NBA Finals tipped off tonight at STAPLES Center tonight. It was a completely different atmosphere. The Laker signs and banners were all hung up all around STAPLES Center and the surrounding buildings, such as the new hotel being built in L.A. Live. It was Laker Land 100%. The Finals banner was hung up too. The player introductions and national anthemn were shown live on ABC.The opponent was Orlando Magic and it wasn't much of a game 1 as Lakers blew out the Magic 100-75. Lakers just flat out dominated right after the second quarter.
Jameer Nelson checked into his first game in nearly 4 months and did well, getting 4 pts 3 ast in the 1st 4 min. of second quarter as Magic took a 33-28 lead over the Lakers. But from that point on, Lakers just took over and the killer instinct reached the Lakers. Kobe came in and got on fire. Lakers went on a 17-6 run and then closed out the lst half with a commanding 10 point lead, 53-43. Lakers did not lose their focus and kept up the scoring as it became a 82-58 lead at end of third quarter. It was over by that point as the game was no longer in doubt.
The Magic are known for their three point shooting accuracy and today they just couldn't make any shots. They shot horrible and that was a result of good defense from the Lakers. Orlando shot 30% from the field and only made 8 field goals in the second half combined I think. Lakers used their height advantage with Bynum, Gasol, and Odom in perfection. They were able to contain Dwight Howard, who only had 12 pts and was in foul trouble. On one play, Gasol blocked a shot and Bynum tipped it to the outside. Also, they rebounded well.
The Best of the Night obviously was Kobe Bryant, the Black Mamba. He became the Closer in the 3rd quarter and went on a scoring spree. It started from second quarter when he had 12 pts. Kobe finished with a career NBA Finals high with 40 pts 8 reb 8 ast. He got his teammates involved tonight also. Kobe made some incredible shots and was just in rhythmn right from the getgo. Pau Gsol helped out too with 16 pts 8 reb. Andrew Bynum started the game off strong with a dunk but never was into the game after picking up his second half. He had 9 pts. Off the bench, Lamar Odom had 11 pts 14 reb. Josh Powell even made a three at the buzzer. Luke played well with 9 pts and a couple of assists.
Lakers are looking great after game 1 but need a bit more involvement from other players. Trevor Ariza needs to knock down more shots and shoot more. Bynum has to stay consistent throughout the whole game not only the beginning of the game. Fisher knocked down some shots too. The bench might have to step up a bit more other than Lamar and Luke who did a great job tonight. But overall a good effort by the Lakers, their third consecutive quality game played, dating to game 5 and 6 of the Western Conference Finals.
Dang the STAPLES Center/LA Live is really crazy. 2 post game shows on Fox Sports West (The Showdown, aka Lakers Live) and ESPN's SportsCenter are live from there. FS West is right next to STAPLES Center and SportsCenter from L.A. is right across the street in the Nokia Plaza. It is rocking there.
13 down and only 3 more to go for the destination that started on April 19th. Remember Phil Jackson is 43-0 all time when winning game 1.
Lakers should win game 2 at home this Sunday at 5 PM on ABC.
No comments:
Post a Comment