Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons 11/16/07 Postgame

What a strange game. The Lakers somehow managed to lead most of the first three quarters, even though they shot only 38% for the game- and significantly less before the fourth. However, they became a different team in the final 6 minutes, turning a nail-bitter into a comfortable win: 103-91.

Again, as always- it seems, the game turned with Kobe. He was awful through the first three quarters. He shot 2-14 from the field, and looked tired and fatigued. ESPN showed a close up shot of him coming off the the court at halftime, and he looked literally sick. Nothing was made of it, but by the way he played in the first half, and the way he carried himself, I think he must have been fighting off a virus or something.

Or perhaps he was simply gassed from having to chase his old high school rival, Rip Hamilton, all around the court. Either way, he was extremely ineffective through the first 42 minutes of the game.

But as we know, a game lasts 48 minutes, and Kobe made the last 6 count. He hit two three pointers, converted a three point play, and made all four of his shots to score 11 points in the final 6 minutes.

It wasn't only his scoring, but also his defensive intensity and passion he showed in those final minutes that got the job done. On one memorable play, Kobe dove to the floor to wrestle a loose ball from Hamilton, and kept grabbing and tugging long after the ref had blown the whistle. Its the little things like these that let Kobe's teammates know that his heart is still in it, regardless of what the media says.

While Kobe closed the game, you have to credit the rest of the Lakers for keeping it a close during #24's virtual absence early. If you look at the box, you can see that every Laker who played had a role, and contributed something to keep the game close.

Player of the Game:

Lamar Odom-
25 and 15. 'Nuff said? How bout grabbing 9 offensive rebounds. Nine, that is not a typo. While Kobe became the playmaker, handing out 7 assists, Lamar became the scorer. He carried the scoring load while Kobe sleep walked through the first 90% of the game.


Non-Laker Related NBA News:

I will take this opportunity to admit that my prediction on the Celtics "You can't expect the big three to click overnight" may not have been entirely correct. They have seemingly "clicked overnight" in jumping out to an NBA best 8-0 record.

The first of many to come. If the kid is already hitting game winners in his rookie year, imagine where he will be in the future. Who can forget Kobe chucking up the airballs against Utah his rookie year? And look at the player he has become. Kevin Durant is going to be something special.