Fiammetta:
This PCP could have been written July 8, 2010.
That’s the date of “The Decision” heard ’round the world: the day LeBron James took his talents to South Beach. Clearly, it’s also the day sports writers were set for life with new phrases to annoy readers with.
When LeBron ditched Cleveland for the greener (and warmer, in more ways than one) pastures of Miami, the Heat instantly became the most hated team…ever? I’m sure a bunch of old-guy sports historians would spend the rest of their lives debating that with me – no disrespect to the Bad Boys of the 1980s Detroit Pistons, the 2007 New England Patriots or any New York Yankees team ever, as much as it pains me to say it.
Regardless, that’s not the point. Everyone wants to see how the Heat will fare in the NBA Playoffs, and given their recent three-game winning streak (with a 100-77 beat down of Boston sandwiched in the middle), all signs point to the sky for Miami. The Heat is – and really has been for the duration of the season – a remarkably underrated defensive team. Miami allows 94.9 points per game (seventh in the league) and holds a plus-7.3 scoring differential (tied with Chicago for tops in the league).
Plus, they also have James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. But you already knew that.
Erickson:
Apparently Phil Jackson’s team has lost the will to win.
With only two games left until the playoffs, the Lakers have lost five consecutive games – despite their 55-25 record.
Sure, L.A. has clinched its division and a spot in the playoffs, but going in on a losing streak isn’t exactly the best way to make it back to the NBA Finals.
While the Heat has finally hit a winning streak, the Lakers’ losing streak is more concerning, especially considering they are the defending champions and they’ve had a strong season up to this point.
With the losing streak comes a lack a confidence and frustration, which could be the kiss of death for any team headed into the playoffs.
If the Lakers aren’t able to get back on track, they can give up any hope of achieving their third three-peat. If L.A. can turn things around and hit a hot streak, they might be able to achieve the NBA’s ultimate form of a hat trick. However, losing to the likes of Utah and Golden State – both of whom are wavering around the .500 mark and will miss the playoffs – in the midst of its season-end collapse doesn’t carry a lot of promise.
The Lakers may have lost the drive that helps them be one of the league’s best teams year-in and year-out, but if they don’t find it soon, they might as well just hand over the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy now.