Lakers Won Because of Defense and Derek Fisher

Derek Fisher Reason for LA Lakers WinGuest analyst Mike Dunleavy is the former coach of four NBA teams namely Clippers, Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks and Portland Trail Blazers. He said that Lakes bag game 2 because of Defense and Derek Fisher. The last quarter of the game was when Fisher was so impressive.

Fisher made three big ones at the final stretch to win one for the team. He has the ability to play through tough situation. Los Angeles Lakers really played up on defense especially against Ray Allen who made 8 three pointers in the last game. He came up short in this game and it was attributed to the defense of Lakers.

In Game 2 Lakers let Boston have a tempo however in this game didn’t get a chance to get on the open court. Rajon Ron wasn’t putting in the rim and make passes like what he did in game 2. Celtics didn’t have time to get their game going and put on shot. The only negative thing with Lakers is the fact that they drift away from Gasol. It was hard to ignore Gasol because of its length and very timely footwork. The Lakers would want to give him the ball especially his field-goal percentage. For Boston, they need to have a formula like defend better, push the ball, control the tempo. They also need their three big players to work — Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Allen.

Pau Gasol – Playing Beyond the Stereotypes

Pau Gasol Lakers NBA FinalsIn the first two games in the NBA finals, Pau Gasol has put in the board 48 points, 22 rebounds and 9 blocks. According to Chip Schaefer the Lakers’ athletic performance director, the Spaniards player is hustling out there during the practices. Gasol’s play can be described as blando or soft which he was trying to get away with this kind of game. According to him, blando is trying to avoid contact and when you get to him, he wants out of the game. There is no competitive aspect in the player. The series is now on the side of Boston because they won the 2nd game.

The Lakers won the first game partly because of Gasol’s effectiveness. Of course, they lose the second round not because of Gasol. In 2008, Celtics won the championship because they were over matched in terms of physical. In the next game, Gasol and Bryant will have to be at their best because the home court advantage is gone. Although Gasol’s game is often referred to as soft, it is now beautiful and elegant like a comforter. They often stereotyped some international basketball players.

It was 2008 when Gasol was traded to Lakers. He seemed to fit a triangle offense which emphasis on mental and physical talents. This came too easily for him. Let us see if Lakers will win another title or lose again to Celtics. Let us also observe if Gasol will not play a soft game.

Lakers into the NBA Finals – To Get Back at the Celtics

LA Lakers and Boston Celtics NBA FinalsRemember the National Basketball Association (NBA) 2008 series with the Lakers losing badly to the Celtics with a 39-point difference? Everyone thought the Celtics had massacred the Lakers in Game 6 with a 131-92, thus bagging its 17th NBA title that year. This year, the Lakers have entered back into the NBA Finals together with the Celtics. Now the Lakers have got the chance to get back at the Celtics.

The Celtics and Lakers game is one of NBA’s most exciting rivalries. The two teams together have won 32 out of 63 possible NBA titles. They have also faced each other 11 times in the Finals, with the Boston Celtics getting the upper hand in the first seven matches starting in 1959 until 1969.

According to Bryant, who is now the Laker’s leading career playoff scorer, the team has learned something from that series. They have learned to play uniformly as one unit at both ends of the court and have developed the needed tenacity to play the game.

In the upcoming game tonight, the Lakers maybe in favor in the Finals by 5 1/2 points. Because of the Celtics-Lakers specific matchup, ticket prices have shot up from last year’s $709 to an average of $854 this year, based on the Internet search engine FanSnap.com.

This is the first time, since 1987, that two NBA past champions are facing off in the Finals.

Is Kobe Bryant the Next Michael Jordan?

Kobe Bryant Next Michael JordanJust a couple of days ago, Kobe Bryant was asked by a reporter his thoughts regarding the upcoming LA Lakers and Boston Celtics final. Kobe didn’t look that excited about it and said “I don’t give a damn about it. It’s for other people to get excited about. I get excited about winning.”
That statement is far from the truth though. Actually, a lot of Lakers players and fans have wanted this so badly.

After the car incident experienced by the Lakers team at Boston two years ago, they will definitely be looking forward to this matchup. After all, the Lakers and Celtics are the two biggest names in the industry. They’ve got a long history together. The Lakers, more than any other team, want to beat Boston the most. Both these teams make up more than half of the NBA’s championships. To be exact, it’s 33 of the 64 total in the franchise’s history.

Kobe Bryant is a brilliant player who hates to lose. He has been and is continually being compared to Michael Jordan. Now, even a lot more believe that he is approaching Jordan’s level. Could Kobe really be the next Jordan? Jordan, who acted all arrogant in his pre Hall of Fame speech, is not that different from Kobe who is already known for that.

Clinching this title will make it No.5 for Bryant. This would also be his second title without Shaq. If Kobe pulls this off, the distinction between the great and greater player will become very vague.

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