Magic pull "Disappearing Act"

The Orlando Magic showed up in Game 1 with a trick up their sleeve. They pulled a "Disappearing Act"(which I got from Sportscenter by the way) as the Lakers dominated and took the first game of the NBA Finals. Winning by 25 points made it the sixth largest margin of victory in Game 1 of the NBA Finals since the Bulls over Blazers by 33 points in 1992.

From the player introduction, you can tell each one of the Lakers starters were focused. The look of Kobe's eyes were imprinted on theirs. They were hungry, intense, and energetic on both ends of the floor. Aside from some sketchy play by the Lakers early in the 2nd quarter, everything else was seamless. Even Stan Van Gundy's brother, Jeff said that he couldn't point out any Laker who played poorly.

Kobe set a career Finals high of 40pts, 8rebs, and 8asts. In doing so he became the fourth player in NBA history to reach 40, 8, & 8, along with legends like M.J., Shaq, and Jerry West. Kobe was driven and on a mission. He got in the lane whenever he wanted, and made contested jump shot after contested jump shot. I could have swore he got fouled on every attempt. The man wanted that game and he took it. Plain and simple. "I just want it so bad, that's all," Bryant said. "I just want it really bad."

You can't credit the win completely on Kobe. Aside from everyone else doing their part on the offensive end, it was the Lakers superb defense that takes the cake. Bynum did awesome on Dwight, and when he got beat, he took the right fouls. Bynum along with Pau, held their position. And when Howard got by, one of the Laker helpers came to meet him at the rim. Howard was limited to only one basket the entire game. He picked up the rest of his points at the line. Orlando's big three(Dwight, Rashard, and Hedo) altogether had only 33pts on a combined 6 for 27 shooting. That's flat out horrible from your top contributors.

The Lakers stuck with the game plan. They helped on Howard when they needed to, but when Howard dished it back out, the Lakers did a great job on closing. And best of all, what I thought would be most important; the Lakers dominated in. They absolutely dominated the boards. Out rebounding Orlando 55-41. Even if the Magic do improve, if the Lakers can continue to play like this? This series is over in 4 games.