Finals
I’ll take Cleveland’s loss in the Conference Finals that dropped my record to 11-3 for the playoffs. While I thought the series would be more competitive than most did, I never thought the Cavs would lose. I’m disappointed that my beloved NBA missed out on a Kobe-LeBron Finals, but this matchup might actually be more competitive…even if the TV ratings don’t say so.
The Lakers were 0-2 versus Orlando this season, and I remember both games very well. The bottom line in each contest was that LA couldn’t get key stops down the stretch and the Magic made all the big shots.
Los Angeles – Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis don’t cause matchup problems for the Lakers since Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom can check either one. The issue for LA will be stopping Dwight Howard. I don’t expect Andrew Bynum to do much against “Superman,” and since Pau Gasol needs to avoid foul trouble, we might see D.J. Mbenga doing a little Hack-a-Dwight routine. In fact, the Lakers best strategy might be to let Howard go wild and stay home on all their 3-point shooters.
On offense LA must feed Gasol early while Lewis is still on him (i.e. before Bynum is in foul trouble). There’s no way Shard can check Pau in the post…none! The Lakers must also take advantage of their superior size by relentlessly crashing the offensive glass. As for Kobe Bryant, he has to resist the urge to torch Mickael Pietrus and rookie Courtney Lee and make sure he gets everyone involved before taking over. I know Pietrus did a “good” job on LeBron, but I just don’t see him affecting Kobe the same way Shane Battier did.
Orlando – I suppose I first need to address this ridiculous idea of playing Jameer Nelson. I know he lit up LA in the regular season, but the guy hasn’t played since 2/2 and his recovery (right shoulder) was supposed to last TWO MORE MONTHS. Risk of getting reinjured aside, the odds of him playing well aren’t nearly as good as they are of him looking three steps slow. The Magic must also be careful not to let the moment get to them. I know they are saying they aren’t happy just to be in the Finals, but I’m not sure they are all on that same wavelength mentally.
Orlando must pound the ball into D Hiddy time after time after time. They also have to avoid getting caught up in a running game with the Lakers. They might be able to win a game playing up tempo if their 3-point shooters are hot, but riding Howard is how they can win the series. It’s also important for the Magic to avoid foul trouble since they basically only play six guys big minutes. If Hedo, R Lew and/or Dwight have to sit at the same time they are in deep trouble. I expect Orlando to let Kobe “get his” while they focus on containing LA’s role players.
The pick – This series should feature many close games, but in the end the Lakers are just too hungry, experienced and versatile for the Magic. LA in 6.
The Lakers were 0-2 versus Orlando this season, and I remember both games very well. The bottom line in each contest was that LA couldn’t get key stops down the stretch and the Magic made all the big shots.
Los Angeles – Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis don’t cause matchup problems for the Lakers since Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom can check either one. The issue for LA will be stopping Dwight Howard. I don’t expect Andrew Bynum to do much against “Superman,” and since Pau Gasol needs to avoid foul trouble, we might see D.J. Mbenga doing a little Hack-a-Dwight routine. In fact, the Lakers best strategy might be to let Howard go wild and stay home on all their 3-point shooters.
On offense LA must feed Gasol early while Lewis is still on him (i.e. before Bynum is in foul trouble). There’s no way Shard can check Pau in the post…none! The Lakers must also take advantage of their superior size by relentlessly crashing the offensive glass. As for Kobe Bryant, he has to resist the urge to torch Mickael Pietrus and rookie Courtney Lee and make sure he gets everyone involved before taking over. I know Pietrus did a “good” job on LeBron, but I just don’t see him affecting Kobe the same way Shane Battier did.
Orlando – I suppose I first need to address this ridiculous idea of playing Jameer Nelson. I know he lit up LA in the regular season, but the guy hasn’t played since 2/2 and his recovery (right shoulder) was supposed to last TWO MORE MONTHS. Risk of getting reinjured aside, the odds of him playing well aren’t nearly as good as they are of him looking three steps slow. The Magic must also be careful not to let the moment get to them. I know they are saying they aren’t happy just to be in the Finals, but I’m not sure they are all on that same wavelength mentally.
Orlando must pound the ball into D Hiddy time after time after time. They also have to avoid getting caught up in a running game with the Lakers. They might be able to win a game playing up tempo if their 3-point shooters are hot, but riding Howard is how they can win the series. It’s also important for the Magic to avoid foul trouble since they basically only play six guys big minutes. If Hedo, R Lew and/or Dwight have to sit at the same time they are in deep trouble. I expect Orlando to let Kobe “get his” while they focus on containing LA’s role players.
The pick – This series should feature many close games, but in the end the Lakers are just too hungry, experienced and versatile for the Magic. LA in 6.
posted by D$ at 7:30 PM
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