Once again, I'm not jumping the gun yet. But if the Lakers continue to play like this, this could even end in 4.
Not sure the Lakers can count on the Magic shooting below 30% from the field every game this series. Of course the Laker defense was a big factor in their lousy shooting, but the Magic were dismal even when they had an wide open shot, and despite very good defense, Orlando had plenty of good looks. That being said, Orlando did look very much outclassed in game 1 and Kobe looked like a man on an absolute mission, not only to win but to shut up the doubters and Shaq.
Exactly. At the beginning of the game, when Orlando was in their rhythm(pre-jameer nelson substitution), they were playing very well against the Lakers and even made a small lead. I'd say this series is still going to end Game 6. Lakers have to win the next game, one in Orlando, and Game 6 in LA.
Yes, but at the same time, Orlando often struggle whenever their shots aren't falling. Of course they will not always have a bad game, especially when they get home, but with a team that has four shooters, if you play aggressively against them on the perimeter, you can make them work harder. Howard is good in the paint, but he easily gets into foul trouble and Andrew Bynum, even though he is as consistent as British weather, can put a body on Howard when he's playing very well. And the extra big men on the team aren't as good in the paint as Howard, i'm sorry.
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With that missed alleyoop at the end of regulation, Orlando blew their chance to get back into this series. Despite what was said by Micheal Wilbon, this Lakers team isn't the same as the Dallas Maveracks who blew a 2-0 lead to the Shaq and Wade led Miami Heat in 2006. I call this series a wrap!
As much as I like LA, the series isn't over yet. Kobe knows that for certain. He's still all about business right now. I think LA was very fortunate in game 2 where Orlando missed that layup, but that is the way the cookie crumbles. I fully expect Orlando to come out and to play high intensity basketball for their three home games. Im looking for Dwight Howard to have a break out game in game 3. I honestly believe that this may go to seven if the lakers dont maintain their focus in the next few games.
The Magic isn't going to win 3 straight. Even if it is at home. That being said, Lakers will win at least one in Orlando and Game 6 in LA.
There it is but it wasn't a bad loss. They deserved it though given Kobe's poor decision-making in the fourth.
It's all good. Both teams did good. LA fucked up in crunch time, and missed freethrows contributed, but I think LA has this.
No worries, I didn't expect a sweep and anyone who did needs to review how the Magic made it to the Finals. Also it adds some suspense to the proceedings, but not much by my estimation.
Orlando should actually be very worried, they shot a finals record 62.5% for the game, 75% in the first half and STILL almost lost. If Kobe was his usual cold blooded assassin self at the free throw line and in the closing moments, that record shooting would have been for naught. Gasol is playing like an absolute all star as well, shedding the soft euro-player image. Orlando better find a way to play MUCH better defense if they are to have any hope, because they can't count on record shooting every night, otherwise they will be lucky to win one more game.
Agreed and I should amend my previous statement by saying that it was the Lakers defense in addition to Kobe's inability to close out the game that created the loss. Must-win games usually bring out an offensive outburst from teams that are down, and the Magic were absolutely on fire.
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