Lakers vs. Mavericks in Second Round Showdown

The Los Angeles Lakers looked very beatable in their first round match-up with the New Orleans Hornets. While many basketball experts have been saying that the Lakers will “flip the switch” come playoff time, it seems as though they have left the lights dim heading into the second round. Taking out a Hornets squad that has 1 solid player is nothing to be overly excited about. Prior to the start of the series, NBA handicappers had listed the Hornets as 250-1 to win the NBA title. This was the worst odds for any of the 16 teams in the playoffs, primarily due to the fact that they drew the Lakers in round 1.

Kobe Bryant played like the elite player he is, and even managed to pull off one of his trademark comebacks from what many were claiming to be a sprained ankle. It was incredibly obvious that his ankle wasn’t sprained at all as Kobe put together a remarkable performance in game 5 that included several impressive dunks. His play is not and has never been questioned, but his teammates will need to pull it together if they are to get their 3rd consecutive NBA Championship.

Pau Gasol is either hurt or burned out. There is no other way to account for his lack of production over the first 6 games of the 2011 NBA playoffs. His numbers are down dramatically, and they will need to get back to All-Star caliber form if the Lakers are to get past the battle tested and savvy Dallas Mavericks.

Dirk Nowitzki has increased his output this post-season, and withstood a difficult battle from a feisty Portland Trail Blazers team in round 1 to set up a showdown against the Mavs nemesis. Dallas has been known as the team that can’t get over the hurdle in the West due to their constant disappointments in the playoffs over the last few years. This will be a golden opportunity for this team to break through as the Lakers are clearly lacking the intensity and fire-power that they possessed after the All-Star break when they won 17 of 18 games.

I feel that the Mavericks have made the necessary adjustments needed to compete at a high level against the Lakers. Acquiring Tyson Chandler in the off-season gives the Mavericks a solid inside presence that can negate some of the size advantage that the Lakers have inside the paint. Chandler has the potential to be a scoring threat, but isn’t asked to be. In the 6 games Chandler played in against the Blazers, he averaged nearly 10 rebounds per game including a 20 rebound performance in game 5.

Los Angeles is still considered the favorites to take the Championship this season, and will now have home court advantage if they are to get through to the Western conference Finals. Tune in Monday to see if the Mavs have made enough up-grades to keep the Lakers close, and if the Lakers can get back to the winning form that took them back to back Championships.

 

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3. Mavericks look to close out Sweep at Home
4. Kobe and Lakers Need to Step up Defense Tuesday Night
5. Mavericks try to Close-Out Thunder Wednesday Night

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