| 04 May 2011
Heading into game two, some quick thoughts with Ezra of TP&G...
Ezra: The Lakers just can't seem to avoid all of the things that's been troubling them all season long. Tonight, it's turnovers and the bench's inability to sustain the lead. Dallas did tighten up their defense a bit in the second half, but the Lakers just could not take advantage of the early mental lapses by the Mavs in the third quarter. Losing a 16-point lead to a team that really just took the opportunity to score on the Lakers' boneheaded plays in the 4th quarter is simply inexcusable. A 2-time defending champs should not lose a lead that big against a team like Dallas.
I'm starting to get worried about Pau Gasol. He played a solid first half but sorta disappeared in the second. He has to know that he needs to demand the ball. That's what Kobe wants him to do. Be aggressive. Be hungry.
I still think this series will go to the Lakers but they certainly have a lot of things to iron out for Game 2.
Don: I don't think I've seen a playoffs go smoothly for LA. Ever. Funny round 2 that tho'. Bulls lost game 1, OKC lost game 1 and LA lost game 1. Of all the higher seeds, only Miami won.
Pau Gasol needs to step up, and be counted. He's been completely AWOL thus far. This is his moment: Dirk Nowitzki's his to cover. Grow a pair.
On to game 2: this is a win at all costs game... let's do it Lakers!
