It took them awhile, but the Los Angeles Lakers finally eliminated the New Orleans Hornets in a decisive Game 6, using defense, the anchor of Andrew Bynum inside, the big talent of Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol and three quarters of strong play from Kobe Bryant to win 99-80 over Chris Paul and the overachieving Hornets.
The Lakers will end up with the Dallas Mavericks, who held off the Portland Trail Blazers one last time and won in the Rose Garden in Game 6. Dirk Nowitzki was money in the fourth quarter, and good support from Jason Kidd and Jason Terry. It'll be the first time Dirk and Kobe have ever played each other in the playoffs.
Game 1 - Monday, May 2nd: Mavs at Lakers, 7:30 PM PT/10:30 PM ET, TNT
Game 2 - Wednesday, May 4th: Mavs at Lakers, 7:30 PM PT/10:30PM ET, TNT
Game 3 - Friday, May 6th: Lakers at Mavs, 6:30 PM PT/9:30PM ET, ESPN
Game 4 - Sunday, May 8th: Lakers at Mavs, 12:30 PM PT/3:30PM ET, ABC
Game 5 * Tuesday, May 10th: Mavs at Lakers, TBD TNT
Game 6 * Thursday, May 12th: Lakers at Mavs,TBD ESPN
Game 7 * Sunday, May 15th: Mavs at Lakers, 12:30 PM PT/3:30PM ET ABC
(*) If necessary.
For more on the Lakers, head to Silver Screen & Roll. For more on the Mavs, check out Mavs Moneyball.
Who do you like to win the series? Leave your predictions in the comments!