NBA Finals Freestyle Game 2

Lakers get it done to go up 2-0 – but it took overtime. I will pose the question again, what has happened to the previously resilient Magic team from earlier in the playoffs? Game 2 started off extremely slow and I thought for sure we were headed toward a Knicks vs. Heat showdown – 90s style.

The Magic must be kicking themselves in the shins, because L.A. looked extremely vulnerable.

After his playing career is over, someone should advise Derek Fisher to open up an acting school in downtown Los Angeles. In the first quarter alone he drew three fouls. Then toward the end of the game, Pau Gasol (obviously under Fisher’s tutelage) easily leapt 10 feet to draw a pushing foul on Dwight Howard. I give Fisher credit; he’s an extremely savvy veteran that uses his instincts to even the playing field against guys with more athleticism.

J.J. Redick and Rafer Alston must stop hoisting up bricks. They combined to shoot 1-of-10 from downtown and 3-for-17 overall. If the Magic could get any type of steady backcourt play the Lakers would be in serious trouble. Alston is especially disappointing because shooting the triple has never been his game. Be true to thyself.

Did anyone else notice Anthony Johnson’s somber look even when the Magic took the lead late? It must be frustrating for him to be riding the pine after contributing so well early in the playoffs. To make matters worse, it’s not like guard play has been strong for Orlando.

Forget that Trevor Ariza was only 3-of-13 from the floor; his play of the passing lanes is truly exceptional. He’s going to get paid this summer, but if I’m a Lakers fan I still prefer Lamar Odom with all his inconsistencies. Odom looked great in game 2 with 19 points and 8 rebounds. But please somebody explain to me why he was doubling off of Rashard Lewis so much – giving up three after three.

Speaking of Lewis, he brought the heat with 34, 11 and 7. That’s manly production and I respect his game more every time I see him lace them up. However, look at the amount of time in OT without him taking a shot. That’s the separation from him and the top 10 players in the league. There’s no way that Kobe, LeBron and D-Wade go that long in a crucial stretch without demanding the rock. Not a chance.

Andrew Bynum played 16 minutes and picked up 5 very weak fouls. His absence allowed Odom to play more which wasn’t a bad thing.

Howard’s turnover problems down low were atrocious. He’s so powerful on the block you just don’t expect him to be stripped at will – especially in those situations. Seven turnovers is a no-no big guy.

Lastly, Courtney Lee is going to have problems sleeping for quite a while. He missed a layup attempt that would’ve given Orlando the lead with 10.5 seconds left. He then missed a lob with 0.6 on the clock that would’ve won it in regulation. This will only make him stronger – remember Kobe bricked some crucial shots in the postseason as a rookie (granted they weren’t two feet from the basket).

Get at me …

Lang
Lang.Greene@gmail.com