Kobe Bryant keeps Lakers alive in NBA Finals

In game five of the 2010 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics perfected their craft. They forced Kobe Bryant to defeat them, taking the rest of the team out of the game. Bryant would explode for 38 points in game five, this included 23 consecutive Laker points. Despite his astonishing performance, the Lakers would lose.

The Boston win gave them a 3-2 lead in the series. Another win for the Celtics means they win the championship. Ever since he led the Lakers to the championship last season, Kobe Bryant has been focused on repeating. His focus never changed and the Lakers were almost given the best record in the West by default.

Last season was supposed to be when the Boston Celtics pulled off another incredible run to repeat as champions. But, injuries decimated the Celtics, leaving them in the cold. The Orlando Magic would inherit the Celtics' battles, falling in the Finals. Ever since their untimely defeat, the Boston Celtics have been thinking redemption.

During the offseason, Kevin Garnett worked hard to return to his form when he was first traded to the Celtics and the team made sure to add the right supporting cast to the squad. When the Boston Celtics took the floor for the first time in the 2009-2010 season, they defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers and got off to a quick 23-5 start. But, for the remainder of the season, they went 27-27. Their finish was good enough for a 50-32 record and home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

The Boston Celtics pulled off an improbable run which has led them back to the NBA Finals. Despite everything that has gone on, the Celtics are where they planned to be over a year ago. After knocking off the league-leading Cavaliers, and the second place Magic, it has become clear Boston is the real deal. It did not take long for the Celtics to soon have Kobe Bryant and the Lakers against the wall. Behind 3-2, the Lakers needed a miracle. Luckily Kobe Bryant plays for the team and he attacked, but got others involved.

Only taking 19 shots, Bryant scored 26 points, pulled down 11 rebounds, dished out 3 assists, and nabbed 4 steals. In the process, he led the Lakers to their best defensive game of the playoffs, beating the Celtics 89-67.