The NBA Closer is written by Matt McHale, who is in no way related to Kevin McHale and who has taken the necessary legal steps to ensure that it stays that way. When he's not studying the history of Allen Iverson's hairstyles, he can be found cracking wise at Basketbawful. Enjoy!

• Lakers versus Pistons, mecha robot edition. Without Andrew Bynum (left knee injury), Trevor Ariza (broken right foot) and Luke Walton (hip pointer), the Lakers were three lions short of forming a complete Voltron. You know, assuming they're the Lion Voltron and not that weird Vehicle Voltron. Metaphorically speaking, of course. So Kobe Bryant was forced to go all Invincible Super Man Zambot 3 on the Pistons, scoring 39 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. However, he also committed a career-high 11 turnovers, giving him his first ever career triple bumble. Meanwhile, the Pistons - the Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs of this intergalactic saga - used a team effort and a game-winning three-pointer from Tayshaun Prince with 4.5 seconds left to beat the Lakers 90-89. L.A.'s final shot was an airball by Lamar Odom, prompting Kobe to say after the game, "What are you going to do when guys are open? If I catch the ball, what am I going to do, go one on three?" To which the assembl...

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