NBA Finals 2009: Magic vs Lakers
- Posted by Anthony Bass on June 3rd, 2009 filed in predictions
- 11 Comments »
My prediction is Orlando Magic in 5 games. Why?
First, in my entire life, I only heard one NBA player thank God. I’m not saying only one NBA player ever thanked God. Well, it could happen, but *I* only heard one NBA player thank God. Yeah, that player is Dwight Howard. If Howard is grateful to God, how can He not answer his prayers?
Second, the Lakers‘ defensive scheme, the Strong Side Zone plays to the strengths of Orlando’s offense. With SSZ, you leave shooters open and that’s what Orlando has, a lot of shooters. Does Phil adjust the defense? If yes, isn’t it too late in the game for that?
Third, it seems that the Lakers haven’t even reached its peak yet. It seems it started to hit its peak during games 5 and 6 of the Nuggets series. However, they “enjoy” a week’s rest after closing out that series. A bad time to hit your peak, don’t you think? Even if they haven’t had a week’s rest, don’t you think they hit their peak a tad too late?
Fourth, it seems Orlando has the pieces to counter LA’s height advantage. Orlando’s front court of Howard, Lewis and Turkoglu is 6’11″, 6’10″ and 6’10″ respectively. Similar physical form but different offensive schemes. Which one is better?
Lastly, I think the Lakers‘ fate is left to the hands of Andrew Bynum. Dwight Howard is only two years older but eons more skilled. During the playoffs, Drew performed a magic act – he disappeared. It’s not the time to blame your injury. There’s more to the game than scoring points. If Drew won’t be an inside presence defensively, the Lakers are toast.
So, yeah, Magic in 5. I think Orlando will manage to steal a game in LA and close out in their homecourt.
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June 5th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Keen, I hadn’t thought of Howard’s divine invocation as one of bad luck. I had noticed a sort of blip on my consciousness when he made it, though, and in the ensuing fervor. I now see that it was a result of the relative abnormality, thank God, of NBA stars thanking God on live TV. That is strange, if it’s true. I mean about the abnormality. Or is it? I don’t watch much baseball, so I don’t know about the statistics there, but of course in football God is through the roof (I have nothing against God personally, just these ostentatious gestures). Hm.
June 6th, 2009 at 1:02 am
Oi, Dex in da hauz!
Really? God is always mentioned in football?
Divine invocation is not bad luck for the Lakers but good luck for the Magic. Having said that, I’m aware it really doesn’t have any bearing in the series. I’m just saying.
June 6th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Holy shite in heaven did I misread that post.
June 6th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
I.e, I read it as saying Howard’s piety is good luck for LA, as taking the Lord’s name in vain is blasphemous and calls down the wrath of God. God, I must have been not quite sober.
June 7th, 2009 at 5:47 am
Game 5 huh? Probably for the LAKERS! because the Lakers are going to hold up the trophy at the Staples Center. remember… 43-0 is Mr Phils record. Sorry Hater.
June 7th, 2009 at 7:11 am
@Dex: Yeah, it happens.
@lakilmej: I’ll explain when the Finals is over.
June 11th, 2009 at 8:34 am
Lakers will win the finals cause god loves the lakers.
June 11th, 2009 at 8:57 am
GOD LOVES THE LAKERS SO MUCH HE GAVE THEM 14 CHAMPIONSHIPS ALREADY AND HES ABOUT TO GIVE THEM ONE MORE.
June 11th, 2009 at 9:15 am
Orlando suck there going to lose again
GO LAKERS!!! IT IS ABOUT TO BE 15 CHAMPIONSHIPS YOU CANNOT CATCH UP EVEN IF YOU WANTED TO. KOBE IS GOING TO 4
CHAMPIONSHIP RINGS TOP THAT Dwight Howard
AND Queen james.GO LAKERS!!!
June 14th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Go ahead and soak up the sun Faker people…the only reason you’re gettin’ your time is because Celtic injuries are lettin’ ya! So enjoy!…but see ya next year, and you’ll be back bumm’n like you always should!
June 14th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
THIS GO’S TO ALL THE LAKER HEATERS.LAKERS ARE GETTING THERE 15 CHAMPIONSHIP TODAY. ORLANDO SUCKS CELTICS SUCK SPURS SUCK …..GO LAKERS AND F D REST