LARIATS GUARDS DOMINATE IN MUST-WIN GAME; ONE-GAME SHOWDOWN AWAITS
CHICAGO -- The Oklahoma City Lariats, spurred by the finest game in cut pile acquisition Boo Radley's checkered career, extended the Season 35 Championship Finals to a fifth and final game with a decisive 68-54 road win over the Chicago Gale.
It was the fourth consecutive road triumph in as many Finals contests to go to the visiting team, prompting Lariats head coach Benny Gumm to reference a "home court disadvantage." If that is, indeed, the case, Oklahoma City is in trouble, because the final game of this memorable series will take place in their stadium.
Radley, playing for the injured Walt White, had the game of his life. The defensive genius was hard on Chicago's top offensive weapon, holding the regular season and playoffs leading scorer Didger A'doo to just 11 points, about half his playoff average. But in addition to his great defense (which included a game-high 5 blocked shots and a steal) Radley pumped in 17 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and dished out 3 assists. He did, however, do his scoring with mass volume in the shots department, throwing up a game-high 20 and sinking 7, including 1 for 7 from 3-point range.
Yet it was Radley's 5-point burst in the fourth quarter that opened the lead for the Lariats to 16 points and more or less buried Chicago. And shot volume played a big part in the Lariats win as they yakked up 15 more shots than did the Gale. Neither team shot 50 percent.
Radley's running mate at guard, Lemon Jell-o, was even better, getting MVP of the Game honors with a game-high 21 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and a blocked shot. It was his first MVP of the Game award of the post-season and his timing kept his team alive and in the running for their first title ever.
Game 5 will mark the first time the title series has gone the distance since Season 29 when Philadelphia bested San Jose to begin the first of five consecutive championships.
Playoff Notes: Doot Doot-Doot was immediately relegated to the cut pile by Oklahoma City, with Radley earning his roster spot for the final game and White making a return as well. The question to ponder now for Benny Gumm is who to start at point guard for his team. Walt White's 20-point performance in Game 2 was hugely responsible for the Lariats' first Finals win, but he plays no defense. But with Radley at the point, Oklahoma City shut down A'doo and held Chicago to a season-low 54 points.
Any feedback, MBA fans? Who should start, White or Radley?
NEXT UP: The Championship game in Oklahoma City...winner takes all.
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