T-Minus 80 minutes and counting before the dance kicks off. Here are some factors I'm mulling over while killing the wait.
1) Lest you forget, we're now in San Antonio: Lakers fans rightfully enjoy swelling their chests over their squad's perfect record while competing within the confines of Staples. Thus, by definition, they're likely impressed by the Spurs' equally unblemished mark in Alamo Country. Even after games where their rears were handed to them in New Orleans, Tim Duncan and Co. would turn around and have just as lopsided a win at AT&T. Having attended a game there, I can see why the venue helped create the league's third-best home clip. While it ain't quite Salt Lake City, the fans are right on top of the action, very rowdy (cowbells were busted out) and their music PA honcho plays an seriously eclectic collection of rock 'n' roll throughout the game (which may have nothing to do with the arena being tough on visitors, but sure makes for an entertaining experience). That being said, these Spurs fans have just watched their defending champ team fall into an 0-2 hole, once via blowing a 20-point lead and another time due to a blowout. Their confidence may be a little shaken, so if the Lakers can take them out of the game early, it could possibly lessen any road-court disadvantage.
2) Tony Parker: Mr. Longoria's mail could have been forwarded to the Lakers paint the way he owned it, creating a game where the Lakers needed a historical rally to come out on top. Game 2 saw the lane less invaded, which led to Greg Popovich throwing in the towel (along with human white flag Damon Stoudamire) in the fourth quarter. You do the math as to which scenario fares better for the Lakers. The Spurs become a very different team when Parker isn't either racking endless layups or driving and kicking, so Friday's successful efforts to keep him from running roughshod around the rim must be duplicated.
3) Guarding downtown: The Spurs roster features Manu Ginobli, Brent Barry, Bruce Bowen, Robert Horry, Michael Finley and Ime Udoka, meaning a lot of options from behind the three-point line. Hell, as he proved during Game 1 against Phoenix, even Tim Duncan can do in a pinch. But so far, everyone's been ice cold from distance. Five for 20 in Game 1, followed by a six for 23 in Game 2. This from a team that ranked a respectable 11th in the league during the regular season and only shot below 30% once in seven games during the previous series against New Orleans. Such a drought hurts a team in obvious ways, but should the trend continue, it would help keep the crowd down to a dull roar. Fans tend to get fired up by a string of bombs falling. Keep contesting those shots and the noise level could remain more Laker-friendly.
4) Jordan Farmar: The Bruin finally put together a genuinely great postseason game Friday after struggling mightily since the playoffs began. But was it a mere mirage or the sign of a slump conquered? Tonight could be an indicator.
5) Pau Gasol: He's had his moments against Tim Duncan, but just as many or more where he's found himself pushed around by The Big Fundamental on both sides of the ball. Phil Jackson tweaked Gasol after Game 2, labeling his shots as of the "weenie" variety. Duncan is likely to find some strength from a home crowd, meaning The Spaniard will need to step it up in equal measure.
