Game 6 report card

Boston Celtics

Offense/shooting

A A slow shooting start by Paul Pierce, but his forte was finding open teammates (nine assists in first half). Game plan: Get Kevin Garnett an aggressive start on offense. The power forward shot 5-for-7 in the first quarter and finished the half with 17 points. Great passing and rhythm out of transition.

Defense/rebounding

A+ Choked Lakers into near-submission. Refused to allow the Lakers frontcourt to be any factor. James Posey's long arms smothered Bryant, who could not get to the rim. Dominated the boards 26-14 in the first half.

Bench

A- Posey was terrific, so was Eddie House. Glen Davis gave a lift.

Coaching

A- Doc Rivers' early technical foul didn't hurt. Say what you want, but the oft-criticized coach made a lot of good moves in the series. Don't minimize this: His team plays hard for him. ...