The opposing point gets the ball of the inbound, quickly pushes it up pass half-court, and a timeout commences. The opposing team is up against the wall, and the Celtics look amazing on both sides.Five minutes later, the crowd is roaring with insanity after seeing the open Billups three. Perkins is waving his hand saying he was pushed on the former offensive run Rondo looks up at the scoreboard. They call a timeout, without bothering to even bring it up the court. The Celtics are now down by 3, and have not scored a point in a half-quarter.The lapse is the single most destructive symptom of the Celtics game plan. It comes so suddenly, and wreaks so much havoc on the the team that it still stands as the main reason there is a great deal of wariness about this team and its current position. I could call it choking, but they have done it at home and as well on the road, throughout the regular season and continuously in the post-season.

What makes these drop-offs in the game hair-pulling excruciating, what gets the Celtics fans so fist-pounding angry, is the fact that they have three great superstars. They have a young point guard who can quarterback these egos, and pass up the shot to create a better offense. The team has a young bench that is exuberant in their on-court work and skilled on both sides of the court. Their mid-season pickups have solidified their bench and have given them positive minutes throughout the season. They have a coaching rotation that is so unorthodox no opposing team could predict or take advantage of any upcoming matchup. And Big Baby is the man regardless of how much time he plays!But what hurts the most about their inability to play consistently, to finish out games and keep teams from making runs, is the fact that there really is no explanation on how they get to that low point.

The worst part of the matter is, their next lapse can end up in losing a game more important than any game they will ever play.  The Rise of The Los Angeles LakersThe Lakers have breezed by teams with the authority not seen since the late 90’s Bulls’ teams. They make their shots, they are relentless on both sides of the court, and the chemistry between all the players give them a talented sum that is tough to match in any game.Gasol has been the key in propelling this team into full-fledged contender for the NBA crown, and Kobe Bryant has finally realized that the core of this team is more important than his floor talents. His sacrifice, and his legendary skill of coming through under pressure, along with the amazing front court talent, will not make an enjoyable series for this Celtics team. But I do have one question to ask: has the ride been so enjoyable for the Lakers, that they might not be as good as everyone thinks? (Gasp! I am going to cause controversy But with knowledge, mis amigos. With knowledge.)The Lakers in the PlayoffsThe Lakers have failed to encounter one crucial element that good defensive teams have: physical & intimadating interior defense.