It seems like the Lakers are making a habit of catching players in their team debuts. First it was Marion in Miami, last night it was Bibby with Atlanta, and tonight was Shaq's debut for Phoenix. Apparently this was one of the most hyped games in Phoenix for years, and it sure felt like it. The atmosphere was electric before tip off. The game started off with both teams coming out hot, but eventually they settled down, and the ridiculous image of Shaq in a Phoenix jersey began to look somewhat normal by the third quarter.
The Lakers started off playing good team basketball, Kobe and Pau have already developed a good chemistry on the pick and roll already. Phoenix showed their emotions early through the upset Coach DiAntoni, who did his best to pick up an early technical to no avail.
As was typical for any Phoenix game, both teams had many mini-runs. The Lakers offensive was running on all cylinders in the first half, but the defense was struggling. Kobe played the entire first half, and the Lakers were up 65-57 at the break.
Derek Fisher continued his strong game in the third quarter, rebounding from a string of mediocre performances. Phoenix clawed their way back into the game via the freethrow line, an atypical path for them.
The game really started to kick into a 5th gear in the late third quarter. It really felt like a playoff game. Lamar was being incredibly aggressive, Shaq was diving for loose balls, and the players were getting pretty emotional.
Kobe got a rest for the first time to begin the fourth quarter, but the bench, led by Sasha tonight, held the cushion.
The play Phoenix fans would have remembered had they gone on to win, was the first alley-oop from Nash to O'Neal. It could have been a "Kobe-Shaq-esqe" moment from 2000, but Kobe hit a clutch three on the next possession, and Gasol followed it up with a huge dunk and the foul moments later. After Gasol's enormous slam, Sasha jumped into his arms like the Lakers had just won the championship, but the game was not over.
The game was over minutes later, when a 3-1 fastbreak ended with a perfect dish from Kobe lead to another slam by Pau Gasol. The Lakers went up by 6 with just over a minute remaining and maintained that margin to win 130-124. It was incredible to watch the chemistry Bryant and Gasol already have together. Their two-man game is first class. It will be interesting to see how Bynum works his way back into the offense when he returns.
In the big picture, this was a really huge for the Lakers. On a day when Jason Kidd lost with the Mavs, and obviously O'Neal lost with the Suns, the Lakers' trade/steal for Gasol is looking better and better. Hubie Brown said it best, "The Lakers are for real". And remember Hubie, this is without arguably the Lakers' second best player: the young Andrew Bynum.
After the game, Mike Tirico literally pleaded with the "Basketball Gods" to let these teams meet again in the playoffs, and I must say, I too am praying for a rematch. What a game it was, I wouldn't mind seeing at least 4 more. And after getting knocked out by the Suns in back to back postseasons, how sweet it would be for the Lakers to finally beat Phoenix, on their way to a potential championship.
Player of the Game: Kobe Bryant
There were many choices tonight. Lamar came out very aggressive and had a huge game (22 and 11) and Pau had a "quiet" 29, but there was only one POTG tonight. Kobe scored above 40 for the 90th time in his career- 3rd all time (Chamberlain and Jordan). Bryant had 41pts on 16-25 shooting, to go along with 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 huge blocks. He was on fire most of the game, and shot incredibly efficiently. When his jumper is falling, like it was tonight, he is impossible to guard and the Lakers are nearly impossible to beat.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Lakers vs. Miami Heat Postgame 2/10/08
What used to be the marquee match up of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, played up by the NBA and always nationally televised, has certainly lost a bit of its hype. 300 pounds of hype to be precise. With Shaq in Phoenix (by the way, the guy has now played in Orlando, L.A., Miami and Phoenix- think weather might be part of his criteria?), this afternoon's game had a bit of a different feel.
Miami, losers of 21 of their last 22 coming into today' contest, were pumped up with the addition of Shawn Marion- making his Heat debut tonight. The Heat came out looking like a new team in the first half, running the floor and excelling in the transition game. Dwyane Wade and Shawn Marion had instant chemistry, and played well together from the first whistle.
Meanwhile for the Lakers, the honeymoon period with Pau Gasol is starting to end, and its time to get to business. Pau is a great addition for the Lakers inside, but often looks lost on defense and is still clearly learning the offense. Once he understands the triangle, and begins to click with his teammates, he will be a force, especially when combined with Bynum.
The Lakers were able to overcome the emotional play of Miami and controlled the game for most of the first half led by the play the efficient play of Kobe Bryant and some hot shooting from Sasha Vujacic.
The differential in three-point shooting and free throws was key for the Lakers as they began to pull away in the third. The Lakers shot 11 more freebies than the Heat, and also made twice as many three-pointers. With both teams using very short rotations, the bench play was not as big of a factor as usual, but the Lakers still got a big edge: 30-13.
L.A. began to blow the game open in the early fourth quarter, going on a 20-4 run at one point. However, in the final minutes the Lakers lost their focus as Miami pressed on defense and refused to give up. Ultimately though, the poise of Bryant and Gasol showed as they both hit big shots, and the experience of Derek Fisher controlling the ball was key, as the Lakers hung on to take it by ten: 104-94.
You have to feel for Miami, it's hard to fathom how this team has fallen so far from the top after winning the title less than two years ago. Guys like Wade and Pat Riley are just too good to be a part of such a bad team. Tonight looked like it might have been the beginning of a new page for the Heat, perhaps they can turn it around. But you have to wonder, is collecting wins at this point of the season going to do anything but hurt their chance in the draft lottery?
CO POTG- Lamar Odom and Kobe Bryant
With all the noise Pat Riley was making about Wade and Marion reminding him of Jordan and Pippen, it was Kobe and Lamar who looked the part tonight.
Kobe had an incredibly efficient game, hitting for 33 points on only 15 shots. He also had 5 rebounds, 3 assists and some great defense on Dwyane Wade.
Lamar had a great all around game, grabbing an incredible 18 rebounds, dishing out 6 assists and chipping in a (non-Kobe) Lakers' high 15 points.
Miami, losers of 21 of their last 22 coming into today' contest, were pumped up with the addition of Shawn Marion- making his Heat debut tonight. The Heat came out looking like a new team in the first half, running the floor and excelling in the transition game. Dwyane Wade and Shawn Marion had instant chemistry, and played well together from the first whistle.
Meanwhile for the Lakers, the honeymoon period with Pau Gasol is starting to end, and its time to get to business. Pau is a great addition for the Lakers inside, but often looks lost on defense and is still clearly learning the offense. Once he understands the triangle, and begins to click with his teammates, he will be a force, especially when combined with Bynum.
The Lakers were able to overcome the emotional play of Miami and controlled the game for most of the first half led by the play the efficient play of Kobe Bryant and some hot shooting from Sasha Vujacic.
The differential in three-point shooting and free throws was key for the Lakers as they began to pull away in the third. The Lakers shot 11 more freebies than the Heat, and also made twice as many three-pointers. With both teams using very short rotations, the bench play was not as big of a factor as usual, but the Lakers still got a big edge: 30-13.
L.A. began to blow the game open in the early fourth quarter, going on a 20-4 run at one point. However, in the final minutes the Lakers lost their focus as Miami pressed on defense and refused to give up. Ultimately though, the poise of Bryant and Gasol showed as they both hit big shots, and the experience of Derek Fisher controlling the ball was key, as the Lakers hung on to take it by ten: 104-94.
You have to feel for Miami, it's hard to fathom how this team has fallen so far from the top after winning the title less than two years ago. Guys like Wade and Pat Riley are just too good to be a part of such a bad team. Tonight looked like it might have been the beginning of a new page for the Heat, perhaps they can turn it around. But you have to wonder, is collecting wins at this point of the season going to do anything but hurt their chance in the draft lottery?
CO POTG- Lamar Odom and Kobe Bryant
With all the noise Pat Riley was making about Wade and Marion reminding him of Jordan and Pippen, it was Kobe and Lamar who looked the part tonight.
Kobe had an incredibly efficient game, hitting for 33 points on only 15 shots. He also had 5 rebounds, 3 assists and some great defense on Dwyane Wade.
Lamar had a great all around game, grabbing an incredible 18 rebounds, dishing out 6 assists and chipping in a (non-Kobe) Lakers' high 15 points.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
More News
First of all, the Pau Gasol trade has officially happened He made his Laker Debut last night, scoring 24 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in the Lakers' win of the New Jersey Nets.
Shaq has been traded to the Phoenix Suns.
Phoenix gives up Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks for Shaquille O'Neal. This is the biggest trade since.... the Lakers' trade last week. It is really suprising to me that Phoenix would do this. They are currently first place in the Pacific Division, but maybe the Lakers' trade forced them into this. Height and size is now at a premium in the West, and Shaq obviously provides both. But this move would seem to signal the end of Phoenix's unique run and gun style- I can't see Shaq running up and down the floor.
This trade is exciting for the Lakers. First of all, it shows the Suns are desperate, and fear the Lakers. It will also build the budding rivalry even more, and will be great to see more of Bynum going head to head with O'Neal.
Finally, it was announced today that Kobe Bryant will be in this years 3 Point Shootout during All Star Weekend. This will be exciting. If Kobe wins he might be the first player ever to win the Dunk Competition and 3-Point shootout. He is really competitive, and a good shooter, so I think he has a chance.
Shaq has been traded to the Phoenix Suns.
Phoenix gives up Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks for Shaquille O'Neal. This is the biggest trade since.... the Lakers' trade last week. It is really suprising to me that Phoenix would do this. They are currently first place in the Pacific Division, but maybe the Lakers' trade forced them into this. Height and size is now at a premium in the West, and Shaq obviously provides both. But this move would seem to signal the end of Phoenix's unique run and gun style- I can't see Shaq running up and down the floor.
This trade is exciting for the Lakers. First of all, it shows the Suns are desperate, and fear the Lakers. It will also build the budding rivalry even more, and will be great to see more of Bynum going head to head with O'Neal.
Finally, it was announced today that Kobe Bryant will be in this years 3 Point Shootout during All Star Weekend. This will be exciting. If Kobe wins he might be the first player ever to win the Dunk Competition and 3-Point shootout. He is really competitive, and a good shooter, so I think he has a chance.
Friday, February 1, 2008
TRADE-BREAKING NEWS-TRADE
Genius Mitch Kupchak strikes again! The Lakers have aquired Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, and a couple first round picks.
The trade has not been officially approved by the NBA yet, but if it goes through- its a masterstroke by the Lakers Front Office. Common sense would dictate that we would have to give up at least Odom, Farmar, or someone that was more of a key peice, but the fact that we are getting Gasol for so little is amazing. The Grizzlies, desperate to unload salary, were content to take Kwame's expiring contract as well as the promise of a bright future with Critter and 2 first round picks.
Unloading Kwame was the right thing to do. He was really struggling with the Lakers, and the fans were famously getting on his case. I am little more sad to see Crittenton go, but this just means we are fully investing our future at the point in Farmar- and I'm okay with that. With Bynum out we can now start a lineup of:
PG- Fisher
SG- Kobe
SF- Luke
PF- Lamar
C- Gasol
When Ariza and Bynum come back, we will have a very deep team with many options for lineups. I think the best lineup would be:
PG- Fisher
SG- Kobe
SF- Lamar
PF- Gasol
C- Bynum
This leaves a very deep second unit consisting of Farmar, Sasha, Radmonivich, Ariza, Luke and Ronny.
The trade has not been officially approved by the NBA yet, but if it goes through- its a masterstroke by the Lakers Front Office. Common sense would dictate that we would have to give up at least Odom, Farmar, or someone that was more of a key peice, but the fact that we are getting Gasol for so little is amazing. The Grizzlies, desperate to unload salary, were content to take Kwame's expiring contract as well as the promise of a bright future with Critter and 2 first round picks.
Unloading Kwame was the right thing to do. He was really struggling with the Lakers, and the fans were famously getting on his case. I am little more sad to see Crittenton go, but this just means we are fully investing our future at the point in Farmar- and I'm okay with that. With Bynum out we can now start a lineup of:
PG- Fisher
SG- Kobe
SF- Luke
PF- Lamar
C- Gasol
When Ariza and Bynum come back, we will have a very deep team with many options for lineups. I think the best lineup would be:
PG- Fisher
SG- Kobe
SF- Lamar
PF- Gasol
C- Bynum
This leaves a very deep second unit consisting of Farmar, Sasha, Radmonivich, Ariza, Luke and Ronny.
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