Lakers Smack Magic, Pop Champaign

The Los Angeles Lakers are your 2009 NBA Champions.  Not too surprising considering they had the world’s best player, a player who craved a 4th championship, a player who was motivated beyond any measure to finish the job this time. And his teammates followed his lead all the way to a championship. That player has put himself in the conversation as one of the top 5 greatest basketball players of all-time.

Kobe Bryant, the greatest wing player of this decade, vaulted his team’s play to another level and the Los Angeles Lakers and their fans can now celebrate a 15th championship. This one was a long time coming. Just 24 months ago, it looked as though Kobe Bryant would never wear the purple and gold again. It started to get ugly, with Kobe asking to be traded before the ’08 season. Teams lined up trying to secure Bryant’s services but GM Mitch Kupchak refused to trade the superstar. I’d say it turned out to be a good move.

In a dominating performance, the Lakers won their 4th title in the last 10 years by soundly beating the Orlando Magic 99-86 to win the series 4-1. Big ups to Phil Jackson for a record 10th title as a coach. He is one of the top 3 coaches of all-time. Yes he had Jordon and Pippen, then Kobe and Shaq but everyone needs talent to win a championship so that argument is just ridiculous. He is arguably the best coach ever. And this year there was no second star player. It was Kobe and some good players who filled in nicely and that is how you build a champion.

Game 5– Kobe Bryant led the way with 30 pts to go with 6 rebounds, 5 assists,  4 blocks, and the Bill Russell Finals MVP Award. He averaged 32.4 pts and 7.4 assists in the Finals. Lamar Odom added 17 and 10, Ariza had 15 pts, Gasol racked up 14 pts and 15 boards, and Fisher had 13. Orlando was led by Rashard Lewis’s 18 pts on 6-19 shooting. The Lakers shot 8-16 from behind the arc compared to the Magic’s 8-27 and outrebounded the eastern champs 47-36. I was disappointed by the Magic’s response after LA went on a killer 16-0 run at the end of the 1st half. Frankly, it looked as though Orlando packed it in after that. Rashard Lewis for one was not hustling after rebounds. Ariza beat him to a ball early in the 4th and it just showed he was mentally gone. He wasn’t the only one. The entire Magic team played poorly and other for game 3, they shot terribly from 3 pt. range, which was their undoing. The 3-pt. shots went down against Cleveland but not in the Finals against a more determined, couragous team. If you actually take a closer look at LA, they were not suprememly talented. Kobe is the best player in the world, Gasol is one of the top big man but in no way is he dominant,  and Odom is a good player but excruicatingly inconsistent. All three played great in the series and that was the difference. Ariza was just awesome throughout the entire playoffs. He has turned himself into an invaluable player because of his desire, hustle, 3-pt. shooting ability, and excellent defense. The rest of the team are bench players. Fisher is a verteran who stepped up at the end of game 4 but other than that, he is an average player. Walton, Farmar, Vujacic, Brown, and Bynum are bench guys right now. So LA wasn’t like Boston from last year where they were obvioulsy talent laden with three stars in Garnett, Pierce, Allen, and a young stud in Rondo. But the Lakers came back tougher this year and they played very well. They were clearly the best team in the last two rounds of the playoffs.

The lasting image i’ll remember from this series is Kobe’s hanging banker over Dwight Howard midway through the 3rd quarter of game 5. Just an unblievable display of strength and hangtime, especially considering he shot over a 7 footer with mad bunnies. Which play was better, MJ’s against the Lakers in the ’91 Finals or Kobe’s over Superman?

Player of the Finals other than Bryant: I love Trevor Ariza’s game and the way he plays. While his Finals stats were modest at 11 pts and 6 rebounds, he’s like the Chase Utley of basketball in terms of playing the game “the right way.” He plays with so much desire and determination and it translates to success. As mentioned, he has become a great shooter and a stud defensively. He can jump out of the gym and doesn’t make many mistakes. You’re not nervous when he gets the ball because he doesn’t get flustered by pressure. He got hurt at the end of last year and I think that if he and Bynum hadn’t gotten hurt, LA might have won over Boston or at least made it a tougher series. Ariza (and Odom) are free agents this year and if the Sixers (my team) weren’t so stacked at small forward, I’d beg them to sign Ariza. LA needs to sign at least one of the two while also upgrading through trades/draft/free agency because if they don’t do that and Bynum doesn’t develop next season, LA won’t win the title next year. Boston will be improved with Garnett’s return and Orlando and Cleveland will be just as good if not better as well.

Key Play of the Finals: No question it was Derek Fisher’s 3-pointer over Jameer Nelson to force OT at the end of game 4. If Fish misses that, the series is deadlocked at 2 and who knows what would have happened. But he knocked it down and then hit the game winner with 31 secs. left in the extra session. As a veteran in this league and with 3 championships coming into the series, Fisher clearly had more experience and it payed off. In fact, that was the key to the entire series. The Magic were a young team while the Lakers were here last year and had guys who had won before. It up in coaching too when Van Gundy stuck with Nelson and sat Rafer Alston on the bench for all of the 4th and OT. And Nelson didn’t foul Fisher but instead let him rise into a 3-ball. Makes no sense and the Magic will be beating themselves forever for giving away that game. Oh what could have been for Orlando.

Everyone’s A Winner Baby, Especially in LA!

Well the Los Angeles Lakers have proven to be triumphant in securing their fifteenth NBA title. It is also Phil Jackson’s tenth title as a coach and his eleventh overall over the course of his professional career within the NBA.    

Finals MVP holds both the Larry O'Brien Trophy as well of the award given to the Finals' MVP. For the player it was his 4th professional NBA title but his first Finals series MVP award. Picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Noah D Bernstein

For the Orlando Magic this was something of a disappointing way to end their season in what one might describe as something of a blowout. victory for Los Angeles.

Rafer Alston of the Orlando Magic looks somewhat disappointed after the team's 99-86 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the game 5 of the NBA Finals played at the Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. Picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Jesse D Garrabant

The Lakers’ 99-86 triumph over the Magic secured a 4-1 series’ win and all the adulation one could come to expect that’d be poured upon perhaps the NBA’s most storied franchise. And even though the feat was achieved away from home at the Amway Arena in Orlando. It didn’t however make the victory anytheless sweeter. And for Finals’ MVP Kobe Bryant it may well have brought the redemption he’d finally sought. The talk of him not being able to land and win the Big One without Shaquille O’Neal finally becomes mute.

Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol celebrate after the team's victory over the Orlando Magic in game five of the NBA Finals played at the Amway Arena in Orlando , Florida. With the victory the Lakers secured their fifteenth NBA title as a franchise. Picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Jesse D Garrabant

If ever there was to be an indication that last night wasn’t to be the night where the home team may well have felt that there could somehow be some jubilation on the part of their fans. Then one had to look no further than the performances of their main triumvirate of Dwight Howard , Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu. Who for all sense and purpose were weighed down with the undue pressure of expectation. Their’s was the daunting task of trying to keep the team in contention against the Lakers and perhaps force them to win the title on their home-court. Alas it wasn’t to be ! They came up short when it mattered most.

Pre-Game Analysis: NBA Finals 2009 – Game 5

In just a few hours Amway Arena will be packed with a sellout crowd. Lakers and Magic fans alike across the country, as well as the players on the floor will be pumped for a potential close out game for the NBA Championship. After tonight will there be many questions answered? Will the Lakers finally win a Championship since the passing of the late great Chick Hearn? Will Kobe finally get that ring sans Shaquille O’Neal? Will Phil Jackson sit alone as the only coach with double-digit Championships? Will Trevor Ariza get sweet revenge on the team who dumped just two years ago? Will all of these questions be answered around 11:30ET or will the Orlando Magic have something to say about this?

Keys for Lakers:

Are the Lakers going to be making a trip back to L.A. for the parade? Or are they going to be heading back there to prepare for game 6?

1. For starters the Lakers need not to listen to the hype. I’m sure they are hearing all about how this series is in the bag- how 29 teams have tried to come back from a 1-3 deficit in the finals, and 29 have failed. Need I remind the Lakers that just 4 years ago (albeit with a much weaker team) they had a 3-1 lead against Phoenix only to lose the series in 7 games.
2. Kobe, continue trusting your teammates. I know you can taste that Championship sitting right in front of you- still don’t try to do too much, your teammates are there to help you, they want this just as bad as you do. The Magic know that you are 1 game away from your goal and will do everything in your power to achieve it, so they will throw everything at you- in that case continue on your 8ast per game pace and the more important MVP trophy will be in your hands sooner than you think.
3. Get Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom involved early and often. There has been no stopping Pau all series long- the only time he’s been stopped is when he doesn’t receive the ball. Lamar has had an amazing Finals as well, he wasn’t as affective in Game 4 because of foul trouble- getting these two guys involved will make Kobe and everyone of the Lakers lives much easier and a Championship will only be a few hours away.

*The Lakers are 5-1 in postseason play when Lamar Odom has a double-double.

Keys for Magic:

While the Lakers made key plays and hit some HUGE shots, the Magic definitely choked that game away. They had everything going for them- they had their crowd behind them, 7 year- old Gina Marie Incandela sang the National Anthem (prior to Game 4 they were undefeated when she sang), I hate to say it, but they were getting a majority of the calls(from the fourth quarter until the flagrant foul by Pietrus, the Magic had attempted 18 free throws to the Lakers Zero), and of course they were up by 3 with just seconds to go; only having to knock down 1 of 2 free-throws to ice the game. The rest is history.

1. I do think Stan Van Gundy is a good coach; but he has to do a better job managing his team if he wants any shot at staying alive. For starters after that nice performance in Game 3 where Rafer Alston had 20 points (and to me was the one who got the team going) why does he continue to sit on the bench. I understand that he loves Jameer, and that he feels a certain loyalty to his all-star point guard- However they went out and made the trade for Alston knowing he’d be the starter for the remainder of the year. You know the saying if it aint broke, don’t fix it. Well it wasn’t broke and Stan Van tried to fix it.
2. Did anybody see Rashard Lewis on Thursday? Yes he had a bad shooting night, but I don’t understand why he played 20 minutes more than Alston, yet he had less shot attempts. The Magic need to continue riding this guy, he is a big reason they’re even in the Finals and why they’ve been in every game except Game 1.
3. The Magic know that the Lakers can feel that Championship in their grasp. They need to take Kobe’s killer mentality and use it against him. He knows they are only 1 win away from the title, so the Magic should let him go out there and try to get it by himself. You’re not really going to stop him with your best defense anyway so- If they focus more on guarding the role players they will have a much easier time with the Lakers than they would if Kobe were to get everyone involved.

Have the Magic lost all confidence or will they show some mettle, tenacity and continue to be the resillient team we’ve seen in these ’09 playoffs to force a sixth game? We’ll see.

Post-Game Analysis: NBA Finals – Game 4

99-91 (OT)

Down the stretch on the biggest stage, in the biggest game, it was the old veteran guard who made the two biggest plays of the series. Derek Fisher’s long 3-pointer with 4.6 seconds left in regulation tied the score and the Lakers went on to beat the Orlando Magic 99-91 in dramatic fashion.

Fisher’s 27 foot 3-pointer over Jameer Nelson came after Dwight Howard missed two free throws with 11.1 ticks left. Then with under 35 secs. left in overtime, Kobe Bryant kicked the ball out to the top of the key where Fisher launched and swished home another clutch 3 ball, this time breaking the 91 all score. This shot was the game winner and gives Los Angeles a commanding 3-1 series lead while also putting LA one win from a championship. The Lakers were led by star guard Kobe Bryant who moved pass legendary Celtic Dennis Johnson into 16th place on the Finals scoring list by scoring 32 pts. It was difficult though as Bryant hit just 11-31 shots, although he did make all 8 of his free throws while adding 8 assists and 7 rebounds. Hedo Turkoglu’s 25 pts and Howard’s 16 pts, 21 reb and 9 blocks were not enought to keep Orlando from the brink of elimination. Game 5 is Sunday in Orlando.

Play of the Game: Derek Fisher’s game tying bomb from a couple feet behind the arc saved LA from falling into a deadlock with the Magic and instead puts the Lakers one win from capturing their first NBA title since Shaquille O’Neal and the boys swept New Jersey to win their third straight championship back in 2002. But the truth is Fisher should never have been allowed to shoot the ball but for a bone-headed defensive play by Jameer Nelson. As Fisher received the ball from Trevor Ariza just behind halfcourt with 8.5 secs. left, Nelson retreated and allowed Fisher to get to the three point line without any defensive pressure. Fisher (who was about 30 feet from the hoop) then took a little hesitation step while Nelson stood beneath the three line. D-Fish rose and fired home the trey while Nelson barely got a hand up. But Nelson should have been 1) on the bench! Alston had a great game 3, what the hell was Van Gundy doing? Van Gundy said he stayed with Nelson because the group he had on the floor in the fourth regained the lead and because it reached a point when Alston had sat too long– http://www.comcast.net/articles/sports-nba/20090612/Whitlock-Van-Gundy-Choke/– Are you kidding me ? 2) Nelson should have been right on top of Fisher, a 3 ties the game for god’s sakes and 3) even fouled the veteran guard before he got the shot off. This would have put Fisher on the line with about 7 secs. to go and would have prevented Fisher’s game tying attempt. Instead, Nelson did neither and Orlando is now on the doorstep of elimination.

Player of the Game: Trevor Ariza deserves player of the game honors for leading the Laker 3rd quarter comeback. Orlando led 49-37 at the half but Ariza and co. quickly turned the game around. After a jumper by Fisher, Ariza dunked the ball and Bryant hit a 3. Ariza then scored the next 9 points including two treys to bring LA to within one at 54-53 at the 6:41 mark. The rest of the Lakers took over from there and ended up outscoring the Magic 30-14 to take a 67-63 advantage into the final quarter. But it was Ariza’s furious play that sparked the comeback. Then in OT, Ariza grabbed a huge offensive rebound with about 48 secs. to go, which gave LA another chance to take the lead. Less than 20 secs. later, Fisher was hitting the game winner, only because of Ariza’s hustle and determination.

Key Stat: Orlando was atrocious from the foul line, hitting just 22 of 37 shots for 59.5%. Dwight Howard was 6-14 including 2 missed free throws that could have made it a two possession game. Instead, the Magic’s lead stood at 87-84 and Fisher preceded to hit his game tying shot seconds later.

Game 5 Outlook: The outlook is bleak for Orlando as no team has comback to win games 6 and 7 on the road. But to even get the series to a game 6, Orlando must salvage game 5 at home. They have the physical talent to do it, but where will their heads be after collapsing at the end of game 4? Orlando has bounced back after heartbreakers but this one is different because instead of holding home court advantage and having a chance to take a 3-2 series lead, the Magic are left to wonder what if. They must bounce back and keep themselves alive otherwise, Kobe and the Lakers will be celebrating in Orlando on Sunday Night.

Who Says Defense Doesn’t Win Championships? Well Converting Free Throws Also Helps As Well

Can the Orlando Magic now save face and stave off elimination in game five of the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers ? This now has to be the burning question that’ll be asked of the players and their fans at this juncture.  

Derek Fisher's game tying three pointer during the regular session of game 4 was like a dagger to the heart of the Orlando Magic and their fans. Picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Noah Graham

After last night’s tremendous effort by the team whereby they gave of themselves. They merely threw the game away with their woeful efforts at the free throw line and the way with which turnovers came into being at the most inopportune of moments. And the 99-91 overtime win eked out by the Lakers, was merely reflective of the way this series has gone for the Magic. With the win , the Los Angeles Lakers now possess a 3-1 lead and are but a game win away from securing their fifteenth NBA title.

Kobe Bryant knocks away Dwight Howard's rebound attempt, though the game was already over. Picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Garrett Ellwood

And while we can laud the effort of the Lakers in taking advantage of their opponents when all but seemed lost for them. It’d also be prudent to take a look at what went wrong and right for the Orlando Magic last night on their home-court of the Amway Arena in Orlando, during game four.

Trevor Ariza of the Lakers drives to the basket for a dunk against the Magic in game 4 of the NBA Finals. Picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Noah Graham

For three quarters this game was the Magic’s for the taking had they sought to step up to the task and the take the opportunities afforded them at the time. In having said that , one also has to question the thought process of the Magic’s coach Stan Van Gundy and his belief that Jameer Nelson has the prerequisite skills to lead this team at the point when it matters most. The player’s contributions to last night’s game reads like a script that when looked upon offers nothing of note. Twenty five plus minutes , 4 reb’s ,3 assists, 1 turnover and a mere 2 points. If this is what Van Gundy wishes to latch his reins to , in order to win this series outright . Then the fate of the team at this juncture is reflective of their fortunes at present. But it’d also be remiss to think that this was solely the coach’s wish to give his All Star point guard as many minutes as he could.

A disconsulate Dwight Howard shows his frustration after the Magic's loss to the Lakers in game 4 of the NBA Finals played at the Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. With the win the 99-91 win the Lakers now take an advantageous 3-1 lead Finals. Picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Noah Graham

The fact of the matter is when called upon to provide leadership and stability in their moment of need . There was actually absolutely no one on this Magic team that was actually prepared to step to the role and assume that responsibility. Certainly not Dwight Howard or Rashard Lewis , Rafer Alston and most definitely not Jameer Nelson. Though it has to be said if there was any heroism being shown on the night. It may well have came from Hedo Turkoglu who led the team in scoring with 25 points.

 

Post Game Analysis: NBA FINALS Game 3

104-108

Even tough the Orlando Magic had set a Finals record by shooting 75%, they held just a 5-point lead at halftime. And although their overall shooting percentage also set a Finals record by finishing in the low 60s, as the clock hit the 2:45 mark in the 4th quarter, the Magic’s lead had evaporated. How could that be possible? The Magic were playing their best game and yet it looked like the Lakers would pull out game 3 and take a formidable 3-0 series lead. However, as they have done everytime  their backs are against the wall, Orlando conjured some more Magic and stopped the Lakers cold down the stretch to get back into the series.

Rafer Alston’s resurgence combined with the bench scoring from Mickael Pietrus and solid play from their “big 3,” the Orlando Magic held off a Laker comeback attempt to win game 3 of the NBA Finals 108-104. After shooting a combined 3-17 in the first two games of the Finals, including 0-8 from 3pt. range, Alston had 20 pts on 8-12 from the field while Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard led the way with 21 pts each. Kobe Bryant led LA with 31 pts and 4-3pt.s but made just 5 of 10 free throws. Pau Gasol continued his great play, scoring 23 pts on 9-11 shooting but was held to 3 measly rebounds.

Play of the Game: With about 35 seconds to go and with a chance to complete the comeback, Kobe Bryant got a screen from Pau Gasol and went left, past his defender (Pietrus) where he met Dwight Howard who was helping until Pietrus could recover (a term called hedging.) Kobe tried to cut back to his right and sqeeze by Howard. But the defensive player of the year stuck his hand out and deflected Kobe’s crossover attempt towards Gasol and Pietrus. Gasol dove to the floor and snatched the ball from Pietrus (who tried to pick up the ball and dribble downcourt) but fortunately for Orlando, Pau did not call time while on the ground and instead played hot potato. He flipped the ball behind him towards Bryant but Pietrus stepped in front to intercept the basketball and was immediately fouled by Bryant. Pietrus knocked down both free throws with 28 secs. left, giving Orlando a 106-102 lead it would not relinquish.

Player of the Game: This was a tough call because Orlando had 4 guys who played exceptionally well. But it was Mickael Pietrus who made the biggest impact, especially in the 4th quarter. He guarded Bryant for most of the game and after the black mamba went off for 21 pts in the first half, Pietrus slammed the snake back into its cage by holding Bryant to 10 2nd half pts on just 4-15 shooting. And on the offensive end Pietrus was brilliant in scoring 18 pts off the bench, 10 of which came in the final quarter. He hit a tough fadeaway from about 18 ft. early in the 4th and later slammed home a missed shot to give Orlando a 101-99 lead with 2:19 remaining. He did all this without doing what he does best; Pietrus did not hit a 3-pt. shot.

Key Stat: This has to be Orlando’s ridiculous shooting numbers. They hit on a Finals record 62.5% of their shots but interestingly took just 14 shots from deep and knocked just 5. It has been said that Orlando must hit 8-12 three a game to win or at least shoot around 40% from long-range. But in game 3, the Magic hit shots from inside the arc and got great play from point guard Rafer Alston and point-forward Hedo Turkoglu (18 pts, 7 ast-1 to, 6 reb).

Outlook for Game 4—Expect another tight, exciting game. I don’t understand those who think the Lakers are way better because its obviously not true.  LA didn’t sweep like some predicted after they took a 2-0 lead and LA won’t win the next two games either. Orlando was a Courtney Lee layup from winning game 2 in Los Angeles after leading for most of the 4th. The ball didn’t role the Magic’s way and it’s over with. LA did not have a lead the entire 2nd half in game 3, yet played well. Orlando was clearly the better team and I think they’ll do it again Thursday Night.

When I Move , You Move ………….

Well last night the Orlando Magic stepped up to the plate and answered the questions that many of us wanted answered in the most emphatic of ways. Did this team possess the means to stand up and be counted ?

Rafer Alston the Orlando Magic’s point guard speaks to the convened press at the Amway Arena in Orlando , Florida after the team’s 108-104 triumph over the Los Angeles Lakers in game three. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Ray Amati …………

And in the most extraordinary of ways they were able to do this with an outstanding display of team basketball. And with four of their frontline quartet ending up with double figures in terms of scoring . The end result was a close but yet thoroughly exhilerating win over the Los Angeles Lakers 108-104.

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers shares a few words with referee Joey Crawford during game three of the NBA Finals played at the Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Nathaniel S Butler …….

And now in playing themselves quite possibly back into contention as far as the series is concerned. This win’ll provide the Magic with the impetus and perhaps the confidence needed in trying to even the series. As it now stands with the Lakers still holding a 2-1 lead in the best of seven game series. This was all that the Magic’s coach Stan Van Gundy as the team’s fans could’ve asked for. Finally this team came to the fore , played with and showed the resiliency that many thought that they had. But had yet to display with any real consistency in the series thus far.

Hedo Turkoglu of the Orlano drives for the shot attempt in game three of the NBA Finals. Turkoglu would go on to score 18 points in the game ably supporting a quartet of Magic players who were in double figures on the night. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Nathaniel S Butler ……………………..

The Lakers for their part hadn’t given hope of quite possibly pulling off the win of a game played at the Amway Arena in Orlando, played infront of a sellout and raucous home crowd. And in terms of stats this was a night where the Magic shot an extraordinary .625% (40-64) from the field and .767% (23-30)from the charity stripe (free throw line). The Lakers for their part were no slouches either on that front . However this was more a game about the determination shown and in some respects also about the Magic redeeming themselves after somewhat of a lackluster performance in game one. Never mind the heart rendering loss of game two , where they had the game within their grasp only to lose in overtime.

Pau Gasol (16) of the Lakers looks to grab the defensive rebound against the Orlando Magic in game three of the NBA Finals. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Nathaniel S Butler ……………..

On this night however there was no denying that Orlando came out firing on all cylinders. And nowhere was this more evident than in the play of the Magic’s point guard Rafer Alston. Who if anything after his somewhat lackluster performance in game two wanted to show his coach that he had all of the prerequisite skills to lead this team at the point. Van Gundy knew that Alston was the better option over that of Jameer Nelson. As Nelson had proven to be nowhere near game ready either physically or mentally. And as the old addage goes……” why try and fix something when it’s not broken to begin with “?

Mikael Pietrus of the Magic goes up for the dunk against the Lakers during the game. Pietrus was once again a catalyst for the Magic, coming off the bench to score 18 points for the team. And who formed a quintet of players for the Magic who were in double figures in scoring for the team. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Nathaniel S Butler ………….

If the Lakers and their fans felt that this was to be their night. Then most certainly then they were looking at their own version of Mr Clutch as he’s come to be known. For Kobe Bryant this was a night when inexplicably his often profound touch escaped him. And of all places this happened at the free throw line , where he shot a respectable .500% (5-10). But also with that came an uncharacteristic 4 turnovers committed by the player during the game. But this coming from a player who’s a career .840% shooter from the free throw line. To suggest that this was endemic of what were primarily the woes of the Lakers’ performance on the night would be to do the Magic an injustice. As this was also to do with the team’s desire to atone for their earlier mistakes in this series altoghether. And that they did with this triumphant win. Which begs the question what’ll they now do for an encore in game 4 ?

Trevor Ariza (3) of the Lakers attempts a shot whilst the defensive presence of the Magic’s Dwight Howard looks to negate the play. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Nathaniel S Butler …………………….

The Lakers for their part must now be thinking that should they allow the Magic to fight their way back into this series. And thereby allow them to even the series in terms of games won. Then they’ll indeed have a fight on their hands. Albeit that they’ve been through their own battles in the earlier rounds in neutralizing the efforts of the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets respectively on their way to making their appearance in the NBA Finals. This however, will be a task of a different effort that’ll be demanded. Given what’s at stake as to the ultimate prize that the professional game has to offer.

Rashard Lewis (9) of the Magic attempts the jump shot while looking to evade the presence of the Lakers’ Lamar Odom. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Nathaniel S Butler ……………………

The Los Angeles Lakers may well be seeking their fifteenth title as champions of the NBA. But were they to lose to the Orlando Magic in these finals. It would be considered one of the great upsets to have taken place within the NBA in recent memory. Afterall absolutely no one ever imagined that we’d be speaking of the Orlando Magic as being a finalist in the NBA’s showcase event. Much less them now quite possibly being on the cusp of evening the series. But it remains to be seen whether or not that they can now live up to the expectations of their fans . And if anything the belief of the team’s assistant coach Patrick Ewing. Who has gone on the record as stating that it his belief …………”the Orlando Magic are capable of winning the NBA title”. Nevermind that he was correct in his previous prognostications that this team was capable of beating both the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers. At this stage it may well seem foolish to write off the announcements of Ewing as being inane. There’s nothing at all wrong with having an impassioned belief in your team.

Mikael Pietrus of the Magic steals the ball from a somewhat surprised Kobe Bryant during the game. Also providing some assistance to Pietrus in the endeavor is teammate Rafer Alston. On the floor and unable to assist is the Lakers’ Pau Gasol. Bryant would go on to commit a rather uncharacteristic 4 turnovers during the game. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Garrett Ellwood …..

Pre-Game Analysis: NBA FINALS – Game 3

                           The Orlando Magic left Los Angeles in a 0-2 hole. Thank God they are headed home right? When you are struggling there’s nothing like some home cooking, and the Orlando Magic have 3 straight at home (if the series even goes that far). I guess you could say that the Lakers escaped with a game 2 victory (if Courtney Lee had been able to hit that brilliantly drawn up play). Tonight the Magic look to draw closer in this series, while the Lakers try to take a commanding choke holding 3-0 lead.

Keys for Lakers:               

           After a dominate Game 1, the Lakers didn’t play as well in Game 2. They were once again aggressive and active on the defensive end (forcing 7 turnovers on Dwight Howard). On the offensive end aside from Gasol and Odom, the Lakers weren’t as sharp offensively. Kobe Bryant again had brilliant numbers (29pts and 8asts) but knows he wasn’t as sharp as he can, has, and will be (7 turnovers).

1. The Magic are at home now, a place where a young inexperienced team can flourish with the energy of their home crowd. The Lakers need to get off to a hot start (the exact opposite of what they did in Game 2) and keep the crowd down and in their seats.
2. Continue with the ball movement on the offensive end that you had in Game 1. In Game 2 I felt that they were stagnant on this side of the floor, not moving the ball enough which hampered their ability for cleaner looks.
3. Keep doing the job you’re doing on defense. You can’t really ask for more on the defensive end. They are holding their positions against Dwight Howard, and closing out on shooters. The Lakers would rather get beat by long range shooting, rather than let Dwight get it going in the paint and they’ve done a masterful job thus far.

I cannot express this enough. If Lamar Odom continues on the path that he has been on since Game 5 of the Western Finals, this series will be over before anyone has a chance to go back to L.A.

Keys for Magic:

           Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu came to play in Game 2. The problem is nobody else did. Dwight Howard shot 50% scoring 17 points, was 7-9 from the line, and had big numbers on the boards and in blocks- but he had a glaring 7 turnovers that brought their offense to a complete halt. Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee and the rest of the bench players have been just awful so far, maybe being in familiar surroundings tonight will wake them up.

1. The Magic point guards have to show up. In the first two games Jameer Nelson and Rafer Alston are a combined 7 for 27 from the field (a horrific 26%). The Magic are already outmatched talent wise, if these guys don’t help out they don’t really stand a chance.
2. I know I said that Jameer Nelson would not have much of impact on this series, but I didn’t know that Rafer Alston wouldn’t either. With that said should Stan Van Gundy give Jameer a shot at starting? He’s not getting anything from Alston (whether brining Jameer back caused this is another discussion) so why not try to switch things up and see what happens with another all-star in the starting line-up before this series gets out of hand.
3. Will the real Dwight Howard please stand up? Your numbers weren’t that bad in Game 2 and the Lakers are playing some tough defense, but your team needs you to figure things out and step up. You are the leader of your team they are desperately looking for you to step up and impact this game positively and will them to victory. You complained when you weren’t getting enough shots (so far it’s 6 shots in Game 1 and 10 shots in Game 2), you are getting enough touches though so stop turning the ball over and make something positive happen with those touches. It’s now or never Mr. Howard.

The Magic are at Home and will feel a lot more comfortable, so I expect the role players to play much better and help Hedo and Rashard out. I know Dwight doesn’t have much of a post game (the one thing separating him from the Shaquille O’Neal) but he does need to make things happen tonight. One or two monstrous dunks from him and the crowd could propel this team.

With that said, in my opinion the Lakers did not play well on Sunday (Game 2), and I think Kobe and the Lakers smell blood in the water and will put their foot on the throat of the Magic tonight to take a devastating 3-0 lead.

Tip-off:  9pm EST. on ABC