Random Observations: Game 4

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---Wow. Game 4 of the 2009 NBA Finals featured one of the most astonishing choke jobs in NBA history. With all due respect to the Lakers, a team that, barring a miracle, will be the deserving champions, this game was lost by Orlando, not won by Los Angeles.

---Don't get me wrong: Derek Fisher proved why he is one of the most clutch players to have ever played the game, sinking two incredibly clutch threes in the fourth quarter and in overtime to clinch a victory. And the Lakers showed impressive grit in the second half and in overtime. But let's be honest: The Magic projectile vomited and handed all the momentum to the Lakers. First of all, missed free throws killed Orlando down the stretch. Hedo Turkoglu, a usually reliable free throw shooter, clanked three of four from the charity stripe in the final minutes of regulation, and Dwight Howard threw up two bricks in the final seconds before Fisher hit the three to send the game into overtime. All Howard needed to do was make one and the series would be tied.

---As far as I am concerned, too much blame is being placed on the shoulders of Stan Van Gundy. After all, is it his fault that his team went colder than a Chicago winter down the stretch? Absolutely not. I mean, if Dwight Howard hits a free throw, Stan Van Gundy would be two wins away from leading his team to an NBA title. However, there is one area where Van Gundy was wrong last night, and that is playing Jameer Nelson almost exclusively down the stretch, leaving Rafer Alston on the bench for what seemed like the entire fourth quarter. When healthy, Nelson is a top-notch point guard. But last night he again showed why is not yet at full strength. Alston, coming off an excellent performance in Game 3, had been playing well, but he got about as much playing time as Adam Morrison in the fourth quarter.

---I don't mean to pile on Dwight Howard, but Superman has been a big disappointment in these Finals. If I were an NBA GM looking to start a franchise from scratch, I would take Dwight Howard in a heartbeat. Howard is an unbelievable talent with freakish athleticism, and his potential is staggering. But if I were an NBA GM looking to fill an immediate need at the center position, I would probably take Yao Ming. During these Finals, Howard has showed his youth in sometimes painful ways. Defensively, Howard is absolutely stellar. Offensively, however, he has a lot to learn.

---As for the Lakers, you just have to tip your cap. I am hoping for a miracle, but right now L.A. is the better team. No if's, and's, or but's about it. Phil Jackson's team has been tougher, more composed, and more agressive during these Finals.

---For the record: Kobe Bryant had his second straight disappearing act in the fourth quarter last night. As good as MJ? I don't think so.

---Here's how I think the rest of the series will pan out: Orlando plays with incredible effort in Game 5 and gets the win, with the Lakers closing it out in 6. Again, I am hoping for a miracle.

---I'll end on a programming note: Due to some vacation time, this blog will be inactive until the week of June 22. However, in late June and throughout July, stay tuned for a live blog on the NBA Draft, plenty of baseball blogs, a live blog on the MLB trading deadline, and more random observations on the wonderful world of sports.

Random Observations: NBA Finals Edition

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---And then there were two. The Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers battle for championship glory beginning tomorrow night at the Staples Center. I'm terrible at predictions, but just for the heck of it, I'll go with my heart: Magic in 6. Beat LA!!!

---This should be a fantastic series. Orlando, led by the unstoppable Dwight Howard, is an incredibly dangerous team, and if the threes keep falling, Stan Van Gundy's team will pose some serious problems for the Lakers. On the other side, there is Kobe Bryant, and as much as I dislike the guy, his presence in the Finals will make for spectacular drama.

---It will be interesting to see how the two defenses react to Dwight Howard and Kobe Bryant. Phil Jackson will use Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol as his Superman stoppers, while Stan Van Gundy will likely start Mikael Pietrus on Kobe. Pietrus will likely fare better than Bynum and Gasol, judging by his admirable defensive effort against LeBron James in the Eastern Conference finals.

---Speaking of LeBron, there is no excuse for that display of poor sportsmanship at the end of Game 6 against the Magic. James is the best player in the NBA, and he has every right to be frustrated with the lack of support from his teammates. But just because you're justifiably upset does not mean that it's okay to bolt out of the arena like a bitter schoolgirl.

---Are the well-publicized rumors of Jameer Nelson's return true? I certainly hope so. Nelson is probably rusty after four months off the court, and he would be backing up Rafer Alston if he returns in this series. However, even with limited production, Nelson can provide emotional uplift for the underdog Magic.

---I was very impressed with the play of Lamar Odom in games five and six against Denver. Odom, a player who occasionally puts in lackluster effort, fully realized his talent in those two games. However, he might have a heart attack on the court if he keeps gorging on candy every day. Odom's sugar-heavy diet is likely to cause him problems once his career is over.

---Shaq says via Twitter that he wants Kobe to win another championship. In other news, Latrell Spreewell says that he and P.J. Carlisimo are best friends.

---Dwight and Kobe are the two stars, but my two key players in this series are Rashard Lewis and Pau Gasol.

---Every time I glance at the Lakers bench, I am reminded of the sad plight of Adam Morrison. After a stellar college career at Gonzaga, Morrison was praised by some as the second coming of Larry Bird. Now, he is nothing more than a forgettable bench warmer.

---I hate the Lakers, but I love Jack Nicholson. I wish more celebrities were as devoted to their sports teams as Jack is with his beloved purple and gold.

---The Finals feature a hilarious contrast between the two head coaches. On one side you have Phil Jackson, a Hall of Famer whose extreme calm makes him a living advertisement for Xanax. On the other side you have Stan Van Gundy, a coach whose frantic intensity makes Bobby Knight blush.

---So sit back, relax, and enjoy the NBA Finals. And remember........Go Magic!!!