Published: May 15, 2009
After watching Game 6 of what has been a terrifically entertaining Western Conference Semifinal between Los Angeles and Houston, one is faced with three obvious questions:
1) Can the Rockets replicate the kind of effort they showed in Game 6 when the series shifts back to Los Angeles on Sunday?
2) Can Aaron Brooks and Carl Landry continue their incredible play in the face of what will be the biggest game of their lives so far?
3) And finally, are we sure that the Lakers, as a team, know the start time for these games?
On the first query, it will remain to be seen. What should be appreciated though is exactly what the Rockets have already accomplished. Despite losing their franchise player mid-series, Houston has continued to play with a grit and determination that should inspire and impress even the most casual of basketball fan.
Simply put, the Rockets’ are outmatched in skill, size and speed at nearly every position on the court and yet it has not made a difference.
Their collective heart and willpower continues to carry them. Whether or not they are able to answer the bell one more time in a hostile environment on Sunday should not matter: we should all already be thankful for everything they have given us as fans over their playoff run.
On the second question, it would be hard to bet against either of these players. Both have shown an aggressive flare for the dramatic that is unmatched by almost any of their opposition.
Brooks has a fearlessness in attacking the lane that shows just how little Derek Fisher or Jordan Farmar scare him. Moreover, he has hit contested outside pull-ups that have left even the most biased Laker lover in awe.
As for Landry, the level of efficiency he has brought has been fantastic. He understands completely that he is not an offensive dynamo and that he must pick and choose his spots to attack, which is what he has done so effectively. As to why the Lakers defense hasn’t been able to expose him for his lack of offensive moves and shot creating is another question entirely, but as it is his acumen around the rim has been terrific.
Concerning the final question, it is my belief that the entire team has faulty alarm clocks or that they are not being made away of when these games actually tip off. As a Lakers apologist, these are the only reasons I can think of that explain away how wonderfully awful they started both Game 4 and 6 in Houston.
Of course, neither of these cute ideas cut to the real truth of the matter, which is that this team seems disinterested in making the sacrifices it needs to if it is sincere about the goal of winning a NBA title.
Champions commit on defense, they rebound, they show up on the road. They do not make excuses and they do not start series-clinching games by falling behind 17-1, no matter how perfect their opponent is executing.
Yes, the Lakers showed some resolve going on a 16-2 run as they came back to cut Houston’s lead to two when they were up by 16 at half. But that effort went for not as the margin ballooned back to nine going in the fourth.
The Lakers may still win this series given the potential their talented roster holds and its proficiency to win at home. They may even still win the West and take down Denver if they play up to said potential in the next round.
But a championship? I can’t see it. Not any more. Not with LeBron James lying in wait over the horizon. At present at least, he and his merry followers from Cleveland would wipe the floor with these Lakers.
The Cavs are a team committed to defense that brings the same energy every single night while consistently performing as though they were always facing a Game 7.
That level focus is what makes a champion. Not taking games off. Not mailing in effort on the defense side of the ball.
In other words, not these Lakers.
4 Comments on "Houston Secures A Game 7"
duhoh on Fri, 15th May 2009 1:09 pm
I totally agree. LeBron and his Cavs should kill these Lakers.
Ryan McNeill on Sat, 16th May 2009 9:18 am
I’m a huge fan of Derek Fisher as a person, but it’s clear he’s hurting the Lakers in this series. I believe he’s a -9 combined, while Shannon Brown is +5 and Farmar is +48.
I think the Lakers need to role with Brown and Farmar more in Game 7.
rashad on Sat, 16th May 2009 2:43 pm
i still think the Lakers match up much better with the Cavs, and what happens during this Rockets series(provided they win) won’t carry over.
Hoops Addict Article – Rockets Secure a Game 7 | The On Deck Circle on Wed, 15th Jul 2009 9:28 am
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