Two hours before the game, Kobe’s out on the court practicing free throws. Why, you ask? Because them free throws cost the Lakers the last game. Think about it, the Orlando Magic made history in Game 3 with their shooting percentage and YET they won by only 4 points. So of course we knew to expect nothing but greatness from the Lakers tonight – on both the Offensive and Defensive end. The key players for tonight – I gotta say – were Trevor Ariza and Derek Fisher!
Yes, the Lakers stomped all over Amway…but not ‘til the 3rd quarter of the game. The Lakers started off a bit slow, and “skip to my loo” was making us all skip to start off, but we knew the magic couldn’t last very long. With less than 4mins left in the 1st quarter, Gasol and Bynum had already drawn 2 fouls. Bynums fouls are understandable, he’s still somewhat injured so it’s okay to take 1, 2, 3 …6 for the team. But Gasol – common man, the Lakers need you nice and foul-less (or well, with as few fouls as possible) in the game. Dwight had 11 rebounds and 3 blocks already in the first 9 mins of the game… dammit! 6 turnovers for the Magic with 2mins left in the first quarter, and none on the Lakers – damn right! But all in all, the Lakers played like CRAP in the first half of the game
HALF TIME – Lakers are down 12 points (37-49) and at this point guys, I switched to HBO to watch reruns of The Wire. Yes, I’m a punk ass – sue me! But, I had espn.com open on my laptop and I was refreshing the page to see what was happening.
3rd Quarter – Lakers defence and Trevor Ariza’s offense are ON POINT! Apparently Ariza was wide awake and making plays. Dude got 13 points in the 3rd quarter and pretty much secured a lil’ somn for the lakers – gave ‘em some hope. We end the quarter at 67-63!
4th Quarter – I’m wide awake and a lil’ high off the Sangria I’d been sipping on, but hella happy that the Lakers were back in a position to actually compete in the game. And it starts off with Odom making a real nice 2pt-er! It’s pretty much basic basketball all through and I can’t help but gain some satisfaction in the fact that Orlando players are missing free throws this time around and making more turnovers. It sure as hell works for the Lakers. And the Magic are up a minute to the game ending but Derek Fisher ties the game with 4.6s remaining. Hells yea!!! And so, we go into overtime with 87-87!
OT - With an assist from Kobe, Fisher makes yet another clutch 3pt-er (never rule out the veterans kids!!!) and Pau Gasol makes a dunk while getting a flagrant foul from Pietrus. And just to piss the Magic off, he also makes the free throw. So ladies and Gents, Lakers win the game 99-91, giving them a 3-1 finals lead.
So kids, do you STILL believe in Magic? Cause all I see is purple and gold fairy dust all over Amway Arena!
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