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One more for the road Lakers look to wrap up title, history in Game 5
Updated: Thursday August 23, 2001 5:36 PM
PHILADELPHIA -- One more for the road. That's the Lakers' motto as they get ready for Friday's Game 5 of the NBA Finals. A victory not only gives L.A. a second consecutive title but also puts it in the record books. No previous NBA team has ever won eight road games in a row in the playoffs, and the Lakers' 15-1 postseason mark would be the best in league history. Philadelphia, meanwhile, hopes to follow the lead of last year's Pacers and deny the Lakers a chance to clinch in Game 5. While the Sixers' numerous injuries finally appear to be taking a toll, they swear they can rally one more time. "We can do it," center Matt Geiger says. "Our backs have been against the wall all season." At least Philadelphia won't have to watch any victory celebration on the First Union Center court. The NBA has arranged for the Lakers, if they should win, to hold the ceremony in a special room off court. Given the way Philly fans booed Destiny's Child, who knows how they'd treat Shaq, Kobe and David Stern? Here are three other things to watch for in Game 5:
McKie's jump shotAaron McKie has scored only five points in each of the past two games, including a dismal 1-of-9 shooting performance in Game 4. The combination of a sore right ankle and Kobe Bryant's defense has made him a non-factor. If McKie can't find his shooting stroke early and help take some pressure off Allen Iverson, it will be another long night for the Sixers.
Shaq's deep touchesWhen Shaq runs the floor hard and gets those "deep touches" close to the basket, he's almost impossible to stop. With a 3-1 cushion in the series, however, he might not be willing to battle quite so hard for post position in Game 5. Also, the officials might give Dikembe Mutombo more leeway to bang since it's a desperation situation for Philadelphia. Mutombo should take advantage and get physical with Shaq.
Brown's postgame reactionWith Sixers head coach Larry Brown contemplating quitting after the season, it will be interesting to see his reaction should the Sixers lose. Will he wrap Iverson in a bear hug? Though Brown says he hasn't made up his mind about next year, some close to him say he is exhausted and wants to take time away from the game. If so, it will be a bittersweet ending for the 2000-01 Coach of the Year.
Marty Burns covers pro basketball for CNNSI.com. Click here to send Marty a question or comment.
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