It doesn't surprise me that the Lakers were able to win when Kobe only scored 25 points. For most players, 25 points is a very good night, but for Kobe Bryant, that' an off day. But, for what seems like the first time in ages, both Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom came to play. Between them, they scored 39 points and pulled down over 20 rebounds. That is the production the Lakers are going to need from them if they want to win this series.

Kendrick Perkins had overmatched Gasol physically for the whole series thus far, but thankfully for Gasol, Perkins was out of the lineup. He was able to get position, and create plays for his teammates.

Odom needs to keep on driving the lane. When he takes too many jumpers, he is not successful. His game thrives on movement into the paint to he can either take the shot, or pass the ball off to a teammate.

The bottom line is this. These guys need to be atop their game if they want to win the whole thing, because if they'e not, the Lakers will be eliminated in game six.

--MICHAEL GANCI

Kobe Bryant was definitely the best player in the NBA this season, and that is the reason why he was awarded the NBA's most valuable player award. He averaged 28 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists per game, and yet, people still underestimate him.

Bryant has been everything the Lakers could have dreamed for over his tenure, but many critics don't think he can hold up against the "big three." I don't understand these naysayers. Kevin Garnett has been true to form this post season, and Paul Pierce has beens treaky. He scored 41 and 27 in two separate games, but he scored 11 once, and has been up and down for most of the post season. Ray Allen has not held up his end at all. In 12 different games this post season, Allen has failed to eclipse 15 points. Kobe, on the other hand, does it every single night.

When going down to the wire, who do you trust in the big spot? Is it Paul Pierce who has a history of not being a consistent playoff player? No. Is it Ray Allen whose best days are definitely behind him? Not a chance. The guy who shines when it counts is Kobe Bryant, and with Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom at his side, he is going to lead the Lakers to yet another NBA Championship.

--MICHAEL GANCI

In the last rant, I talked about the art of blocking. This time around, I want to talk about the second most overlooked statistic in fantasy basketball -- steals.

Now, it's no small coincidence that the top three NBA ranking players in the steals category are on playoff bound teams. Washington Wizards small forward Caron Butler (2.26 spg), Baron Davis of the Golden State Warriors (2.37 spg) and New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul (2.72 spg) are all veritable fantasy studs.

Intangibles are defined as assets that cannot be perceived by the senses. In NBA terms, that means the little things. Defense is a huge part of being an intangible player, but in fantasy, defense as a whole is not valuable. Steals, blocks and rebounds, however, are definitely important individual numbers.

These three players are not just superstars, the're also the most valuable pieces of their team. And not just because of their lane trolling prowess; they also play a complete game. Stealing is an important fantasy statistic, and being able to pick the ball off without giving yourself away is no easy task, which is probably why all three of these people are top fantasy picks.

Fantasy GM's often forget that (in roto-leagues) steals are just as important as rebounds or points. In a lot of leagues, steals and blocks are worth double. The term five-category stud is just as applicable here as it is in baseball. Do yourself a favor. Load up on guys who can steal and block because they can almost undoubtedly do everything else just as well.

-- MICHAEL GANCI

The Boston Celtics put an end to the Houston Rockets 22-game winning streak on Tuesday with a gritty display of defense and hustle --all the more impressive because it was the second of a back-to-back road set for Celtics. Even without Ray Allen (sore left ankle) spreading the floor, the Celtics scored virtually at will.

But perhaps the Celtics greatest accomplishment was shutting down Tracy McGrady. They threw a myriad of defenders in his face and kept him off balance all game, double-teaming him early and often. As a result, T-Mac finish just 4-of-11 from the field with eight points.

So, how will this streak go down in the books? As a lucky fluke by a team that beat down on lesser opponents, or a championship pre-cursor that helped shape a hard-nose, team oriented style of play. Only time will tell, but it has been entertaining watching the Rockets over this stretch. A new player has stepped up every night, from Shane Battier shutting down Kobe Bryant to Rafer Alston unloading three's from all over the court.

Maybe the critics are wrong, and the Yao-less Rockets will go on to become the Detroit Pistons of the West.

-- ANTHONY LAMBERTI

While fantasy GMs are often mesmerized by their high-scoring roster studs, in fantasy play other numbers -- such as rebounds, steals and blocks -- mean just as much. Take the most overlooked statistic, block, for example. The block is an art form not easily accomplished. More often than not, a player will end up swinging and missing or fouling the man they're defending.

Only a few special players in the NBA accomplish this feat with precision and consistency. Just three players record at least three blocks per game in the NBA. The least obvious of the group is the underrated big man from the Los Angeles Clippers, Chris Kaman. Aside from averaging over 16 points and 13 rebounds per game, Kaman has averaged three blocks as well. Blocks are an important category, and this makes a player like Kaman extra valuable.

The second member of the group stands at only 6-9. That would be Atlanta Hawks SF, Josh Smith. Smith averaged 17.5 points and eight rebounds a game. But ask any fantasy owner and they'll quickly point out that his 3.13 nightly blocks is what sets him apart from other players. Blocking is almost never a trait that a SF has, which is why what Smith can do is that much more special.

The player that tops the list has been one of the NBAs best defensive players for years -- Denver Nuggets center Marcus Camby. Saturday was a perfect example of his all-around game; he sent six potential shots back in the defenders faces on top of his 19 points and 11 rebounds.

Players with blocking ability are few and far between, and this is why the guys that can do it are usually gobbled up quickly in fantasy, and rightly so. Again, being able to block isn't a special talent, it is an art form.

Michael Ganci