Since there wasn't a preview thread for tonights game I decided I would start one. This is truely the pivotal game of this series. If the Pistons win, series over. If the Lakers win than we might see this one go 7 games and be a great series. I am VERY anxious to see this game tonight and see what adjustments the Lakers make tonight. I expect this game to be a lot closer than game 3 and for both teams to bring their "A" game. After watching the last game, its hard not to go with the Pistons in game 4 but I am still not convinced that this team will crush the Lakers. The Lakers are a veteran team and they are capable of finding a way to win like they did in Game 2. I'm not even going to give a prediction for this game. I honestly have no idea what to expect out of this game. I guess that is the beauty of this series. I hope nobody has to miss tonights game as it should be a beauty.
The Pistons will likely win it. I don't see how Kobe could let this series slip away from him. Kobe is extremely ambitious and to the point where he can become selfish. Karl Malone may really want it, but with his knee, he will only hurt the team more than help. Glove and Fish have to step up their game because CB is just outplaying them in every aspect of the game. Shaq is lazy on D. Rip is killing Kobe offensively and defensively with the double-team.
Yes I couldnt make one, getting my house ready to move, this is my last day with a computer I believe, I was going to make it earlier, but the movers came and boxed everything up, So i couldnt be int here way...my apologies. I do think that this will make or break the series for the Lakers right here, if they lose then they lose the championship, if they win I believe they will win the championship..I expect Payton and MAlone to show up with their game faces on, injuries and all. I also expect Kobe to get to the FT line, that will make or break the game...how many times we can get to the FT line. For the Pistons, they cant get jitterish in this game, they cant go in thinking they will win because they slaughtered the Lakers last game, the Lakers will come to play, I promise that...I wouldnt be surprised if Malone or Shaq knocked Rip or Billups on their asses. I expect Det to come out looking to get Rip going early, see if he can be hot again... The Lakers know what they need to do to win, they just need to execute now..If they want another ring, or for some a 1st ring, they will win tonight..I take L.A. in this one in a nailbiter...L.A. by 2
The Lakers arent going to bring the KY tonight and bendover for the Pistons again. Expect an emotional effort from Kobe and Shaq. Hopefully a 3rd party shows up between Malone or Payton. Lakers need this game to even stand a chance.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Mr_Infante:</div><div class="quote_post">The Lakers arent going to bring the KY tonight and bendover for the Pistons again. Expect an emotional effort from Kobe and Shaq. Hopefully a 3rd party shows up between Malone or Payton. Lakers need this game to even stand a chance.</div> I have a feeling that the 3rd party is going to be Devean George or Kareem Rush...THey have both had some decent looks but havent been able to knock them down, I expect one of them too have a good game.
I don't think there is any question that Kobe and Shaq will be bringing it tonight. The question will be who else will bring it tonight. Walton was the x-factor in their game 2 victory but they cannot count on Walton to lead them to victory. Payton seems uninterested and Malone is limited by his injuries. The Lakers will need a lot of bench support if they are to win game 4.
Walton wont be a factor anymore in this series, Larry Brown just wasnt expecting him, the next game they had Corliss on him and Walton was non-existent...I expect that to happen again.
If Kareem gets into his shooting fiasco again, it will greaten their chance. KR's only problem is that he falls in love with that shot and tends to hoists it up every chance he gets. Detroit knows that and we WILL NOT see Kareem getting hot tonight. The kid has skills and really reminds me of Kedrick Brown. Mabey making some contact and getting to the line can be a good move tonight. Detroit will hammer them everytime someone drives the lane, 50% of the time you will get fouled.
Actually the Detriot big men are very good at blocking shots and avoiding fouling the penetrator. Besides Kobe Bryant who is great at inducing fouls, the Lakers don't really have anyone else that could get into the lane and get a shot off.
I think Kobe and Shaq will get theirs but nobody else well step up,the Pistons perimeter defense is to good for Kareem Rush who hasnt hit a lot of threes,Gary Payton seems like he doesnt want to play and Derek Fisher seems hurt. The Lakers have a chance but I say the Pistons will take it,they better not get cocky or anything because if they do the Lakers will turn this series right back around.
IO am really not feeling this officials...they are quick to blow the whistle for the Lakers...but nothing against the Pistons..
This is a do-or-die game for the Lakers. If the Lakers win, pretty much all eyes would be in favour of the Pistons. They have no chance versus the Lakers tonight anyways.
Surprisingly we are only down by 2 points going into halftime. The 3rd quarter has been our downfall in the series, so it will be interesting to see how the Lakers come out. They need to win the quarter to get confidence in themselves and build momentum heading into the 4th quarter. Kobe needs to stop settling for outside shots, and start getting to the rim and to the line. Shaq has shouldered us thus far, we need Kobe to help him be the closer in the second half. Despite a rough first half the Lakers have to be happy about only being down by 2 points.
Payton showed flashes in the 1st quarter signs of stepping up. When that 1st quarter ended, he was a no show again. Kobe isn't getting it done, so Gary MUST do something.
Payton was more aggressive on offense, but he's still getting torched on defense. I'd rather see him hold Billups to 15 points a game. Holding him to 15 would at least give the Lakers a chance to match him with Fisher and Payton. The player who needs a huge second half is Kobe though. 3-14 is not acceptable for a superstar. The Lakers need him and Shaq to get 22+ for us to have a chance.
As i'm Posting the Pistons are now up 73-67. with five mins left. stil the lakers are not dead...as far as i can see the pistons might come away with this one! yes! a 3-1 lead at our fingertips! Unless Kobe pulls off yet another miracle.
