So much for Laker triumphalism

I wasn’t surprised to see the Pistons run circles around the Lakers on their home court in game 1 of the NBA finals, frankly. The Pistons showed they have both talent and character in their series with Indiana, and the ability to carry out the coaches plans with perfection. They’re a team that lacks a super-duper star, but what they have is more important – 11 guys who are willing to check their egos at the door and go out on the court and do whatever it takes to win. The Lakers are basically a two man team with a supporting cast of waterboys who get so flummoxed whenever they touch the basketball they turn it over as quick as possible. Shaq and Kobe are great players, don’t get me wrong, but it’s a team sport, right? Putting single coverage on Shaq and Kobe – basically demolishing their star status and making it a five-on-five game – was all it took to blow their minds.

Unless the Lakers can learn the fundamentals of NBA defense in two days, the Pistons will win it in 5.

See Laker soul-searching here.