Well considering how unfavored the Suns were to win game 6, Lakers could win game 7. I (obviously) hope not, but I do think it could still go either way. Before 6 I gave the suns about a 35% chance to win. That's probably what I'd give the Lakers now for game 7. It's a statistically signifincant factor. Either way I really hope it winds up like game 6 in terms of attitude and refereeing. I think the refs did a pretty good job compared to the rest of the series. One of the things that have made this series so ugly is that it's hard to swallow a loss when there are so many bad calls and the games feel so out of control. While game 6 was winding down, I was thinking to myself that it'd be much more okay if the Suns lost this game. It would be easier to accept than pretty much any of the other losses (I'm sure the Lakers fans feel the same way but reversed). So here's a toast to the refs, KEEP IT REAL, KEEP IT FUN, KEEP IT BASKETBALL!
I'm a HUGE Laker fan, and I am actually loving that the Lakers lost last night. I heard a lot of crap today in school, kids telling me the Lakers suck and how they are about to lose the series after being up 3-1, I just smile and say, "Watch game 7, tell me if the Lakers suck or not." I am GUARANTEEING this Laker victory, it MUST happen. As Kobe said in his after game conference, we played well, but in the end Phoenix won. "Game 7, in Phoenix, lets get it on!"
Historically officials have allowed Game 7 to be very physical and they actually let the players decide the outcome of the game. I thought last night's officiating was as good as it gets in the NBA. The officials made it clear they weren't going to let any fouls go unnoticed and they kept it consistent throughout the game. Game 7 is going to be intense for both teams. I think both teams are going to get energized with Raja Bell back on the court, the fans in Phoenix certainly will. This is the atmosphere everyone wants to see when it comes to playoff basketball. The crowd will be in it all game long and I imagine all the players stepping their game up another level, it should make for a fantastic game. The Lakers confidence took a hit, you could see the uncertainty down the stretch of the game for the young guys. I think Kobe Bryant has to step up as the leader and get the confidence back for his teammates. Taking over a game isn't the way to accomplish this goal, not with the makeup of this team, and not against a team like the Suns. Kobe Bryant has to decoy and facilitate for the Lakers to win Game 7. He has to create off the dribble and get Kwame and Luke easy baskets close to the rim. Kwame gets going on both ends once his confidence level is up. Both Kobe and Odom need to keep him involved all game long so he doesn't rush and keeps his head in the game. Smush Parker also needs some isolation plays down in the block setup for him. Unfortunately, his defensive intensity is a result of his offense, and when his shot isn't falling, he loses all confidence in his game. This has been a problem all season long for Smush, but the solution is getting him off early against Steve Nash. In the first two games, Smush had more opportunities in the post against Nash, instead of camping out on the perimeter or driving into two defenders. Lamar Odom will be the key to this game. He has to bring it and take it right at Shawn Marion. For some reason Lamar has gone away from the left block, where's he's a lot more effective. Playing on the right block, he struggles because he can't finish with his right hand and when he takes a shot he is forced to bring the ball right into the teeth of the defense. PJax needs to remind him he's a lefty and has more options on the leftside of the paint. Lamar has to be in the post a lot more so he can fight for offensive rebounds, he needs to get 3 to 4 of them to give the Lakers 2nd chance opportunities to neutralize the Phoenix 3point shots. The more activity Odom brings on the glass, the easier it is for Kwame and Luke to get their games going. It also slows down Shawn Marion and leads to one of the big men on Phoenix getting into foul trouble. Patience has elluded the Lakers the last two games. The only time they should run is on wide open fast breaks. The score needs to be in the 80's or 90's for the Lakers to have a chance. Walk the ball up, and move the rock around on offense to create high percentage shots within the Triangle. Dribbling for 18 seconds and then trying to run the offense just leads to off balanced circus shots, a long miss, and then a Phoenix Sun layup drill. The Lakers have to drive and dish to get Phoenix scrambling around, which leads to easy buckets down low for Kwame or Odom. The turnovers have to stop, the Lakers had at least 6 offensive fouls last night, because they aren't patient. The players have seen enough game tape to know exactly where the Suns second line of defense is going to be to draw the charge. The offensive player has to read it, and then take the extra dribble to go around the defender instead of through him. The passing has to be sharp as well. Shawn Marion was shooting the gaps all game long because of lazy indecisive passes. He had two or three breakaway dunks off of steals. That just gets his confidence up and puts pressure on your defense to get stops down the stretch. The Lakers have to play disciplined and grind out a win in Phoenix. I think all the pressure is back on Phoenix tomorrow. Battling back from a 3-1 defecit is tough, even after you've won two straight.
Game of the year potential...forget the Finals...I've loved this series, definately one of my all time favorites and I'm not even a Lakers or Suns fan. I don't have interest for other basketball teams besides the Knicks...but I've been really studying this series as if it was a Knicks playoff game...lol a Knicks playoff game
I think the reason why the Lakers won 3 out of 4 was because they were playing like they had nothing to lose... No one expected them to beat Pheonix, so why not have fun trying.... Well it worked and they took a 3-1 lead over them and they probably got so tense that they started falling apart.
If thats the case for game 7 being allowed some physical play, the the Suns will get pulverised... Suns are a fast, but they are very soft. With the acception of Tim Thomas, the rest of the team is soft.
Start Jim Jackson. Atleast he wont stand around feeling depressed like someone shot his dog. He's a veteran who can hit the three.
We played a better game than we're being credited for last night. How many turnovers did we have? 20? Most of our team was in foul trouble all night. Yet we were still up by three with 3 seconds remaining in regulation, and if it weren't for a miraculous rebound off what looked like another Nash choke job, we would have won that game. Phx had to play an almost perfect game to beat us, and that too in overtime. Phx should be very scared.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting yodawgsup:</div><div class="quote_post">We played a better game than we're being credited for last night. How many turnovers did we have? 20? Most of our team was in foul trouble all night. Yet we were still up by three with 3 seconds remaining in regulation, and if it weren't for a miraculous rebound off what looked like another Nash choke job, we would have won that game. Phx had to play an almost perfect game to beat us, and that too in overtime. Phx should be very scared.</div> Good observations, and I'm also not quitting on this Laker team. The only blow out in this series was Game 5, but every other game has come down to the final possessions of the game. The Lakers played terrible last night, and still had the lead late in the game and a chance to win in regulation. It took two clutch 3's by Tim Thomas to put the Lakers away last night. I do not expect the Lakers to fly into Phoenix and play dead in Game 7. They have a chance to pull of the upset still and have the peace of mind they can win in Phoenix. The Lakers know exactly what they need to do in order to beat the Suns, now it's just a matter of going out and getting it done.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Good observations, and I'm also not quitting on this Laker team. The only blow out in this series was Game 5, but every other game has come down to the final possessions of the game. The Lakers played terrible last night, and still had the lead late in the game and a chance to win in regulation. It took two clutch 3's by Tim Thomas to put the Lakers away last night. I do not expect the Lakers to fly into Phoenix and play dead in Game 7. They have a chance to pull of the upset still and have the peace of mind they can win in Phoenix. The Lakers know exactly what they need to do in order to beat the Suns, now it's just a matter of going out and getting it done.</div> Yeah man, I agree. I can't wait, I'm so pumped. I really do believe that when this Laker team shows up, they can compete with any team in the league. Our convincing wins this season against Detroit, San Antonio and Dallas prove this I think. And you'd have to be an absolute fool to assert that Kobe and Phil won't be ready. They've never lost a game 7 before, and while it's possible they might lose tomorrow, you know they'll leave no bullets in the chamber. I also don't expect Smush to be as bad next game. He's due for a 15 pt performance.
Can things be more depressing? I have to attend a wedding which ends at around 24:00 (6 PM ET) and we are going to drive to Berlin for another 5 hours. I can't see the possibly greatest game of the playoffs.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Chutney:</div><div class="quote_post">It could go either way really. Hard to get a read on. The return of Raja could easily spark the Suns at their home court. I'm picking the Lakers though. Phil Jackson's shown a definite coaching advantage. And I think at some point before the game, these players are going to realize that this series has been their's to lose for 3 games now. I just hope it isn't a blowout. I want an exciting game.</div> Same here, you and Shape covered it all IMO. I don't know who will win though of course I want Lakers to win. I know this much though....it will come down to the wire.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Franchise4Ever:</div><div class="quote_post">Same here, you and Shape covered it all IMO. I don't know who will win though of course I want Lakers to win. I know this much though....it will come down to the wire.</div> With Kobe at the free throw line.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting LO7:</div><div class="quote_post">With Kobe at the free throw line.</div> Haha, how classic would that be.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting j0se:</div><div class="quote_post">Game of the year potential...forget the Finals...I've loved this series, definately one of my all time favorites and I'm not even a Lakers or Suns fan. I don't have interest for other basketball teams besides the Knicks...but I've been really studying this series as if it was a Knicks playoff game...lol a Knicks playoff game </div> Potentially - yes, however, I think Mavs and Spurs might go seven games in Round 2 so that will be almost as good. I also think New Jersey and Miami might go seven games. And Detroit - let's face it, they've been a great team, but this isn't like the Shaq Lakers when you KNEW who was going to win for sure. So it's all good from here on but this has been a great first round. Knicks might be back in the mix next year, i have a feeling...
The Lakers need to be patient, use A LOT of the 24 second shot clock, take good shots, find your man QUICKLY on defense, post up Smush, and GIVE THE BALL TO LAMAR! When Lamar is running and playing well, Marion gets tired. And, another thing, CLOG THE MIDDLE, don't let lil' Stevie Nash get layups. In game 3 Brown did an EXCELLENT job on help defense on Nash. Brown needs to do what Kobe did when he was in his rape case, use it on the court (remember ALL those consecutive 40+ performances?) And, I'm tired of Tim Thomas, someone put a hand in his face? And also, if Cook isn't hitting, don't let him play. Try using Turiaf more and put him on the post against Diaw (having Luke sit out). That way Thomas may have to help side on Turiaf, and Kwame is right there for the potential flush.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Martin:</div><div class="quote_post">Lakers will lose,Suns have the momentum and they also have Raja back.Can't see them lose.If the Lakers lose people will start to talk about Kobe's ability to lead a team in the playoffs (Being up 3-1 and then losing the next 3 games)</div> whoa???!!!! kobe's inability to lead a team??? wtf are u talking about? the lakers have OVER - ACHIEVED!!! and now kobe's leadership is being questioned???
okay, now i am just going to take a wild shot at this one and say the suns will take the lead early, and never lose it. They will dominate in the paint and the will hold kobe to... 1 point in the second half. they will then move on to win by 31 points. wow, THAT would be incredible
I was really into this series. The suns prevailed with their style of basketball. I think Lakers just was unexperienced closing out the team. This wouldn't have happened if we had more veteran players playing on the team.
