Uh oh

[yoursweatersux]

QUOTE OF THE NIGHT
"I saw little cracks in the Lakers and somehow we've cemented those cracks back up, and I think they're the best team right now in the NBA." -George Karl

I'm very, very scared that he's correct. I want nothing more than the Lakers to lose in the Finals, but unfortunately I think they've come out of this mess stronger than they have been all postseason. In fact it mirrors, in a lot of ways, what the Celtics went through last postseason after being pushed to seven games twice in the opening two rounds. It was like a crash course in playoff experience for the whole team.

And if one wants to look at an example of a team that doesn't get challenged early on in the playoffs, look no further than Cleveland. After prancing through two easy series they lost their toughness. The Magic, on the other hand, got pretty battle-hardened after taking on the C's. Jeff Van Gundy had a pretty good quote the other day, which went something like, "You are what your habits are". Unfortunately, the last two series have really begun to chip away at the Lakers habit of not playing the full 48 minutes.

My only hope is that Orlando comes out even stronger.

[Rondo_is_better]

The Lakers have the most pure talent in the league--and its disgusting, because they got most of it through lopsided trades.


But they have absolutely no heart, no class, and are basically a collection of arrogant Edited.  Profanity and masked profanity are against forum rules and may result in discipline.s. If Orlando wins, I think the Lakers will write them off as pushovers and come out really weak the first game or two. Then, when they lose at least one of those, they'll toughen up. We'll see what Orlando can do about it.

[Ed Teach]

I think the Lakers beating the Nuggets showed more about the Nuggets than about the Lakers.  It showed that the Nuggets are not ready for playoff basketball yet.  Against the Lakers rather than elevating their play they reverted to a team that makes too many TOs and doesn't play defense for an entire game.

Melo showed he can play at a superstar level for a game or two, but could not sustain that level of play through out the series.  As the pressure of the playoffs increased the Nuggets began to play scarred.  Karl showed why he has not been able out coach PJ, he did not make any adjustments on defense the last 2 games. 

I really thought going into the series and even at 2-2 that the Nuggets could beat the Lakers, but too many mental lapses and poor effort killed them. 

The Lakers can be beat.  But you have to take advantage of your opportunties, you can't keep giving the Lakers second chances they are too good for that.

[housecall]

I think the Lakers beating the Nuggets showed more about the Nuggets than about the Lakers.  It showed that the Nuggets are not ready for playoff basketball yet.  Against the Lakers rather than elevating their play they reverted to a team that makes too many TOs and doesn't play defense for an entire game.

Melo showed he can play at a superstar level for a game or two, but could not sustain that level of play through out the series.  As the pressure of the playoffs increased the Nuggets began to play scarred.  Karl showed why he has not been able out coach PJ, he did not make any adjustments on defense the last 2 games. 

I really thought going into the series and even at 2-2 that the Nuggets could beat the Lakers, but too many mental lapses and poor effort killed them. 

The Lakers can be beat.  But you have to take advantage of your opportunties, you can't keep giving the Lakers second chances they are too good for that.

tp..i agree with it was more about the Nuggets than the lakers...the Nuggets should have won game 3 if they really expected to beat the lakers(win all your home games),and last night showed they are not ready.They didn't come out with any intensity or like a team who wanted to win a championship.It goes to show you that they have some work and maybe some retooling to do.Personally,i would look to replace D.Jones and K.Mart as starters with a few skilled players first opportunity i got.K Mart could make a decent backup at the 4 but if they want to win a championship i do not see it unless a few new pieces are added.