The Spurs top-scoring trio, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli, has been more of a duo in this series despite the game three eruption.
The Lakers, knowing the importance of this game and the position that they find themselves in, must match the intensity that the Spurs will bring. Kobe Bryant will come out aggressive and attack the painted area early and often as a facilitator and as a scorer.
The league MVP needs to get off to a hot start and lead the Lakers to victory. The Lakers need to get out of the gates quickly and get the crowd behind them so the cheering can become deafening.
The Lakers won game four by killing the Spurs on the boards and 20-second chance points in the first half. The Lakers started fast and built a big lead and had the Spurs playing form behind all game. They’ll need a repeat performance tonight.
The Lakers forced the Spurs into several turnovers, rushed shots, and caused them to play at a ‘frantic’ pace; not a good look for the Spurs.
The Lakers need to continue to involve Tim Duncan in high pick-and-roll plays to take him away from the basket causing smaller players to defend the basket.
There is no one in professional sports that is hungrier for a title than Kobe Bryant. He will help the Lakers get into a good offensive rhythm and won’t let the Lakers lose this game.
The closeout game of a series is the toughest win to get, but the young Lakers have to make it happen tonight. The Lakers will need Lamar Odom to build upon his bounce-back game four effort.
The team needs to come out with great energy and effort. Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol need to continue to be aggressive and attack the basket. This will help to set the tone and send a message to the Spurs that they can not win.
The Lakers defense needs to turn up the intensity and keep Tony Parker out of the painted area and limit his patented one-man fast breaks. The team needs to make it a point to get to loose balls, do a better job of rotating defensively, close out on the three-point shooters, and not leave anyone uncovered.
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