The Boston Celtics almost did it again against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 of the 2008 NBA Finals Sunday night at Staples Arena. The Celtics almost came back after facing a double-digit deficit to the Lakers in the final period. This time however, the Lakers held off the charge winning 103-98 forcing Game 6 back in Boston on Tuesday (June 17). According to oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com , the Celtics are -200 moneyline and -4 ½ point favorites against the spread with a 192 total.
The Celtics are a perfect 5-0 covering the spread (ATS) in the 2008 NBA Finals.
Kobe Bryant scored 25 points, including a decisive dunk in the final minute and Lamar Odom added 20 as the Lakers prevented the Celtics from winning a 17th title. The Lakers are still down 3-2 but if they can steal one in Boston can force a seventh game.
Paul Pierce erupted for 12 points in the final frame as the Celtics erased a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to tie the contest, but they were unable to pull ahead. Pierce finished with a game-high 38 points, while Kevin Garnett notched his fifth double-double of the series.
No team has overcome a 3-1 deficit in the finals to win a title. The first 28 failed, and now the Lakers, who blew a 24-point lead and lost Game 4 and nearly squandered a 19-point lead in Game 5, have a chance to do something extraordinary.
