JBOMB Basketball Blog

First of all, I would like to congratulate Los Angeles Lakers for winning the 2009 NBA Finals, burying the Orlando Magic 4-1, as I already predicted before.

The Lakers grab the Title on the road, defeating the Magic 99-86. Led by Kobe’s 30 points and 4 blocks performance, the Lakers glorious moment started in the second quarter, outscoring the Magic 30-18. Later on, Kobe also grabs the MVP Award.

I cannot help but to rant on the failure of my favorite team, the Magic, and to rave on the success of the Lakers.

My rants: Orlando Magic – Why experience matters

I am actually surprised that the Magic topped the Cavs in Eastern Conference Finals – LeBron is extremely dominant in the thriller series. I was happy for the Magic, but then I have my doubt on them, as the Team they are facing in the Finals are a much more experienced team than the Cavs.

The Lakers do look like the Cavs – Being led by a superstar in Kobe Bryant. However, I must say that the Lakers are a much different team than the Cavs – Something that Stan Van Gundy is failing to address in the 2009 NBA Finals.

Here are some points why the Magic fail:

1. Dwight is under-performing in the Finals. Sorry to say, but Superman Sr. (Shaq) is better than Superman Jr. (Dwight) in term of passing the ball to open teammates in double-team situation. Although Shaq is a total brick layer from the free throw line, Dwight is a less formidable scorer on offense. Even Gortat seems better than Dwight at times.
2. Jameer Nelson shouldn’t play as much minutes as he does throughout the Finals. I understand Stan’s decision to play Jameer on the Finals for some heroic reason, but I guess he ignore the fact that Mr. Alston is the one running the show throughout the Playoffs. Although Nelson is a better shooter than Alston, having Jameer around on crucial Playoffs games is something that his teammates need to get used to again. The Finals are NOT the time to test team chemistry!
3. Why on earth J.J. plays Kobe?! J.J. Redick is an excellent shooter, but he is a lackluster defender. Having J.J. to guard Kobe is ridiculous. Even Courtney Lee is way much better than J.J. Mickael Pietrus is Magic’s best bet for the job – He’s got the size and defensive capability to, at least, slow Kobe down. Mickael should play more minutes.

My raves: Los Angeles Lakers – Master Zen is what other teams don’t have

The Lakers are dominant throughout the season. Period. I foresaw that the Lakers will win the 2009 NBA Champs, for some reason:

1. Master Zen is here. Phil Jackson is what the Lakers need, regardless the talents on the team. His approach in trusting his players to play through adversities reaps the result: The Lakers’ players are mentally tough and ready to take the team to the highest level.
2. Kobe’s unselfish game. I hated Kobe – He always want to take the shot, but he simply couldn’t do what MJ has done (LeBron is better in changing the game direction than Kobe, IMO.) But I respect him this year – By being a huge factor without shooting the ball that often, he often made himself a decoy, that leads his teammates to easy scoring. Kudos!
3. Pau Gasol is the real MVP. You gotta admit – Without Pau, the Lakers won’t win the Champs. He plays 4 and 5 well, and although he seems lack strength, his skills are excellent, especially on the offensive-end of the game. What’s more, he takes his second-man role in Lakers pretty well (unlike Shaq.)
4. Derek Fisher is the best trade the Lakers do. Like wine, Derek’s quality improves with age. Fisher is the major factor of Lakers success in changing the game situation. He hits deadly clutch shots in the Finals, costing the Magic the Title.
5. Trevor Ariza steps up. Ariza is not only a threat on defensive-end these days. He changes the game direction to favor the Lakers through his not-typical three point shooting. Master Zen did well in grooming Ariza.

Again, congrats to the Lakers!

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