Taking a Faster ‘Rout’

While the Lakers were sometimes stuck in gridlock last year en route to winning the NBA championship, this year’s postseason excursion has been all diamond lane. A comparison in the playoffs of the two Laker teams in reaching the NBA finals:

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2000 2001 The Difference Record 11-6 11-0 Only sweep last year was Glen Rice controversy under the carpet. Points* 98.0 104.6 More than six points, or two Derek Fisher rain-makers. Opp. Points* 94.2 89.2 When 2001 opponents yell “gimme five,” they want points back from last year. Points Diff. +3.8 +15.3 Team dancing circles around playoff opposition this year like Showtime Lakers did. Field Goal % .458 .468 Offense cruising since return from Bermuda Triangle in early April. Opp. FG % .410 .401 Rick Fox is playing defense like crazy this year. 3-Point % .338 .346 Arc angel was smiling on Lakers in Spur series. Opp. 3-Point % .348 .266 Perimeter has been secured through 2001 playoffs. Rebounds* 44.1 49.5 Chairman of the boards Shaquille O’Neal makes sure there’s no takeover. Opp. Reb.* 40.5 39.9 Duncan, Robinson were hardly towers of power. Reb. Diff. +3.6 +9.6 Lakers have more spring in their step this year. Assists* 21.2 22.7 Kobe can be like Mike, and pass for Magic too. Turnovers* 12.5 13.5 Edge to last season’s Lakers. Hey, no team is perfect.

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* Per game.