Trend Vs. Exception

kevin garnett blocks pau gasol

The Celtics got a combined 19 points on 8 of 36 shooting from Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.

The Lakers got a combined 13 points on 5 of 18 shooting from Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol.

Celtics fans are saying "We feel good going into Game 4 because we were close the whole way through even though 2 of our main threats were way off."  Lakers fans are saying "We feel good still winning even though 2 of our main threats were way off."  The difference is:  One was an exception… one is a trend.

The Celtics complete lack of offensive production from Pierce and Garnett is completely new.  Pierce has been awesome in this series.  KG has run hot and cold… but not this cold.  Odom and Gasol, however, have been largely absent from the Lakers offense for all 3 games (aside from a few spurts from Gasol).

So when it comes to Game 4… what is more likely to happen?  Odom and Gasol magically figuring out how to join in the Kobe Bryant shooting extravaganza… or Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett hitting their season and playoff averages? 

Rondo's Blog:  Let it get away (and he talks about his ankle)  |  WBZ Video: Postgame reaction|   Herald:  Pierce simply homesick  |  Bryant leads Lakers to win  |  If any father knows best, its Walton  |  Kobe never more giant  |  One out of 3 not enough  |  Other shoe drops  |  Chris Wallace roots for Celts  |  Despite living with HIV, good health a Magic (Johnson) act  |  In defense of Bryant  |  Pollard left to wonder about refs  |  Stern denies claim  |  Foul issue in the NBA  |  Despite win, Lakers not moving in championship direction  |  Globe:  Wrong way in LA  |  Game 3 photos  |  Coast trip  |  Ryan: Out west, game went south  |  Lakers fix was quick  |  Vujacic: Plenty in reserve  |  Allen routinely productive  |  Pierce didn't have a shot  |  Rondo suffers ankle sprain  |  Souza:  Game 3: Obstructed View (thoughts from back east)  |  SI:  Lakers win despite soft frontcourt  |  Game 3 Grades  |  ESPN Daily Dime:  Playing Kobe straight up didn't pay  |  Hollinger:  Vujacic machine hums

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