Oh Ye of Little Faith

That would be me, because with about a minute to go in last nights NBA finals game, I turned to the better half and said, "hon, the boys are going down, stick a fork in it, this one is done."

But Kobe's desperation 3-pointer, with seconds remaining, went in, and the Laker D managed to break up the inbound pass out of the time out, sending the game into overtime. And then with both Kobe and Shaq playing with 5 fouls, my Lakes (yes they are my lakes again) dominated the overtime period to win 99-91.

Why should I have ever doubted? I've been watching the Lakers do this sort of thing since Jerry West hit that 60 foot half court prayer shot to send game 3 of the 1970 finals into overtime against the Knicks. Didn't Derek Fisher do it just a couple of weeks ago with four tenths of a second on the clock. Horry did it a couple of years ago. These guys are stone cold killers, and you never have them beat until the clock flashes 0.00.

These guys obviously have a deal with the devil, but give Mr. Scratch his do, they will surprise you every time. And wo unto him who counts them out before the final buzzer.

Yours truly, eating crow, ever faithful. I'm sorry I ever doubted you. I'll never do it again.

Game note: what a fantastic performance by young Luke Walton, son of Bill. Watch out for this kid.

[Update: King Kaufman at Salon has a similar take, comparing the Lakers endless comebacks to Freddy Kreuger, Jason, and Rasputin. (daypass or subscription required)]