How important is home court to you?

[semi-sentient]

If they don't have it in the Finals they will lose... if they even make it that far. HCA in the West isn't that important. The way the games are setup in the finals is bad for the team without HCA.

I think it depends on who we play. The Celtics are looking really bad since the Perkins trade, and not just because of his presence on the court. That team generally looks a bit out of sync so it clearly had an impact on their overall chemistry.

The Bulls are a team I still don't think we need HCA over to win. I'm just not convinced that they'll be able to overcome our experience, and we just match up really well with them.

The Heat, who are looking more and more like a team that is going to make a serious run, are going to be tough to beat without HCA. After watching how the last game ended in Miami, I'm fairly confident in saying that we don't stand much of a chance unless the officiating is balanced. They have a massive advantage there.

I like our chances against the Spurs in the West, although I really wouldn't be shocked if they took us out in 5 or 6 either. If they are clicking on all cylinders and we aren't, it'll be a quick series. I guess you could say about the same either way.

[dockingsched]

i don't consider homecourt that important. haven't the lakers won a road game like in every series they've played, including 2 of 3 in orlando to close out the title?

anyway, if they lose, it won't be cause of homecourt, it'll be cause the other team is better and i bet they take one at staples on their way to closing the lakers out to boot.

[LApwnd]

yep if they do lose w/o HC, I bet they'll lose a gm at home too....

[shobe_81]

I guess not that important to the players of the Lakers!

[Edrees]

The importance of home court isn't number of road games but opening up a series with a 2-0 lead. phil jackson is undefeated when leading 1-0 in a playoff series by some gargantuan amount. Making the first game a road game doesn't let us keep those odds in our favor.

[shobe_81]

I think homecourt is vital for NBA Finals.

Just the thought of winning 3 games straight to close a series is difficult (games 3/4/5).

And if that doesn't work, games 6/7 on the road are going to be impossible without the greatest luck. Imagine trying to close the series in Miami in game 6/7 with the refs calling every foul Wade/James try to draw.

I can guarantee you it won't be physical like game 7 of last year. Against Miami Gasol/Bynum will be fouled out before the 4th quarter begins.

I'm not saying it cannot be done, but game 6/7 on the road in the finals is nearly impossible in my estimation. Just look at game 7 of last year:

Quarter 1: Boston up 23-14
Quarter 2: Lakers tie game at 25 with 7min left, Boston closes quarter with 40-34 lead
Quarter 3: Boston 12pt lead with 8min left
Quarter 4: you know the rest

Boston played amazing ball for 3 Full quarter consistently gaining lead after the Lakers would make a comeback but still came up short. And to be honest, the Lakers got some questionable calls in their favor in the 4th quarter along with making some difficult shots (fatigue and Boston fouling also played a part).

Have a game 6/7 on your court is extremely important.