Both teams are feeling the pressure. Combine that with some defensive ball pressure and you have one sloppy half of basketball. It’s not the Game 7 everyone dreamed of, although it has been pretty entertaining.
But Boston will take another half just like it. They lead 40-34 at the break.
The Lakers are shooting just 26 percent, With Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol a combined 6 for 26. The Lakers are 6 of 12 from the free throw line. Boston is aggressively doubling Kobe to take the ball out of his hands, and the only Laker answering the bell is Ron Artest. Yes, seriously, Ron Artest. He is 4 of 9 for 12 points.
But the Lakers height and effort are keeping them in the game -- 15 first half offensive rebounds. They have grabbed the offensive board on 41.7 percent of their missed shots.
Boston is shooting 44 percent as a team with far more balanced scoring. Paul Pierce leads the way with 11 points, but four other Celtics have 6 points.
Both teams have reason to be optimistic.
For the Lakers to only be down 6 after a terrible shooting first half is fortunate. They can play better.
Boston has to feel their defense is executing the game plan -- don’t let Kobe or Gasol beat you and dare the other Lakers to.
Only one of those two will feel true in 24 minutes.