Lakers Extend Series Lead to 2-0

Courtney Lee was one second away from tying the series up at one game a piece, heading back to Orlando, stealing a game away from the Los Angeles Lakers. Well, let's just say he flubbed it. Courtney Lee received a high backscreen and a perfect alley-oop pass with one second left in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, but he missed the open layup, sending the game into overtime. In the extra session, the Los Angeles Lakers prevailed 101-96 behind 29 points from Kobe Bryant.

After being lost in Game 1, Orlando's prime players returned to present a threat to Los Angeles in Game 2. Rashard Lewis led the way for the Magic with34 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Hedo Turkoglu had 22 points and 6 rebounds. Dwight Howard continued to struggle. Yes, he had 17 points and 16 rebounds, but for being an all-NBA player, it was an average night for him. If the Magic are going to come back in this series, they are going to need Howard to be more of a force in the paint.

I predicted the Lakers would win the series in 6 games, but I expected the Magic to put up a fight. Game 1 was embarassing, Game 2 was respectable, but Game 3 is pivotal for the Magic. If Orlando loses Game 3, Kobe should start looking for a place to put ring #4.