2004 Pistons beating the 2004 Lakers, 88-68 in Game 3

[Lebron23]

I though the Lakers had the momentum in this game after Kobe had his best game of the entire series in Game 2. He scored 33 points. Pistons shut down Kobe,Shaq, and the Lakers in Game 3. Lakers were missing their shots. And non of Shaq and Kobe's teammates were productive. Richard Hamilton scored 31 points. Kobe had 11 points on 30.8 FG,% ,and Shaq scored 14 points on 50 Fg%. Kinda reminded of the Bulls shutting down the Jazz in the nba finals. I think they only scored 63 points.

[Lebron23]

Full game is available on youtube. Shaq got Pippenized in Game 3. He only attempted 14 shots.

[Lebron23]

Pistons destroyed the Lakers confidence in Game 3. Even though Shaq scored 36 points, and grabbed 20 rebounds in Game 4. The Lakers never recovered from it. And Detroit ended the series in 5. Larry Brown is really a great defensive coach. Nets swept the Pistons in the 2003 nba playoffs, but he turned the 2004 Pistons into a defensive juggernaut. They made the Lakers bleed for points.

[Lebron23]

Kobe wanted to win his first finals mvp, but it backfired for the Lakers. He was playing hero ball, and it costed the Lakers another championship. A team with good ball movements like the Spurs defeated the Pistons in 2005.