Thursday May 21 2008 - 4:40pm Eastern
How ’bout that HUGE win by the Lakers last night!? Wow. When they were down by 20 with less than six minutes to go in the 3RD … I gave them no help in hell of making the comeback against the mighty Spurs. But LA stepped up its “D” - a component of their game that has sort of flown under the radar this year - and they maintained their home-court dominance this post-season … improving to 7-0 at Staples Center.
The Lakers’ turn-around was the 2ND largest in the NBA playoffs in the last 10 years. Boston was down by 26 in the 3RD quarter of Game 3 of the Eastern Final against New Jersey back in May 2002 … but they came back to win that game 94-90 over the Nets.
This series actually marks the 6TH time since 1999 that LA and San Antonio have squared off in the post-season. And if you combine their last meeting - in 2004 - with last night’s Game 1 … the Lakers have now won 5 playoff games in a row against the Spurs … and 15 of their last 22.
If you’re not a fan of either of these two teams though … you’re probably getting bored with the Western Conference … ’cause either the Spurs or the Lakers have represented the West in the Finals in 8 of the last 9 seasons. The only time we haven’t seen LA or San Antonio … was back in 2006 when Dallas lost the Championship to Miami.
But the most impressive number is *40*. With last night’s win, the Lakers struck first and took the 1-0 lead in the series. And Phil Jackson-coached teams are 40-0 in the playoffs when winning Game 1. 40-0!
Jackson is also the winningest coach in NBA playoff history … sitting at 188-79. That’s a 70% winning percentage!
For what it’s worth … in LA’s franchise history … the Lakers are 52-7 when winning Game 1 of a best-of-seven series.
Based on the numbers, the Spurs sure seem to have the odds stacked against them.
E. Smith
I pray that the Spurs take this series.As talented as KB is i can’t stand his arrogance. He’s got three championships and he was asking to leave before the season started. What, three isn’t enough? If he wins another this year will he ask to be moved in a few years when they take a dip again. He’s one of the most selfish jerks in the league.
- jeffKobe is not human! I am a die hard Lakers fan and even I changed the channel when they were down 20. But….. I can’t say enough about LA. They were HORRIBLE but they still beat the champs. If Lakers go 2-0 up, there is no chance in hell for San Antonio. You simply can’t beat this mighty Lakers team 4 out of 5 times.
- BeburgOne thing is guaranteed for game 2, Odom and Fisher will show up! The MVP will lead the way again and it is Lakers all the way. 41-0 for Phil!
Hey Eric, Jays, Raps, Leafs fan from Rhode Island, US.
- Tom StewartDo you think Toronto could trade for Baron Davis, I know he is making 16 Mill a year. Possibly trade TJ and another player. Do the Raps need another PG. Calderon and Baron Davis would be awesome. Thanks
Lakers demolished the Spurs! It’s 2-0. It’ll be a miracle for the Spurs to win 4 out of 5 now. Lakers are no Hornets!
LA Lakers the 2008 NBA Champions!
- Beburg