DENVER — Phil Jackson spoke about taking advantage; Kobe Bryant stressed maintaining momentum in the playoffs. The Lakers will see if they can close out the first round Monday night or if they let Denver live on for the moment. Close-out games are usually no picnic.
The dynastic Lakers had a run of 11 consecutive victories in close-out games before stalling in the 2004 Western Conference finals vs. Minnesota. Then the Lakers blew three consecutive chances against the Phoenix Suns in the 2006 playoffs.
