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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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For Lakers, It's Tonight or Never

To break Celtics curse, Lakers have to show up for Game 3

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(Newser) – The Boston team that dominated the court in Games 1 and 2 of the NBA Finals isn't the same Celtics crew that eked out wins against Atlanta, Cleveland, and Detroit. But the Lakers may only have just noticed that, writes Mark Heisler in the Los Angeles Times. For Kobe & Co., tonight's game is time to step up or bow out.

Arriving in Boston confident of stealing at least one road win, the Lakers weren't prepared for the single-minded determination of a team that hasn't lofted a trophy in 21 years. The Celtics' defense has stymied an LA team used to scoring effortlessly, and now that Ray Allen seems to have woken up, the Big Three is a big threat again.

Stats for the Lakers and Celtics through the first two games of the 2008 NBA Finals. The Lakers have some stepping up to do if they want to make a run at this year's title.
Stats for the Lakers and Celtics through the first two games of the 2008 NBA Finals. The Lakers have some stepping up to do if they want to make a run at this year's title.   (AP Photo)
In Game 1, Kobe Bryant seemed excited, despite going 9-for-26. By Game 2, the Lakers star looked disbelieving as his team fell farther and farther behind.
In Game 1, Kobe Bryant seemed excited, despite going 9-for-26. By Game 2, the Lakers star looked disbelieving as his team fell farther and farther behind.   (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson talks with a referee during their Game 2 loss to the Celtics. The Lakers can't seem to penetrate Boston's defense, nor have they been defending Ray Allen.
Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson talks with a referee during their Game 2 loss to the Celtics. The Lakers can't seem to penetrate Boston's defense, nor have they been defending Ray Allen.   (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
The Lakers came into the NBA Finals considerably more jovial and confident than their East-Coast rivals. Expect both teams to buckle down tonight in Los Angeles.
The Lakers came into the NBA Finals considerably more jovial and confident than their East-Coast rivals. Expect both teams to buckle down tonight in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
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