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Finals Game 3 — Postgame Entertainment

Wow, great game!

Lakers fell behind around the 6 minute mark of the 3rd Q when Orlando stepped up their D and Team Purple forced up bad jumpers. They played from behind thereafter, finally catching the Magic briefly at the end.

Kobe: Free Throw shooting catastrophe. Five for ten... Discuss.

Big steal by Mickael Pietrus at the 30 second mark when Kobe went butterfingers. Kobe intentional fouled and Pietrus was money at the line, sinking a pair to stretch the lead to 4 with 28.7.

Yikes.

The "BEAT L-A!!!" chants erupted as the Lakers took a TO to move the ball.

With no fouls to give, ball came in to Pau to Lamar to Kobe, who shot a conested 3 and missed. Lamar saved to Trevor and another TO came with only 16.3 on the clock.

"Still plenty of time for LA," said JVG, "they do not need the 3 point shot..."

But what we got was a bunch of missed 3s — Trevor, Kobe, Fish... Kobe cleaned up on Fish's brick for 2, but the clock had more or less run out with the ball flying around and coming off for long offensive rebounds... 

The Magic inbounded with 0.5, up 2, for the intentional foul — but with no timeouts, the Lakers were dead.

Well, the series is 2-1 and you may now vent.

Hike.

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Officiating was bad, of course.

Kobe not clutch, the Magic shoot 5000% from the field. It’s an anomaly. Lakers in 6 still.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:00 PM PDT reply actions  

About officiating...

we got called for every strip of Dwight Howard they didn’t call in games 1 and 2. Homecourt shmadvantage.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:01 PM PDT up reply actions  

Regardless of the officiating, we had a chance to win it and couldn't come through

Missed FTs and were careless.

GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!

Lakers lead NBA Finals 2-1

by weazel on Jun 9, 2009 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions  

Regardless of the chances...

I do understand why fans marvel at the officials in losses. What if they called the two double dribbles in the first quarter on the Magic? We might not have even needed to make FTs to win.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:05 PM PDT up reply actions  

Oh well losses are losses, no time to cry over spilled milk. Just move onto the next game. You have to take into consideration that this was a must-win game for Orlando, they deserved the win.

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions  

And now the Lakers WILL respond in game 4.

GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!

Lakers lead NBA Finals 2-1

by weazel on Jun 9, 2009 9:08 PM PDT up reply actions  

Will they?

I’m not convinced. Homecourt is wonderous for the Magic.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:10 PM PDT up reply actions  

They Lakers have shown they respond from losses.

And I can’t see the Magic shooting this well for two games in a row.

GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!

Lakers lead NBA Finals 2-1

by weazel on Jun 9, 2009 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions  

Eeek.

I’d like to agree with you, but this Magic team is just incredible offensively at home.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions  

True

GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!

Lakers lead NBA Finals 2-1

by weazel on Jun 9, 2009 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions  

But we will make adjustments to their offense

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions  

That's the thing...

what sort of adjustments can we make? Sure we had some breakdowns, but the Magic didn’t get anything easy. They hardly had any dunks or uncontested layups. They got their jumpshots and they NAILED them. It doesn’t seem hard for the Magic to replicate what they did tonight (other than Pietrus)

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:19 PM PDT up reply actions  

They killed us with the pick and roll. Whether they were contested shots there are spots on the court which some players find more “comfortable” and we didn’t do that great of a job of making the Magic players take a step or take some extra dribbles. It’s harder then you would think to continue shooting 62% from the field as a team …. And at this point I dont think Orlando CAN continue shooting 62%.

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions  

Van Gundy's last stand

Reversion to the mean, in the form of FG%, is going to bite Orlando it the butt. Hard.

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jun 9, 2009 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions  

We had our chance to win it and blew it.

The way the game was going I wasn’t going to be pissed if we lost because the Magic just were shooting lights out. However, now this one is on the Lakers. The Magic finally got cold at the right time and we couldn’t take advantage of it. I said several times that close games always come down to making you FTs and that is what it came down to.

The good news is that the Magic had to shoot 62% from the field (75% in the first half) and they only won by 4.

GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!

Lakers lead NBA Finals 2-1

by weazel on Jun 9, 2009 9:02 PM PDT reply actions  

Un kobe like 2nd half

2 -12 , missed key free throws, had a key turnover. Chucked up a couple of bad shots.
1st 3 quarters a familiar theme in losses Lamar disappears and fisher gets burned on D
Lamar had an OK 4th quarter and Fish made some key shots but the game was decided by a few smal things.

by keefer on Jun 9, 2009 9:03 PM PDT reply actions  

kobe going 2-12 from the field sux, but that wasnt the problem. his turnovers and MAINLY his WIDEOPEN free throws lost the game. def not a clutch shooting nite from the line for kobe.

by kumquatsrus on Jun 9, 2009 9:05 PM PDT up reply actions  

When Kobe misses 5 free throws and Pietrus makes a sick turn-around fadeaway jumper, thats when you know its not your night.

Don’t worry guys. We just have to be ready for Game 4 because you know Kobe won’t miss 5 free throws or only make around 3 FG’s after the 1st quarter

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:04 PM PDT reply actions  

Yeap. Probably was the best indication that it just wasn’t our night. Plus all the missed free throws, kobe going cold, and turnovers…

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

Did Phil go all out this game? Why’d Kobe get so much rest to start the 4th? Very similar to one of those Denver games. Plus Pau sat a lot in the first half

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:05 PM PDT reply actions  

Pau was in foul trouble. Phil probably thought Kobe was tired because of his poor third quarter.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:06 PM PDT up reply actions  

My point exactly. Phil didn’t go all out.

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

???

It’s better to have a rested Kobe 8 minutes into the fourth than a tired Kobe 10 minutes into the fourth. I’m not buying it.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:12 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yeah, but in do or die situations Kobe has stayed in for the whole 4th quarter. I dont know. I trust Phil, he knows how to pace the players throughout the whole playoffs

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions  

Really?

I’ve seen Kobe start the fourth before in these playoffs, but he usually sits for a couple minutes at least every fourth quarter from what I’ve seen (could be wrong).

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions  

Well he does sit during the start of 4th quarters, but only when we’re ahead in the series. Seems that way at least. Phil understands which games are more important than the rest. (yeah yeah each game is important)

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:19 PM PDT up reply actions  

That's true and debating it doesn't really matter I guess

All that matters is who wins the series in the end

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

Well Kobe blew dat one

But we ain’t worried. The Lakers will get it Thursday or Sunday for sure… right?

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jun 9, 2009 9:06 PM PDT reply actions  

We haven’t lost two in a row in the playoffs so far.
We haven’t lost three in a row (reg season and playoffs) since we got Pau

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:08 PM PDT up reply actions  

This game was a coin flip at the end.

Sometimes it comes up tails.

"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal

by timbo on Jun 9, 2009 9:06 PM PDT reply actions  

It's a coin flip to us

But not to the players on the court.

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jun 9, 2009 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions  

And now we will hear from Magic fans

“We should be up 2-1!”

… Um, no.

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jun 9, 2009 9:07 PM PDT reply actions  

hopefully that's the attitude their team takes coming into game 4

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions  

Make free throws, we win

simple as that, but whatever

Still very confident we’ll win at least one in Orlando

Nick Adenhart - 1986 - 2009 R.I.P.

by swiss mcgee on Jun 9, 2009 9:07 PM PDT reply actions  

Well, see y'all — time for me to do something else for a while, I've had basketball on the brain all day today...

There are good losses and bad losses. This was a good loss.

"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal

by timbo on Jun 9, 2009 9:08 PM PDT reply actions  

so you're saying we played good defense?

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

good loss = oxymoron

I would state that our confidence level is still high

Nick Adenhart - 1986 - 2009 R.I.P.

by swiss mcgee on Jun 9, 2009 9:10 PM PDT up reply actions  

No offense, but I can't say this was a good loss.

We should have won this one.

GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!

Lakers lead NBA Finals 2-1

by weazel on Jun 9, 2009 9:10 PM PDT up reply actions  

There are no “moral victories” aka good losses in the Finals. A loss is a loss no matter how you cut it. Now it’s about the adjustments we make and how we respond. If I’ve learned anything about the Lakers in these playoffs, it’s that they always respond.

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:12 PM PDT up reply actions  

What's up with Phil publicly acknowledging a goaltend...

…after the NBA said it wasn’t? That’s a terrible move imo.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:09 PM PDT reply actions  

Well Phil knows the NBA can’t do anything about it. If he feels it should have been called why not say it? But you only acknowledge it after the refs missed the call and you win the game, i guess.

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions  

I see it as sending the message to his team...

“we should have lost that game” which isn’t good for confidence.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions  

Meh. We got the win and that’s all that matters. I dont think Phil is trying to send any real message. Somehow I doubt the guys are that bent up about winning a game through a missed call

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions  

I don't think he was trying to send any message either.

It’s just a stupid thing to do in my opinion. At the bare minimum it only fires up the Magic fans even more.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions  

Probably because then they pull out the old “We could be 2-1 right now in the series” but whatever.. It doesn’t matter how much they complain, all we have to keep in mind is that at the end of the day we got the W. (for that game)

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions  

Backcourt I would have like to have seen

Kobe and Shannon with Kobe on Rafer and Shannon on Lee

Nick Adenhart - 1986 - 2009 R.I.P.

by swiss mcgee on Jun 9, 2009 9:12 PM PDT reply actions  

No way.

Farmar kept us in the game in the fourth. He played great defense on Alston and hit big shots. Sit down Shannon Brown.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions  

I would have liked to see some Shannon. Probably in the 2nd quarter

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yeah, I guess things changed in the 4th quarter

but earlier in the game when Rafer was going off, yeah

I don’t think Jordan could handle Lee’s height advantage over him compared to Shannon

Nick Adenhart - 1986 - 2009 R.I.P.

by swiss mcgee on Jun 9, 2009 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions  

Lewis' last make was ginormous

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jun 9, 2009 9:13 PM PDT reply actions  

Yeah. We switched so voluntarily on that play.

Defensive breakdown…do….not….leave….Rashard….

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions  

A real champion never blames the officials.

As frustrating as it may be the Magic won. Who cares about the officiating. lets put the responsibility on the players. The officials didn’t make the Lakers miss their free throws. The Lakers beat themselves period.

by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Jun 9, 2009 9:14 PM PDT reply actions  

16-26

from the ft line, aint gonna cut it on the road

by kumquatsrus on Jun 9, 2009 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions  

Not to mention half of the misses coming from Kobe. I’m sure we won’t see that again

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:17 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yep, the games turn on a trifle now

Missed FTs
Alston’s little spurt
Ariza missed dunk
Kobe missed layup
Kobe missed three
Kobe splitting double team, Howard gets hand on ball
Kobe not catching Gasol’s pass from ground (should Pau have called TO)?

Odom had a nice fourth quarter!

I’m feel confident Lakers will get Thursday’s game, and if not definitely Sunday’s game.

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jun 9, 2009 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions  

If only Lamar would have woken up before the 4th quarter. He was a huge part of taht run to bring us back

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:19 PM PDT up reply actions  

Pau should have called a timeout.

GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!

Lakers lead NBA Finals 2-1

by weazel on Jun 9, 2009 9:33 PM PDT up reply actions  

He saw Kobe was open, and I can understand how he could be led to believe Kobe could handle the pass

Kobe just bobbled it.

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jun 9, 2009 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions  

Great Game. Lakers in 5.

Orlando play an insane game from the floor (they had to do to stay in this series). I like that the Lakers didn’t give an inch. At the end of the day, we had our chances to win despite some questionable non-calls and calls. I like our chances in Games 4 and 5.

by MambaFan on Jun 9, 2009 9:17 PM PDT reply actions  

I’d rather see Lakers in 6. Finish it off at home

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:19 PM PDT up reply actions  

Thank you

I would love the Lakers to win at the Staples center but I cannot handle another loss.

by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Jun 9, 2009 9:34 PM PDT up reply actions  

You can’t win them all

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:35 PM PDT up reply actions  

Good game, guys

At least it was competitive. Pau was huge, Odom not as much. You guys killed us on the offensive glass…it was disconcerting.

Hopefully Thursday’s game will be just as good :)

"The days go on and on... they don't end. All my life needed was a sense of someplace to go. I don't believe that one should devote his life to morbid self-attention, I believe that one should become a person like other people."

by Marie on Jun 9, 2009 9:18 PM PDT reply actions  

Odom had a nice fourth

Took it down low

Need some more of that earlier

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jun 9, 2009 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions  

Thanks for pointing out the rebounds.

Look at this:

Magic only 5 offensive boards, nice but…

Lakers only 16 defensive rebounds! The Magic only missed 21 shots. Holy crap.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions  

Maybe 24 if you count a couple that went out of bounds / fouled.

thats like 6 shots a quarter.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions  

I was holding my breath when you guys kept getting the offensive boards in the final few seconds

Great hustle

"The days go on and on... they don't end. All my life needed was a sense of someplace to go. I don't believe that one should devote his life to morbid self-attention, I believe that one should become a person like other people."

by Marie on Jun 9, 2009 9:23 PM PDT up reply actions  

New rule:

If you miss 50% more shots than your opponent, you lose the game.

Lakers: 38

Magic: 24

You do the math!

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:26 PM PDT up reply actions  

By the way

It hurts, but congrats to the Magic on winning their first NBA finals game, I wonder if the Lakers have ever lost 6 finals games in a row? I know we lost 5 in a row (2004 Games 3-5 and 2008 Game 1-2)

Nick Adenhart - 1986 - 2009 R.I.P.

by swiss mcgee on Jun 9, 2009 9:22 PM PDT reply actions  

Weird question, but where is Joel Myers?

And why does Phil always stand at a podium during the pressers?

"The days go on and on... they don't end. All my life needed was a sense of someplace to go. I don't believe that one should devote his life to morbid self-attention, I believe that one should become a person like other people."

by Marie on Jun 9, 2009 9:23 PM PDT reply actions  

It's a back problem thing...

If he doesn’t have his high chair / mic, he’ll stand.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:24 PM PDT up reply actions  

sorry my bad, hip not back.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions  

Kobes eye looks wonky

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:26 PM PDT reply actions  

Here's something scary for Laker fans.

The Magic beat the Lakers by making only 5 three pointers.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:27 PM PDT reply actions  

Well Kobe missed 5 free throws.

Magic usually make more 3’s.
Kobe usually makes those free throws

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:32 PM PDT up reply actions  

It's scary though.

The 5 threes is deceptive because it’s not like the Magic were getting to the rim all game. The Lakers forced them to take two pointers which is all you can ask for in this day and age in the NBA in terms of defense. How can the Lakers win?

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions  

They lost by 4 points to a team that shot over 60% for the game

And over 70% for the majority of the game. They shoot well at home, but that was way beyond their norm.

by 99bc99 on Jun 9, 2009 9:43 PM PDT up reply actions  

See what I mean: THAT'S A "GOOD LOSS"...

’m going back to bed, had a 3:15 am panic attack because I forgot to send a band a box of CDs.

I got better.

"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal

by timbo on Jun 10, 2009 3:29 AM PDT up reply actions  

So is it a bad win for the Magic?

Both teams played hard.

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jun 10, 2009 7:47 AM PDT up reply actions  

"Kobe: Free Throw shooting catastrophe. Five for ten... Discuss."

Bad Kobe. Make better next time.

Most guys played well. A few plays decided this. Orlando hit a lot of tough shots, yet we matched them FGM for FGM and got the better of them on 3PM. We were right there. The Magic should be worried. It took improbable shooting on their part to squeak out a win, with help from missed Kobe free throws. Na Gun Ha Pen Agin.

For the record, I have Lakers in six. Game four is ours.

by Darkemans on Jun 9, 2009 9:31 PM PDT reply actions  

Larry O'Brien Trophy in Orlando

I am sure most of you saw the video clip of the trophy in Orlando. It is their for a reason. I could care less if the Lakers win a title in Orlando. I just won the title. It would be nice but not as nice and being in a parade or watching them win in Orlando. The Magic had to play the game of their lives to win this game and they barely won. The Lakers will not play this bad again. I won the title regardless of where they win.

by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Jun 9, 2009 9:36 PM PDT reply actions  

The Lakers played just fine

except for one guy. I think it’s more about the Magic not hitting so many baskets from here on out.

by WaveOcean on Jun 9, 2009 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

I can't believe you guys couldn't win this game

Even with the Magic shooting at a percentage they shouldn’t be able to reach, you guys had plenty of opporunities to win this game. But the guy who was voted the player of the game in games 1 and 2 played one of the worst second halves of his finals career. I really think all the blame goes to him and I don’t think that should be a controversial statement. Gasol and Bynum did what they were supposed to do, Ariza and Odom had superb games, and Farmar carried the team early in the 4th. Speaking of which, was Kobe’s terrible 3rd quarter the reason PJ took so long to bring him back in the 4th?

by WaveOcean on Jun 9, 2009 9:37 PM PDT reply actions  

I can't believe we didn't steal one tonight as well

Kobe, who Mr. Clutch in the 4th quarter, wasn’t able to get it done tonight. He was 5-10 from the line and made a key turnover late as a pass from Pau to Kobe was fumbled and the Magic got it. I was yelling for them to call a timeout. The Magic shot extremly well ( 62% ) which they won’t continue. The Lakers also need to do a better job of defending the pick and roll.

GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!

Lakers lead NBA Finals 2-1

by weazel on Jun 9, 2009 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions  

When Kobe gets rest it is usually in the beginning of the 4th.

A lot of the blame should be shouldered by Kobe tonight. Live by the Mamba, die by the Mamba. You just do more winning, most of the time. Tonight (after the 1st) just wasn’t his night. Regardless, Kobe wins us more games than he loses

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:43 PM PDT up reply actions  

Why can't you believe it

Kobe is about to do something that Lebron cannot. You saw first hand that Lebron chocked so you saw first hand how the best player on a team chockes I mean didn’t you see Lebron. You sound like you are talking from spite than from an actual basketball fan. Dont hide your so called analysis with your hatred. Give us some insight not your crap of trying to rub it in with this loss.

by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Jun 9, 2009 9:44 PM PDT up reply actions  

It was not only Kobe that made errors down the stretch.

Pau made a critical mental error in turning the ball over rather than calling timeout. Lamar blew huge defensive assignments. Other players had 4th q turnovers like Farmar.

Sure everyone but Kobe played nice games by their standards, but you can’t put the blame entirely on him (though a lot of it is, this game).

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:44 PM PDT up reply actions  

Way to reach.

When the opposing team shoots 75% from the field in the first half and your best player single-handedly keeps you in it, you can’t complain a whole lot if he isn’t super-human for 48 minutes, in a game the Magic were favored to win, in which they got the free throw advantage, in which they had fewer fouls called on them, in which they outrebounded us. We’re still up 2-1. We still control this series. They made a ton of ridiculously tough shots. These things happen in basketball. That doesn’t fall on Kobe, without whom this game would have been a first half blowout.

by Darkemans on Jun 9, 2009 9:51 PM PDT up reply actions  

Good opportunities like this don't come very often.

We had the chance to win. We need to seize those opportunities. Kobe needs to trust his teammates more instead of splitting the double team when he’s tired. And he needs to hit those free throws.

It’s so disappointing I can’t stand a loss like this.If they got blown out I’d be okay with it, but they wasted a good opportunity to win. Lakers better win the next game.

by laker on Jun 10, 2009 2:48 AM PDT up reply actions  

Free throws REALLY killed us. We made 3 more 3s and made the same amount of field goals. 40 a piece. It all came down to the free throws.

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:42 PM PDT reply actions  

In close games it always does.

GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!

Lakers lead NBA Finals 2-1

by weazel on Jun 9, 2009 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions  

I know but this time it was REALLY about the free throws. Even though the Magic shot a better FG% we made the same exact amount of field goals, plus made 3 more 3’s. Well, I’m sure Kobe won’t be missing many free throws in Game 4. No way he shrugs off missing 5 of them. He’ll be in the gym

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions  

They dont call them FREE throws for nothing

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions  

Two NBA Finals records for the Magic FG%

75% in first half

62% for the whole game

GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!

Lakers lead NBA Finals 2-1

by weazel on Jun 9, 2009 9:44 PM PDT reply actions  

For the magic as a franchise or NBA?

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions  

btw love the espn video title:

“Magic stand tall at home to even series”

little foreshadowing?

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions  

“even series” ? Last time I checked it was 2-1…

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions  

meant forecasting, not foreshadowing lol

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:49 PM PDT up reply actions  

What they mean is: The Magic have given themselves a chance to do so.

by WaveOcean on Jun 9, 2009 9:49 PM PDT up reply actions  

lol there's no way to draw that meaning from that sentence.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:52 PM PDT up reply actions  

Really? It didn’t come off like that

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

It’s the best thing I can come up with.

by WaveOcean on Jun 9, 2009 10:07 PM PDT up reply actions  

Pretty sure they just made a mistake.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions  

For the NBA Finals not the Magic franchise.

This won’t be repeated.

GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!

Lakers lead NBA Finals 2-1

by weazel on Jun 9, 2009 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions  

the quiet confidence on this blog scares me...

kind of reminiscent of how timbo made a post “we didn’t want to win the series this way” when Yao went down even though Chuck Hayes and Landry played our frontcourt better than he did.

Okay…maybe it’s not quite like that but you get what I mean!

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions  

Why are you scared? There isn’t a reason to be nervous about losing a game.You cant win them all.

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:59 PM PDT up reply actions  

Scared because everyone count(ed)(s) the Magic out.

They are a much better team than they are given credit for…it has been the story all season and continues to be up through the finals.

I guess we can hope that Alston sticks to his 1:5 good game to bad game ratio.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions  

Well I’m confident that we can respond.. We were very close to winning despite Magic’s hot shooting. Alston made some circus shots, so did Pietrus (turnaround fadeaway J). It happens. This was a MUST WIN situation for Orlando tonight. No way am I counting them out, I just really think that we have the better team. Tonight is a prime example. We beat ourselves by not making those free throws. Besides not making free throws we were even on FG’s made (plus we made more 3’s than them)

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 10:12 PM PDT up reply actions  

I’m predicting that game 4 will be won by at least 8 points by either the Lakers or the Magic. I think it won’t be a close game.

by WaveOcean on Jun 9, 2009 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

We wouldn't be here without Kobe

so before the bashing starts about his free throws let’s not forget that without him this team would not be where it is at. He is not perfect but what do you guys want? Lebron (choke artist, poor sport) James? He will bounce back! give him a break!

by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Jun 9, 2009 9:47 PM PDT reply actions  

Law of averages?

Kobe’s freethrow shooting these playoffs has been ridiculous.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions  

Nah. That would mean Dwight would start shooting something putrid from the FT line in order to bring down his averages. before this game, Kobe was making hte most out of FREE points. Tonight just wasn’t his night. From the start of the game his free throws did not look good

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:49 PM PDT up reply actions  

agree.

I called it somewhere in the second quarter to my friends that his free throw shot looked off.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:52 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yeap, looked very odd when he released the ball….

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

PGFL, you don't have to defend him

It’s okay to be mad at him if he only hits 3 of his final 14 shots in a 4 point game.

I don’t take pleasure in hurting anyone’s feelings, especially not you guys’. I wasn’t trying to rub in anything by pinning Kobe to the loss. I really think you guys had a golden opportunity to throw Orlando an anvil in the water, and had Kobe made a few more shots, you would have. Please don’t be angry.

by WaveOcean on Jun 9, 2009 10:00 PM PDT up reply actions  

Or if Trevor had. Or if Pau Gasol had grabbed a frikin rebound.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions  

Nah I understand what point you were trying to get across. Kobe wanted to be the leader of the team. When you are the leader of the team you get praised the most when the team wins, and criticized the most when the team loses. It comes with being the “leader” of the team.

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions  

nah we understand hes human, but when something is expected of u and u dont perform up to ur standards, then ur gonna get critized

by kumquatsrus on Jun 9, 2009 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions  

nah we understand hes human, but when something is expected of u and u dont perform up to ur standards, then ur gonna get critized

by kumquatsrus on Jun 9, 2009 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yep

You can’t pick and choose. If not for Kobe, the Lakers would not have been in the game. He also blew some big possessions.

But you take the good, you take the bad , you take them both, and there you have the facts of life.

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jun 10, 2009 7:49 AM PDT up reply actions  

Lamar needs to start assert himself throughout the game instead of only the 4th quarter

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:48 PM PDT reply actions  

What did he do wrong during the rest of the game?

by WaveOcean on Jun 9, 2009 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions  

From quarters 1-3 he was no where in sight. Do you remember Lamar making any great plays before the 4th quarter? Do you remember Lamar’s presence on the court before the 4th?

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions  

Needed to post up more

And demand the ball

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jun 9, 2009 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions  

Wasn’t Andrew playing in the 1st half instead of him?

by WaveOcean on Jun 9, 2009 9:52 PM PDT up reply actions  

Nah, Lamar got a lot of time.

Pau was in foul trouble.

His first possession of the game was him bricking on a 20 footer. Never a good sign of what’s to come.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions  

Take it easy guys and I'll see you on Thursday.

GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!

Lakers lead NBA Finals 2-1

by weazel on Jun 9, 2009 9:50 PM PDT reply actions  

Luke has been efficient and productive with the minutes he’s playing.

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 10:02 PM PDT reply actions  

Part of the reason I don't like watching the game with some of my friends...

is the undeserved hatred on LW. It takes a blogger to appreciate him and what he really brings to our team I guess :)

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions  

Luke does make some errant plays sometimes, but he has been good this series. Very efficient without trying to do too much. His passes have been pretty spot on. Once in awhile he’s turned the ball over trying to do too much, but he has done what a bench player is asked to do. Now if only Sasha could learn to play his role by making WIDE open shots.

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions  

I think he did all he could in this game. Also, I think a foul was called against him that looked questionable, but I don’t remember exactly what it was.

by WaveOcean on Jun 9, 2009 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yeah they called him for clearing out even though he didn’t….. It was a bull call, and should have counted as a made shot or an and-1. I really think Crawford does not like Luke. In the Denver series the only time he was in foul trouble was when Crawford officiated the game…. Surprise Surprise, he gets some bull calls called on him…..

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions  

Forgot about that Luke bucket.

Bullshit call.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yeap. Luke had VERY good position too which makes it that much more questionable. That should have counted as a made basket since the ball did go in. Instead Crawford waves the shot off and gives the foul to Luke. I’m not saying this call was the reason the Magic won or why we lost. I just want to point out how unfair Crawford has treated Luke. Very questionable.

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions  

If you go to Pounding the Rock

Someone referred to Joey Crawford as “Spurs BFF” during the 2008 WCF, and I don’t think that stands for “best friend forever”.

by WaveOcean on Jun 9, 2009 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions  

Its baffling how Stern allows Crawford to officiate Spurs games…. Especially after the debacle with Tim Duncan being ejected for “laughing”

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 10:13 PM PDT up reply actions  

Did someone say the officiating was bad?

I don’t think the refs made any mistakes, except maybe Kobe’s elbow that was called an offensive foul, but even that’s not too big a deal.

by WaveOcean on Jun 9, 2009 10:03 PM PDT reply actions  

The refs made lots of mistakes.

Easy to see and hear from the broadcasting team unless you’re watching the game on mute.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions  

officiating is always relatively bad

its to be expected, and yes there were alot of bad calls/noncalls against the lakers, and i did see some bad calls against the magic.

by kumquatsrus on Jun 9, 2009 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions  

Their were “weak” calls – calls that don’t necessarily need to be called because they potentially don’t affect the outcome of the possession. It went both ways though. Doesn’t matter about the bad officiating when the Lakers can’t down shots when they do get to the line

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

You asked for mistakes

I ain’t complaining, but here’s a short list since you asked

All the pushing by Dwight under the boards
Michael Pietrus double dribble
Michael Pietrus putback dunk where ball was in cylinder
No foul call for Gasol late in game (he made the basket anyway)

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jun 9, 2009 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions  

Not to mention not a single 3 second call on Dwight.

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yep but the reason the Lakers lost

Was not so great defense and close outs.

If the Lakers had won, they would have stole that game

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jun 9, 2009 10:12 PM PDT up reply actions  

The main reason we lost was because we missed 10 free throws. We were even in field goals made AND made more 3’s. The FT’s burned us

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions  

Wow. I remember all that.

Maybe I just chose to forget it because I convinced myself the officiating looked even.

by WaveOcean on Jun 9, 2009 10:13 PM PDT up reply actions  

It was alright, there were bad calls both ways. The refs can’t get all of it right. They did miss some “cut and dried” calls though…

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions  

but again that should be expected, and a road team knows they have to play through to win, which they did for the most part despite magic on fire, and despite some costly turnovers, but they only had 13 – same as orlando so that was okay too. imo, it all came down to converting your FTs because those are supposed to be gimmes, especially for a 90% shooter from the line. but it is what it is, which was a hard fought battle from both sides, we just didn’t execute properly and play with 110% focus down the stretch. was a bad nite overall, but definitely not bad enough to have won the game.

by kumquatsrus on Jun 9, 2009 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions  

Just time to make adjustments and move on to the next game.

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yep

You gotta play through it, its what champ-ee-uns do.

And people seem to expect Kobe to dwell on losses or something. All you can do is shake it off, make your adjustments, and give your best the next game. No point in crying over spilled milk.

Kobe finally cracks a smile, and it’s after a loss! They asked him whether he was tired, as Phil said , and he replied “I felt OK”. Everyone cracked up, including Kobe. And then another time, some guy asked him if they guy in crowd waving the red flag bothered him, he said “who are you talking about?” more laughter, and then “If I had seen him, maybe I would’ve made a shot”. Rimshot! Comedian.

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jun 9, 2009 10:19 PM PDT up reply actions  

i would watch that, kobe dwight and lebron on snl, that is.

by kumquatsrus on Jun 9, 2009 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions  

Hey, guys, look at the bright side

We lost by only 4. Kobe had a so-so game, a bad performance from the line and during the second half. oh, btw, Orlando played the best they can, shooting +60%. If we play the same way Thursday, we win. Overall, we did not play bad, they just played better than us.

RIP Nick Adenhart 4/9/09

by vlad IS my man on Jun 9, 2009 10:50 PM PDT reply actions  

Kobe ...

Paxson won it for the Bulls in ‘93. Kerr won it for the Bulls in ’97. Both plays were set up by MJ, the eventual Finals MVP. For God’s sake, PASS THE BALL TO THE OPEN MAN.

It happened in Game 2 at the end of regulation and here in Game 3 too. Ariza, Odom, Fisher were open in G2 and could have hit a shot to win it then. Instead, we had to rely on Chokeney Lee to hand us another opportunity.

I love the guy, but Kobe is the last to admit he’s having an off-day. That’s why there’s 4 other guys.

by ATLakers on Jun 9, 2009 10:53 PM PDT reply actions  

Kobe made the right decisions.

He passed on a big 3 pointer with 30 seconds left to Ariza, who missed it. Honestly, when Kobe didn’t pass was more of good Magic defense / Lakers not working to get open around him. I didn’t see him take any shots down the stretch that I’d call selfish (not the story throughout the whole game, obviously).

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jun 9, 2009 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions  

The Bulls never swept their opponents in the Finals either

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jun 9, 2009 11:11 PM PDT up reply actions  

Well, we’re not sweeping the Magic …

by ATLakers on Jun 9, 2009 11:32 PM PDT up reply actions  

I think they still have a chance to sweep

Just need a Delorean and a flux capacitor

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jun 10, 2009 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions  

It even happened to the greatest of them all, on the same end of the court in this same building, when Michael Jordan lost the ball to Nick Anderson’s blindside steal in the 1995 Eastern Conference finals. (Maybe it was a good idea to have Anderson on the court in the pregame introductions after all. I thought it would bring back too many bad vibes from those missed free throws in Game 1 of the 1995 NBA Finals.)

by intuitive on Jun 9, 2009 11:31 PM PDT up reply actions  

Nah not this game Kobe gave the ball up, made some turnovers but it was normal basketball stuff

Nothing I can call selfish, he made plays and didn’t make plays but you gotta give Magic credit for not allowing Kobe to have his way in the second quarter and with alittle ref help because Kobe was fouled by Lee every possesion but no call so Lakers lost, I’m not mad we will get them game 4.

by BrittneyM on Jun 10, 2009 12:19 AM PDT up reply actions  

Just got back from watching the game at the bar.............

Only took one photo……………….God I REALLY love LA.

!Photobucket!

Well, sir, you are a cowardly son of a bitch! You just shot an unarmed man!.......Well, he should have armed himself if he's going to decorate his saloon with my friend. – Will Munny

by pslakerfan on Jun 9, 2009 11:33 PM PDT reply actions  

Well whether or not he wants to admit it

Kobe was tired. But I’m guessing he’s also pissed at himself at this point for back to back unspectacular games. Look for him to drop, oh I don’t know, 50 next game just to shut everyone up (think of it as PHX Game 6 in reverse).

Also, if Alston is going to grow a pair of balls like he did tonight, then sic UPS on him for a few minutes. Brown would SHUT HIM DOWN and take away all of that confidence Rafer had going for him.

by Sideout11 on Jun 10, 2009 12:02 AM PDT reply actions  

this was a great game. lakers were in great position to finish out like they often do; they kept it close and were ready to strike in the end, but kobe turned the ball over. pao should have called time out as soon as he recovered. anyhow. great game. congrats to the magic, they shot the lights out.

by chaucer on Jun 10, 2009 12:05 AM PDT reply actions  

Well I will give the Lakers credit

They played bad, Magic played great and we still only lost by 4 so Lakers have to be happy that they almost could of put this series out of the Magics reach but I still like the Lakers chances and nothing changes, Lakers will win game 4. I’m not gonna complain about anything that happened in game 3, I just would love for the Lakers to win game 4.

by BrittneyM on Jun 10, 2009 12:11 AM PDT reply actions  

spero dedes, the lakers’ radio play-by-play announcer needs to get promoted to the television announcer on kcal. seriously, this guy is the best announcer we’ve had after chick hearn. he is extremely talented and has the voice.

by chaucer on Jun 10, 2009 12:26 AM PDT reply actions  

J.J. Redick doesn't play, Magic win Game 3

Coincidence? I think not….

"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller

by fourstick on Jun 10, 2009 6:54 AM PDT reply actions  

Record breaking shooting percentage and they win by 4???

That’s gotta say something about the way the Lakers played. They played a great game with poor free throw shooting and a couple of careless and stupid turnovers at the end by Kobe. No shame in that though, it happens. It would be crazy to think that Orlando would break another shooting percentage record for 3 out of the next 4 games…not happening. If you’re a Magic fan, there’s nothing to be happy about because you’re just delaying the innevitable here.

Today, I would make the Lakers take 100 free throws. No one leaves the court until we reach at least a 90% make rate. That was just terrible last night. No worries though…we’re still in control of the series.

by BallerBabe on Jun 10, 2009 7:11 AM PDT reply actions  

Predictions

I say Magic win game 4 to tie the series 2-2 then Lakers take game 5 (3-2) Magic take game 6 (3-3) and then magic take game 7 and the series. I only pick the Magic because I think they are the team with more “hunger for the win” this time…

"Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen"
~ Michael Jordan

by ChiBullsFan on Jun 10, 2009 7:37 AM PDT reply actions  

But wouldn't LA be hungry too, after what happened last year?

This is coming from an Orlando resident and Magic fan.

"The days go on and on... they don't end. All my life needed was a sense of someplace to go. I don't believe that one should devote his life to morbid self-attention, I believe that one should become a person like other people."

by Marie on Jun 10, 2009 7:49 AM PDT up reply actions  

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