For the first time in the series, the Lakers matched or exceeded the toughness and energy of the Celtics. Those intangibles were measured off the glass where L.A. held a 40-37 edge, including 10 offensive boards. Both Pau Gasol (19 and 13 rebounds) and Lamar Odom (20 points, 11 boards) posted double-doubles for the Lakers.
“This is the game we focused on. We didn’t want to see the champagne popping,” said Odom. “We were focused and we were able to close out the game tonight.”
Odom said a quick start and avoiding a repeat of Game Four’s third quarter meltdown was the key to the game. “It was important for us to come out hard in the first and third quarters. We expect a fight from those guys. They’re a tough-minded team,” Odom said.
Laker coach Phil Jackson congratulated his team on its toughness. “They just played harder. They played harder than the Celtics consistently for the game and I think that was a big key in the ballgame.”
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