Tonight is Game 5 of the NBA Finals and the Orlando Magic need a victory to take the series back to Los Angeles. The Magic choked away a chance to tie the series in Game 4 by blowing a five point lead in thirty seconds. The Lakers were able to steal the victory in overtime and take a commanding 3-1 series lead.
The Lakers were a Courtney Lee layup away from losing game 2 and should have lost Game 4, but instead find themselves one victory away from a championship. The Magic could just as easily be leading the series 3-1. Throw out Game 1 and Orlando has been the better team. Moreover, if it wasn't for Lee's missed layup at the buzzer in Game 2 and Derek Fisher's performance down the stretch in Game 4 everyone would be talking about how terrible Kobe Bryant has been in this Finals. Bryant was the who got burned by Lee in Game 2 only to be bailed out and he hasn't been able to buy a basket in the fourth quarter in either of the two games in Orlando. If the Magic win either of the games people would be questioning whether Kobe is pressing too much.
Do the Magic have any chance to comeback from a 3-1 deficit with two still to play in L.A.? Probably not. However, one could argue that the Magic should have won each of the last three and the series isn't over yet. Look for Bryant to really try and force the issue in Game 5 in an attempt to put Orlando away. For the Magic, they have to find a way to get Rashard Lewis going after two fairly quiet performances in Games 3 and 4.
Look for the Orlando to extend the series and bring the Magic back to Hollywood.
No comments:
Post a Comment