2010 NBA Finals: Boston Celtics Even Series With Los Angeles Lakers

If the NBA Finals were a boxing match, then in Game 1 the Lakers landed a hay-maker early and left the Celtics reeling.

Game 2 would be the Lakers' trying to land that same punch, yet it was dodged and a counter shot was landed. The series is tied as it heads to Boston for three straight games.

After a 102-89 Lakers victory in Game 1, where the Celtics went 1-10 from behind the arc and Ray Allen was in foul trouble for most of the game, they definitely changed their fortunes around in Game 2.

The three things that stood out to me as to why the Celtics took this game and home court advantage:

1. Ray Allen and three point shooting. When you set the record for the Finals by going 8-11 behind the three point line, with seven of them in the first half and half of your team's points at that stage of the game. Not only that, but the rest of the team helped out by knocking down three more.

2. The hustle and loose ball plays. In Game 1, all these plays seemed to go the way of the Lakers, while Game 2 was the opposite. Rajon Rondo seemed more active in this category as well. There were times in this game when he seemed tired and didn't play to his potential, but that block behind the three point line on Fisher was clutch.

3. Kobe Bryant being in foul trouble. It is a lot easier to beat a team when arguably the best player in the league and the best closer in the game can't play his style. Ron Artest fouling out was not as big a deal, but he is a defensive monster as well.

With that being said, the Celtics played phenomenal and did their job. Now with three straight in Boston, can they close out the Lakers and not allow the series to return to LA? I highly doubt it.

I believe LA will win at least one in Boston to force the series back home and gain back home court advantage.

I do think it will be Boston in six games, though.

But if the Lakers force a seventh, I put my money on the Black Mamba doing his thing and Phil getting his 11th.