That was the score when Orlando’s soul was broken and the curtains were drawn on their 2009 season. The LA Lakers were in the middle of an 18-0 run that snapped the neck of the rabbit and set the top hat on fire in Orlando last night. The only smoke and mirrors present were from Orlando’s smoldering three point percentage and their pending offseason of tough questions.
Now this won’t just be a Kobe love-fest, but the man played one of the best games of Basketball you’re likely to see for a very long time. Bryant did everything last night on his way to leading his team in every sense of the word, to the promised land. It’s undisputed now, he is one of the greats of all time.
The Lakers were served incredibly also by Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza. These three guys made big play after big play and it’s safe to say they have guaranteed Dwight Howard a championship somewhere down the road. Dwight got nothing easy, similar to Gasol last year. The Celtics crowded, pushed and shoved Gasol into a corner in the 2008 Finals. This year it was Howard’s turn. While showing flashes of brilliance, Howard rarely got in a groove offensively and was subsequently “handled” by the swarming defense of Los Angeles. These moments are where champions can be created. Jameer Nelson and Dwight Howard remained on the Magic bench to soak in the defeat, a bold move. One would assume that the lasting smell of Finals failure will provoke a strong Eastern Conference title defence next year.
Speaking of which, where do the Magic sit now? Is this just a lucky year? I respect them as a unit and would say the term “lucky” is an insult to them. I give them their due kudos for making it as far as they did, but what happens if there’s no Turkoglu next season? He was an integral part of their success and will surely have the opportunity to make some serious money this offseason. It’s also safe to say that Rafer Alston and Jameer Nelson cannot co-exist, so there’s plenty of questions in Magic Town.
The Lakers have housekeeping of their own to take care of. With Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza both out of contract, it will make the Lakers a hot topic for a while yet. Even Kobe Bryant has an out clause for this year and next… but that’s just crazy talk.
Phil Jackson said he would “smoke a cigar” and “toast Red Auerbach” after the game. A classy gesture and a deserved reward for the winningest coach in NBA history. Another mantle that leaves him immune to the constant criticism thrown his way of late.
Overall a great result for Kobe, Phil Jackson and all of the Lakers fans out there. It’s a pity the Los Angeles fans’ had to start torching cars and acting the fool but heck, it happens most years.
Lakers in 5. Good times.
