The Oklahoman’s Sports Writers Are Wrong
Wow. Did I grab your attention?
Yesterday The Oklahoman’s top sports writers told who they like in this year’s NBA Finals. Watch and read content here. But I think they are all wrong.
All five writers chose the Lakers in either five or six games, meaning they think the Magic will win only one–two at most–game in the series. And I don’t think that will happen.
If I’m not mistaken, wasn’t Boston supposed to deal with Orlando in five? Or Cleveland. “The Chosen One.” Wasn’t Lebron supposed to easily hurdle over the minor roadblock that was the Magic?
The entire postseason people have been second-guessing the Magic. Even when they took a series lead against Boston, analysts and experts said the Celtics had their wake-up call and would respond by winning the series. Remember all the talk after Game 2 of the series with Cleveland? That RIDICULOUS 3-pointer Lebron hit to put the Magic away (on my birthday)? People said King James would take control of the series and Orlando’s magic run in the playoffs was over.
But here we are. Magic and Lakers. NBA Finals. Guess who is the underdog for the third straight series in the postseason?
But I think it’s OK. I’m glad the sports writers chose the Lakers. I don’t think the Magic would win it otherwise.
The thing about the Magic is that they play best when few believe in them. They’re the NBA’s “Cinderella” team. But anyone who’s seen them play cannot discount the fact that Dwight Howard, Hedo Turkoglu, Rafer Alston, Mickael Pietrus and the rest have played ridiculously incredible basketball the last few weeks, even without Jameer Nelson.
They took the Boston series and won the conference title against Lebron and the Cavs while the Lakers limped through the playoffs, a meltdown game coming every two or three contests.
The whole time, as no one has believed in them, the Magic have been playing better and better and better. The Lakers, as everyone believes them destined to win, have been playing sloppy and lackadaisical basketball.
My point is that no one believes the Magic have a chance. That’s why MY prediction is Magic in six.
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You have more guts then the entire NBA Fast Break crew combined! Tony Kornheiser just teared up a little at how much you made him look like a bitch.
I am so glad to see someone, anyone, stand up and say that the Magic aren’t going to be such an easy pushover. Hell you even picked them to win it. I agree with most everything you say about the Magic. They are tough and resilient. And the fact that they have a 6 foot 10 Rashard Lewis draining 3s at will. And the best center in the game make them a team that is impossible to match up with.
However, the only thing you said about the Lakers was regarding their hiccups every other game. Lets give just a tad bit more credit to Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant. They have been here before.
LeBron was dropping 35+ nearly every game of the Magic/Cavs series. And if anybody would have joined him out there on the court, they would have won that series. I don’t think the Magic can get away with letting Kobe get 35+ plus each night and then bank on him not getting help. Because Kobe will get his help.
We could talk about the ins and outs of the teams all day but I think when it comes down to it. You gotta look at the coaching. Both great coaches. Who will step up and get the job done. Will Phil be able to coach his big men into defending the Magic pick and roll and will Stan Van be able to conjure up a scheme to defend Kobe Bryant and Co.
Call me gutless but I say Lakers in 4.
Great article though.