ph33nix said:
and Wade was 9-23 and LeBron was 7-17. I don't care if you're not scared of the Heat but don't crank up the excuses here...especially if you're going to sit here and ridicule the Heat over regular season games, then don't go double standard on our ass and say these two games didn't matter at all.
Wade/Lebron I expect as I expect Kobe's low percentage. All 3 players being defended by good defensive players (when they try) against good defensive teams.
I'm not making an excuse. Lakers lost when they failed to extend the lead and rebound the ball. I'm just saying I don't think in a 7 game series stuff happens. The shooting percentages I do see happening a few times.
This game did matter to the Heat. They HAD to win it for confidence's sake, just like the LAL-Spurs game mattered to LAL. I don't think this game meant that much to LAL outside of losing a game on the Mavs.
Also, for the most part, I believe recent defending champs get mostly a pass during the regular season (I include Boston and SAS in there).