By Michael Lee
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 10, 2008

BOSTON, June 9 -- Leon Powe, a revelation for Boston in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, has a zero connection with Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas. When Powe -- a second-round pick like Arenas -- joined the Celtics after he was acquired in a draft-day deal with the Denver Nuggets in 2006, his choices for a jersey number were limited, with so many retired numbers already hanging in the rafters at TD Banknorth Garden.

So, Powe chose a number that Arenas has turned into a movement for the overlooked. "He inspired me," Powe said. "I've talked to Gilbert a couple of times. I know why Gilbert wears zero. Nobody gave me a chance neither, and it's really been hard for me."

Powe came off the bench and scored 21 points in just under 15 minutes to help the Celtics defeat the Los Angeles Lakers, 108-102, and take a 2-0 lead in this best-of-seven series. Powe bullied the Lakers inside, drawing fouls and getting easy buckets. He also had a coast-to-coast drive for a dunk, which led the fans to start chanting his name in the fourth quarter. The chant didn't keep Lakers Coach Phil Jackson from mispronouncing his name after the game -- Jackson pronounced it "Pow." Powe's name rhymes with his nickname, "The Show." Jackson later apologized for the mistake.

"I'm not worried about people not pronouncing my name right," Powe said. "I ain't tripping off that. I've got a job to do for this team. Whenever [Celtics Coach Doc Rivers] calls on me, it's my job to go out there and produce, be a constant professional."

Powe overcame several hardships in his life. His father, Leon Powe Sr., left the family when Leon was 2. When he was 7, his home in Oakland, Calif., burned down and his family was left homeless or living in motels for several years. He also spent time in foster care. His mother, Connie Landry, died from heart disease four days before he led Oakland Technical High to a state championship appearance his junior year.

After a solid freshman season at the University of California, Powe injured his knee and was forced to redshirt the next year. He declared for the NBA draft after his sophomore season and rarely played as a rookie last season.

"I had to take the hard way. It wasn't no easy route to the NBA. Everything was difficult," he said. "I just wear zero, and it keeps everything in perspective. That would keep me grounded and humble and always remember where I came from."

In the Celtics' 11 playoff games before Sunday, Powe had played a total of 48 minutes and had three "did not plays."

"I'm just happy to get in the game and just happy to be part of this whole experience, because it's been a long journey for me," Powe said.

The Celtics had a decided edge in free throws in Game 2, as they took 38 compared with just 10 for the Lakers. Powe attempted 13 himself.

"I have no question about the fact that my players got fouled but didn't get to the line," Jackson said. "The referees referee an illusion. Our guys look like maybe the ball was partially stripped when they were getting raked."

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant responded to a question about the free throw disparity by smiling and saying, "I didn't notice."