Finals Preview?

For anyone who wants the playoffs to start ASAP, they got a quick little preview in the form of a 2009 Finals rematch between the Lakers and Magic yesterday. It was a regular season game, and there was nothing to lose but pride in what was probably the most physical game of the season. Matt Barnes played the Kobe-stopper by getting into his head for 3 quarters, Dwight Howard fought for every rebound, and contact was everywhere during the whole game. Every player on both teams, for the most part, was pulling his own weight and playing with the amount of hustle every coach preaches about before, during, and after games.

What caught my attention, though, was how different this Orlando team is compared to the one that lost in 5 games last year to L.A. They're surprisingly more aggressive this time around, as seen by the rough play especially against Kobe and Derrick Fisher late in the game. Their defense, although already impressive, has become even more stifling. Ron Artest may have been too enamored with the glory of his new 'do to play any defense on Vince Carter, who almost looked vintage while going off for 25 points, 10 off of free-throws in the first quarter. There were other improvement's here and there as well, but I don't feel like talking 'bout ALL of 'em.

Speaking of the Dennis Rodman-ish look, here's what NBA Style Watch has to say about it:

The Look: Ron Artest's(notes) "Defense" hair

The Breakdown: Clearly, Ron Artest's hair is amazing. It is reminiscent of simpler times, in particular, the 1990s. A time when a man could call himself Sisqó and sing about thongs. A time when the world's best rebounder could dye myriad symbols in his hair.

So there's the precedent and inspiration, but Ron Artest's hair means so much more. Literally. Across his head, Artest got the word "defense" dyed in purple in Japanese, Hebrew and Hindi.

Why he did it? That's quite the question. Apparently, Shin Shin — a recording artist, suggested the colors. Naturally, Artest agreed it was a great idea. I can't help but concur.

Artest called it his "Dennis Rodman tribute," which is more than fitting coming from the man who has worn Rodman's number in the past, and wears the inverse of it now. They're soulmates.

The Verdict:

What do y'all think about Ron Ron's hair? Do you think the Lakers could win a 7 game series against THIS Magic team? Do you think Orlando can go all the way to the Finals, especially with their recent play? Answer these questions in the chat box or comments, and tell me what you think.