Unshakable confidence definitively carried the Lakers to victory the other day. Even as they suffered an embarrassing setback courtesy of the Timberwolves in their playoff opener, they continued to deem themselves the favorites to advance to the next round. And so determined were they to show their true colors that even their practice session on the eve of Game Two smacked of aggression and purpose. Little wonder, then, that they found themselves in control for the last 45 minutes and change of the set-to, ultimately knotting the series at a match apiece.
If any surprise came with the turn of events, it was that the Lakers stamped their class on the defensive end of the floor. Notwithstanding their regular season predilections highlighting the scoring capabilities of their personnel, they managed to claim Game One by holding the Timberwolves to 85 points, a full 29 below average. Given their relative lack of size, anybody who bet on them to win via containment would have been branded a fool. And they really didn’t do themselves any favors by putting up a mere 94 — further underscoring how much they went against type in crafting the outcome.
To be sure, the Lakers haven’t really gained headway insofar as the best-of-seven affair is concerned. All they did the other day was take care of business, thereby affording them an opportunity to regain homecourt advantage on Saturday. In other words, their work remains cut out for them. And if there’s anything certain in Game Three, it’s that the Timberwolves will be primed to return the favor in front of some 19,000 fans at the Target Center; if nothing else, the three-day turnaround provides ample time for adjustments and counter-adjustments.
That said, there can be no doubting the Lakers’ commitment to live up to expectations. They didn’t have their best the other day, especially in the crunch. And still they prevailed, knowing well enough to lean on sheer determination. The alternative — which would have put them in a deep hole — was simply unacceptable. Now, they’re set up for success — that is, for as long as they lean on their strengths and minimize their frailties. Else, the Timberwolves will pounce.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.
