[HoulihansTX]

Lee had that really tough, but blown alley-oop. And they pull off the win in game 3. I think Orlando might be the best CLOSING TEAM left in the playoffs. Kobe may be the best closer, but he lacks someone to pick up the slack as the games end.
Kobe puts all the responsibility on himself, while Orlando is comfortable with 4 different guys, especially Rashard Lewis. Turkoglu has hit a game winner, Dwight Howard hits free throws like a Euro big man now, and Stan will draw up plays for Lee if the defense allows.

I'll mull over taking Orlando -3 & 202UNDER for game 4.

[RoagBettor]

You can't make assumptions like this, because if LA lost Game 2 they would have come out with a different mindset for Game 3.

It's like a baseball player who gets caught stealing and the next guy hits a home run. People always say "well if that guy hadn't got caught it would have been 2 runs". Not true. The pitcher would not have thrown that same pitch at that same spot and the hitter would not be in that exact spot.

Orlando is a good team, they're lucky to be in it and down only 2-1. But I think the Lakers will win Game 4 and then close it out at home in Game 6.

[HoulihansTX]

Originally Posted by RoagBettor

You can't make assumptions like this, because if LA lost Game 2 they would have come out with a different mindset for Game 3.

It's like a baseball player who gets caught stealing and the next guy hits a home run. People always say "well if that guy hadn't got caught it would have been 2 runs". Not true. The pitcher would not have thrown that same pitch at that same spot and the hitter would not be in that exact spot.

Orlando is a good team, they're lucky to be in it and down only 2-1. But I think the Lakers will win Game 4 and then close it out at home in Game 6.

Lakers played a great game. They just didnt close. Both teams played equally well, the last 3 minutes decided this game. Mindset for both teams seemed to be WIN AT ALL COST for game 3.

Didn't you think you saw a ultra competitive game???

[jsmithj88]

what if magic didnt shoot 63%?
they would be down 3-0

[HoulihansTX]

You guys are missing the my point. I'm talking about small specific moments that decide the winner of the game. Not the overall production of the teams. Moments in close games that go can either way, decide close games like we saw in games 2 & 3.

[RoagBettor]

I get your point. It was a great game and the Magic had to play near-perfect to barely win. In Game 2 the Lakers did not put out the effort they needed to win, which is typical Lakers.

I know you love Orlando, and they're a very good team. I just think the Lakers are the superior team and will win this in 5 or 6.

[SportsTerminator]

Lakers win game 4 believe it or not Kobe's even more upset lol. I don't think Orlando will have that same intensity they had in game 3. I think their just satisfied with winning game 3. If the Lakers would have hit their free throws and not turn the ball over they would have won. Lakers in 6.

[jasont]

Lets not forget, Dwight Howard has yet to play upto his capabilities this entire series. If Kobe wasn''t on fire in the first half, this wouldve been a blowout. Lets also not forget, the Lakers shot near perfect most of the fourth quarter. The Magic are a much better team then given credit for by many of you. Don't be surprised if they win game 4 and 5 to go up 3-2.

[HoulihansTX]

Originally Posted by jasont

Lets not forget, Dwight Howard has yet to play upto his capabilities this entire series. If Kobe wasn''t on fire in the first half, this wouldve been a blowout. Lets also not forget, the Lakers shot near perfect most of the fourth quarter. The Magic are a much better team then given credit for by many of you. Don't be surprised if they win game 4 and 5 to go up 3-2.

Thank you.

[TheIntegrityKid]

I think Orl will eventually be up 4-2 hehe

[BCaldwell32]

Originally Posted by jsmithj88

what if magic didnt shoot 63%?
they would be down 3-0

Lakers shot 52% themselves and had more offensive rebounds leading to more shot attempts. Orlando is gonna win game 4 and Lakers are in deep trouble if they can't win game 5!!! My prediction from the beginning stands.

Orlando in 7

[RoagBettor]

Lakers take game 4 easily. Magic might win Game 5 but this series was over after Game 1.

[TheIntegrityKid]

Originally Posted by BCaldwell32

Lakers shot 52% themselves and had more offensive rebounds leading to more shot attempts. Orlando is gonna win game 4 and Lakers are in deep trouble if they can't win game 5!!! My prediction from the beginning stands.

Orlando in 7

I like this guy

I liked his take on Jordan, and now I like his take on Orlando

Wouldn't it be crazy to see BOTH the Penguins and Magic win game 7s on the road??? That'd be one helluva good thing for both leagues I think...

[TeamNookMum]

Even Phil Jackson said Orl should have won Game 2.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playof...ory?id=4246830

[FreeFall]

hindsight is 20 20

[Jerry Seinfeld]

I just can't see Orl shooting that well again. I think the Lakers win a competitive game four before getting destroyed in game 5. Then blowout Orlando at home to close out the series. GL with your picks guys.

[NBA Hero]

houli,

i must admit you have a point. orl could have won game2. and game3 it lakers finishing bad or is it kobe being bad. orl could have cruised easy but the jitters can be seen at the end game even if kobe is giving it to them on a silver platter.

lets be honest. game two orl, but game 3 a toss up. and a toss up with the 60+% shooting of orl, and reb discrepancy.

now, game four. id really be surprised if orl can get the win. i will buy a magic shirt when they take game4. LoL. not that bad cause they are my fav on reg season.

[captmatt]

They should be. That layup at the end was so close. That would have been the clincher. Go MAGIC tonight. Orlando is crazy right now (downtown).