What the Lakers and Celtics Each Need to Do to Win the Finals

Watching Boston's 98-88 win over the Lakers Thursday night, I took away a few impressions of what each team needs to do, or continue to do, to be successful the rest of the way in the NBA Finals.

Two things the Lakers need to improve:

1. BOX OUT!—The Lakers were outrebounded the entire game and I believe that was the biggest factor that caused Lakers the game.

For example, the putback dunk by Kevin Garnett with 1:32 left in the game happened because Pau Gasol was standing there watching the ball instead of boxing Garnett out.

2. Offensive execution late in the game—There are too many times throughout the playoffs when the Lakers depended on Kobe Bryant to execute during the fourth quarter. Phil Jackson should work to perfect the pick-and-roll plays between Bryant and Gasol.

The Lakers were able to score at will during the first half because of the Celtics' inability to stop Bryant and Gasol's pick and roll. The Lakers were not able to continue their domination on offense when the Celtics made adjustments against that play, though.

P.S.: Kobe needs to get to the basket more!

Two things the Celtics need to keep/improve:

1. Keep up the defense—The Celtics did a great job containing Bryant, causing him to shoot 9-of-26 from the field while only going to the line six times. Doc Rivers did a great job adjusting after the team was torn apart defensively during the first half.

2. Develop better offensive options—Sam Cassell has to pass the ball more! Rivers should put out more shooters when Garnett is on the floor. Eddie House deserves some minutes and Ray Allen should take more shots.

The Celtics are capable of becoming one of the best offensive teams in league history, but they do not share the ball enough. It often ended up with Pierce going one-on-one or Garnett taking the outside jumper. Garnett should post up more in order to create space for Allen and other players to get open jumpers.