So... I guess I'll be the one to say this... The Lakers totally pwned the Magic yesterday!!
For a team that 's been criticized for not having enough 'heart' to make it to the finish line, last night's game was a true reflection of how good the Lakers are when they're firing on all cylinders: Both the physical and emotional ones.
Pretty much everything I'd originally thought about the series came to pass. The Magic had a much harder time shooting and rebounding over the lean, lanky, Lakers team, Jamir Nelson looked to be very dangerous (though he should've taken the game into his own hands more if you ask me), and Kobe shot the lights out. Is it me, or did he look hungrier than usual last night.
Even though they played well on offense, their biggest strength last night was easily the defensive preparedness of the Lakers. They did what no team has done to the Magic yet in the playoffs: They found a way to keep the pressure very high on all three members of the Magic front court, both in the paint and at the 3-line. There were times that they had Odom and Gasol all over Superman with the ball in the post, and he'd try to dish it out, only to find Ariza stuck to Lewis like glue and Bryant holding down Turk. It was great to see how aware the Lakers were of where Orlando's weapons were and how unwilling they were to give them any room.
I really hope that Van Gundy has a better answer than this for Kobe and the Lakeshow... Thoughts?