PROTECT THE PAINT

Kobe could not carry the load in Game 3 (AP)

Despite dropping Game 3 of the NBA Finals to the Orlando Magic, the Lakers’ confidence can’t be that shaken. Think about it, the Magic—in winning their first ever NBA Finals game—shot a record percentage in the first half and for the game. They went a blistering 75 percent (24 of 32) from the floor in the first and cooled off in the second when they were only 50 percent (16 of 32).

Their big three: Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, and Hedo Turkoglu all had big games, not to mention the major contribution from Rafer Alston and Mickael Pietrus, plus Kobe Bryant missed 10 of his last 12 shots and was an un-Kobe-like 5 of 10 from the foul line. Translation, Orlando played a near perfect game and still barely won, 108-104.

“We have to understand,” says Alston “he (Bryant) is not one to let it happen on back-to-back occasions.”

For the Magic to even the series Thursday night in Orlando, they will need another big effort from Pietrus. Despite the great team effort, the Frenchman’s offense was huge in the final period and his defense on Kobe could be looked at as the difference in the game.

“It’s disappointing,” Bryant said. “I’m used to coming through in those situations. The team trusts me to come through in those situations and it just didn’t happen. Just got to bounce back.”

Aside from stopping Kobe, the Magic did a much better job of driving to the rim in Game 3 and not settling for the three-point shot. This marked a change in strategy from the first two games and proved largely effective versus the Lakers. Phil Jackson must motivate his team to be tougher defensively in the paint. An adjustment to Alston driving to the hoop is necessary.

The Lakers’ front line is not remotely intimidated by Orlando. Howard swats shots, but the physicality of the Denver series toughened them up for the Finals. Pau Gasol scored at will (9 of 11 from the floor for 23 points) in Game 3 and is underrated defensively.

It’s hard to imagine Kobe having back-to-back bad games, or more specifically another bad 4th quarter.

Orlando needs more perfection, or at least near-perfection to beat the Lakers in a must-win game for them.

If not, Shaq’s “tweets” could become the most compelling storyline of these Finals.

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