Well, i took a short walk to reflect. This is where I would take up cigarettes if I had them on me.
I feel bad for Pau. He worked so hard to prove the doubters wrong last season and shed his soft label, only to have it probably come right back to him after tonight. And not against Boston or something, but the Mavs. He's been such a joy to watch for almost 4 season now that it's heartbreaking to see what's going on. I definitely don't want him gone, just to figure it out.
It's also sad seeing Kobe unable to put his stamp on a game in the way has in the past. Just doesn't have it in him. Explosion in the legs are gone. The mileage has taken its toll. he's slow to rotate, to attack the rim, etc. He's becoming more of a game manager, now.
I hope LA can at least bring it home and give Phil a nice final home game. He's earned as much.
One positive out of all this is I'm more confident than ever in Drew. He has heart and grit and backs himself up. It's just unfortunate everyone else looks so tired around him.
I'd like to believe this core has one more run in them next season. If they can stay healthy, maybe add something better than Barnes and Fish. But it won't be easy. Afraid of becoming like the Spurs.
When they go out, it will be bitter to take. But I will always look fondly on this team. It was very different than the Kobe-Shaq teams and in some ways I enjoyed it more.
