Lakers Take It Away
The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off an amazing win to take down game 5 of the championship playoff series. Despite playing in Orlando, the Lakers outmuscled and outplayed the Magic with Kobe Bryant, the finals MVP, making 30 points, six rebounds and five assists to steer the team to victory. The win gives the Lakers their 15th NBA title in their history and the latest one without former star player Shaquille O’Neal. The win also puts Phil Jackson, coach of the Lakers and former coach of the Chicago Bulls, with the highest number of titles to his coaching name.
The Magic started the game and appeared to be the hungrier team. The added home court advantage fuelled their desire to push for game 6, but the maximum lead they ever produced was four points. The Lakers were well in the game and came back to score 16 points on the run to produce a lead that would never be surpassed.
The key to their loss was the fact that the Magic had no solution to stopping Kobe Bryant continually making all the jump shots. They were able to contain Lebron James and the Cavaliers, but the Lakers attack continually found space that produced baskets. Dwight Howard also failed to really fire up like he did against Cleveland with his individual scoring dropping from 25.8 to 15.4 and a field goal percentage dropping from 65.1% to 48.8%. A continual double team on him by the Lakers had him frustrated and taking fewer opportunities. Orlando’s three point shooting was also disorganised and desperate with a 8 from 27 effort clearly showing on the scoreboard.
The Lakers now head home, with a parade being organised for their championship basketball team. The other teams can sit, train and look to next season’s campaign.
