Clash of the Titans
Is it that unlikely that the Orlando Magic are in the Finals? If I told you before the playoffs began what the Magic have gone through so far these playoffs you certainly wouldn’t believe they would end up in the Finals. They barely survived in 6 games against the 76ers, then beat the defending Champion Celtics, and topped it off by beating LeBron and the Cavs in six. All of this without Jameer Nelson.
The Lakers road to the Finals isn’t so unbelievable, they are a very talented team who was expected to be there. However, the Rockets and Nuggets did give them all they could handle. In the end the Lakers talent out weighed the heart of the Rockets and out lasted the grit of Denver.
Keys to a Magic Victory
No Repeat of Cleveland Series
One thing the Magic can not afford to do is fall behind by large margins early like they did often in the Cleveland series. Los Angeles has the depth to keep a large lead against a team like Orlando. If Orlando finds themselves down big early they’ll have a harder time catching up. Especially if Howard gets himself into early foul trouble taking away any inside game.
Keep Gasol Out of Rhythm
You may think Kobe is who the Magic have to be worried about but this is not the case. You can prepare and worry about Kobe as much as you like, bottom line he’s going to get his points like it or not. The key is not letting Gasol get in rhythm as well, if you got Kobe and Gasol both going you have no shot. Paying to much attention to Kobe could prove costly, as people may have forgotten just how good a player Gasol is.
Work the Inside Game
You’ve got in most people’s minds the biggest and baddest big man in the game. So prove it. Howard needs to stay disciplined and not get into foul trouble as tough as that may be with Gasol lurking down low. Gasol and Bynum will not be on the floor often together so when Gasol is replaced by Bynum that should be Dwight’s go time. Establishing the inside game will also allow for better looks from outside for Orlando who are flat out deadly from outside the paint.
Keys to a Laker Victory
Lakers Have Been Here; Orlando Hasn’t
Phil Jackson stated earlier this week that he thought the Lakers got to the Finals too early, meaning last years meeting with Boston. He thought they were too “young” as a team, that they just were not ready. The Lakers need to use this to their advantage, they have the experience Orlando does not.
Kobe Must Get Others Involved
Kobe has been cold and calculated thus far these playoffs and he needs to stay that way. However, it’s likely he’ll be doubled often, so keeping his teammates involved in the flow of the game is vital for a Lakers win in the Finals. I know it’s his chance to prove he can win one without Shaq, what better way to do it then by being seen as a Superstar who makes his teammates better?
Stay Disciplined and You’ll Win
Orlando was able to beat the defending champs and upset Cleveland because both did not stay disciplined. The Lakers have experience to fall back on, just look at the Western Conference Finals. Los Angeles had to be mentally and physically tough to out last a gritty Denver team. Orlando is not nearly as tough a team as Denver, so staying disciplined will give L.A a decided advantage.
My Prediction:
So, could the Magic upset the Lakers? Nope. the Lakers are too talented and the Magic are too raw. It’s a hell of an accomplishment to get to the Finals for Orlando and certainly something for them to build on for the future. However, it’s Kobe and the Lakers time, they’ll win it in 5 Games.
-Mike Santa Barbara
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