You're a Champ [again]

Definitely give a BIG congrats to Kobe [Finals MVP] on winning number 4 and his first without Shaq. And another congrats to Phil Jackson who became the #1 coach with 10 championship rings. Bryant scored 30 points and Pau Gasol added 14 and 15 rebounds in a 99-86 win in Game 5 over the Orlando Magic. Even Shaq was happy for the Kobe saying this on his twitter page: 

"Congratulations kobe, u deserve it," O'Neal said on his Twitter page. "You played great. Enjoy it my man enjoy it."

The climax of the game was when Derek Fisher hit a 3-pointer and Ariza hit two 3-pointers on a 16-0 run that took less than three minutes. Another reason why the series is over is because the Magic ran out of magic shooting 8 for 27 downtown.Phil maybe done now that he has 10 and he may want to go out on top. Also Jackson's contract is up and he's hinted at retirement. Bryant doesn't believe it though. 

Rashard Lewis led the Magic with 18 points, but 10 of them came in he fourth quarter and he shot 6-for-19. Dwight Howard finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Move of the Night

One Win Away

At halftime I thought for sure that the Lakers would have lost an oppurtunity to go up 3-1 but there was still another half to be played. That is when the rally started for the Lakers who won in OT 99-91. Give all the credit to Kobe Bryant, I meant the role players. Trevor Ariza scored 13 points in the third quarter to lead the spark and hit a big three to tie the game. Then you have Robert Horry, [sorry] Derek Fisher who hit the big shot to send the game into overtime. Then Fish hit another one to close the casket for the Magic who blew their chances to steal one again. The reason why the Magic are one game away from being eliminated instead of tying up the series: Free throws! [we won't even blame it on the last play]. If they learn to make those [Dwight & Turkoglu] they would have closed the game out. Now they have to win 3 straight games. OH WELL! On Sunday the Lakers will look to close them out in 5 games. 

Notes: Kobe responded from Game 3 by scoring 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists; Odom & Gasol had a big game on the defensive side; Howard had a good game [besides the FTs] scoring 16 points and 21 boards; they went to the line 17 to the Lakers 0 in the 4th; Van Gundy should really rethink his play calling too [haha..full court trap..with a 3 point lead?]; and will when he learn to put his best players on the floor [Alston played 0 min in the 4th and OT and Lee played only 7 min] ha good stuff!

Up 2-0

The Lakers came out did not play as flawless as in Game 1 but still came out with the W.  This win should be credited to Derek Fisher. He was the unsung hero because he made key plays during the stretch. Fisher had 12 points, 3 dimes, 3 steals, and a board. He made a big steal in overtime when JJ Reddick was trying to pass the ball but Fish stepped in and stole it. I am surprised the Lakers came out because honestly, Courtney Lee should have made that alley. If they lose this series [which they will] that will haunt him for a while. The Lakers played the game just like the Magic liked it: under 90 points, Kobe was not making shots, and the Lakers had players in foul trouble. Kobe did finish with 29 points and 8 dimes. I mean I do not know how the Magic will win because you cannot get any closer to winning a game than last night. The only thing I know is that the Magic are down 0-2. 

Notes: Mad props to Hedo and Lewis [almost had a triple double], who bounced back from their horrific Game 1 shooting. Van Gundy did make a reference that his team has been down before 0-2 and came back to win the series. He is referring to the Heat who were down 0-2 to the Mavs and won 4 straight games. It is possible, but he does not have D-Wade on his team this time and he is playing against a hungry Kobe Bryant. Gasol had a nice game going for 24 and 10 and since the NBA went to the 2-3-2 format in 1985, 11 of 12 teams winning the first two games have gone on to win the championship.

Update

As I talked about earlier, Derek Fisher has been suspended for game 3. Also Rafer Alston has been suspended for slapping the *** out of Eddie House [haha]. Kobe Bryant on the other hand, just received a slap on the wrist. They said his play [with Artest] was a flagrant 1 foul. Kobe did it so slick and tried to make it look like he did it inadvertently. I know one thing though, "hit me in my [expletive] throat again." LoL, gotta love NBA Playoffs!

In the NFL, Brett Favre ending the rumors of coming back to the NFL [well at least to the Vikings]. He will make his announcement soon about his "retirement". All of this is according to random sources so i caution you with Brett Farve news. You never know what is what until you see it. I just bring it to you when I hear it.  I also reported earlier that Marvin Harrison was done but his agent says that is far from the truth. 

"I played in 15 games last year and a playoff game, and I intend to play again this season." --Marvin Harrison

So I guess he will be waiting for someone to pick him up. Maybe he can get picked up closer to training camps in July. 

Playoffs Round 2

The Lakers bounced back in a physical game 2 to tie up the series. This series was going to be physical from tip off of game 1. There were small little scuffles that inlcuded: Kobe-Artest, Scola-Odom, Scola-Fisher. Fisher and Artest were ejected for their actions. I think Artest should not have been tossed he was just trying to plead his case but Fisher should have definitely. Kobe and Fisher could be looking at being suspended for a game if the league. Artest kept his cool but I give him props because of how Kobe hit him I probably would have shoved him or something. That elbow was done on purpose. The league should handle it like they did Howard and not give special treatment because he is "Kobe". What Fisher did to Scola was uncalled for. That was the hardest hit that California has seen since Rey Maualuga hit Pat Cowan & Justin Forsett. Kobe did score 40 [like I called], he just better hope that he does not get suspended because that would be a big blow to the Lakers. Then they would need Andrew Bynum to finally step up and produce or not play at all.

In the other series, the C's crushed the Magic. When Dwight Howard goes incognito, Rafer Alston wants to slap people upside the head, and on top of that Rondo drops a triple double [15,11,18] on you, then you know it's going to be a bad night. Eddie House was also on fire. When he gets in one of those zones you cannot stop him because he is a shooter. Maybe the Magic will have a better showing at home.