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The rust factor L.A. layoff makes conditions ripe for Game 1 upset
LOS ANGELES -- The Lakers are confident. The Sixers are stewing. That about sums up the atmosphere heading into Game 1 of the NBA Finals. While the Lakers are talking about history and a perfect postseason, the Sixers are privately bristling about being such decided underdogs. With L.A. having had such a long layoff, the conditions are ripe for an upset. The Lakers haven't played a team in the postseason with the kind of high-pressure, in-your-jock, defense that Philadelphia employs. Who knows how they'll react if Aaron McKie, Eric Snow and Co. get up in their grills and the officials don't blow the whistle? OK, so maybe they'll just toss the ball inside to Shaq for a power dunk. Or run a clear out for Kobe and watch him drill a fadeaway. But, hey, the Sixers can dream, can't they? Here are three things to watch for in Game 1 that could have a major effect on the rest of the series:
The rust factorWith nine days off since completing their sweep of the Spurs, the Lakers could be rusty in Game 1. The Sixers, meanwhile, should be in a good rhythm since they have been playing virtually every other day for the past few weeks. Philadelphia must take advantage if L.A. stumbles out of the gate. The earlier they can plant seeds of doubt in the Lakers' minds, the better their chances of winning the series will be.
Dikembe on ShaqThe Sixers will likely start with Dikembe Mutombo playing Shaquille O'Neal one-on-one, with help coming only after Shaq puts the ball on the floor. Philadelphia hopes Mutombo's 7-foot-2 length and pterodactyl wingspan can distort or alter enough of Shaq's attempts to limit his damage. The Sixers don't want to double too soon because it could leave L.A.'s perimeter shooters with too many open looks.
Lakers' reboundingWith Allen Iverson drawing so much defensive attention, the Sixers often generate points by crashing the offensive boards for easy put-backs on his missed attempts. L.A. has made it a priority to keep the Sixers, particularly Mutombo and Tyrone Hill, from hurting them on the glass. If the Lakers are able to keep a body on Philly's big men and the second chances to a minimum, it will be a short series for certain. Marty Burns covers pro basketball for CNNSI.com. Click here to send Marty a question or comment.
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