the poll we've been waiting for

[elindholm]

Okay, place your bets.

 

[jibikao]

I chose Suns in 6 because our game relies so much on our shooting and we can't have great shootings every game. I expect we have 2 very bad shooting games and that's it.

 

[abomb]

Suns in 6. I would love to see the Lakers shock the Suns, but I am trying to be a realist.

A-Bomb

 

[JS22]

Suns in 6. I really wanted to say 5, though.

 

[Dback Jon]

Suns with the sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeep!

 

[thirty-two]

Suns in 5!

 

[D-Dogg]

Lakers in 6 or 7.

You should have made this a public poll though...

 

[boisesuns]

Suns with the sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeep!

You must be registered for see images

 

[sunsfn]

Suns in 5 absolutely!

The Lakers want us.....and they will get us!

 

[DeAnna]

Suns in 5!

 

[F-Dog]

I've got Suns in 5--I figure that leaves wiggle room for a clunker by the Suns (or the refs).

The Suns simply shouldn't lose to the Lakers if they "show up". The Lakers can't defend, they have particular trouble guarding opposing PGs, and they especially can't defend the P&R. And, even if the Lakers could match up with the Suns, they're not a very good team.


I'll be disappointed if the Suns allow this series to get to six games.

 

[Gaddabout]

I picked Suns in 5. Everyone's talking about the hole in the middle of the Suns defense. How come no one talks about the hole in the Lakers defense against an offense generated by attacking the paint?

 

[az1965]

Sweep...

Unless Suns decide to take a game day off...

 

[elindholm]

You should have made this a public poll though...

I did. The names disappear once you reach a certain number of responses, 20 I think.

 

[D-Dogg]

I picked Suns in 5. Everyone's talking about the hole in the middle of the Suns defense. How come no one talks about the hole in the Lakers defense against an offense generated by attacking the paint?

Huh?

The Lakers are a strong post defense team. Ask KG, Brad Miller and Tim Duncan about that.

 

[sundevilscott]

I believe the Lakers have lost 7 in a row with Nash in the lineup and now people think they will win 4 out of 7?

 

[abomb]

Huh?

The Lakers are a strong post defense team. Ask KG, Brad Miller and Tim Duncan about that.

Yeah, I think a solid Lamar Odom, a peaking Kwame Brown and a healthy Chris Mihm hold the key to this series.

A-Bomb

 

[D-Dogg]

I believe the Lakers have lost 7 in a row with Nash in the lineup and now people think they will win 4 out of 7?

Actually, I'm guessing they win 4 out of 6.

To be clear.

 

[F-Dog]

Actually, I'm guessing they win 4 out of 6.

To be clear.

That's the kind of optimism that keeps the Cardinals in business.

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

Suns in 6. The couple days rest between games will let the Lakers keep up with us easier - and Kobe is good for at least 1 victory by himself.

If a game comes down to the wire I am going to start getting really nervous. The Suns are absolutely attrocious when games are within 3 points (i think that was the number), and Kobe is the last person I want to see on the other team in those situations.

We will need a solid 8 point lead in the last 2 minutes in each of the games for me to feel good.

 

[D-Dogg]

That's the kind of optimism that keeps the Cardinals in business.

 

[Gaddabout]

Huh?

The Lakers are a strong post defense team. Ask KG, Brad Miller and Tim Duncan about that.

That's where you're not understanding the Suns offense. The Suns averaged 31 points in the paint against the Lakers in games in which Nash played. The last game Nash played in, the Suns knocked in 40.

 

[Billy Bob]

Let Kobe shoot all he wants and the SUNS will SWEEP!

 

[elindholm]

The Suns are absolutely attrocious when games are within 3 points (i think that was the number), and Kobe is the last person I want to see on the other team in those situations.

What's interesting, though, is that Bryant's shooting in "clutch" situations has been terrible this season. Some ESPN article did a big analysis of it recently, based (I think?) on stuff taken from 48minutes.com.

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

The Suns are absolutely attrocious when games are within 3 points (i think that was the number), and Kobe is the last person I want to see on the other team in those situations.

What's interesting, though, is that Bryant's shooting in "clutch" situations has been terrible this season. Some ESPN article did a big analysis of it recently, based (I think?) on stuff taken from 48minutes.com.

You mean 82games?


That is definitely possible. I haven't watch a ton of Lakers game this year but my guess is the problem stems from there being no one else on the team to take the last shot. Most good clutch shooters at least have a second option, that while not preferred, will still keep the defenses honest.

Of course, no matter what his numbers are saying for the season, Bryant is still the last person I want to have the ball in the last minute.