Lakers on target

When Anthony Davis arrived in Los Angeles, he was undoubtedly the missing link to the NBA crown Lebron James and the Lakers were aiming for. While young Miami Heat sensation Tyler Herro, three point artist Duncan Robinson and terror in the paint, Bam Adebayo, were instrumental in disposing the Boston Celtics, the Lakers are not intimidated. True enough, James and Davis scored 34 and 25 points respectively to take the heat off Miami in Game One of the NBA Finals.  The Lakers firepower was just awesome with Kentavious Cadwell Pope, Danny Green and Alex Caruso, shooting treys at will.  If James could speak Cebuano he must be saying “Daghan pa mong asin kaonon”.  Dwight Howard was also impressive, clogging the paint to deny Adebayo easy intrusions. The Lakers gambled on Howard who critics said was over-the-hill.  But Howard is a strong defender who used to be one of the leading shot blockers and rebounders of the league. Howard’s nickname is Superman. Injuries hounded the Heat as Jimmy Butler twisted his ankle, Goran Dragic, hobbled with a foot injury while Adebayo suffered pain on his shoulder and has to leave the game.  The Heat could always use this as an alibi in the event they lose to the Lakers.

Game 2

As expected Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragil didn’t play.  It was the same result as in Game One as Lebron James and Anthony Davis continued their domination of the Heat as James exploded for 33 points while David rattled 32.  Before Game Two, some Miami supporters were still praying for a miracle to happen as Jimmy Butler promised that they will bounce back. Former Celtic Kelly Olynyk, tried to make up for Adebayo’s absence scoring 24 points but his efforts were just not enough.  I’m beginning to believe the Lakers could sweep the Heat.    Another former Boston Celtic Rajon Rondo provided championship experience as he scored 16 points while dishing alley-oop passes to James and Davis.

Chasing 17th crown

If the Los Angeles Lakers win the NBA title this season, it will be their first since 2010.  They will also tie the Boston Celtics for the most NBA championship rings at 17.  The Celtics last won in 2008 with Kevin Garnett Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and oh yes, Rondo.  Bam Adebayo and maybe Goran Dragic might be playing in Game 3 but as I’ve predicted, it’s gonna be the Lakers all the way.  Make it 4-1 “Para naay gamay consuelo ang Miami”.

Did you know?

Ben Wallace of the Detroit Pistons gave 4 inches in height and 110 pounds in weight to the LA Lakers’ Shaquille O’ Neal (7’1” and 350 pounds), during  their match-up in the 2004 NBA Finals.  The Lakers roster featured players who had appeared in a grand total of 40 All-Star games while the Pistons had a mere four appearances spread among a few of its players.  The Pistons beat the Lakers to emerged NBA champion.