Series at a Glance
Orlando vs. LA Lakers
Lakers lead series 3-1
1. Game 1: at LAL
ORL 75, LAL 100 - Final
2. Game 2: at LAL
ORL 96, LAL 101 - Final OT
3. Game 3: at ORL
LAL 104, ORL 108 - Final
4. Game 4: at ORL
LAL 99, ORL 91 - Final OT
After a day following L.A.’s 99-91 overtime win in Game 4, both teams practiced on Saturday at Amway Arena, which because of the 2-3-2 format, will be hosting its final game of the season. The Magichave faith that they can become the first team in finals history to overcome a 3-1 deficit where the first 29 other teams failed.
“We know what’s ahead of us,” said Orlando center Dwight Howard. “We know what’s been said and the situation that we’re in. We won’t stop believing.”
The Lakers understand what’s at hand and don’t want to give life to an Orlando team that has come back before. One year after losing in the finals to the Celtics, Kobe Bryant and his teammates want to finish the job.
But it’s been a long time since the last one. Bryant knows that championships are what divide the very goods from the greats.
When asked if Jordan’s mark was a number he would like to chase? “I’m trying to get this damn fourth one,” Bryant said, laughing.
A rare smile. Throughout much of the series, he has worn a scowl. His kids nicknamed him Grumpy after one of the Seven Dwarfs. He’s turning into Happy. On the brink of returning to the top, Bryant seems more at ease, confident.
He has an appreciation for the journey to each of his three titles. Bryant knows the road well, and he can finally see its end.
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