This, is why I am begging the sports gods to prove me wrong once more. When you’re down 3-2 in a series the task is quite simple, win two before losing one. The problem is this, the Lakers haven’t won two straight yet this series. However, after a previously labeled “must-win” game is lost, positives must be found and new hope has to somehow be born. While watching the Lakers meltdown last night I felt strangely calm, almost accepting of the situation. Even after the game, when I for sure thought I would be distraught and on doomsday watch, I felt like there were some positives moving forward. This is the attitude all of Lakers Nation needs to take now, as pessimism and doubt isn’t going to get anybody anywhere.
So where do we go from here? Well, first of all back to Los Angeles. The Lakers have lost once, just once at home this post-season. The problem here, is that the only home loss was to this same Celtics team they need to defeat twice now. However, the Lakers will be able to enjoy the friendly confines of Staples Center for the rest of the series, either one or two more games.
More positives can be taken out of the Lakers current predicament. In reality, the Lakers did what they had to do in Boston, re-claim their previously lost home-court advantage. This is one of the reasons I despise the 2-3-2 format, but that’s a topic for another day. If the Lakers are able to maintain home-court advantage, which they have done all post-season thus far, they will win the title.
Next: Striving For Optimism…