There was no doubt going into the second quarter that the Lakers were pretty much in control. The Magic had a 33-28 lead with Jameer Nelson running the show. But, the Lakers would go on a 7-0 run and erase the lead.
That pretty much meant that Orlando was ineffective offensively and couldn't keep the Lakers away from the glass and maybe---just maybe---and since I'm not a coach, I won't question Stan Van Gundy because I think he's a good coach---but---how do you sub Nelson, who hadn't played since January-February for Rafer Austin who got the team to the finals in the first place? You think Shaq texted SVG and told him to remember he's facing Kobe?
OK...Rafer missed several good-look short and long range jumpers...his shot was not there. But, players like Rafer have to get their touches and need TIME to find their shot. Maybe the "panic ghost" showed up on Van Gundy's shoulder again and whispered little words in his ear...play Nelson---play Nelson---he'll win the game for you. Nope...that wasn't it. Nelson scored 6 and played well during that 6-point spurt. But, he was clearly out of his element. How do you expect any athlete to find a rhythm in a game after not having played at game speed in 4 to 5 months---especially a finals game? I'll ask some former NBA guys if that is possible.
Meanwhile, Kobe was simply "GAS"! 40 points...his first career 40-point finals game. Took over 30 shots...but so what? The Magic could not stop him. He deserves the "moment' he's receiving.
Pao Gasol, Lamar Odom...both very good in game 1. Odom played the way a good complimentary player should and had some pretty good post comments.
Conversely...Dwight Howard...harassed all night long. Only had one field goal. Was 10 of 16 from the charity stripe...total ? 12 points and a loss! Could not find a rhythm due to Orlando's inability to hit shots from the outside. Lakers pounded the middle with the bigs and took away the inside game. No consistent mid-range or 3-point shots from Turkoglu, Pietrus, Austin, or Lewis...made for a low percentage shooting night, (29.9%-FG), for the Magic, (34.8%-3-ball), and no real inside game from Howard equals a loss. The Magic scored 22 points in the paint while the Lakers scored 56. Worse, the big three of Turkoglu, Lewis and Howard scored a total of 33 points. Some of that credit goes to the Laker's defense.
Question: I thought the Magic dominated the Cavs in the paint during the Eastern Conference Finals. What did you see?
The Lakers have slightly more length than the Magic and have multiple-diverse players who can score and defend. To a great extent, so do the Magic. But, the difference showed tonight and the Lakers also showed themselves to be much more aggressive going into the paint area looking to make blocks, get the strip, and generate turnovers.
Van Gundy has to develop a game plan that includes getting the ball down low to Howard for high percentage shots, (dunks), in Sunday's matchup or the Magic will be looking at 0-2 before going back to Orlando for 3.
The two-day layoff should be good for them and give them ample time to prepare.
Let me know what you're thinking? First, check out the below clip.
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