12.01.2019

That's Mr. Posey to You

June 2008

That's Mr. Posey to You

LOS ANGELES - James Posey would have been expected to be a key in the Celtics holding the Los Angeles Lakers to 87 and 91 points in successive games. But Posey also contributed offense in a 97-91 comeback victory last night at Staples Center, his 3-point shooting from the left corner among the team's most effective weapons


Posey scored 18 points, converting the clinching points with a 3-pointer with 1:13 left. But, he noted, defending was crucial

"It started with our defense," Posey said of the rally from a 24-point deficit. "We got it together and got better flow into the offense, got some looks, and knocked down some shots

"We got out of a hole and it started on the defensive end. When we started to do those things, everything started to fall into place."
Posey hit two 3-pointers in a 1:51 span late in the first half, the second the final Celtic field goal of the half

But the Celtics seemed on the verge of faltering as Kendrick Perkins departed with a shoulder injury after committing his fourth foul 2:25 into the second half. Posey also appeared to be headed for an early exit as he committed his fourth foul with 2:15 left in the third.

But Posey remained composed after committing a fifth foul, and his 3-pointer with two seconds on the shot clock cut the deficit to 81-80 with 5:27 left. Then, after a Kevin Garnett foul shot cut the lead to 83-82 with 4:45 left, Posey stayed close but just far enough away from Kobe Bryant to alter a shot but also avoid a foul - that led to Eddie House's jumper that gave the Celtics their first lead, 84-83.

Then, Posey set up for another 3-pointer, taking a pass from Ray Allen and launching the shot over Pau Gasol for a 92-87 edge with 1:13 left

"That corner shot, I've seen him shoot it for years," Celtic reserve P.J. Brown said.

Posey said the Celtics set up their offense in the second half to capitalize on the area near the 3-point line opposite the Laker bench

"Doc [Rivers] drew up some plays and that's where I ended up," Posey said. "I didn't know it would be open for myself, but for somebody on our team. I always take my shots with confidence, and [last night] they fell. We took what they gave us and took advantage of it."

Brown said Posey's vocal leadership was almost as important as his shooting.

"We weathered the storm and stuck together and got the win," Posey said. "Defensively, we weren't happy with what we were doing. But then we got some stops. We take it one game at a time; that's been our motto for the season. [Paul Pierce] did a great job defensively."

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