Who's bringing it, who's not so far in The Finals

BOSTON -- The Lakers and Celtics are tied at one game apiece, and yet as we take stock of the individuals, somebody's leading this series and somebody's trailing.

It's the NBA Finals, after all, where players are judged on a game-by-game basis, only because so much is on the line in such a short amount of time. Reputations are at stake and are slowly being enhanced ... or destroyed.

As the series moves to Boston for the next three games, will some players' fortunes shift as well? Who will deal with the burden of the championship series better than others? Those are the ongoing issues confronting the important principals starting with Game 3, where the Celtics believe the change of scenery will benefit them.

"We feel good about getting a game (in LA) and what's sitting in front of us right now," said Paul Pierce. "That doesn't guarantee we're going to win the games at home. We still must go out there and respond to what they're going to bring. But obviously the place is something we're very familiar with. We have to hold out own in our place in order to win a championship. We'll see who up to the challenge."

Two games into the NBA Finals, some have accepted the challenge, some are on the middle ground and some are fumbling it.

Pau Gasol: MVP of the series so far, which happens when the guy guarding him (Kevin Garnett) is busy collecting Social Security. Not ready to say Gasol is the next MMA champion, but is mixing it up when necessary. His toughness has been good enough, thank you. Even better, Gasol is playing the aggressor without using elbows. He's looking for his shot, taking chances and playing to his skills, which have the Celtics feeling flummoxed. Averaging 24 points, 11 rebounds and is the only player on either team to string together a pair of ace performances.

Rajon Rondo: Nothing good happens for the Celtics unless it runs through Rondo first. He was merely a spoke in the Finals wheel two years ago. Now, he's the fuel that makes Boston go. Rondo made it possible for Ray Allen to get open looks in Game 2 and is causing matchup headaches for Kobe, who must play defense for the first time in the postseason. When his footprints and fingerprints are all over the floor, as in getting a Game 2 triple-double, it's awfully hard for the Celtics to lose.

Kobe Bryant: He was a victim of phantom fouls in Game 2. Maybe it was karma. Got a bitter taste of what others go through when they guard him and saw the calls he always seems to get. That game aside, he's still the No. 1 concern for the Celtics, who lack the personnel to guard him 1-on-1 (who doesn't?). He must resist the urge to force the issue when times are tough. Of course, even when he does, he usually makes the shot.

Andrew Bynum: The best, by far, that 'Drew has looked in a scatter-shot postseason. He's active, serving as a nice complement to Gasol and he delivered big in Game 2 with 21 points and seven blocks. Only had his knee drained before the series, not his enthusiasm. Big question is how much longer he can stay in high gear while pedaling with only one leg.

Ray Allen: In Game 2, dropped the most sensational flurry of 3-point shots in The Finals since Michael Jordan against the Blazers in 1992. Only thing missing was the Jordan "shrug" after making seven straight. Did turn and give some courtside Laker fans a glare, however, which is very unlike Allen, one cool customer. Deep inside, perhaps takes extra satisfaction in showing up Kobe, with whom he once had a beef.

Rasheed Wallace: Can it be that 'Sheed, a month ago considered a toxic waste of a free-agent signing, is the best big man going for the Celtics? 'Sheed came into the Finals nursing a sore back, and yet is cleaning up after Kevin Garnett. He was quietly effective in spots in Game 2 and hasn't been afraid to make big sacrifices for the team. Unless that means passing up a 3-pointer he can't resist.

Ron Artest: Can be both a headache and a help in the same game, same quarter, sometimes on the same play. Played terrific D in Game 1; then committed a silly fifth foul followed by a sloppy pass that led to a key turnover in Game 2. When you think he's about to do something fantastic, he does the opposite. And vice versa.

Nate Robinson: Plays great in spurts. Put up a very Vinnie Johnson-like seven points in six minutes of Game 2. But that's the deal with Nate: He'll help the Celtics with a morsel of minutes and kill them with a handful.

Paul Pierce: Home cooking might do him some good. Last time he played at TD Garden, he torched the Magic and put the clamps on Vince Carter. He was easily the best player wearing green during the East finals. Quite surprising the Celtics won a game in L.A. without anything special from Pierce. Makes you wonder what'll happen when he finally uncorks the big night.

Glen Davis: Has come off the bench with mild results to show for it. Developed confidence in his 15-foot jumper, yet often falls too much in love with it. The toughest Celtic in the series so far, which is not saying much; almost like bragging you run the biggest Yankees fan club in Boston.

Kendrick Perkins: If he gets a tech and the one-game suspension that'll come with it, will the Celtics be any worse off defensively against Bynum? Perk took plenty of bows after doing a credible job against Dwight Howard, but somehow seems sluggish against a practically one-legged player.

Derek Fisher: Too old to keep up with Rondo, too slow to fight through screens against Allen. Not sure how much longer the Lakers can hide Fish. He might have one more big Finals basket left in his career, though.

Lamar Odom: After two games, Odom has eight points, nine rebounds and 10 fouls. The only people who can find Odom are holding cameras for TMZ. When Kobe was KO'd by fouls in Game 2 and the Lakers needed bailing out, he chose the wrong time to shrink. He's 6-foot-10 but rarely posts-up, a great athlete who seldom leads the break, solid outside shooter who passes up shots, a capable rebounder who picks his spots. He's a tease.

Kevin Garnett: Um, wow. It's hard to watch, really. The proud former champion and MVP has seemingly aged four years in four weeks. He's only averaging 10 points, five rebounds and shooting 39 percent in his last eight games, harking back to the East finals. Only pounds his chest in celebration in the commercials. And if he does it in Game 3, it would mark the first time he gave the Celtics some punch in this series.

Shaun Powell is a veteran NBA writer and columnist. You can e-mail him here and follow him on twitter.

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