That's all.
It was one game, one loss and nothing more. A team that has been in the NBA Finals for three straight seasons, winning the last two championships, does not panic over one loss.
The Lakers went 16-7 on their way to a second straight NBA title last year, which is why an 0-1 start in the race to 16 wins doesn't really mean anything.
It's about the big picture for this team. They understand that.
Their fans, on the other hand—maybe not so much.
As their fans tiptoed their way back off the ledge over the past three days, the Lakers held their two longest practices of the season on Monday and Tuesday.
Realizing that the Hornets had to play a historically good basketball game to beat them in Game 1, the Lakers simply reminded themselves to get back to doing the things they do best—playing knock down, drag out, tougher and more physical defense for four quarters.
The Hornets tied an all-time NBA record and committed just three turnovers in Game 1.
That will never happen again.
Chris Paul became just the fourth player ever to record at least 33 points, 14 assists and seven rebounds in a playoff game.
That will also never happen again. Ever.
The bottom line is, the Hornets had to play the game of a lifetime to beat the Lakers in Game 1 and they did exactly that.
Game 2, however, ended up being a much different story.
The Lakers were able to impose their will over the course of 48 minutes en route to an 87-78 win.
With that in mind, let's take a look at the five keys to the Lakers' Game 2 victory over the Hornets...
Begin Slideshow
...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
