Yes, you are correct. I wasn't really pleased with that. The Lakers had a 23 point lead, and then let the Gnats back in it. I think Jackson made a mistake in clearing his bench too early and too Shaq out of the game. If Jackson had allowed the game to go on the way it was for probably 5 more minutes, I think the Lakers would have had a lead of 30. There were several wild missed shots by both teams when Shaq went out, and the game got very sloppy. The Lakers got out of the rhythm of their offense, and struggled thereafter. However, I don't believe the Gnats really solved Shaq. I also don't believe the game was really seriously in doubt. I'm sure the Lakers gave the Gnats confidence, but I don't know if that's going to translate to more than one win.
That being said, the Nets just don' t have the horses to get it done. They have no answer for Shaq, unlike the Kings who caused a lot of problems in the middle early in that series. The Lakers seem to be regaining a shooting touch, and that's bad news for New Jersey. Kobe still seems to be pressing a bit, and forcing some things that get him into trouble. I was disturbed that L.A. failed to score 100 points. That's the key barometer to look at- when the Lakers score they usually win. Check the last series, the four games they won they scored 100 or more and the three they lost they were under 100.
All in all I expect the Lakers to win with less than inspired efforts, and take the series in five games.