I think its critical. We lose this game, I think we lose the series. Kobe needs major help in almost every area. Anyone know whats the status on Ariza? Besides his game sealing steals, he's not been himself defensively.
Simply put, we lose this game, we lost the series. And a squeaky win using just Kobe's clutch godliness and Ariza's steals at home is not enough to prove our point. LA needs to outclass Denver in EVERYTHING, same thing they did to us in game 4. If we win by a squeaker then it will just give the Nugs enough confidence to blow us out in Denver and beat us in a game 7. Everyone needs to step up. Especially Phil's decision-making about out rotations.
Of course this is a very important game, but I wouldn't count the Lakers out with a loss tonight although I'd rather them not test my theory. If they do lose I think how they lost would definately play into the outcome of Game 6. I do expect the Lakers to come out and play well tonight. Lakers by 12 tonight!
Carmelo is a tough assignment for Ariza because of his size advantage. I think Ariza is doing the best he can and he needs the backside help from Bynum & Gasol to make it difficult once Carmelo gets in the paint. This game is critical for both teams and the winner tonight likely decides the outcome of this series. The Lakers have delivered when their backs are against the wall and I expect them to play their best game of the series tonight and win by double digits. The Lakers found a weakness in Denver's defense late in Game 4 and I expect them to exploit it tonight. Pau Gasol is going to have a monster game tonight.
This will either be the most important or 2nd most important game of the series. We win, we have 2 shots to close out the series instead of having out backs to the wall.
It's crucial, obv. But I as well think we're going to win tonight. I hope Pau and Drew get more touches, that's the key.
