Spread |
Money Line |
Total |
| A Los Angeles Lakers |
+3½ 1.91 |
2.45 |
o190½ 1.95 |
| H Boston Celtics |
-3½ 1.91 |
1.57 |
u190½ 1.87 |
|
