Kobe played an amazing game last night. He knew when to distribute and when to take it upon himself to score. Very efficient and some great plays made. Nene now will need to get some ankle insurance:-)
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That and the Nuggets didn't show up to play on their home floor. What a disappointing end to a great season.
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Definitely seemed like after the Lakers got off to a good start Denver couldn't muster anything together. Chauncey played a terrible game, lots of bad shots and too many turnovers.
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Owned.:-)
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2 teams left. Lakers vs Magic First game Thursday 9pm ET.

Floydpink would you like to wager a 5er?? Lakers are taking this series. Kobe will not lose back to back Championships.
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nah, I'm good.:-)
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I know you're good but I asked if you wanted to make a wager...

I'm just messing with ya :-)

It makes a lot of sense to me that the NBA is giving both teams a break before they start the next series. The NHL really blew it by making the Stanley cup a few days later and then having back to back games 1-2. It is good to see the NBA knows how to run their league.
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I really don't like basketball much, but I need to inject my :-) now that the finals are set.

Here's hoping the Magic can pull off the upset and send Kobe the cryer home empty handed. It can be done and the Magic should play with a lot of confidence after destroying King James and his Cavs. It made me very happy that they foiled the NBA's prefered matchup of Kobe vs LeBron.

And Christos, your very correct about the scheduling thing with the NHL. I'm not a conspiricy nut, but this front loaded schedule is just crazy and could be and is seen by many as a advantage for the younger Pens. And we all have to be aware of the NHL's subtle wish of title for Sid the Kid. Back to back games in the finals for the first time since 1955! What a joke.

I know return you to your NBA thread.
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I personally think the Magic have a similar situation with the Lakers; a guy who will score at will and a pretty good supporting cast. I put Kobe above Lebron though and definitely put the Lakers bench way above the Cavs'. The Magic have their hands full and will be in trouble quick if the don't play well every night. Home court means nothhing with Orlando as they play as good, or better on the road.

By last night, you could see the frustration on the whole Cleveland team after the 1st quarter as well as Lebron's fatigue from carrying them for 14 postseason games.

If the magic played like they did against Cleveland, they have a chance. I know it's the playoffs, but the magic handled LA much like they handled Cleveland during the regular season, but swept LA in the two games they played. Should be interesting.

I think we may have seen Lebron play his last game in Cleveland, but could be wrong.
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I find it hard to bet against Kobe losing two championships in a row. But the Magic provide a serious match-up problem for the Lakers. I like the Magic to win this series (providing Dwight stays out of foul trouble). LeBron has one more year in Cleveland..but unless they get some serious help...HE IS GONE!!! Turkall (sp?) and Lewis provide serious match-ups problems for the Lakers...they can drive, pass, or shoot the three. Should be an awesome series.
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One thing many people over looked in the Cavs/Magic series (including myself), was Cleveland's abysmal record against the elite teams. 3-6 against Orlando, LAL, and Boston (espn.com). Cleveland handled all the bad teams and took care of business when they needed to. The problem with the Cavs was they had no help for Lebron. Mo Williams is their only decent help for Lebron, but he isn't even considered top 10 point guards in the league. Magic have 3 players that have been playing fantastic for the Magic. Dwight, Hedo and Rashard Lewis. With the way they have been playing and no help for Lebron this was inevitable. I don't think Lebron will make a big stir but if the Cavs don't make improvements in the offseason (true SG and a dominant big man) he will walk in 2010 as a Free Agent.

I'm definitely looking forward to see the Magic and Lakers. The way these teams play each other will be a huge chess match. While the Lakers have size down low I don't think they are tough enough to handle Dwight. The problem is the Magic have no depth after Dwight. So if the Lakers use up their fouls on Dwight they could eventually wear on him and make him ineffective. I also want to see how the matchup at the PG position goes. Neither team to me has an advantage there. Both Alston and Fisher should not be starters. Alston is not smart with the ball and takes poor shots. Fisher still thinks he is in his prime and is going to lead this team to a victory. It amazes me watching him just pull up for bad shots. Fisher is at his best when he listens to Kobe.

As for the issue of guarding Kobe, the Magic just need to limit the damage. They did a great job against Lebron but Kobe is a much different player. Much smarter and definitely a better closer. Pietrus should be the primary defender but I don't know if he will be able to keep up. I'm definitely looking forward to all of this. Especially the nut-cases coaching both teams.
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I can't imagine seeing an NBA title in this "little pond of a town" as Shaq called it when he bailed after our last trip to the finals.

The city is known for theme parks but never had a decent professional sports team and we're forced to root for Tampa teams, which I refuse to do.

It would really be cool if the Magic could pull this off as they won't fly under the radar after this year anymore.
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Here's some news. Magic are considering bringing back Jameer Nelson for the Finals. I think this is a mistake. Even though he is their best PG he hasn't played since February. I doubt he plays but they are talking about it...

Jameer Nelson returns for finals?
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I'm with ya... I am 110% rooting for the Magic to pull this one off! I think that would be sweet to have a newer team with 0 NBA Titles win one instead of the damn greedy Lakers or Celtics who have way too damn many already (what is it 31 between the two of them? You'd think they would be running out of damn rafter space)... time for some fresh blood!

Go Magic! :-):-)
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LA in 5 is my prediction
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Jameer Nelson will be playing for Magic.. This could change the series if he is effective. He has been out since February. Fast PG's kill the Lakers...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playof...ory?id=4224810
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Jameer is the type of guy who winds up on the floor a few times a quarter diving for loose balls and banging it up with the big boys.

If he does indeed return to the form he was in before getting hurt, Orlando just got a lot better for the finals.

We would have swept Cleveland if he was playing, trust me.
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I hope the Lakers that showed up for last nights game are here to stay. Kobe put on a clinic and their D was very good. Stopping Dwight from having any dunks!?! That is some great D. Game 2 on Sunday
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Magic relied on the 3 pointer...and everyone was cold...if that keeps up, series is over in 4 games. Gotta pound it inside to Howard!!
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Magic got crushed.

Lots of things contributed, like playing Jameer too long and horrible shooting.

The Lakers look like they are ready to take home a championship and the Magic look shellshocked at this point.
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