Anyone surprised by this game? The Lakers have two of the top 5 big men in the game... and they are both legit 7 footers. Blame coaching for the fact this series didn't end sooner. Tonight they leaned on their major advantage (size) and it paid off.
Gasol: 23 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 blocks and a steal.
Bynum: 16 points, 18 rebounds, 6 blocks and a steal.
If they continue to ride those guys they will win the title. If they don't win... the blame rests entirely with Kobe and Mike Brown.
Now the Nuggets fans know how we felt after that game seven in 2010. When those two are aggressive inside they are really, really tough.
The problem for them, though, is that they are not always aggressive. Bynum and Pau, as impressive as they are, are both kind of babies. You've got to figure out how to frustrate them. It can be done.
I don't agree about the coaching. Their play tonight had nothing to do with doing anything radically different from a game plan perspective. Those two got the message, showed up big, and stopped their incessant whingeing.
Another thought about the big Hollins vs. Stiemsma debate: If all goes miraculously well, giving both those guys some minutes right now and getting them to feel like a part of the mix, could turn out to be one of the most brilliant coaching moves for Doc this season.
If (and I know it's a huge if) the Celtics and the Lakers end up meeting in the finals, Ryan Hollins' size, strength, and athleticism could end up being really helpful.
