Well, the NBA Finals betting fans finally got what they wanted. For the just the third time in the age of online betting the NBA Finals wagering action will extend to a Game 7. Game 7’s are rare in any major sports betting championship, but especially so in recent NBA betting history. Consider that since 1990 just 12 of the possible 60 major sports betting world championships (World Series, NBA Finals, Stanley Cup betting) have gone to a Game 7 and it’s only happened twice in the NBA betting action.
But Lakers blew the visiting Celtics out the water in Game 6 back at the Staples Center and earned a chance to play in one last game for the NBA betting title.
Kobe Bryant was terrific once again finishing with 26 points, 11 boards and 4 steals. It was one of his best games of the playoffs even if the stat line didn’t necessarily indicate as much. His point total was down but his shot selection was terrific (9-19 shooting) and he never forced anything, taking only was given to him by the defense and distributing the ball well. The major difference between Game 6 and Games 3 and 4 of this NBA betting series was the fact that Bryant’s teammates were hitting shots when he got them the ball.
Pao Gasol also finally got a good number of touches with his back to the basket and was nearly unstoppable. His stat line of 17 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists might have been the most impressive single performance in this year’s NBA Finals betting action.
The Lakers were also tremendous on defense, an area where Bryant excelled and set the tone for the entire NBA betting matchup by getting his hands in the passing lanes deflecting just about any ball within a mile radius.
The Celtics, for their part did themselves no favors and deserved to lose this basketball betting matchup. Granted the officiating didn’t help and it was obvious from the first whistle that the Lakers were going to get every advantageous call -and no-call- possible, but this team still had a chance in the second half of this NBA betting contest. However, the Celtics missed 4 dunks and 4 layups during a crucial stretch in the second half that would have cut the Lakers lead to single digits.
But they didn’t, and the Lakers won and now online wagering fans get to bet on a Game 7.
