The one thing that killed the Lakers in this game was the free-throw discrepancy.  The Suns shot twenty more free throws than Los Angeles, and it’s hard to win games like that.  Especially when Shaq is making his free throws.  When he does that, you know you’re in for a long night.

Kobe was brilliant with 49 points.  Not so brilliant was the fact that it took him 38 shots to get those points.  He shot below fifty percent, and most teams will live with that.  Although I got to give the Suns credit, they probably played good linear motion defense, although I bet Kobe’s selfish shot selection probably helped them play defense on him.

Ah well.  At least the Celtics lost as well.  There is balance in the world.

By the way, Lebron’s game-winner.  Give it up for the King.