Lakers Magic Game 5 Halftime Thoughts
The Lakers exploded towards the end of the half, leaving the Magic to wonder, "What the hell just happened?" They were up by 6 early on in the second. They're down by 10. They are 1-9 from beyond the arc. And where is the passion? They're playing like it's a meaningless game in October, not an elimination game in the NBA Finals. They have to step up.
The Lakers are doing there thing. Kobe's been Kobe. Trevor Ariza is continuing his great playoffs. And Andrew Bynum has started to wake up. I have a feeling this is going to be a long night for the Magic.
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Lakers Magic Game 2 Halftime Thoughts
So far, so boring. It's been a pretty non desrcript game so far. Hopefully that will change. Is it just me, or do the Magic look flat? They don't have the same explosion they did against the Cavs, they don't have the same fire. Howard has to get out of foul trouble. Rashard Lewis, Turkoglu, they have to step up, or else the Lakers are going to run away with it. Kobe has been (relatively) quiet. Like I said, it's been a boring game. If the Magic want to keep with it, stay in the series, they have to have Howard dominate down low, and hit the three. We said they couldn't hit the three at the same rate as they didd against the Cavs, but they need to hit the three so Howard can have some room to operate.
The Lakers have been doing their thing, steady. They should just keep it up, and they will be fine.
Lakers Win Game 1
The Lakers have won Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Magic. And it's amazing how much you can learn from one game. It's clear that Kobe Bryant will not be denied. He is so determined, you cannot guard him. You can't. Might as well stop trying now. As for the Magic, why in the world was Jameer Nelson playing starters minutes? He's an explosive player, but he hasn't played since February? He has to be rusty. You can't put him in for that long in the NBA Finals. You can put him in in spurts, but only as energy off the bench. Rafer Alston was playing well, steady. You don't mess with that. Orlando was also cold from behind the arc, after being red hot against Cleveland. I think, again, if they hit threes they win. Howard was non existent. Can't be in foul trouble.
For the Lakers, keep doing what you've been doing. Let Kobe score, get points down low from Gasol/Bynum, and outside with Ariza and Fisher, and you'll be fine. Lamar Odom has been playing great as well. If they keep doing this, they can win in 5.
I think Orlando will come out stronger in Game 2. Whether they can win is another question.
