Mo's Manic Monday - Shine

Posted: Monday, June 08, 2009 by Travis Cody in
13

Welcome to another Manic Monday with Morgen. Don't forget to cruise by MM HQ at the Manic Monday blog. Today's theme is Shine.



That shiny trophy is what Orlando and Los Angeles are playing for. From Wiki:

The trophy, made of 14.5 pounds of sterling silver and vermeil with a 24 karat gold overlay, stands two feet tall. It is designed to look like a basketball about to enter a net. The basketball itself is nine inches in diameter, about the same size as a NBA regulation ball. Valued at $13,500, the trophy is manufactured by the Tiffany & Co. Silver Shop every year. The winning team maintains permanent possession of the trophy. The year and team names are engraved on the trophies, and are often prominently displayed in the team's arena.


It is named after Larry O'Brien, who was Commissioner of the NBA from 1975 to 1983.

The Magic seek their first NBA Championship. The Lakers are after their 7th Larry O'Brien trophy and their 15th NBA Championship overall, which is 2nd in history behind the 17 championships of the Boston Celtics (insert cheers or hisses depending on your loyalties).

Orlando matched the Lakers with defensive intensity in game 2 last night, and shot the ball better. The Magic were able to disrupt LA's offensive rhythm and hold the Lakers to around 45% shooting from the floor.

The difference last night was getting the right play at the right time, whether it was a key turnover, a critical rebound, or who made free throws down the stretch. Both teams played outstanding defense in the final moments. The Magic missed a point blank shot with 9.1 seconds to play. And then Kobe had his shot blocked with 0.6 seconds. Then the Magic missed the layup off the inbound play and the game went to overtime.

Both teams cranked up the defensive intensity in the OT, but the Lakers were able to force turnovers and get points while the Magic missed some key opportunities. LA gutted it out, hitting 14 straight free throws for a 101-96 win.

So the Lakers take a 2 games to 0 lead as the series moves to Orlando for game 3 on Tuesday.

Go Lakers!

13 comments:

  1. Anonymous says:
    08 June, 2009 00:32

    Congrats Trav...2 down 2 to go. I'm sure it's going to be a sweep. Thanks for explaining the trophy.

  1. Anonymous says:
    08 June, 2009 03:34

    You must be the biggest Laker's fan, Trav. They need to give you season tickets!

  1. DrillerAA says:
    08 June, 2009 05:17

    While the trophy may be designed to look like a basketball about to go in to the basket, it looks more like a ball bearing and a trash can...a very pretty trash can.

  1. Durward Discussion says:
    08 June, 2009 08:34

    It's Los Angeles. I have to root for them even when the Lakers behave like spoiled brats. All that sterling silver certainly shines.

  1. Akelamalu says:
    08 June, 2009 09:26

    There's no doubt you're a big fan! :)

  1. Charles Gramlich says:
    08 June, 2009 10:29

    Sounds like the Lakers are off to a great start.

  1. Cheffie-Mom says:
    08 June, 2009 10:32

    Very cool! I'm not a big sports follower - but I'll say go Lakers!!

  1. Vinny "Bond" Marini says:
    08 June, 2009 15:07

    I really thought this was going to be a 4-2 series for LA...and now it looks like it will be (at best) 4-1 and could even be a sweep.

  1. j says:
    08 June, 2009 18:14

    I agree with Barb's comment - if you send out a 'season tickets for Trav' petition I'll sign it.

    The information about the trophy was interesting. It has never occurred to me to find out about the actual prize. Tiffany's! How cool!

  1. Janna says:
    08 June, 2009 20:44

    I realize this probably makes me sound all girly and clueless, but the trophy reminds me of somebody getting ready to drop a canteloupe into a blender. :)

  1. Desert Songbird says:
    10 June, 2009 12:33

    That shiny trophy would like to make a home here, I'm sure!

  1. Travis Cody says:
    10 June, 2009 16:08

    Thom: Well, the sweep is out. I think maybe 6 games now but we'll see.

    Barb: I don't know about the biggest, but I am definitely a big fan.

    Drilleraa: Good point.

    Jamie: Dodgers and Lakers. It's extra special for me when they are both doing well.

    Akelamalu: Yeppers!

    Charles: They did. And despite the stumble last night, I think they are in good shape.

    Cheffie: Thanks!

  1. Travis Cody says:
    10 June, 2009 16:10

    V: I think it still might go 6. I'd like to see the Lakers come out of Orlando with the trophy, but I'll take a 3-2 lead.

    Jennifer: LOL. I guess they don't spare any expense when it comes to trophies for champions.

    Janna: It looks like a lot of things I guess.

    Songbird: Perhaps some day.

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