Props for the whole team for playing as a “team” and never once losing purpose in whatever they were doing. Drew did a fantastic job, Farmar and Brown gave quality minutes and provided a spark that gave them a separation in the end of the first quarter. Ron’s back to back baskets lifted the team in the 2nd quarter and his job on Pierce we would never see in the stat sheet. Kobe kept hitting timely baskets the whole game. Fish was amazing defensively. Gasol did a good job containing Garnett and was still able to contribute on offense. Overall effort was amazing

I hope this Laker team has still a lot of anger and focus to maintain such an effort in game 2. I hope they don’t feel that they have already slain the ghost of 2008.

GO LAKERS!!!

The Finals schedule could remain T,TH,SU but start on T and have the travel day be the extra day between games 2-3 and 5-6.

But the way it is sort of accomplishes exhelo’s desired back to back by playing without the extra day’s rest after traveling.

I would actually like to see back-to-backs in the playoffs, because it provides a more thorough test of who the best team is.

ABC and it’s parent companies were responsible. I’m guessing the reporter had no choice in the matter. That’s why the four “stars” of the move they were constantly running ads for just happened to be sitting court side.

Considering how TV was key in the NBA becoming the force it is, TV tends to run the show.

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I am sure you know this, but the schedule is based almost entirely on the wishes of the ABC TV network. The folks here and at Celtics Hub, etc, of course would watch these games if they were on at 3 AM Saturday in grainy black-and-white only. But “casual fans” as they are called, are far more likely to tune in on Sunday rather than Saturday, and Thursday is also a big TV night as well. That is why the teams tip off again on Tuesday even though everybody has to fly to Boston but they have 48 hours off in LA.

Also, I have read a few places that the league also eliminated back-to-backs in part in an attempt to improve player health/quality of play. There is little question in my mind that the breaks in the schedule have helped both the Lakers and Celtics at times this year.

http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2010/06/04/lessons-from-the-past/

for instance: when lamar brought the ball up court, big baby started guarding him very, very early. lamar used his quickness once (baby fell on his back, and honestly, you cant blame him) to drive by him and get the easy layup, but at least three other times he passed the ball away instead of using this very, very good matchup for him.

also, luke had some nice open looks he didnt attempt because he always tries to make the extra pass. boston knows that already, thats why they give him some space. im confident that luke can knock those mid-range jumpers down without a defender on him, and it will be interesting to see if he does in game 2.

last but not least: i hope artest practices posting up sasha until the next game, because that would prepare him for the likely event of having ray allen on him at times

“Show me the teeth, Kobe, show me the teeth”

It means assert your will. This team is so talented, so versatile, they can play even better than last night. Bring it guys, bring it with every ounce of energy and strength. You don’t want any regrets when this series is over. These are the days of destiny.