1) Not sure how it really came off on TV, but the crowd in the arena was jacked up for most of the game. Loudest boo’s for an opposing team I can remember. Also the reaction for the starting lineup was probably the loudest I’ve heard Staples Center, period. Also the first time Lamar came in off the bench the place went wild, good to see the fans haven’t really turned on him as it was starting to seem that way.

2) Defense was absolutely great. Pau was banging w/ Aldridge, looking aggressive, getting out on shots, boxing out (for the most par), blocking shots. He looked like a man that wants to silence his critics. Kobe, Radman (who would of thought?) also notably looked good on the d-end.

3) Few timing issues prevented this from really being over early. Missed alley-oops etc. I think we’ll see a lot of those start to fall in a few games.

4)Oden/Bynum looked like two young guys trying to one up the other and both failing for the most part. Andrew had a nice help defense game but on the offensive side of the ball he looked very timid.

5) No mention of Oden’s injury in the arena. It happened right in front of my seats and Oden really didn’t seem to let it on to the crowd. Perhaps he should have come out earlier as running on it probably wasn’t the best idea.

Great win to start the season, defense was spectacular, offense was great and will get better as the season rolls on. Should be a good game tonight, seems like Phil did a nice job managing minutes on Kobe/Pau so they should be ready to rock.

that LO pass to sasha when he was in sweats on the bench was hysterical.

when Kobe got that hard foul from Prizbilla, and then went off for something like 12 straight points, THAT was impressive and his comments and laughing about it in the end of game interview was classic, I thought Kobe showed a lot of class, and “a real person” quality.

Trevor is simply awesome, I absolutely love watching this guy. Kobe is Kobe, and our second unit of Lamar, Farmar, Trevor, and Sasha will overwhelm the opponents plenty of times this season.

As for the Blazers, I think they’ve assembled a great young core of excellent players and quality individuals. The problem? Their cornerstones are Brandon Roy and Greg Oden, perhaps the most brittle cornerstone combination in NBA history. They might win the championship at some point in the next five seasons after this one, but I can’t see them staying healthy for an extended period of time.

Who says Phil can’t coach defense? I loved the defense last night. I liked the effort on the PNR’s (hard show and recover, forcing the ball handler to go horizontal, not towards the hoop, trapping and playing the passing lane) and how we were denying wing passes.

I also was feeling how FIsh, Vlad and Kobe would collapse on the ball when it went into the post.

Also, the 1-2-2 zone we threw at Roy when he was gonna try to penetrate from the top of the key. We did this a little against SA in the playoffs, and I think with Bynum back, it will be even more formidable. Especially when LO is in at the top of that zone, this is where our length will really come in handy.

I was impressed by Vlad’d overall game last night. He took good shots, ran the break and played a great defense game. He looked comfortable with the starters, and Odom and Ariza (save the exorbiant amount of turnovers) looked great with the 2nd unit…kudos to Phil.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQaVvf2VOsc

Evidence is better than assertion.

I can definitely see the over-giddiness in the eyes of Drew to outdo himself. The young kid needs time (which he doesn’t seem to think) and he needs Kareem’s mentoring – this time, a psychological debriefing would be advisable. As the cliche says: He has to let the game come to him.

Lamar Odom looked great – he showed us that he can fit in all this. Psychological debriefing… I bet he had a handful from Phil.

Pau Gasol is simply flawless at PF. He is overplaying LMA, playing defense, running the floor very well and punishing the defender for not respecting his 15-footer. This fella is kinda good.

Fisher looks like me shooting a layup. Plain and Simple Ugly.

Sasha hit the Laker Lizard on that corner attempt. And yes he should have shot the Lamar Odom assist. I laughed my ass off. Never mind the ejection.

Trevor Ariza was the game’s best player. Is it just me or can you see confidence in his face? He is no longer the tentative high-flier… and now he has that sweet jumper developing. Seriously though, with how high he jumps, he could lead the league in blocks with 35mpg. Promise.

Farmar was as giddy as Drew. Overconfidence is indeed a key area. But with Farmar being our future PG, I like giving him a little dose of (over)confidence. Drew will get his later.

And lastly, I wish there was a way we could land Rudy. OMG that kid will be starting in no time. Promise.