As reported by various media including
ESPNLosAngeles, the Lakers' Andrew Bynum is confident that they can close out the Denver Nuggets in Game 5 tonight.
"Close-out games are actually kind of easy," Bynum said. "Teams tend to fold if you come out and play hard in the beginning, so we want to come out and establish an early lead and protect it."
Now traditionally, close-out games are not that easy. Just ask the 2004 New York Yankees or even the 2006 Los Angeles Lakers who both squandered leads in the series and choked. The team down in the series is desperate to stave off elimination and usually goes to great lengths to focus on at least one more win. Something Kobe Bryant has not lost sight of.
"Sometimes when teams come out and jump out to quick start or gain confidence, it can be a real drag," Bryant said. "Hopefully that won't be the case (Tuesday)."
I don't see the Lakers losing the series even if for some crazy reason they happen to lose tonight. They have superior talent and size and it's just a matter of executing and putting the effort to control the game with rebounds and defensive intensity. You know, the usual.
Bynum did temper his statements:
"All we do is play as hard as we can," Bynum said. "We're at home, we're going to have the crowd there. Energy is going to be in ample supply and we're going to be fine."
Still you don't want to give Denver any bulletin board material especially with a sharp coach like George Karl. The Lakers haven't blown them out exactly and they just need to put their heads down and take them out. A close-out win will speak volumes without saying a word.
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