Hmmmm maybe that NBA Finals experience paid off? Derek Fisher came through with two HUGE threes, one of which tied the game at the end of regulation to send the game to overtime and the other put the Lakers ahead for good in overtime. While everyone is sure to talk about Fish's two threes, Dwight Howard's missed free throws and possibly Michael Pietrus' foul at the end of the game, what many will forget is Trevor Ariza's nine consecutive points to get the Lakers back in the ball game in the third period.
This was a game the Lakers probably shouldn't have won. The Orlando Magic were far better in the first half as they shot over 50% while the Lakers shot 33%, but a strong third quarter got the Lakers back in it. There are two numbers the Magic will look at as keys in them letting the game get away. One if the 17 Magic turnovers to 7 for the Lakers. The other is their 59.5% free throw shooting.
The play that will stand out in my mind came from Kobe Bryant, as per usual, but it wasn't a big shot that stands out. Following a Dwight Howard offensive rebound, Kobe stepped in, ripped the ball from the Orlando center and held on strong as he got fouled. That play right there showed the toughness the Lakers have this year that was missing last year. That right there is a leader stepping in and doing the dirty work. That game right there is the Lakers taking a 3-1 series lead in these NBA Finals, one win away from a NBA Championship and party on Figueroa.
This is your postgame thread so share all of your thoughts and comments below.