In my opinion, it's mostly Kevin Garnett's fault that the series isn't over already. I love the fact that he doesn't take plays or games off, or that he tries to play safe. You have to keep a killer instinct in order to survive the NBA playoffs (just ask the Dallas Mavericks.) However, that's no excuse not to continue playing smart basketball. Those fouls in the first half of Game 5 were not All Star like of KG. It gave the Lakers the confidence they needed in order to pull out that win. That being said, KG will not make that mistake tonight.
But let's not take away credit from my Lakers for the win. It would have been so embarrassing if they lost the Finals on their home court in 5 games. But they didn't let it happen. It would have been easy for them to just lay down and quit. I give Kobe credit for two things: 1) making sure his team was motivated to play; and 2) continuing to share the ball with his teammates and resisting the temptation to take every shot. After what I saw in Game 2, I am surprised by his display of maturity - and it's very refreshing. Gotta give it up to him.
They usually say that Game 5 is the most pivotal game of an NBA Finals (with 2-3-2 format); but this series is different. I think tonight's game decides the series. If the Celtics don't take care of business tonight, that will give the Lakers an incredible amount of momentum to go on to win Game 7 - and make history - and cement Kobe & Phil Jackson's legacy.
I am very much looking forward to this game!