Let’s not forget that the Lakers essentially tumbled and bumbled into this year’s playoffs and even barely squeaked out victories in Game 1 and 2 of the previous series with the Thunder. Still, it’s undeniable that our team’s focus and execution have gradually been improving since the absolute humiliation we suffered in our last Game 4.
Since that blowout, the team has really played with the sense of urgency that all of us fans have been begging for all year. Although we’ve all endured many disappointments during the regular season such as getting swept by the Cavs and failing to earn the league’s best record, the special thing about the playoffs is that none of those things have any bearing once post-season play begins.
It’s never too late to get better, playoffs included. Derek Fisher said that there comes a point when everything will pretty much “click” and if there’s any opportunity for the Lakers to find that zone of supreme confidence and execution, there is really no better opponent to discover that kind of rhythm against than the heavily overmatched Utah Jazz. We certainly look like we’re heading in the right direction – minus ten minutes of the fourth quarter.
Whatever we did poorly against the Thunder must not be repeated against Utah and the Lakers have to continue to improve their play quarter to quarter, game to game. As I harped on in the beginning, complacency is our worst enemy right now and the only way the team can lose in this series is by beating themselves, which will not happen as long as Phil, Kobe, and Derek continue to lead the team.
Let’s keep rolling Lakers. Game 2, Tuesday.
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