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.
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1 comment:
You have some good insights into the Lakers. Honestly though, I think they are going down before the finals. Keep writing though, I like your stuff.
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