Lakers survive Game 5 using much-needed physicality

We finally got to see Gasol in attack mode. He had 19 points and 13 total rebounds in 42 minutes. On one 3-point play, he let out a primal scream, and Gasol actually played some strong defense against Kevin Garnett.

While Paul Pierce did his usual damage with 38 points, no other Celtic was able to have a big day. Ray Allen was 4 of 13, Garnett was in constant foul trouble and Rajon Rondo scored just three points. Three points.

The lack of total output was due to terrific defense by the Lakers. The Celtics shot 42 percent from the field and made 8 of 22 of their threes.

One thing has to make Los Angeles nervous despite all the good news. The Celtics were severely beaten up. They were missing a starting center, Pierce has a tender knee and Rondo is beat up. Still, Boston almost won.

Jackson has yet to figure out the jaw-dropping inconsistency the Lakers have demonstrated in the series. Their mood and aggression seems to change not just game-to-game but quarter-to-quarter.

If Jackson can solve that, they might be in business.

And if they stay tough, who knows what else can happen?