Kicking/winning it old school
As BK noted during last night's analysis, this 101-96 Game 2 win over the Orlando Magic was secured in large part via good ol' fashioned "know how." The Lakers are just one season removed from a Finals appearance. Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher have appeared five times previous, winning in three. Phil Jackson is 9 for 11 as a coach. On the flip side, the Orlando Magic only have two players with a Finals appearance on their resume, and one of them (Ty Lue) wasn't even active last night. Coach Stan Van Gundy is also negotiating unfamilar waters, and perhaps struggling to juggle his point guard rotation. If you think the "been there, done that" wasn't a factor during an OT win where the Lakers were hardly at their sharpest and the Magic arguably deserved the win more, I'd advise you to strap the thinking cap back on and give it another whirl.
Whether you're talking about the Magic's twenty turnovers or an inability to dot the i's and cross the t's, the visitors couldn't sustain momentum when most needed. The virgin Larry O'Brien experience can be nothing if not overwhelming, with pressure magnified at every turn (and even more so now for Orlando). If you offered Courtney Lee another 100 chances to sink last night's game winning layup attempt, I'd venture he'd come through somewhere in the neighborhood of 99. It may not have been a gimme, but it was definitely doable. Conceiving and executing the play is the bigger battle, so kudos to SVG and Hedo Turkoglu for their rabbit pulling act. Unfortunately, Lee fell short in a sequence that perhaps exposed him as... well... a rookie.
In the meantime, you have the Lakers, with their elder spokesmen coming through to compliment (and even pick up) Kobe Bryant during a solid but unspectacular night.
Derek Fisher's minutes have been a source of contention during the playoffs, in particular during the early rounds when Speedy Gonzalez-ish point guards were dusting him, a deficiency compounded by an erratic shot selection. The world "liability" popped up with disturbing frequency. Fish's leadership carries an impeccable reputation, unquestionably above reproach, but the tangible positives provided by that presence turned into a legitimate question. Well, the best was apparently saved for last, because Fish has shown up against Orlando, impressing the O.C. Register's Kevin Ding with an inability to do the proverbial "little things" and turn them into big moments.
It was Fisher's brain that triggered the key play of overtime. He outsmarted the guy from Duke and took the ball from a guy a foot taller and twice as athletic. J.J. Redick clearly didn't want to shoot. He had missed an open 3-pointer on the previous possession, and he doesn't have the standing on his team to launch another with the season on the line. So Orlando went to a little play for Dwight Howard, except Fisher quickly processed the play as the same one that had burned the Lakers many times in the second half.
Then, Fisher said, "I read J.J.'s eyes."
Fisher slid over from the weak side to steal the ball. Fisher bolted the other way and got two free throws for a 94-91 lead with 1:53 left in overtime. The Lakers' lead never dropped to fewer than three points the rest of the game.
That OT period was secured with Andrew Bynum as a mere spectator, a role mirroring his whistle magnet status during regulation. With the Kid and the pine on a first name basis, it was left up to Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom to pick up the big man slack. The duo came through with flying colors. Odom offered arguably the Lakers' best effort (8-9 shooting for 19 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks) and Gasol overcame a slow first half to serve as a crunch time hero. Quite the reversal of last season's fortunes, when the pair served as the purple and gold co-goats. This year, ESPN's Chris Broussard describes their road to redemption.
Even as Bryant puts up mega-numbers against the Orlando Magic, averaging 34.5 points in the first two games, Gasol and Odom are showing they're more than mere helpers. They're main cogs. And that's why the Lakers, 101-96 overtime winners Sunday night, are taking a 2-0 lead to Orlando for Games 3, 4 and (maybe) 5. Gasol scored seven of his 24 points in overtime, falling just a point shy of the entire Orlando team's point production in the extra session. And Odom, such a weak foul shooter that he's nearly in the Dwight Howard/Shaquille O'Neal class, sealed the victory with two clutch free throws.
"Me and Pau have a lot of experience," Odom said after recording 19 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocked shots in nearly 46 minutes off the bench. "Experience is the best teacher of them all. We played in [last year's] Finals, went to the Finals after, I guess, only a half-a-season of basketball with each other. We have a strong connection."
It could be argued that Gasol needed this success even more than LO, what with "El Softo" tag seemingly tattooed on his forehead. That Pau played big against physical opponents last season, much less this one, should have theoretically served as a metaphorical laser removal procedure, but permanent ink can be a mother to remove. But between his OT huevos on the heels of putting the defensive clamps on Dwight Howard, perhaps reality to beginning to overtake the storyline. Fox Sports' Mark Kriegel is ready to stop doubting Gasol's toughness in the clutch.
On Sunday, he was the best player on the floor. More than that — if you'll accept the perfectly reasonable premise that good defense is evidence of a hearty spirit — he was also the toughest. People can take what they want from this game: the shot that rookie Courtney Lee almost hit at the end of regulation, Rashard Lewis' 34 points, the 23 second-half points Kobe Bryant scored on his "off" night. But the real difference in this game, the Lakers' margin of victory, was Gasol, heretofore typecast as the soft European. To be more accurate, it was Gasol outplaying the bigger and stronger Dwight Howard.
The better basketball player beat the better athlete. The second star outplayed the Franchise. Mr. Softee beat Superman.
Yahoo!'s Adrian Wojnarowski shares Pau Gasol's polite disagreement with this perception.
The stateside resistance to the European player has been vast and vicious. The American basketball culture has had a bad habit of dismissing Pau Gasol(notes) with its tired and twisted refrain: The Spaniard is soft. This foolishness has never inspired public indignation out of the Los Angeles Lakers’ star, no defiant declarations that he’ll show everyone the truth. Gasol is too smart to get overworked over American small-mindedness masquerading as fear of a burgeoning base of overseas talent. Secure in his immense talent, his Euro and NBA credentials, the resentment doesn’t rule him.
“Because a guy has a set of skills and is more of a finesse player, then he’s labeled as a soft player,” Gasol said. “I’m not bothered by it because I know I’m a competitor. I’ve competed my whole career and nobody has given me anything. …
“I’m a winner.”
And speaking of demons in need of conquering, Lee and Nick Anderson should get together and go bowling.
AK
14 DOWN, 2 MO' TO GO!
can't believe we're nearly there. and it's even harder to think we "stole" one on our home floor but it definitely seems that way after lee's missed lay up
the funny thing is, i thought we played well, didn't veer from the script...it's just shots weren't falling. but like any good championship team, the lakers recovered just in time.
i think orlando gets Game 3 but not without a Lake Show fight. ...i'm just giddy with anticipation for what could be two or three games from now.
LET'S GO LAKE SHOW!
Posted by: CBuck | June 08, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Kobe was off last night but still had great numbers 8 turnovers not included. Only Kobe could have a off night and get selected player of the game and espn best performer. Kobe will still win the finals mvp hands down; we all love Lamar but his numbers just don't jump out at you. Odom is Kobe's Scottie. Am i the only one (well actually my girl siad it) who thinks Shanon looks like Chris Brown?
Posted by: max | June 08, 2009 at 11:54 AM
I think the entire Lakers team got manhandled against the Celtics last year..but Gasol seemed to take the lion's share of abuse for it. I never thought he was particularily soft..But he has definately taken his game up another level..or 2..this year and its part of the process of learning what it takes to win a championship. He's been amazing for the entire playoff run. He's also one of the most interesting players to watch as he really thinks the game. He's got so much talent..great passer, smooth and creative post moves..terrific footwork..he's been much better dunking the balls this year as well.
He's not Shaq. But neither is Bynum. I dont' think we'll every see a guy with that kind of heft and talent againlbut Laker centers/PF's will always probably be compared and found wanting.
Posted by: Rob D | June 08, 2009 at 11:57 AM
Lakers!!! WOOO!!
So after a couple years of complaining about the LA playoff crowds and I finally stepped up and did something bad in a recession....blow money on some NBA Finals tickets!!! So there I was with all the posh people in the upper deck..and that was a thrilling experience.
One thing I must say is that the TV...or ABCs coverage to be exact, does nothing to convey what the building was really like...awful sound...I miss the NBA on NBC when you could hear the crowd and stuff. There were points were the crowd was booing at some calls but on the TV its hushed..almost like a conspiracy. Anyways the crowd was electric to start but then I must admit we were all anxious when the Magic were hitting 3s especially Rashard. But the crowd responded in the 4th quarter and then in overtime.
Anyhow...watching the Game live and then catching some of the replay last night really were two different stories I think. For one, from the overhead the Magic spacing was the key to their shots.
But before we get the Lamar bashing, in person the guy who was really the player of this game was him. He hit so many pressure shots, he hit shots where he looked at himself as the first option...no look to give it to Kobe Ive never seen Lamar take a team on his back like that. Second...Lamar Odom's clear defensive plan that the Lakers coaches instituted was for him to collapse on Dwight Howard at all cost. Howard was getting way deeper position from the start so Lamar got down with Pau for the coverage. This of course is because Andrew got into foul trouble.
Anyhow, it was not Kobe's best played game and the defensive switch of Turkoglu was huge. Turk's quickness and length forced Kobe very wide and into a bad shot or a very difficult cross court pass. Don't sleep on that for Game 3. You could see how that length really bothered Kobe.
Last night's game was a lot like Game 3 against the Nuggets where they got the clutch victory...but the other team probably played better.
Posted by: The Lake Show | June 08, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Oh and AK...man why crush Nick Anderson even more?? Everybody has piled up on him last night...feel bad for the guy when he looked like he wanted to hide under the court..
However, in real time that was a real tough play for Lee because he was really far under the basket and his momentum was carrying him out of bounds. I think that was actually a tremendous play on his behalf considering the pass.
If you want to blame Lee for a missed layup..its probably the one before that where Lee missed after getting by Kobe on the screen and just missed it. I dont think Odom was really in the picture on that play and Lee just wanted too long to shoot and then missed point blank.
Posted by: The Lake Show | June 08, 2009 at 12:08 PM
*Courtney Lee
and besides Nick Anderson missed Free Throws...and thats after he got the offensive rebound on a miss...and with a 3 point lead
Posted by: The Lake Show | June 08, 2009 at 12:09 PM
CBuck,
Two to go but it could be the hardest hurdles before reaching the finish line. if we were trecking the Tour de France, our Laker team excelled in Alps and in the Mediterranean cities but now we approach the Pyrenees Mountains (Orlando Amway Stadium). This is go for break, no more Jack Nicholson as our sixth man obstructing the focus of Rashard and Hedo after getting his congrats, no more LA crowds shouting for familiar tacos, our Lakers will go unfriendly crowd and hear the angry chant: Beat LA, Beat LA, they don't care about the Lakers, they are all lumped into LA, the home of smoggy people. It became the model of Orlando in their theme parks now they want to destroy and tear down that model. After Courtney Lee missed shot, we understand the pain. The two wins will be the challenge to Bynum who has not earned his contract with those fouling. A challenge to Farmar and Sasha who kept on disappearing in 2009 playoffs....we are still looking for the Machine shots, it's rusty and broken. We will need here the defense of Powell and Mbenga for just 2 minutes.
I asked this question to Magicman last night on the Live Blog - do you the Magic could win a game in Orlando? He said, yes based on season's records. Let us see if that is true on Tuesday and Thursday, Orlando could be the Waterloo of the Magic.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 08, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Lee did not have a clean look at the basket. Pau made a tremendous recovery and had a hand blocking a direct shot. Give Lee and Turkoglu 100 more chances to make that play and I do not think they convert more than one or two. Lee made a great athletic move to catch the ball and get the shot off but the degree of difficulty was just too high. In no way does that compare with Anderson bricking free throws.
Super win for the Lakers who seemed to have learned to take advantage of their opportunities.
Posted by: NWLakerFan | June 08, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Lakeshow,
Hey, I just linked the Lee/Anderson article. I didn't actually write it. haha
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | June 08, 2009 at 12:18 PM
AK-
A nit. I believe you meant "an ability to do the little things..." rather than "an inability" when referencing the Ding piece.
Otherwise great post.
Posted by: P&G Believa' | June 08, 2009 at 12:27 PM
Anyone else notice Adam Morrison last night? Seemed really into the game. Must have read that post someone linked to the other day...
Posted by: teamn | June 08, 2009 at 12:27 PM
Hey, what's that stat about Phil being 9-11? Phil is 9-2 in the Finals, right? He's got 9 ring, and lost to the Piston and the Celtics.
Posted by: cedichou | June 08, 2009 at 12:29 PM
P&G,
I actually meant it the way I wrote it, but I see what you're getting at. Honestly, I think the phrasing works either way.
AK
Posted by: Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky | June 08, 2009 at 12:31 PM
I'm as happy as anybody to be where we are right now. I wanted to say something about Bynum, and Tom, if you're reading, I 'd like your thoughts. I have been a big supporter of the guy but I'm starting to get concerned about his pattern of picking up fouls. It's something that all big men have to be mindful of, but it's especially tough with younger players as they begin to set career patterns. Bynum's situation reminds me of Travis Knight a little - not that there were any similarities between them as overall players, but just as far as fouls go. Knight was a guy who was drafted late first round and there were some expectations for him. He was a draft day trade to the Lakers and then got sent to Boston in his second year where Rick Piitino destroyed his confidence. He came back to the Lakers and there was hope that he'd be a dependable backup for Shaq. Problem was, the guy was a foul waiting to happen. A lot of players don't have the dicipline to work their way out of these habits, early fouls lead to frustration fouls and it just becomes a way of playing. The refs pick up on it, they'll have their pregame meetings and they'll talk about the players, their various tendencies and they know the guys that habitually fall into foul trouble. The refs don't wan't to pick on these guys but they'll mention that so-and-so has a habit of picking up silly fouls but they have to call it like they see it, and then that player's on their radar. There's guys like Shaq who often pick up early fouls simply due to size and strength, but Shaq's also smart enough that he can usually make adjustments and go a stretch without fouling.
Anyway, sorry for such a long post but my concern is that Bynum, with all his obvious gifts, is starting to paint himself as a guy who gets into chronic trouble with this, and it will start to define his game if he doesn't really put some work into correcting it. It's one thing to bring a hard foul on Howard going to the basket, but these silly reach-ins on a guard or whatever, are really causing problems.
The Lakers are going to be at 74m next year because Byum's new salary kicks in with a 10m bump. This is , WITHOUT Odom and Ariza. Believe me, these are things that Buss and Kupchak will be talking about. Everybody wants this kid to be a monster player. He's got so much going for him. But there's also a reality, that Buss doesn't want to be 15 mil in the penalty. So, I'm not trying to be a naysayer during our finals run. I'm happy for every productive minute that Bynum gives us. But I'm also mindful that (beyond his knee) he's limiting his own growth and potential by putting himself in situations where he has to go sit, and lose whatever momentum he has going.
Posted by: dave m | June 08, 2009 at 12:31 PM
cedichou,
Wow. I meant "9 for 11," but accidentally wrote it out like a FG stat. I've been doing WAY too much basketball writing these days. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky | June 08, 2009 at 12:33 PM
PLG,
>>> We can agree to disagree on this one.
No problem. I know your heart is always in the right place. Drew will have a great game tomorrow night and we will both be cheering and rooting.
>>> I am just saying he isn't where I think the Lakers want/need him to be. It could be
>>> the injury, it could be the refs, it could be any excuse in the book.
If you listened to Phil’s interviews, he specifically stated that Drew is not 100% and won’t be until he has a chance to rehab his knee offseason and get rid of the brace. I would say that is not just “any excuse in the book.” That’s just what it is. We won’t see the real Drew until next year. In the meantime, we still need all Drew can give us.
>>> But you and I both know his fouls are NOT smart fouls and there IS a difference.
Yes, no doubt he has committed some dumb fouls but he has also been victimized because of Howard’s rep by some various questionable calls. Bottom line, he has to stay in the game and not get in foul trouble. But there is no doubt that Howard gets the calls.
>>> His defense was good on Dwight in G1, but last I checked, ORL killed us on
>>> the boards in G1 - isn't that one of the primary responsibilities for young AB?
Not true at all. To set the record straight, the Lakers dominated the boards in Game 1 and Drew had 9 boards in 22 minutes, compared to just 8 for Pau in twice the time.
Last night, Drew did NOT do a good job on the boards nor did our guards with all the long rebounds and we lost the rebounding battle to the Magic.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 08, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Lakers had better odds of winning a ring when they led the series 1-0 than 2-0.
Phil Jackson record 43-0 when leading a series 1-0, but when leading 2-0 he's 38-1.
Posted by: Magia32 | June 08, 2009 at 12:42 PM
Is it me, or is every laker fan just sick and tired of the way abc/espn commentators have been dealing with these games, specifically Mr. Jeff sissy Van Gundy! Every time a foul was called against Orlando, it was him saying oh no i didn't think that was a foul or it wasn't a foul, then when it came to the lakers, he went damn ray Charles blind on us. I mean talk about being damn biased! I am literally screaming at the TV the whole game because of the views of these guys, i mean can we get us some Doug Collins, TNT coverage or something! This is getting ridiculous man! Are these suckers being paid to commentate fairly, because if so i think they should repay the damn network cause they are definitely not doing a very good job of it. Just had to vent somewhere cuz this has simply become atrocious to the the game of basketball! Biased commentating!
Posted by: Angellove4life | June 08, 2009 at 12:43 PM
That Courtney Lee shot was NOT a gimme. It was a well-designed play, but the pass was a bit low and long. The rookie had to adjust the ball in the air from underneath the backboard as he was flying by. Gasol also might have played a roll in altering the shot as well. Makeable? Yes. 99 our of a 100? No frickin way.
How can a veteran coach, or any coach for that matter, throw his rookie underneath the bus like that? Lee is in his first playoffs, and has the huge responsibility of guarding Kobe. Lee must feel like crap already, but Stan basically suggested that Hedo made a perfect pass, but Lee choked an easy layup. That's just plain wrong. This is Stan's first finals, and his insensitive comments were a rookie mistake more so that Lee's missed layup.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | June 08, 2009 at 12:43 PM
dave m, I think you have a point, but I don't think it is too late. In terms of games started, AB is practically a rookie and is getting that sort of (dis) respect from officials. I would expect some of that to go away next year as he starts to get the benefit of some non-calls.
Second, he's not nearly at 100%. When healthy, this kid can get UP there. These days, he seems to play below the rim. Combine that with not being in top shape after missing half the year, and I think you have another explanation for a lot of his "cheap" fouls--too much reaching instead of moving his feet; something else that I would expect to be better next year.
Finally, AB is being victimized by Kurt Rambis' horrible defensive strategy. Point guards get a free run at the basket, by design, under this defense. That Alston & Nelson have not exploited this weakness is a big reason the Lakers are up 2-0. How many times last night did you see Orlando guards go into the lane without looking to score? In the past 3 rounds we've faced guards who penetrated looking to score, and they put huge pressure on LA's big guys. Unfortunately, I don't see this problem changing next year unless some team (help us out Sacto) is foolish enough to hire Rambis away....
Posted by: Andrew Bernard | June 08, 2009 at 12:48 PM
Why are so many willing to concede Game 3 to the Magic, just because they're playing at home? I'm not. The Lakers have proven their ability to take games on the road during both the regular season and the playoffs. Game 3 is an opportunity to convince the Magic that this just isn't their year, no matter how far they've come. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | June 08, 2009 at 12:52 PM
The Lakers regular season record has been incredible since the Gasol trade. And when Gasol was out with a injury late last season, the Lakers were horrible, losing or eking out win against bottom feeders at home.
Gasol's game isn't spectacular, but he's the foundation of the current team that allows Kobe or LO to build off of & shine. In this way, his role is similar to Duncan's with the Spurs.
I was worried at the start of the series that if Bynum couldn't stay on the floor, Howard would run rampant. Thanks to Pau & timely help defense, that hasn't happened. It may be that Howard is inexperienced & lacking the intensity of Ring-desperate KG last year versus Pau.
No Pau & the Lakers wouldn't have HCA against the Magic. And do you think Kobe would have dished to Kwame Brown for the critical bucket in OT last night? Don't think so.
Posted by: Scott | June 08, 2009 at 12:54 PM
I agree Lee's miss came on a sequence that wasn't simple, but given how well Lee has played all season and during the postseason's majority, I'm guessing the miss was caused largely by the setting, pressure, and having just missed a layup before that. In a regular season game, I'm guessing he makes that. Or even in that same Finals game, but perhaps not a sequence with the game on the line.
That's my take.
AK
Posted by: Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky | June 08, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Andrew Bernard: Fully agree regarding Rambis. Let's hope he never becomes head coach of the Lakers. (And not Byron Scott either: They were fine players, but they're not smart enough to be head coach of a team as good as this one.)
Has anyone seen good analysis of what the difference was between games 1 and 2? Did the Magic play that much better defense in game 2? Did the Lakers forget to run the offense again? Or was it that the Magic focused on stopping Kobe, and he didn't make good decisions? (His high TO count is usually indicative of a loss: Your best player can't be having a good game if he has 7+ turnovers.)
Posted by: jimjoyce | June 08, 2009 at 12:58 PM
Notes on a Scorecard
1. Pau Gasol may at times play soft, but the man is clutch. Where would we be without him?
2. If Bynum can ever stop fouling this would be a much easier series.
3. Lee's last shot was very difficult, his momentum carried him under the basket and the angle of the shot made it impossible for anyone but the greatest players to make.
4. To criticize the miss was terrrible on SVG and the players part. That play did not lose the game.
5. The Magic have already mentally lost this series. From the coach who's is messing with the rotation to Howard voicing he has to learn how to play against the Lakers defense.
6. The Lakers on the other hand are being coached pretty much the same way they have been all year. You have to hand it to PJ, his style though frustrating, is a winning formula.
7. If the bench ever starts to click, this series could be over real quick.
8. This one's for Chick and Kobe.
Posted by: You Ever Notice | June 08, 2009 at 01:06 PM
dave,
>>> I wanted to say something about Bynum, and Tom, if you're reading, I 'd like
>>> your thoughts. I have been a big supporter of the guy but I'm starting to get
>>> concerned about his pattern of picking up fouls.
Thanks for your post. If it’s signed by dave m, I always read it. :)
I am a little concerned about the fouls in the short term but not the long term. In the short term, Drew is facing a very tough situation considering he is still hobbled by his knee not being 100% and hindered by the brace as well as playing the top center in the NBA right now in the NBA Finals after missing almost all of the second half of the season. I would say that those are pretty good reasons why he is struggling with the foul situation.
The reason I am not concerned long-term is that we have been through this same situation earlier this year and last year, where Drew was having problems staying in games. In both situations, before suffering his injuries, Drew had adjusted and was not having any problems staying in games. If you check the game logs, this is pretty clear.
Unfortunately, it’s the nature of the game and the fan to worry about issues like this. As for comparing Drew with Travis Knight, I don’t see the parallel. Knight was a splash in the pan while Drew has the body, size, and intelligence to become a great center. JMHO.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 08, 2009 at 01:10 PM
I may have missed comments in previous posts referring to the incident but did anyone here think that Rashard "grazing" Kobe on the arm during the Laker's last possession of regulation constitute a foul? The block by Turkoglu was definitely clean but as Kobe elevated, Lewis made enough contact on Kobe's left arm to momentarily cause him to bobble the ball before he regained control and followed through on the shot.
The biggest argument I am hearing from people who only wish to see the Laker's fail to win (no allegiance to the Magic whatsoever) is that the contact was ever so sleight and that nobody should get that call in a tie game with only seconds left to play. So it appears to me that they admit a foul occurred by definition but that some unwritten rule exists making it a non-call. I give Kobe credit for following through on the shot but I have a feeling that is why he raced back to the bench and hit one of the chairs right after the play. BTW, the zen-like look on Phil's face when Kobe sat next to him was priceless.
Posted by: Justin | June 08, 2009 at 01:24 PM
Clearly the Magic lost that game, as opposed to LA winning. But it was a great game to watch,
And finally, the joke that "all koby has to do is fall down and the refs will call a foul" actually proved true - literally. koby hurt his butt by slipping while defended by Hedo and *whistle*! Announcer Van Gundy even said, "Sometimes the star player gets the benfit of the doubt. You have to play through that."
And the difference was the game. That's one more example of the creepy officiating that haunts the NBA. I sure wish the NBA would adopt the international reffing, with its greater subjectivity.
Still, a good game. I don't count the Magic out, after all, they should have won last night.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 08, 2009 at 01:25 PM
Shoulda coulda woulda, but they didn't.
Posted by: Magia32 | June 08, 2009 at 01:30 PM
Bill Simmons weighs in on Lee's miss today...he calls it a shot with such a degree of difficulty that it can't be called a choke.
It seemed both teams were struggling offensively for much of the night, at least until the 4th quarter. I have yet to see ORL play their game. Even with a very average backcourt, they can still be competitive. Relying on a rookie like Lee or a hamstrung PG like Nelson, or a Reddick or Alston puts ORL at a distinct disadvantage.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 08, 2009 at 01:34 PM
Rick Friedman...
I completely agree with you that gm. 3 is not a given for the Magic. All the pressure is on them. Lose Gm. 3 and the series is over for all practical intents. The Lakers need to approach the next game the way they approached Gm. 3 in Denver. After losing the home court advantage in Gm. 2 of the last series, The Show played with desperation and took the HCA right back. If they play the same way tomorrow, they'll win.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | June 08, 2009 at 01:34 PM
Lakers had better odds of winning a ring when they led the series 1-0 than 2-0.
Phil Jackson record 43-0 when leading a series 1-0, but when leading 2-0 he's 38-1.
Posted by: Magia32 | June 08, 2009 at 12:42 PM
Not sure how this is possible. You have to be 1-0 before you can be 2-0. If you are undefeated as 1-0, you can't have lost at 2-0. Please provide your source of information.
Posted by: f1y0nwa11 | June 08, 2009 at 01:36 PM
LAKER TRUTH,
"That's just plain wrong. This is Stan's first finals, and his insensitive comments were a rookie mistake more so that Lee's missed layup"
Shhh ... let Stan keep doing what Stan does best ... telling it like it is to the media ... I chuckled to myself when his brother made a case on national tv that no other coach would be questioned for playing an allstar major minutes in game 1 of the nba finals simply because it was the first game he'd be playing in like 4 months ... like really? really?
I doubt he'll be coaching the magic next year ... and AK no way that's a makable layup 99/100 times ... it was contested and dude was sailing behind the backboard ... it's a testament to how incredible an athlete he is that he made it look like an easy miss ... but hey you know reporters, never wrong ... no retraction needed
What do we play for ... RINGS!!!
24 + 16 + [1]7 = The Purple Tinted Golden Age
Posted by: Taliq | June 08, 2009 at 01:40 PM
"Clearly the Magic lost that game, as opposed to LA winning..."
Yeah, get them last few digs and parting shots in, lil buddy! I've got a 2 pound box of CROW thawing out in my fridge. It should be prepped and ready for you to eat no later than Sunday...next Tuesday at the latest.
When we win, will you cry?
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | June 08, 2009 at 01:41 PM
You Ever Notice,
"The Magic have already mentally lost this series. From the coach who's is messing with the rotation to Howard voicing he has to learn how to play against the Lakers defense"
That's what I said until Wade became untouchable in the dallas series ...
I'm looking forward to a beautiful game 3 ... in particular I'm looking for Kobe to remind us all again why we are not worthy ...
24 + 16 + [1]7 = The Purple Tinted Golden Age
Posted by: Taliq | June 08, 2009 at 01:42 PM
Magia32, You said:
>>Lakers had better odds of winning a ring when they led >>the series 1-0 than 2-0.
>>Phil Jackson record 43-0 when leading a series 1-0, >>but
>>when leading 2-0 he's 38-1.
Are you intellectually challenged, or you dont understand Maths?? PJ is 43-0 when he has won the 1st game.... which means he has won the series despite the second game's outcome...
And to explain it in clear meaning so that you can understand...., he is 43-0 despite if its 1-1 or 2-0 after two games!!
Your statement of 39-1 when his team is leading 2-0 is blatantly wrong mathematically... How can you reach 2-0 without leading 1-0??
AFAIK, 39-1 when the lead 2-0 is the Lakers record, and NOT PJ's record.... PJ has NOT been the coach of LA forever, FYI if you dont know...
So, please avoid such comments without double-checking or knowing what you write!!
Posted by: Kobefan in Cupertino | June 08, 2009 at 01:44 PM
Every game still needs to be earned. This team isn't operating on a "we're winners" basis, they're operating on a an ultra-focused "one possession at a time, one game at a time" basis.
Game 3 and the championship is ours. But first game 3.
GO Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | June 08, 2009 at 01:44 PM
Taliq,
Yes, "99" was probably too high. I didn't offer that figure so much literally as to simply make a larger point discussed in the post. I also didn't expect to it become this big a sticking point. But if you or anyone else take exception, go ahead and lower the number. It's really not that big a deal.
Either way, I still stand by my contention that more than not, Lee would make it and the pressure of the moment played a role, particularly when you factor in having just missed a layup previously.
AK
Posted by: Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky | June 08, 2009 at 01:51 PM
Not sure how this is possible. You have to be 1-0 before you can be 2-0. If you are undefeated as 1-0, you can't have lost at 2-0. Please provide your source of information.
Posted by: f1y0nw
After games 1 and 2 ABC put PJ's playoff stats up, Though I could be wrong b/c I was a lil tipsy. Btw you can still lose a series after leading 2-0 (Dallas).
Posted by: Magia32 | June 08, 2009 at 01:52 PM
Magia confused me too, at first, but what i think he's getting at is that: PJ has a better record when he starts the series at 1-1 compared to 2-0. i wasn't aware of that, but it makes sense, statistically, but it feels like utter B.S., cuz it's only one loss at 2-0, and i'd much rather be up 2-0 right now, than 1-1. and the record doesn't account for the fact that the finals format has changed in the past few years to 2-3-2. huge difference, cuz if the Lakers were 1-1, Magic can win the series at home, with four in a row.
Posted by: leonardbast | June 08, 2009 at 01:53 PM
"Lakers had better odds of winning a ring when they led the series 1-0 than 2-0.
Phil Jackson record 43-0 when leading a series 1-0, but when leading 2-0 he's 38-1."
What the heck? Did you read this to yourself before you posted it? Its as illogical as the opposing coaches' brother calling the game for the national broadcast...
Posted by: Tony Reali | June 08, 2009 at 01:57 PM
Lakers had better odds of winning a ring when they led the series 1-0 than 2-0.
Phil Jackson record 43-0 when leading a series 1-0, but when leading 2-0 he's 38-1.
Posted by: Magia32 | June 08, 2009 at 12:42 PM
How is that possible??!! :) you gotta be up 1-0 before going 2-0
Laker Guru From India
Posted by: Laker Guru From India | June 08, 2009 at 02:01 PM
as for Andrew Bynum, i'm not concerned with his fouls, in terms of a career outlook. i think he's just nervous, because he's never played on this large of a stage before, and all eyes are on him, cuz he's gotta guard Howard. i hope the coaches work with him though, and can get him to limit the silly ticky-tack fouls. it's okay to foul Howard, but only when it's in the act of shooting, and to prevent a wide-open lay-up or dunk. the fouls bynum commits BEFORE Howard even gets the ball are frustrating.
but kudos to Gasol and Odom for stepping up last night, and owning the moment. but my favorite plays of the night involved Fisher. the fourth quarter dish to Gasol, and the OT steal, and two free throws. clutch.
i agree, though, the bench has got to step-up. Sasha, Farmar, Brown, Walton, anyone!!! i hope everyone plays Game 3 with attitude and execution. well, until tomorrow. i'm gonna go listen to the Kobe Bryant song again by Lil' Wayne.
Posted by: leonardbast | June 08, 2009 at 02:01 PM
If koby wins the title, will it be more impressive than SHACK winning a title in Miami?
I'm not so sure. You look at that Miami team, and other than having the best SG in the NBA and SHACK, who else did they have? LA has by far more talent.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 08, 2009 at 02:03 PM
Jon K -
Sign me up for the BBQ - fab idea.
I'd love to meet some of you crazies!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | June 08, 2009 at 02:04 PM
UTZWORLD -
Easy now, don't get hard just yet. Two games at home does not a title make.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 08, 2009 at 02:04 PM
The Lake Show,
I loved your report from the game. Keep that kind of stuff coming.
WE ARE THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS AND WE RISE!!!!
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 08, 2009 at 02:04 PM
utzworld,
I laughed all throughout reading your response to Butler's post.
Countdown to heartfelt (YOU READ THAT BUTLER? "HEARTFELT!" THAT'S PART OF THE DEAL!) agology underway.
WE ARE THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS AND WE RISE!!!!
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 08, 2009 at 02:07 PM
wow, Butler just gave the Lakers a compliment (although i'm sure he was trying to give a back-handed one). i'm gonna faint!
the LA Lakers... a team that even haters have to recognize their brilliance.
Posted by: leonardbast | June 08, 2009 at 02:09 PM
One thing is clear about Derek Fisher...
The guy has so much poise and maturity he is bound to be a lasting success even AFTER his years as a professional athlete whether he be a coach, businessman or politician.
The guy is a clear role model and I am deeply thankful that he is on our team.
WE ARE THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS AND WE RISE!!!!
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 08, 2009 at 02:09 PM