As good of a feeling as it was for Boston residents after game four, the feeling was just as bad after game five. The Celtics were right there, three minutes away from a win, tied with the Lakers, the ball in their hands, a chance to take the lead, the series, and the NBA Championship.

Game five was a thriller, from beginning to end it was exciting. Every part of the game was a pleasure to watch. The first quarter was another filled with Lakers domination. The Lakers pulled away with a 19 point lead early in the game and once again, just like in Game 4, they gave it all away. The Celtics came all the way back to tie it up at 90 in the 4th quarter.

In the last three minutes though the Lakers simply converted when they needed to. They worked hard and played with their backs against the wall. I said it before the game, the young guys are either going to choke or play well. I’d say they played pretty well.

Jordan Farmar led the bench with a bunch of clutch lay ups and even a brilliant three pointer. Jordan finished with 11 points of the total 17 that the bench managed to score.

Kobe Bryant led the team with 25 points, but the true player of the game was Pau Gasol.

Finally, Gasol stepped up when we needed him and made pivotal plays. The triangle offense is designed to give the post player, in this case Pau Gasol, the ability to control the offense. Pau did a great job tonight distributing the ball, picking up rebounds, and scoring points. I’d still like to see him more aggressive in the paint but tonight was a good start leading into game six. Pau Gasol finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists.

48 minutes later, after the much anticipated game five, the Celtics first chance at closing out the NBA Finals, ended in a Lakers 103-98 win. The game was back and forth in the 2nd half with the Lakers choosing to play defense at some points and just stand around at others. There were plenty of times that the Celtics would get an offensive rebound simply because Pau Gasol would be standing around watching the ball clank off the back of the rim and fall into the hands of a much smaller guard.

No matter how you look at it now, the Lakers and the Celtics are both on their way back to Boston tomorrow morning preparing to play game six. Who has the advantage now? The Boston Cel- hold on a second… I wouldn’t say that quite yet, I shall break it down tomorrow.