It's going to be Lakers versus T-Wolves... How do u guys see this series panning out... What problems are the Lakers going to face...I have a feeling GP is really going to step up because of his trash talking buddy Cassell... The first four games are...(this is from memory, correct this if i'm wrong) Game 1 - Friday @ minn Game 2 - Sunday @ minn Game 3 - Tuesday Game 4 - Thursday
The injuries the TWolves have encountered in the post-season are going to hurt them against the Lakers. The TWolves need Cassell to be effective in this series to stand a chance, but I don't think his body can hold up. The Lakers used physical play to beat the Spurs. Once they started laying the wood to Tony Parker and Tim Duncan, the Spurs didn't have an answer. I expect the Lakers to use the same type of physical play against the worn down TWolves and to eventually pull away in the 4th quarter. The TWolves have also had problems closing out games in both rounds. If they leave the door open for the Lakers, the Lakers will take full advantage and pull out the close game victories. The Lakers should be able to control the paint, so if they can play adequate defense on the perimeter they should be looking at another shot at the title.
i love LA's chances. cassell isnt playin like hes capable of due to his injuries. KG didnt get much rest against Sac so hes fatigued.
I think the Lakers can get the first one because of what already has been posted. I don't no about the 2nd, but I would say the Lakers in 6 like I posted in the Twolves board. Because of the TWolves homecourt advantage.
The Wolves are very tired and got some major injuries that will hurt them as said before. I see good chances for the Lakers to make it in 5 games. KG is tired but wants that ring so bad that he will do anything to win. The Lakers have to use this. Put pressure on him so that he will make bad shot selection. GP is the key to winning this one. He needs to do anything to make Cassell do bad things like Turnovers. Cassell has that injury so this one is possible for GP. The home court advantage dont mean a thing for the Wolves. Lakers will take this one in 5 games
The Lakers have a lot of momentum beating the former champions down 0-2 in the series then winning 4 in a row. Minnesota will really need to take advantage of LA's weakest position, the SF. I could see Garnett and spree swapping a couple of times but the T-Wolves will really need KG at the PF position and maybe even the C to guard the big men. It's not going to be easy for the Lakers but they are the team with the experience.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Mr.Fundamentals:</div><div class="quote_post">The Lakers have a lot of momentum beating the former champions down 0-2 in the series then winning 4 in a row. Minnesota will really need to take advantage of LA's weakest position, the SF. I could see Garnett and spree swapping a couple of times but the T-Wolves will really need KG at the PF position and maybe even the C to guard the big men. It's not going to be easy for the Lakers but they are the team with the experience.</div> No way Flip would put Garnett against Shaq... Hell, that's 100lbs. difference... Than he would have a good chance to be a non-factor in this series... I think the health of Sam I Am has eliminated the TWolves already... If he could play on his full potential, Payton and the Lakers would've as much trouble as they had with Tony in the first 2games in the SA-series... But with Cassell in this state, I don't give the TWolves a chance...I agree, he scored 23points and dished out 8 dimes against Sac-Town but I don't think Bibby is a very good defender...
Before you start counting out the T-Wolves just yet, lets remember the things that are already fact: FACT #1 - T-Wolves went 3-1 against the Lakers during the year. Yes, you can whine and complain that they weren't full strength, but a fact is a fact. FACT #2 - LA shoots horrendous free throws. I'm sure that Shaq will get fouled quite a bit in the series coming up, the question remains is can he make free throws when he gets fouled. FACT #3 - Depth of LA's bench. Rick Fox, Devean George, Kareem Rush (ugh) I'd pick Fred Hoiberg, Trenton Hassell and Wally Sczerbiak over those 3 any day of the week. FACT # 4 - Sprewell ate the Lakers alive during the regular season. He had at least two games with 30+ points. If he and Garnett get scoring like that and Cassell can drop at least 20 points on average per game, it'll definitely be pretty even basketball games. All this talk about Garnett being fatigued means nothing. He played fatigued last night (46 minutes) and look at his numbers. Kobe did the same thing to San Antonio, he played fatigued but still made clutch shots when it was crunch time. Sure, Minnesota might be a little tired but I'll tell you this; they'll be ready to play basketball tomorrow night.
Cassell is in bad shape, so I think GP would be a major factor. I think Malone would be able to do some damage and hold his own, regardless of him facing KG. Shaq and Kobe simply dominate most people anyway. It would be very difficult for Spree to get hot as both he and Cassell are streaky shooters. He's gonna be needed if anyone is to have a chance. Lakers in Game 6. Close wins of about 5-7 between each.
I love our hopes in this series in our quest to return to the Finals. Sam Cassell, unlike Tony Parker with speed and quickness, has back spasms and was once Payton's teammate back in Milwaukee. I really feel Gary Payton will use Cassell's back problems to his advantage, and be somewhat close to the person he's capable of being both offensively and defensively. The biggest matchup to look out for is Malone/Garnett. Kevin Garnett is the MVP, he's really stepped his game to a different level. The question is, can and will Malone continue to be physical with him, and make him work for every field goal opportunity like he did to Tim Duncan. Another stat I like is the Timberwolves have trouble closing out their opponents, and they really suffer with the opposing team scoring points off turnovers. The Lakers when they have the lead after three quarters, know how to close out their opponents in convincing fashion. Plus with Minnesota's injuries especially to Troy Hudson who was the X-factor in last year's first round playoff loss to our Lakers will be one big ultimate loss. The Twolves will do all they can to make this a respectable series, but I don't see this going no more than 6 games. Lakers in 6.
Before you start counting out the T-Wolves just yet, lets remember the things that are already fact: <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">FACT #1 - T-Wolves went 3-1 against the Lakers during the year. Yes, you can whine and complain that they weren't full strength, but a fact is a fact.</div> They had alot of their key parts in those matchups but were only at full strenght 2 times. Which was split 1-1 <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">FACT #2 - LA shoots horrendous free throws. I'm sure that Shaq will get fouled quite a bit in the series coming up, the question remains is can he make free throws when he gets fouled</div>. And they are an inconsistent jump shooting team as well. Imo opinion both facts are going to help the wolves defend shaq in the low post. They will be able to help alot more off Laker shooters & when Shaq gets the ball deep in the low post one on one they can foul. The Wolves have Kandiman, Ervin Johnson, Oliver Miller, even Madsen & trent who can all be used for the purpose of fouling thats a total of 30 fouls <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">FACT #3 - Depth of LA's bench. Rick Fox, Devean George, Kareem Rush (ugh) I'd pick Fred Hoiberg, Trenton Hassell and Wally Sczerbiak over those 3 any day of the week</div>. You have to add Derek Fisher to their depth on the perimeter. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">FACT # 4 - Sprewell ate the Lakers alive during the regular season. He had at least two games with 30+ points. If he and Garnett get scoring like that and Cassell can drop at least 20 points on average per game, it'll definitely be pretty even basketball games</div>. If Cassell's back can hold up, then he should have a good series.He really gave GP a workout in their 1st 3 matchups this year, he didnt do much in the last because that was when him & Hudson were sharing equal minutes at the point. KG needs to have one of those series similar to what he produced last year vs the Lakers, where he averaged about 28. And Spree loves playing against Kobe, so hopefully this will be his most consistent series of the playoffs. I think in the games where the big 3 can produce around 65-70pts, the t-wolves will win.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting PLATWolve:</div><div class="quote_post">Before you start counting out the T-Wolves just yet, lets remember the things that are already fact: FACT #1 - T-Wolves went 3-1 against the Lakers during the year. Yes, you can whine and complain that they weren't full strength, but a fact is a fact.</div> Yeah 3-1 with half our starting lineup out in thr regular season with injury bugs. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting PLATWolve:</div><div class="quote_post">FACT #2 - LA shoots horrendous free throws. I'm sure that Shaq will get fouled quite a bit in the series coming up, the question remains is can he make free throws when he gets fouled.</div> LA doesn't shoot horrendous free throws. Shaquille O'Neal shoots horrendous free throws. I'm sure with the advantage Shaq is going to have over Ervin Johnson, Oliver Miller, and Michael Olowokandi, he'll have plenty of free throw opportunities. And I think he'll be able to bend those huge knees of his and develop a consistent rhythm from the charity stripe. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting PLATWolve:</div><div class="quote_post">FACT #3 - Depth of LA's bench. Rick Fox, Devean George, Kareem Rush (ugh) I'd pick Fred Hoiberg, Trenton Hassell and Wally Sczerbiak over those 3 any day of the week.</div> Aren't you forgetting somebody? Where's Troy Hudson? He'll be missed tremendously. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting PLATWolve:</div><div class="quote_post">FACT # 4 - Sprewell ate the Lakers alive during the regular season. He had at least two games with 30+ points. If he and Garnett get scoring like that and Cassell can drop at least 20 points on average per game, it'll definitely be pretty even basketball games.</div> Wake up homie. This is the playoffs. All that talk about Sprewell buring our Lakers in the regular season can be thrown out the window. And there's no way Cassell will drop 20 a game with those back spasms of his. Can somebody bring out the electronic stimulation? :mrgreen: <div class="quote_poster">Quoting PLATWolve:</div><div class="quote_post">All this talk about Garnett being fatigued means nothing. He played fatigued last night (46 minutes) and look at his numbers. Kobe did the same thing to San Antonio, he played fatigued but still made clutch shots when it was crunch time. Sure, Minnesota might be a little tired but I'll tell you this; they'll be ready to play basketball tomorrow night.</div> Garnett is a man-beast. There's no way that guy will ever be fatigued, but I'll tell you this.....the way Karl Malone was physical with Tim Duncan last round, making him work for each and every field goal opportunity, I expect him to do the same with Kevin Garnett. Yes Kobe torched the Spurs when he was fatigued, but we're talking about a well rested 100% Kobe Bryant as he prepares for Game 1 tomorrow night. How much fuel will be left in the tank for Minnesota after playing an exhausting, grueling seven game series? I don't see them winning tomorrow night. The Lakers will take Game 1.
I'm just hoping the Lakers don't come in complacent because they are the favorites coming into the series...they need to continue to play with that underdog urgency they played the last 4 games... Here's a question for u guys...IS it concievable to take both games in Minnesota?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting notMuchgame:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm just hoping the Lakers don't come in complacent because they are the favorites coming into the series...they need to continue to play with that underdog urgency they played the last 4 games...</div> Exactly. The Lakers have to look at this like they're the underdog team or they could go into Minnesota with arrogance, swagger, and the mindset that they can just go into Target Center and not work as hard for the victory. It'll be very important to go in there and take Game 1, so that it can absolutely drain the Timberwolves' confidence, and that we can steal homecourt advantage for Games 3 and 4. As fans we demand 48 minutes of sharp and crisp Laker basketball from start to finish. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting notMuchgame:</div><div class="quote_post">Here's a question for u guys...IS it concievable to take both games in Minnesota?</div> It's very likely. It all depends on how hungry and focused this Laker team is. If Gary Payton and Karl Malone are hungry for the jewelry, expect this 2004 Laker team to play hard and take baby steps to get to the ultimate goal. Getting to the NBA Finals and winning the championship.
I think this series should be over in 6 games. I think L.A. will win. The Injury to Sam Cassell will really plague him, he will always start off good but during the course of the game it should affect his play, and GP MUST TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT by posting up Cassell. I think Kobe will explode in this series, and Shaq willl be unstoppable Game 1: L.A. Game 2: Minny Game3: L.A. Game 4: L.A. Game 5: Minny Game 6: L.A. I will have the preview up either later tonight or tomorrow, depends how busy I am later.
The Lakers-Timberwolves series It won't be as exciting as a Kings-Lakers Series,but i'll watch anyways...I Expect the Lakers to win,simply because there the most equipped to deal with the T-Wolves than the Kings were,so i will predict the Lakers will take the series in 5 games I Never thought i'd say this but i'll root for the Lakers to Kill the T-Wolves!!
C- <u>Shaq vs. Ervin/Candi: </u> Shaq owns this matchup. He put up some monster games against the Spurs and torched the likes of Tim Duncan, Rasho Nesterovic, Kevin Willis, Robert Horry, and Malik Rose. However, the T-wolves have guys that are more physical, such as Oliver Miller and Mark Madsen that can take fouls on Shaq and make him earn it from the line. ADVANTAGE: LAKERS PF- <u>Malone vs. KG:</u> KG is the MVP, so he wins this matchup. Yet, Malone will be able to tire and beat up KG because look what he did to Tim Duncan, who ain't no twig. If Malone can put pressure on KG by hitting his jumpers, then the Lakers will likely win..but Malone needs to focus on the little things, such as boxing out and defending.. ADVANTAGE: WOLVES SF- <u>George vs. Spree</u> Spree is a great offensive player, but he seems to always choke (haha, joke) Anyways, Spree will torch George at times, but Devean's long arms should allow him to at least stay in front of Spree in the halfcourt set....but if the Wolves get into a fast break mode, then look for Spree to dominate. Oh, and remember Lakers: Sprewell can hit the 3 well! ADVANTAGE: WOLVES SG- <u>Kobe vs. Hassell</u> Yawn.. Everybody says Hassell is a great underrated defender, which he is, but he cannot and will not stop the best offensive player in the game. Hassell forced Kobe into some tough shots during the regular season, but Bryant has a huge arsenal of moves and will draw fouls on Hassell. I mean, look what Kobe did to Bruce Bowen! LOL, but naw, this should be a tight matchup..Kobe will get the better of Hassell though. ADVANTAGE: LAKERS PG- <u>Payton vs. Cassell</u> Cassell would usually win this matchup, but with his spasms he may be a little inconsistent and a step slow. If Payton can keep Gollum in a 25-35% field goal area, then the Lakers should be set. GP can also go at Sammy on the offensive end by running him to death and by posting him up. Hopefully the Glove can deliver on both ends against his former teammate.. ADVANTAGE: WOLVES *but not by much since SC is injured) The benches are about equal so it should make for a close series. Don't count the Wolves out, but I still say Lakers in 6; it only goes to 7 games if there is an injury and that is the absolute worst scenario!
All I keep seeing in these posts is about Sammy back Spasm& sammy hip etc. Granted thats all good but the one thing that not injured is my man's heart & trust me he isnt letting the t-wolves go down without a fight. So all you old & alot of new Lakers fans dont think its going to be easy, Sam/KG/Spree have way to much pride to let you guys just walk away with the West title.
