One thing’s for sure – when you’re heading home, down 0-2 in a best of seven series, Game 3 is a must-win situation.
Kobe and Co. have their backs against the wall tonight, but the good news is that they’ll have the support of the Laker faithful in the friendly confines of the Staples Center. Laker fans aren’t the most knowledgeable, but they love their team and they’ll be out in force (once they all arrive by the end of the first quarter).
The Lakers are bound to attack the paint more, so expect the free throw shooting to even out. The bench usually plays better at home as well, so there is reason for optimism if you’re a Laker fan.
Conversely, the Celtics have a golden opportunity to take whatever wind remains out of the Laker sails. They’ll have to play the (almost) perfect game to overcome the Lakers’ home court advantage and an officiating crew that has heard Phil Jackson complain about the foul disparity for the last 48 hours. But if they can squeak out a win, you can put a fork in L.A.
