I wanted to get away from the emotion of the last game and talk a lot of Xs and Os, but in an email Reed makes a very good point that emotions may well determine this series:
I think that is an often overlooked, but important, subplot in any series — which team allows some emotional/mental/psychological weakness to disrupt their desired execution. This is a real driving force in the playoffs. Often the talent difference is razor thin and the determining factor becomes which team can gain the mental edge and thereby force the other team to play with doubt, fear, or some level of discomfort. By “emotion” or “mental edge” or “psyche” I am referring broadly to any kind of emotion that affects play — doubt, fear, confidence, trust, courage, etc. Those feelings can drive execution — if a team believes in their system, teammates, and personal abilities, then they will execute with real precision and commitment; if they do not believe in themselves or others — or fear their opponent in some way, then that will cause execution to break down as they compensate for perceived weaknesses. This is what happened in the Boston series last year. They were not more talented than us, but they gained the clear mental edge and forced us to abandon what was working. Instead of running the triangle, we reverted to Kobe-ball…. The issue was not that we didn’t care or stopped trying, it was that we let Boston intimidate us — both in terms of gameplan and physical play — and thereby lost the disciplined execution that had worked for us.
It’s a good thing to watch for tonight — do the Lakers get away from what they do best? Does a fired up Ron-Ron try to take over the game single-handedly? Those things will determine a winner as much or more than anything else.
Tonight with the Lakers we get a peak into the point guard of the future discussion, and hopefully we are not left screaming, “Free Agents, we need Free Agents” by the end of the night.
Jordan Farmar could do it, if he plays a little smarter. The man used to just run into the pick in the high pick and roll and become lost, but against Brooks he is went under it. The problem last game was he went so far under it that Brooks could still turn the corner and get up some speed before Farmar was there to try to cut him off (and it was too late). Or, Brooks would just hit the three. If Brooks is cold again (he’s streaky) then the Lakers go under, if not Farmar has to fight over the top. If Jordan can make a couple little adjustments like that, he could have a good night.
Otherwise, more ShanWOW and maybe some Sasha at the point.
The Lakers had a good defensive game in a lot of ways against the Rockets in game two — they fronted Yao and had backside help there early, taking him out of the game. I liked the turnovers that created (allowing a faster pace), while Darius breaks down how he thought just keeping Yao out of the flow was key.
However, I think this game was won based off the work that we did on Yao. We fronted him, pushed him further out to make catches, and then doubled him hard which forced him to pass. Houston’s wing players helped us out a great deal by not looking for Yao on the re-post (as Dwyer explained so well over at BDL), but often times those wing players were up against the clock and went into a bit of panic by forcing jumpers and driving into traffic (and all because of the work we had done throughout the possession). As I mentioned in the last thread, if we can continue to make Yao a passer and limit his shot attempts, we’ll put the game on the shoulders of Artest, Brooks, Battier, Landry, Scola, Wafer, and Lowry. And while Artest has shown how good he can really be, he’s always one play away from making himself disappear (as we saw last night). And in the end, I’m more than happy to take my chances against those other guys than to allow Yao to dictate to us. Plus our fronting strategy put our bigs in much better position to help on Guard penetration. If Fish/Farmar/Brown got beat, Gasol/Bynum were in position to help as they were already in front of Yao (most of time at least) and did not allow themselves to get sealed off by his giant frame. This made Guards reverse course and burn more clock. If we can find ways to continue using this tactic even as the Rockets make adjustments, we’ll be in good shape the rest of this series.
The Rockets are going to make adjustments, as the (wait for it) Leg-en-dary David Thorpe pointed out at ESPN.
The Lakers defended Yao much better in Game 2, fronting him more in the low post and sending Lamar Odom into the ball-side box near Yao whenever the ball handler crossed below the free throw line (which is normally where they’ll feed Yao). It effectively bottled up Yao. Houston can try passing down to Yao from above the line, before Odom comes over, if Yao can keep Gasol behind him. If not, Houston could put Luis Scola in more threatening spots on the weak side, hoping to keep Odom closer to home. Or they can pop Yao out to run side pick-and-pops, possibly opening up driving lanes for Brooks.
I love Trevor Ariza but he is not strong enough to cover Ron Artest, so look for more Luke Walton tonight. As Darius pointed out in the comments, Luke is strong enough to absorb the contact when Artest drives and is too slow of foot to react to his fakes, he just stays between Artest and the basket. And that works.
As I have done recently, I’ll let Kwame a. have the final word:
Keep Landry out of the paint: In game 2 Landry was able to bring the Rockets back with a big 2nd quarter. He made seven (7) baskets at basically point blank range and also took thirteen (13) free-throws. He did this from a combination of out-hustling the Lakers for offensive rebounds and from being left open when the Lakers continued to double Ron Artest. We must put a body on Landry and not double off him. I’d rather let Ron shoot himself out of his hot-streak.
Keep Brooks from collapsing the defense: In Game 1 Brooks had 19 points and was a +11. In Game 2 it took him 15 shots to get 13 points. What was the difference? The Lakers did a better job of keeping Brooks from attacking the hole and collapsing the defense. The Laker bigs did a better job of dissuading Brooks from attacking for lay-ups and forced him to dribble through to the other side. This allowed Fish (or the other PG’s) to recover back to Brooks. Keeping Brooks from getting off is key to the Lakers defensive success.
Keep Yao from getting shots: In Game 1 Yao took seventeen (17) shots and played forty (40) minutes. In game 2 he took four (4) shots and played twenty-six (26) minutes. Most of this was due to foul trouble, but with Pau due to start the rest of the series, foul trouble will be something Yao must avoid going forward. Also, the Lakers fronted Yao a lot more. There were a few things in play here: 1) our guards did a good job of pressuring the entry passer and this dissuaded the Rockets from throwing the ball into Yao often, 2) our weak-side defenders (kudos Luke) did a good job sneaking over and swiping at the ball and doubling Yao on the catch, while still recovering, 3) Yao was not making quick enough decisions when he caught the ball. The Rockets will find ways to get Yao the ball more, but the Lakers need to maintain the strategies they employed in Game 2.
For a Rockets perspective, check out Rockets Buzz (they have a live chat going on game nights).
Also, if you are watching online tonight, ESPN360 has the feed, just follow this link at game time.
Christina says
It’s Legen-wait for it and I hope you’re not lactose intolerant because the next word is – dary.
theshmoes says
how big of an impact will the loss of derek fisher be? fisher is like chauncey billups in that he calms everyone down, and recognizes who should get the ball, but is able to hit the “big shot” at the end of the game. He knows how to push the tempo and when the calm things down, much like billups does. i think the lakers need to force a lot of turnovers to get easy baskets. if not, they’ll hurt in the half court offense without fish.
TRad says
I was thinking about Farmar. It’s easy to say what happened – he plays worse. Ast36 rate went down a little from 4.8 to 4.7, but TO36 has risen from 2.3 to 2.7. He fouls more – PF36 has risen from 2.2 to 3.1 – and rebounds a little less – Teb36 went down from 3.9 to 3.6. But those are minor factors.
The biggie is his shooting efficiency. His TS% has dropped from .563 to .474. It’s huge. How happened? His FT% is shaqian .592, but it doesn’t matter a lot, he shoots only 1.2 FTA per game. His FG% is down from .461 to .398 and his 3P% is down from .371 to .343. What’s worse – last season ha had (per 36 minutes) 13.4 FGA including 6.5 3PA. This season it’s 12.5 and 4.4.
What does it mean? He traded some 3-pointers for long 2pt jumpers (steady FT rate means he doesn’t penetrates more, 82games numbers shows that his “close” shots increased from 26% to 30%). Long jumpers are the least valuable shots in basketball.
How this happened? According to 82games he shoots earlier in the possesions (45% his attempts are in first 10 seconds of the possesion, last season it was 39%). And Farmar’s plays more individually – last season 68% of his jumpers (and 60% of all FGM) were assisted, this season it’s 62% and 54%.
Why this happens? Let’s take a look at Farmar’s field partners. Last season he played 1683 minutes. His main partners were:
Vujacic 1014 60%
Bryant 1010 60%
Odom 944 56%
Turiaf 807 48%
Walton 756 45%
Gasol/Bynum 605 36%
Ariza 296 18%
This season stats are different:
he played (at the moment I did this analysis) 1041 minutes
Ariza 807 78%
Vujacic 704 68%
Odom 652 63%
Gasol 594 57%
Bryant 390 37%
Powell 351 34%
Walton 184 18%
The biggest differences:
Ariza +60%
Walton -27%
Bryant -23%
I think it solves the puzzle. Farmar is playing less with Walton and Bryant, who are very good passers (according to 82games Walton has the highest “passing rating” among Lakers, whatever it means), and more with Ariza, who isn’t very good in a team offense (he excels in opportunistic scoring).
I think we were too critical about Farmar. He’s playing in tougher environment, so he plays worse than last season, that’s all. It’s a feature, not a bug.
My prediction: if Farmar plays with the first unit he should be much more effective than in the regular season.
Burgundy says
Anyone remember that Nov 9th game against the Rockets? The Lakers went down 32-16, and then Jordan Farmar came in and absolutely LIT THE ROCKETS UP (16pts, 6 assists), leading a comeback and eventual blow-out win. I would love to see a repeat of that…
And by the way, if there’s going to be a series where Farmar excels – this is it. A guard he’s familiar with (Brooks) who isn’t strong enough to muscle him around, a slow, plodding defense that is susceptible to his speed, and an opportunity with Fisher suspended.
If he wants redemption, this is his shot.
Brian says
The plus side of no Fish, is that Farmar is actually a PG who knows how to get a layup out of a 2-on-1 or 3-on-2. Less PUJITs = happier me.
The negative side of no Fish is that both Farmar and ShanWOW are unproven playoff performers. Farmar, especially, is a confidence player. If things start out poorly for him he could easily go into the tank.
The good thing for the Lakers as a whole is that Houston is the one team in the West where you can have subpar PG play against them and still win. Brooks and Lowry are okay players, but they’re nothing special at this point in their careers, and are just as likely to make a poor decision as they are a good one. We will miss some of Fish’s veteran saavy, and we will miss some of the non-calls he gets the benefit of when playing defense, but overall, we should be able to survive his absence.
lakergirl says
I dont like the notion that has been floating around about Kobe being able to keep up shooting his 20footers for us to win this series. That notion suggests we are absolutely getting nothing from everyone else. The law of averages will set in pretty soon and when it comes down to it the lakers are the better team.
On a side note, i somehow end up in a city that battles the lakers in the playoffs or recent. During the phx years i lived in the valley of the sun. Moved to Houston this year and now this.
AFB says
I guess I’m in the minority because I really liked the speed lineup of Jordan, ShanWOW, Luke, LO, and Bynum. If Bynum decides the join the series, it seems like a very complementary line up that could give Houston’s unit some problems. It seemed ineffective in Game 2 because Ron Artest channelled (and been channelling) his inner Drazen Petrovic. He’ll come back to Earth eventually. I’ve seen it Indiana, Sac-town and Houston.
Also I likened Landry’s play in Game 2 to those 50/50 plays that Don Collins (Lord please forgive me…) kept mentioning during the Celts/Bulls series. Noah was the beneficiary of those, but in honesty those aren’t plays you can rely on. I would hope the Lakers don’t allow Landry to make a habit out of benefitting from those types of plays as he did in the 2nd quarter of Game 2.
On another tangent, I can’t believe people get paid to write this foolishness. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/steve_aschburner/05/08/kobe/index.html?eref=si_nba.
This and some of the discussion of the past few days(boxing out/elbows, etc.) leads me to believe that some people need to get off their couches and play the game of basketball (regardless of skill level) just to get some perspective of the foolishness they believe.
lakergirl says
AFB, I saw that article earlier and i swear i lost some brain cells after reading it. There might be some truth to the content but its so poorly written.
With Kobe/Lakers there is no winning. They are soft if they back down and fake tough if they dont.
Mark Sigal says
Again, I think this is the one series where the zen stuff that Jackson plays may actually bear us some big dividends.
There is history with Adelman from Sac days; Artest is a powder-keg; I am betting a decent/good game from Farmar (he has a history/is comfortable playing against Brooks, and was a disruptive unit for the R’s in Q4); the league is on notice now re officiating, which at least for this game seems to favor the Lakers, and I think the Lakers finally have found their purpose.
Tonight FEELS like the Lakers will be assassins, but obviously a very good Rockets team will have something to say about that.
Mark
Kurt says
Mike Trudell is a hero of mine:
http://my.lakers.com/blogs/2009/05/08/kobe-vs-ron-ron-not-the-story/
T34 says
Jordan has a great opportunity tonight, I hope he takes full advantage.
This one will most likely be called very tight, it’s tough to say who that will favor. I just hope the Lakers come out committed to both their defense and RUNNING the offense. No Kobe watch, please.
Chris J says
TRad’s breakdown was interesting.
Quick question for anyone with knowledge of this: are we certain that Farmar will get the start tonight?
It seems logical given the match up with the speedy Brooks. But in recent games we’ve seen Brown getting more time, and entering games prior to Farmar.
Has Phil or the team stated one way or the other who’ll get the nod?
Kurt says
Also, I may make this it’s own post tomorrow, but check it out for now. Amazing.
http://bit.ly/OOX4k
Kurt says
11. No official word yet. Honestly, I expect Shannon to start, but I have high hopes for Jordan tonight. He may well let me down. Again.
AFB says
lakergirl,
You took the words right out of my mouth.
TRad,
Good stats. While Luke drives me crazy most times, when we drew Houston, I thought he would be a key player in this series. And after watching Ariza get outmuscled by Ron Ron, I knew Luke’s size would be needed to at least force Ron to shoot the J.
azzemoto says
After just seeing the hard foul that Fisher gave Scola, I have come to the conclusion that he should have been suspended multiple games. I am a Laker fan and a big fan of Fish, but that was just wrong and has no place in the game. I kinda have lost a little respect for Fish.
Snoopy2006 says
TRad – great breakdown. Hopefully we will see Farmar playing better with the 1st unit, and focusing on the defensive end more than the other end.
Ryan says
Kurt, one of my favorite moments. Loved that game. I almost turned that game off in disgust because I didn’t wan to watch the Lakers lose in the 4th. Good thing I didn’t.
lakergirl says
13. Kurt,
From now on anyone who says anything about Shaq being able to win without Kobe will be subjected to viewing this in a loop till they figure out shaq didnt throw that alley oop to himself
Icaros says
Fisher should have been suspended for multiple games? Please. Do you think Scola didn’t sell some of that? He is twice Fisher’s size.
azzemoto says
Scola may have sold it but what I saw was Fisher winding up “a la Kermit Washington”.
Don W says
@TRad, nice breakdown. Makes a lot of sense. I believe Farmar should play well for us tonight (esp relative to Fisher). He is not one to lose confidence, and that bodes well for this situation.
I would like to see more PNR’s involving Yao. His weakness in defending it should be relentlessly exploited.
Adam says
I really think Farmar is going to play well tonight. They don’t need him to score 15 — he just has to stay in front of Brooks and hand in his face. Also, PJ loves big guards (remember Ron Harper wasn’t exactly a PG) so I’m interested in seeing Sasha “run the point.”
wiseolgoat says
I don’t think Kobe is dirty, but I think he’s the master of little jabs with his arms / elbow to create space and sell contact to the refs. Remember, this is the guy that Coby Karl said “considers himself the master of fouling without getting called”. He has mastered the game to such an extent that little tricks like that are now part of his repertoire. Think about last game’s play – he would have gotten away with that little elbow / push-off / whatever you want to call it had there not been a huge media outcry about it that warranted a review by the NBA office.
Really, the only incident that comes to mind where he really wanted to hurt someone is the Mike Miller elbow to the throat – I believe afterwards he said he wanted to send a message that just because the Lakers play in Hollywood, opponents can’t just come down the lane and “be cute”.
Coffee is For Closers says
The whole kobe-ron thing overplay displays exactly how lazy a lot of the media is – just jump on the easiest angle available and beat it exhaustively to death (ex. – see Favre, Brett).
I’m excited about tonight’s game. Defense is the key tonight. If the lakers get stops and force turnovers, they should be able to force the pace which is to their advantage. Obviously, brown and farmar need to do a decent job controlling brooks so he doesn’t exploit our interior like game 1. Lakers also need to continue to emphasize getting the ball to pau down low, he can exploit yao with his agility, or force houston into help situations that will help create space and lanes for everyone else.
You’d think this game is going to be closely called, so lets see what team takes most advantage of a tightly officiating game.
Zephid says
Everyone should watch the video on Seven Seconds or Mess, highlighting the Rockets deficiencies in getting Yao Ming the ball when he was in good position.
http://7secondsormess.blogspot.com/2009/05/7som-lakers-vs-rockets-game-2.html
I would like to bring up the fact that the reason the Rockets are reluctant to make the tough pass is because they don’t want to risk a turnover. Turnover’s lead to Laker breaks, Yao getting tired/frustrated, easy scores, preventing Houston’s excellent defense from setting. Sure, Yao is monstrously efficient when he gets the ball in good position, but is the reward worth the risk of giving up an easy score? I’m not so sure about the answer, because LA getting out and running is the worst case scenario for Houston; would they be willing to forfeit a few easy scores to control the tempo? My guess is yes, so I think they’ll continue not forcing the entry in to Yao.
Icaros says
Comparing Fisher’s shoulder block to Kermit Washington’s closed-fist KO is a big leap.
Coffee is For Closers says
22. ron – I wonder in this post-season if we’ll see any return to the kobe-bynum PNR that was so devasting much of the regular season?
Brian says
I love how the “experts” are questioning whether Kobe can keep this up for an entire series, yet no one seems to ask whether RonRon can. He’s shooting 55% from the field over the first two games, after shooting 40% during the season and 41% versus the Blazers (and 42% for his career). He’s shooting 54% from 3 against us, after shooting 40% for the year and 28% versus the Blazers (and 34% for his career). Sure, it’s possible that he could keep this up for an entire series, but it’s not likely.
penston says
@13. A game seven for the ages. I remember it, but not because I was there. I was driving from Texas to California and stopped in Grants, New Mexico, because it was almost game time. Had only one question for the motel check-in clerk, “Do you get NBC?”
Don W says
@Coffee, well that would depend on whether Bynum can get off the bench.
Don W says
@Zephid –
Good video. But I thought it did a better job of highlighting our defensive work rather than Houston’s deficiencies. We were constantly anticipating, moving, putting a lot of activity and pressure on the passer as well as Yao. And it was a team effort with weakside and on-ball guys just as much it was Pau on Yao (I hope to say “Pau on Yao” as much as possible). Houston has demonstrated they really don’t have a great counter to this strategy because after the first game against Portland Yao could never consistently get the ball. It did open up the free throw jumper for Scola and Landry, but we have to work as a team to take away both options.
Coffee is For Closers says
Don, I also think it depends on bynum being confident enought to leave his feet to catch a pass. Usually, Kobe would throw the pass off that pick at the rim, letting andrew catch and dunk. Not sure he’s confident enough to forcefully go for the ball and dunk like he was pre-injury.
Jeff says
Man, if the Rocket’s were pissed at Crawford last game….
Javie’s turn tonight. I love Javie as an official, I think he’s one of the best when Crawford has his head on his shoulders, but that rep for being an anti-homer is going to piss off untold numbers of Houston fans.
kwame a. says
Gr8- You’re going to the game tonight right? Be loud, represent FBG well!!
DTaft says
One of the keys to tonight will the play of our second unit at the top of the fourth. Specifically playing defense without fouling, i’m looking at you Sasha. The past two games the second unit has really killed us with getting in the penalty, and we cant afford to do that with Yao on the floor. Especially with how tight the refs will be calling tonight’s game.
If something crazy does go down, i’d like to see DJ rush the floor and start judo throwing everyone. Who cares if he gets suspended, i will send him $20 personally to help cover the money he looses.
Rich says
@35, that comment just doesn’t sit well with me. I’ve been watching the Lakers since the early 90’s and Fish has always been one of my favorite players. He’s the master at drawing charges, he hits clutch shots regardless of how cold he can be during the first 3qtrs. He’s the one that got us past the Spurs with the famous .4 shot, if he wouldn’t have made that, do you think we would have advanced? Yeah we didn’t win the Finals that year but still. I’d like to believe that no Laker fan wants Fisher out of the lineup but maybe that’s just me and calling Fisher an awful player just seem ridiculous regardless of his play vs. Brooks.
Mark Sigal says
One side thread that I am almost remiss to bring up because: A) what’s the point; and B) I sound like a total homer; is that in watching TNT coverage of the Lakers, there is a weird anti-Lakers vibe.
Doug Collins especially, has a negative spin on Lakers decision making and execution, but even Barkley and Kenny Smith are pretty down on the team.
Part of this may be legitimate disappointment with the perceived lack of mission and inconsistent intensity relative to Cleveland, Denver (Barkely has been clear on this one), but I wonder if there is a level of secret rooting against factor for Collins relative to PJ; Kenny Smith as an ex Rocket. Add Chris Webber to the mix, and you’ve got a tri-fecta.
I know, nutty, but I’m raising it just the same.
Keep up the great work.
Brian says
I love seeing Steve Javie as a ref when we’re on the road. Not so much when we’re at home. He seems to love to rile up the home crowd. 🙂
magiclover says
I definitely think there is an anti-Laker feeling in most things NBA.Over The years many,many people have had their hearts broken by the Lakers success,never to be forgotten.
Coffee is For Closers says
34. jeff – great news re: javie, with his well earned reputation as being a visting team’s best friend.
TRad says
@35 Re: Fisher
The stats show something else. Fisher was our most effective PG during the RS. 6.5 WS in 2441 minutes is not bad. And in p-o his efficiency is the same – it’s 0.5 WS in 206 minutes (for example his TrueShooting% is .571 – stellar for a guard).
Brown in the postseason is sensational (127 ORtg, 107 DRtg, 0.4 WS in only 113 minutes) but the sample size rears its ugly head here.
Farmar was ineffective in RS (but it could be, as I’ve written, side effect of substitution pattern), in p-o he was a nonfactor.
I think we will see Farmar as a starter and Brown as a backup – it seems he plays well with the bench.
bruinsfan says
I love Ariza too but I would be really excited if Walton got more burn, esp. on Artest. He has shown that he can play solid D on guys who like to use their strength, and offensively he forces us into the triangle which means we actually get to use Pau.
lil' pau says
my wishlist for tonight:
1. initiate the O through pau
2. plenty of weakside cutting
3A. lamar torching scola
3B. a close up of scola’s face or chest showing a backwards ‘WWJD’ imprinted there.
4. artest coming back to earth
5. a solid run for jordan
6. kobe not being baited into hero mode
7. artest being baited into hero mode
8. the return at last of andrew bynum (which I actually do think will happen at some point in this series)
9. No Luke-Sasha combinations, esp. if they also include Farmar.
10. A score > 100 points.
One can argue that we’ve yet to see a ‘normal game’ in terms of an expected play from both teams. Pau (and the Lakers 3-point shooting) was so awful in game one, and yao was taken out of game two (some pretty bad calls on him, in addition to the lakers D fronting and doubling)– what will this series look like if Pau and Yao both are on their game?
I expect a mediocre shooting night from artest tonight– law of averages compounded with the extra attention from the fracas. the more he shoots, the better imo, despite his brilliance in games 1 & 2.
Craig W. says
By this time anyone who didn’t see Kermit Washington play shouldn’t make comments about his foul on Rudy. Those who do are indulging in the same thing many people accuse the NBA of – confusing the foul with the result of the foul.
Artest got kicked out so Kobe gets a technical; Fernandez is almost knocked out so Ariza is vilified, etc., etc.
If we are going to criticize the refs for this kind of dumb reasoning, we shouldn’t indulge in it ourselves.
Darius says
Aaron,
I think what you see only what you want to support your views. I think we can all see what Fisher or Walton’s limitations are. But I don’t think you see nearly enough of their strengths, based on your comments. Luke covered Artest quite well for multiple consecutive possessions in Game 2. And Fisher is on the court for much more than his shooting. I understand wanting to point out where players aren’t helping us – we all do that as fans. But discrediting players completely and not acknowledging how they are helping the team is simply unfair.
Craig W. says
I really love what Fish brings to this team. That said, I remember all the moaning about fish 2002-2004. He is what he is, just a bit slower than what he was.
I really like TRad’s (#3 above) analysis of Farmar’s teammates and hope it answers a few questions tonight.
emh101 says
Barry during the Celts/Magic game just called Fish’s hard foul one of the dirtiest plays he has seen in the NBA in years.
MannyP13 says
Sometimes you just can’t win.
Before, the all-knowing Sports media called the Lakers soft and disinterested. Then, for about a half a day, they said we had found our “toughness.” Now it turns out that we are “dirty.” Yet, guys that like to set dangerous moving screens (like Garnett, Scola), that commit far more dangerous fouls (Rondo), stick their feet between an opposing players legs as they jump (Bowen) are called “tough”.
In the end, I think it comes down to a single thing: what label you give a player is determined in large part on what you *think* of the player as a person. If you *think* you like the player, then he’s “tough” and not “soft”, or “humble” rather than “arrogant”, or a “true competitor” rather than a “cheat” or a “dirty” player.
I make a point of highlighting the word “think” because, unless you have the fortune of dealing with these guys on a daily basis at a personal level, then you really don’t have any rational basis to form your opinion. Think about it, what you do on the court (and your NBA image) does not necessarily mean that you are the same way off the court. I mean, if that was the case, then a “true thug” like Artest would be doing drive-bys in the offseason, a “tough guy” like Kevin Garnett would spend his weekends in Afghanistan chasing Osama Bin Ladden (and would pick on players his own size), a “fierce competitor” like Shaq would spend his summer working out, getting in shape and improving his free-throw shooting, a “soft” player like Lamar Odom would have turned to drugs or quit the NBA after facing many of the horrendous tragedies in his personal life, and an “arrogant” guy like Kobe would get a tattoo on his body that said something like ” Chosen One”. So in reality, sports writers are no more knowledgeable than you or I when it comes to the character traits of an athlete, except for the fact that they get paid to write about it.
Oh, and one last thing: Yes, that last paragraph contains an ever-so-subtle swipe at LBJ. I personally love his game and I am amazed at some of the things that he does – but the dude is arrogant as you or I would be if we had his talent. However, because the media and the fans are so in love with him, nobody seems to point out the obvious arrogance of his tattoo and his use of the #23 on his jersey is viewed as an “homage” to Jordan. Can you imagine what the press would say about Kobe if he had changed his number to #23?
Iggy says
54. The thing is… the Triangle offense doesn’t rely on the point guard nearly as much as other offenses. We don’t need a PG to be much more than a facilitator and a role player. Fish provides more than that — he’s a veteran championship presence and he knows what his team needs. (Particularly during Game 2 when he face-checked Luis Scola. It fired up the Lakers and gave us some emotion to play with. Without that play, we don’t win Game 2 nearly as easily as we did.)
Plus, his actions in that game are going to KEEP the team fired up. He brought a whole new dimension to the series. If that’s his role, even though he took a suspension, Fish may have just saved our championship run against the Houston Rockets. Just throwing that out there
chris h says
geez Aaron, grouchy enough today? looking for an argument or what?
chill dude.
try to enjoy the game, like’s too short to always be looking on the negative side of things.
and I agree with darius, Fish is a pro, and what he brings is way more than what you point out are deficiencies, leadership for one. and that’s kind of important, at least to me.
cheers mate, enjoy the game.
BlizzardOfOz says
Glen Davis (aka Puffin Fresh) just collared Dwight Howard around the neck… personal foul. Is it just me, or is there a completely different standard applied to the Celtics than to the rest of the league?
Kurt says
Aaron, the Lakers upgraded from bad PG to average when they went from Smush to Fisher. Simply put, during the season the Lakers were 8.1 points per 48 minutes better than their opponents when Fish was on the floor — only Kobe and Odom were better. That is not an accident or due to other players, it’s that he provides a solid and smart presence within the offense. Opposing PGs shot just 47% (eFG%) against him this season.
Nobody is saying Fish is playing amazing ball or that he is the long term answer, but to to suggest he is horrific defies both the numbers and eyeballs. He has been solid. I have hope Farmar or Brown can step up, but there is no real reason to insult Fish in the process.
Luke is not a bad defender, he is not great, he is pretty much average (opponent PER of 15.9 at the three), but when a guy has success you give him more run. Certainly Ariza isn’t working, nor did the big lineup you suggested.
And just a word of advice, taking on Darius without laying out a lot of specifics and game breakdowns is about as smart as challenging D-Wade to a game of one-on-one for your car. He has a long record of wise posts around here, you are a newby. Show some respect.
Iggy says
58. The Celtics have been doing this stuff all year long. The Lakers don’t — and they’re called “soft” for the comparison. Then we lay on a couple hard fouls and the world explodes? Suddenly we’re the dirty ones?
Iggy says
I’m already dreading the ESPN broadcast of this game. They’re going to be harping on about those fouls all game long. I’m so sick of hearing about it
Kurt says
Fisher, over the course of the season, played in a number of personnel combos, not just starters.
And, know that I have no patience for people who bait comment fights, are personally insulting or disrespectful.
Coffee is For Closers says
We won’t be getting color from Hubbie Brown, will we? Gawd, that would make the game un-listenable for me.
I actually kind of like the mark jackson / balki color combination.
chris h says
aaron you remind me of my step-teenager, she would argue even if she knew she was wrong, just loved arguing, endlessly. so, I learned a long time ago, not to buy into these endless arguments.
I am just going to enjoy the game tonight, win or lose, because for me, I’m going to be happy if we get a split in Houston, and come back home for game 5 with home court advantage back, a 3 game series with 2 at home. I like our chances, especially with Fish!
chris h says
haha Kurt, sorry, I know better than to get sucked in…
breathe…let it go…
let’s just enjoy the game tonight, eh?
Coffee is For Closers says
Perhaps Aaron should be sent to the espn commenters page area – he’ll fit right in…
Coffee is For Closers says
Don’t worry Celt’s, Scalabrine is comming back in. Everything will be fine…
Kurt says
According to Lakers.com Tweet, Phil still has not announced the starters.
Snoopy2006 says
“This is not a game for boys, it’s a game for men.” –Phil Jackson, directed at Artest.
Zen awesomeoness!
Can anyone put that quote + a picture of Artest’s pleading face on a T-shirt in time for Game 5? Artest would likely take on all of Staples, and Kareem would be forced to Bruce Lee his rear end.
Kurt says
So, is Anthony Johnson this good or is Skip To My Lou that overrated?
Iggy says
Bryant-Gasol-Odom-Ariza-Farmar is my guess.
Snoopy2006 says
I really, really hope Walton, Ariza, and Farmar have lived beyond the 3-point line ever since Game 2. No matter what adjustments are made, I think a large portion of the game will still come down our spacing the floor and hitting.
70 – I realize it’ll most likely be Farmar to matchup with Brooks, but it just occurred to me – is starting Sasha such a bad idea? Sasha with the bench has difficulty getting very open looks, but with the starters he’ll get plenty. As bad as he’s been, I think he’s still our best option when he’s left wide open. He could catch fire and provide that little spark we need to take this game.
Snoopy2006 says
Kurt – I think the politest way to phrase it is: Anthony Johnson has his moments.
Apparently, this is one of them. Don’t know how Rondo’s not shooting 100% from the field, but AJ seems to be doing fine offensively.
Coffee is For Closers says
Rondo needs to go to the “tony parker tear-drop” school in the offseason.
Kurt says
I think the lineup Phil starts with and the one he goes to if it is tight in the fourth will be different. He is going to give Farmar, Brown, Sasha, everybody but DJ a chance at the point then go with what works. He has that luxury.
Darius says
LOL Kurt.
Aaron,
Talking worse than or better than really isn’t the point to me. Based off your comment you seem to understand that they system a player plays in does make a difference. But when you’re talking about our team you must also take into account playing for Phil (who can and will trash you to the press), playing in LA AND for the Lakers (it’s like playing for the Yankees or the Cowboys – you better be ready for the scrutiny), and playing with Kobe Bryant who will expect the best from you and will bury you in practice and will let you know exactly where you messed up in games. So, considering all of these circumstances, if you want a quick/off the top of my head list of players where I’d take Fish to play for us right now instead, those guys would be: Duhon/Robinson (Knicks starter(s)), Ridnour (Bucks starter until injured), Chalmers (young player who has promise but is still very green and mistake prone), Conley (same as Chalmers), TJ Ford (not good on defense, poor shooter), Telfair (Wolves starter), and those Kings players that “torched” Fish. I understand that these guys aren’t the best players to begin with, but you make Fish sound like the worst.
I mean, is Fish the best player? Obviously not. Does he fit what we need from a PG? For the most part, yes. Sure he’s slowed down and his jumper has betrayed him (though mostly from 3 – his overall % from the floor is in line with his career avg.). But you make him out to be the worst player possible for us to employ at PG. And that, I do not get. Also you claim that I’m infatuated with his early season production, but I feel that you’re overplaying his recent performances and completely discount his steadiness (even last game, before the foul -which was an act that had an intangible value – he made some early clock jumpers and was contributing on both sides of the ball. But that doesn’t seem to matter.). I’m sure the truth is somewhere in the middle of our views. In the end, I’ll be the first to say that we could be getting more from any player on the roster. However, with that said I will always find the things that a player is doing well and try to point out a way that those skills can be used to help the team win. Every player has use (save for players with no confidence in their abilities) and I think fans that continue to pound on a players weaknesses while not finding the value in their strengths will always just be the guy that says Kobe/Gasol won us the game. And the fact is, two guys never win a game. It takes a team.
Zephid says
It’s one thing to say Fisher is bad, but do you have a solution? I for one do think that Fisher is well below-average in terms of PG’s in this league, but what are we going to do about it right now? Are we going to bench Fisher because he kind of sucks? What does that give us, other than more Farmar/Brown time, which I’m sure some people want, but not the extent of Fisher’s 30+ minutes a game.
I agree, Fisher with his shot off pretty much has a negative VORP. However, where do we go for a positive? Both Farmar and Brown are huge gambles, worse shooters, and more likely to crack under pressure.
I believe we all agree that PG needs an upgrade at some point, but now is not the time to be discussing it. Personel moves are for the offseason; working with what we got is what happens in the playoffs.
BlizzardOfOz says
Well, you know, ESPN’s perspective is that people all across the entire world, from Cape Cod to Jersey City, agree that those Lakers are a bit uppity.
TRad says
@Aaron
Define metric you’re using when you’re saying Fisher is one of the worst NBA PGs.
I did a simple study. Run a query in basketball-reference and rank all guards 6’3” or less (I know, there will be some SG among them but there is no simple way to select only PGs) by their WS.
There are 45 guards qualifying for scoring title (to leave out borderline backups etc).
Fisher is 12th among them.
I think you’re overlooking things Fisher makes good. He takes care about ball. His TO rate is very low – actually in the RS he had the 2nd lowest TO-rate in the sample. He’s a good shooter – TS% .546 in RS and .571 in playoffs is above average for guards. And, only in the playoffs, he’s very often at the free throw line – 22 FTA is a lot when you consider he had only 49 FGA (f.e. Bryant has 51 FTA but 161 FGA).
Fisher’s game isn’t pretty, but he’s quite good role player. He’s very efficient in using skills he possesses. Yes, I’d love to replace him with Paul or Parker or Billups – but I’m afraid those options aren’t available.
I believe Lakers will advance to the finals and will have a chance to upset Cavaliers (sorry, but Cavs look more and more like a clear favourite). Burt even if I’m wrong – it won’t be because of Fisher. He’s doing what he was supposed to do.
And I love his foul on Scola. It was brutal, unsportsmanlike, unnecessary, bush league – but I absolutely love it. Only because there was no way Fisher would hurt Scola – he’s to weak for it and the play looked worse than was in the reality. But every team needs an enforcer.
harold says
this is going out of hand (as expected). these little dirty fouls are just part of the game, the game that’s called “whatever you get away with is legal.”
we even immortalized one of these moments: Jordan’s winning shot on game 6.
Craig W. says
Aaron,
1) Farmar knows the system, but is very headstrong – not a great trait with Phil, on a team where you are young and not the Alpha male – and gets flustered with failure.
2) Brown – doesn’t know the system enough to start with the other starters yet.
3) Sasha – Gets too excited defensively and tends to get us into the penalty situation too quickly.
All these guys have issues and Fish is the most steady under all conditions – a very important aspect with Phil.
We may all disagree with Phil, but he is the coach.
PalaNi says
this eddie house guy can really shoot.
Zephid says
Well, we’ll get a chance to see tonight how our team fares without Fisher at the point in a one game sample.
Mohan says
Can you guys imagine a Lakers/Magic final?
“The Lakers push the lead to 20…and it’s a two point game!!”
“The Magic race out to a 16 point lead…and the Lakers take the lead!!”
It’ll be the most schizophrenic series ever.
Zephid says
Wow, Boston is switching Scalabrine onto Turkoglu on the PNR. Bad, Bad defense.
exhelodrvr says
There were not better options available than Fisher in the free agent market last summer, because the Lakers only had the MLE to work with. Maybe there will be this off-season
Craig W. says
Most of the bloggers here don’t base their assumptions entirely on statistics. If you have been watching the Lakers long enough, you realize what a calming influence Fish is. What he does is allow others to do their jobs. Most of the Laker defense isn’t based on individual skills, but team coverage. Therefore much of Fish’s stats are not going to correlate with anything.
We all agree he is not a great individual defender, but he does fit in this system.
kwame a. says
Marbury and Mikki Moore laughing it up down 15 in the 4th quarter. You think Sam Cassell and PJ Brown would be laughin?
Craig W. says
I think we can say Orlando is up 2-1 on Boston. Yeah!!
Zephid says
Notice JJ Redick is getting playing time in the 4th Quarter against the defending world champs in the playoffs. 3 months ago he was buried on SVG’s bench. Shows how far performing well in 2 starts can get you.
Anonymous says
its a good thing this game aint close otherwise we’d miss the first quarter
Kurt says
“Statistics Lie” is the lame fallback of people who can’t come up with a credible argument against them. Statistics are, by definition, measurable observation. You use them with wisdom and caution, but they do not lie. Fish is an +8.1 for the Lakers, they are better with them, and he does play solid defense.
The great thing about statistics is that if you have an open mind, they can challenge your conventional wisdom.
kwame a. says
Zephid- Its crazy. JJ is establishing himself as a legitamate starting 2 guard. Great shot, decent passer, average defender. He stretches the floor for them.
inwit says
Stop fouling and end this game!
chibi says
wow. espn has plugged rockets-lakers about 200 times during this broadcast. if they don’t cover it from beginning to end I’m going to be a little irritated.
Kurt says
93. That’s a great point. KG may have had something to do with this.
But how do you beat a team with Gortat? I’m not sure it is possible. He should have won MVP.
Joel says
100
It’s on ESPN Classic for the moment.
emh101 says
They are running the Lakers game on ESPN Classic right now.
Anonymous says
wheres the logic in showing the end of this game
PalaNi says
so farmar starts for us. go farmar!
Kurt says
Why do I have to see the end of the Magic/Celtics game exactly?
MannyP13 says
WHY IN THE WORLD ARE IS THE LAKERS-ROCKETS FEED NOT ON WHEN THIS GAME IS CLEARLY OVER
Zephid says
Lookin at Orlando’s salary structure, they’re going to be good for a long, long time. Lewis, Howard, Nelson, Lee, all signed through 2013, Pietrus through 2012. All their bad contracts come off the books next year. Yea, Rashard Lewis is probably making 7 mil per year more than he deserves, but they’re in a pretty enviable position
Anonymous says
11-4 LA
Kurt says
I love games I tune in and the Lakers are up by 6.
Great Googly Moogly says
ESPN has screwed up once again. Thanks Disney!!
MannyP13 says
I get the feeling Orlando was just looking to win one game in Boston and “settled” for a loss in game 2. It would not surprise me if they win on Sunday, drop Tuesday at the Garden, but then clinch it in Orlando on Thursday.
Zephid says
Those aren’t bad shots by Farmar; they’re just not going in. Ariza’s shot on the other hand…
MannyP13 says
Ariza!
Kurt says
He can’t guard me!
Snoopy2006 says
Kurt – I’m not trying to play devil’s advocate, and I agree statistics are incredibly valuable. However, statistics (in general, not bball statistics) should be interpreted very, very cautiously. I’m no expert on basketball statistics, so I can’t speak on those types of stats. But general statistics can very easily be bent or skewed by intentional bias. As a simple example, altering the confidence limit (normally p < 0.05) in a t-test can change the difference between accepting and rejecting a null hypothesis. Again, I know very little about basketball stats so I can’t speak on those, but for stats in general, the saying “stats can lie” sometimes holds weight.
Kurt says
The Rockets are doing a much better job of setting up their entry passes to Yao. Not allowing the easy front.
Iggy says
So far ESPN has barely mentioned the hard fouls… I give Breen/Jackson/JVG credit
emh101 says
Farmar is playing smart. I like it.
Zephid says
Yao is moving in the post, as opposed to sitting still and forcing the Rockets into a lob. Gasol needs to move more and work to contain Yao; whenever Yao gets it deep, Gasol is cooked.
Mohan says
So…who thought our ball movement would be this beautiful with Jordy starting?
BCR says
Farmar is not only playing smart, the effort is there. Hustling to the ball while on the floor is indicative of such. He really wants to prove himself here.
fifanatic says
Farmar is passing very, very well. Good hustle, too.
hansoulfood says
Farmar came out to play!!!! Love it! That’s why I bought your t-shirt!
DTaft says
great pace…keep it up!!!
Snoopy2006 says
I wish Farmar could find the range, but he’s making an impact with his hunger. Just one 3, Farmar, that’s all I ask…maybe 2…
Joel says
I’m still waiting for Kobe to start missing jumpers…
I like Farmar’s decision-making early, he just needs to start hitting his open shots now.
hello says
amazing how their breaking up the rockets defense, omg i love it. ODOM should have a monster game.
Jaybird says
The Lakers offense is just beautiful to watch when the ball moves like this and everyone contributes. And when Kobe knocks down shot after shot with a Battier’s hand literally in his face.
Hope Farmar can keep this hustle/focus up!
Great Googly Moogly says
Gasol needs to take advantage of his matchup with Yao. He needs to take those 10 foot faceup jumpers from the pinch post, not those fade aways that get blocked.
Kurt says
Ariza needs to get his points within the offense, not on 1 on 3 moves.
Joel says
Man, Odom is just getting schooled by Scola. That guy can play.
Zephid says
Scola has some good post moves, Odom needs to push him off the block. Ariza needs to stop dribbling.
Great Googly Moogly says
I’m not sure why Odom is getting schooled by Scola. That shouldn’t happen. Odom’s length and mobility should bother Scola. It’s not like Scola is overpowering him.
emh101 says
Why is Odom having so much trouble with Scola?
Kurt says
Scola is too strong for Odom. He is very good, but Odom needs to use quickness and length more.
Zephid says
Scola is stronger than Odom. Someone needs to at least challenge Scola on his dribble.
Zephid says
No one is challenging the dribbles of the Rockets in the post. Our guards need to come down hard on them and get some turnovers.
Joel says
Why is Gasol still playing behind Yao????
Darius says
Scola is as right handed as LO is left handed, if that makes sense. When Scola posts up on the right block, LO needs to make him drop step baseline and finish with his left hand or over the top of LO’s contest with his right.
And you’re right on Kurt, Ariza can’t force it against a sagging Scola. Especially on the strong side where the defense is packed in.
BCR says
Gasol needs to front Yao again. Walton coming in might be a blessing in disguise, as he defends Artest better.
And Farmar can dunk?
Great Googly Moogly says
Lakers shoot over 60% and force the Rockets to 4 turnovers (to their 1) AND kobe shoots 5 for 6 and only up by 2 points. That’s a bad sign.
Hopefully the bench to hold their own.
Kurt says
Thing I like: Houston with turnovers on 18.7% of possessions.
Thing I don’t like: Lakers have 0 free throws.
Darius says
The Rockets have made good adjustments with Yao. They’re doing exactly what Thorpe said they would by lowering the entry point and creating better passing angle on their passes into the post and being more active with getting Scola in positions where LO can’t help and recover as easily. They’re also bringing Yao across the lane from weak to strong side and making Pau fight with the stronger player where he can’t hold him off the spot.
Jaybird says
I hold my breath every time the Rockets get the ball in the post – they’re inside-out offense is very efficient. Scola loves to fake one way and step through to go under Odom the other way.
Mamula says
Here is a wish that Kobe Bryant is absolutely going to explode in the second quarter and maintain the beautifull momentum he has built up. Kobe is due a “Kobe Bryant Classic games” type of game and let’s hope this is it!
Go Lakers!
BCR says
Shannon needs to stop biting on Lowry’s shot fakes.
Joel says
Again, Shannon Brown bites on a pump-fake from Kyle Lowry. MAKE HIM TAKE THAT JUMPER!
Darius says
Dead on BCR. Shannon needs to pay attention to the scouting report.
Gatinho says
Throwing the ball over the top doesn’t happen enough, especially with the reach of Gasol and Bynum.
Mimsy says
Finally out of work and able to focus on the game!
I like what I saw from Farmar, the little I got to see. Looks like I arrived just in time to see the how the bench is doing… I gather from the comments above that Lamar is not doing well on Scola and Pau is not doing well on Yao, but Farmar came to play and is playing his heart out. Does that sound about right?
How’s our defense on Artest?
Darius says
Hey! It’s T-Mac!
TracerBullet says
I out-loud just said “Goddamnit Sasha, stop f*cking doing that”
Joel says
T-Mac finally gets some second round experience…
Gatinho says
TMac=pink elephant in the room
Snoopy2006 says
I apologize for my earlier comment in which I thought Sasha could hit a wide open shot. I’ve cut him too much slack for too long, seduced by the amazing single-man runs he used to put up last year. Sasha, you suck.
R says
I find it amusing that people (or at least one person) feels comforatable trashing Fisher as “awful”, ect.
Aaron – do you consider your basketball judgement to be superior to Phil Jackson’s? If so, please tell us how many rings you have.
Great Googly Moogly says
I gotta say. Even though he’s from Duke, I can’t hate on Shane Battier.
Gatinho says
Shane Battier will be a head coach in this league someday and probably a damn good one.
TracerBullet says
Is it just me, or does Drew have a better view of what he’s supposed to be doing tonight?
Mimsy says
Snoopy, at this point I think I would love it if anyone on the Lakers makes a wide-open shot…!
BCR says
Sasha is colder than an icebox.
TracerBullet says
You guys realise that we’ve essentially missed every open jumper tonight, and we’re still only down by 1? Methinks this bodes well for when we actually start to hit our shots.
Gatinho says
Chick says “He couldn’t fall out of a boat and get wet.”
MannyP13 says
R – While I disagree with Aaron’s comment, but if your reasoning is true, then not a single one of us, nor the majority of players, coaches and executives in the NBA has a right to critique Fisher. Does that make sense?
Fish has been very inconsistent and his production has steadily delcined all season long. That should be a great concern for this Laker team as they progress in the playoffs and, in particular, for next season. Having said that, he’s not “awful” by any strech of the imagination – but he is playing awful.
glove32 says
Bynum is looking good right now
BCR says
Officials quick with the Ts again.
Joel says
Somebody, anybody, needs to make an open 3 for the Lakers. I am seriously worried about this going forward.
On a positive note, Bynum is owning the lane tonight.
Mimsy says
TracerBullet,
It’s not just you. He’s playing well, whether it is the lack of foul trouble or finding his rhythm, or what t is, but it’s working.
LUKE!! That was stupid!
cy says
Someone give that idiot guy in the red T-shirt a technical!
MannyP13 says
GAME PLAN FOR BYNUM:
1. Rebound
2. Block Shots
3.Rbound
4. Block shots
….(repeat and rinse)
9. Slam the ball in when receiving a pass within 2 feet of the hoop.
10. Repeat 1-4 two more times.
inwit says
Really dumb to kick the ball.
BCR says
And what’s with JVG saying that Battier should be “more aggressive” on offense? The guy’s an offensive disaster past being a catch-and-shoot three point shooter. JVG actually coached this Houston team?
Joel says
Way to donate them a point Luke.
Mohan says
Bynum is doing the little things tonight…contesting shots, setting good picks. That’s what we need to see.
It would also be a miracle to see Sasha hit a shot.
R says
165 – Second-guessing is every fan’s absolute right, but I feel I must step in when things get out of hand :0)
Kurt says
What does it say about me that I hate A-Rod and couldn’t care less about Manny’s use?
Snoopy2006 says
When are we going to start hitting outside shots? This is getting to the point of sheer comedy. Aside from Brown, not a single f-ing role player can hit an outside shot. I’m seriously getting pissed off right now.
Enough with the technical frenzy. Just play ball. Luke didn’t do anything wrong except maybe kick the ball, but Kobe needs to let that go. I’m afraid with how quickly T’s are being blown, we dont’ want to run the risk of any of our players getting thrown out with a later 2nd T.
DTaft says
Sasha needs to shooting and just focus on getting people irritated to the point of violence.
Great Googly Moogly says
Is it me or are the lakers ALWAYS in the penalty?
Mimsy says
Kurt,
It says you’re selectively judgmental. That’s a survival trait if you follow baseball. 😉
Joel says
Another boneheaded foul.
inwit says
More free throws.
emh101 says
Mark Jackson has the best ability to say nothing in as many words as possible.
euph0ria says
170 – which “idiot” one? haha.
I’m liking what I’m seeing in the extra effort from Jordan and Drew. Hopefully this keeps up. Go Lakers!
glove32 says
do the Rockets ever foul?
Zephid says
Josh Powell in the game… I do not like.
Joel says
184
Ain’t it the truth…
BCR says
As soon as Powell starts dribbling with a guy to his back, I cringe.
Mohan says
Offense has gone flat again.
Mimsy says
What the blue bridges did Scola do to his hair? It’s like a long-haired version of Deron Williams!
Darius says
I’d rather see Bynum/Gasol upfront than have Powell in right now.
Great Googly Moogly says
scola = ugly version of Sasha
inwit says
Yes, put Bynum in!
Zephid says
I’d rather see anything than Powell right now.
pollyserial says
@186: do the rockets ever get CALLED for fouls?
inwit says
Kobe is forcing it now.
inwit says
You can’t win on the road if you don’t get free throws.
Snoopy2006 says
Need to make a pushing going into halftime, this time is crucial.
emh101 says
Gasol needs more touches.
anon says
why is LO on the bench?
PalaNi says
LO has 3 fouls
anon says
oh ok…i kinda just started watching
glove32 says
Lakers need to take the ball to the hoop, too many outside shots
Mico says
The last few kobe shots are frustrating.
They were fadeaways or forced shots that had defenders in his face.
These were the shots he missed in game 1 but made in game 2 and i don’t want to live or die by them
Joel says
Stop the presses, foul called on Houston.
BCR says
Walton finally hitting some open shots.
emh101 says
I like Luke.
Zephid says
I’d like it if we picked up the pace a little more, but I feel good about this game.
Great Googly Moogly says
“hard fought clean basketball” is great and all…but I kinda prefer what we saw in the 2nd half of game 2.
MannyP13 says
R- Awesome point!
magic says
Rockets are like Lebron, they don’t foul. The also draw charges. it’s the double edge sword of home court advantage.
Lakers aren’t confident in their shots right now. Many of the role players are tentative with their shots and not always taking the wide open ones, which they’re missing.
Glad Luke stepped up to keep the lead going into the half.
inwit says
Sasha and Powell need to stay on the bench in the 2nd half.
Anonymous says
at least luke confident and decisive, thats we need, if ur open shoot it, they will eventually go in
Snoopy2006 says
We hit a 3! Be still, my beating heart.
This game would be wide open if we had hit the 3’s we’ve hit all year long.
Love Ariza’s hands in the passing lanes, being active and having an impact defensively. We are not the Celtics or Rockets defensively – our defense is at its best forcing turnovers and pushing the break.
Snoopy2006 says
Ah, Avery Johnson on the halftime report. That’s my cue to go get food.
Mamula says
I want to own an awesomeager right now
Darius says
I’d really like to see us start some possessions on the weakside with an open post to initiate our offense. These sets can be used to set some cross screens on Yao to get Gasol moving to the ball in order to get some easier looks. Asking Pau to play against Yao in one on one situations and shoot over the top is not a great strategy if we hope to see an efficient Gasol.
PalaNi says
copy from Kurt:
Thing I like: Houston with 11 turnovers
Thing I don’t like: Lakers have 4 free throws attempts.
inwit says
Rockets 12 of 15 from the line, Lakers 4 of 6.
Rockets lead in rebounds 25 to 18.
DTC says
I think we need more shooters… one of the things to address this off-season
k1on says
i cant watch the game right now, but the difference in fouls is a bit disturbing. Are they actual fouls because of lazy defense or are the refs being biased and calling ticky-tacky fouls?
inwit says
Lakers miss VladRad this series.
inwit says
I thought there were some ticky tack fouls against the Lakers when the Rockets were in the penalty.
Can’t let them get in the penalty so soon.
Joe says
This is a winable game for the Lakers, very winnable. The key is, they will need to hit some big shots, and it just cant be Kobe. Walton, Farmar, Brown, etc., will have to hit some big buckets, which has been a struggle.
inwit says
Gasol needs to have a big half.
Mimsy says
“The World of Warcraft First Half Stats”
That is awesome. Welcome to the mainstream, gaming. 🙂
Sorry. As an avid, rabid videogamer I just couldn’t resist commenting on that.
Jon says
Lamar and defense are the key.
Jon says
Lamar gives up the o rebound and then the turnover- he needs to step it up.
emh101 says
And rebounding.
Jon says
But that’s why he can be so good- insanely versatile.
Mimsy says
Scola’s hair still looks like a long-haired version of the Deron Williams horror.
Lamar for 3! Finally someone made a wide open shot!
Jon says
The Lakers are so talented- all of a sudden up 8
Jaybird says
Snoopy – jumpers are starting to fall! jumpers are starting to fall!
Zephid says
We need some rebounds.
glove32 says
Kobe with the block!!!!
emh101 says
Farmar is really hustling.
Zephid says
Pff, first offensive rebound of the half goes to Jordan Farmar.
Jon says
Lamar needs to be a consistent force on the boards.
Joel says
Funny how the ‘non-shooters’ (Ariza, Walton, Odom, Brown) have been the ones converting most of the outside shots for the Lakers. It would be nice if the established shooters like Sasha, Farmar, and Fisher could follow suit.
magic says
Due to their weaker offense or lack of offense when Yao isn’t providing, the Rockets like to supplement their offense by getting to the line due to early fouls. It’s part of their strategy. Lakers play right into it by accommodating. They have been doing it almost every quarter since the series began.
Good job by Farmar getting that rebound. He’s active tonight.
emh101 says
Rebound!
Zephid says
Joel, one would be remiss to call Farmar a shooter.
emh101 says
Farmar!
Mimsy says
#239,
I think we can safely assume Fisher won’t be shooting much this game… 😉
k1on says
kobe is 6-15? is he forcing his shots?
Snoopy2006 says
Wow, I do not recognize this Kobe Bryant. Unable to get to the rim in transition? Fallaway in transition?
Finally the shots have started to fall. This would be a really great time to attack offensively and break the game open. We’ve had our chances and have failed to convert a couple times down when we should have gone hard to the rim.
emh101 says
Kobe was forcing his shots in the 2nd quarter.
Anonymous says
like the way farmer is playing, im sure playing with starters is helping him
Snoopy2006 says
lol Jaybird, trust me, I’m jumping up and down here
TracerBullet says
I love how deep into the clock we’re forcing the Rockets. It seems like every other play has their first shot going up at 6 seconds or less on the clock.
anon says
finally a foul call our way…
Joel says
240
Well he did shoot 37% from 3 last year, and he’s not shooting much worse than Sasha this year.
This Lakers team isn’t exactly loaded with good outside shooters.
Jaybird says
When Yao switches to defend Kobe, Kobe should drive right by him or into him. Instead, he’s trying to shoot over him. Yao is 7’6″, it’s not going to work.
emh101 says
Odom shouldn’t fall in love with that shot.
Mimsy says
Give them a break Joel. An entire season of shooting well is not invalidated by a couple of games in a slump.
Pau over Yao!
Joel says
Houston is doing a great job denying Yao in the post…
anon says
artest is looking more like artest today
Jon says
Again, we step up our defensive effort in the third quarter and build a double digit lead.
TracerBullet says
Big points for Jordan Farmar’s hustle tonight. He generated another possession there by simply hustling for an ORebound.
emh101 says
Ariza shouldn’t fall in love with that shot.
harold says
von wafer!~
anyway, getting fisher suspended seems like a blessing now, guys are definitely more fired up and farmar is getting his stuff back..
emh101 says
Pau is a dirty player! He shoved Yao! It’s Kermit Washington all over again!
Anonymous says
rockets cant make a shot to save their lives
Darius says
Ariza is trying to do just a tick too much on offense. He took that jumper off the dribble when he had an open Pau at the foul line and then he occupied the post when Pau was iso’d at the top of the key and wanted to go into the lane. I like that Trevor is more aggressive, but he needs to read the play a bit better.
Mohan says
Keep up the D and we’ll be just fine. We’re forcing them to overdribble and panic at the end of the clock.
Hopefully we regain the shooting stroke in the 4th.
Snoopy2006 says
We celebrated too soon. My God, when did 15-footers become this hard to make? And if you can’t make them, please drive the ball. If you get blocked at the rim, I forgive you. At least try to attack and draw fouls.
I know, easier said than done, especially with their D. But it’s very frustrating that we’re so close to blowing the game open, and we’re letting them hang around because of passive offense.
If they’re giving us space, we should call upon our special sharpshooter on the bench. Ah…wait, we dont have one…crap…
TracerBullet says
On the plus side, Newcastle #4 since the start of the game tastes just as good as Newcastle #1! If that’s not a sign that the Lakers are winning, I don’t know what is.
3ThreeIII says
I would like to see the Lakers go for the throat. More PnR, or PnP, and more inside-outside to Pau.
Yao is looking tired, and now would be an excellent time to get young Andrew in there, and create some more fatigue on Yao. Just have our big fella lean on him, and sprint him up and down the court.
Be nice to see Bynum, Gasol, Odom, Bryant and Farmer out there for a few minutes, just to experiment.
k1on says
i wanna see that farmar-brown-kobe-lamar-pau line-up we had going last game
Joel says
Ron Artest = regressing to the mean
anon says
hopefully these 3s keep falling for us
TracerBullet says
I think I’m just going to put a master “Dumb foul by (Bynum or Sasha)” into my clipboard, just to cut/paste here on the site every time it happens. Only thing is, I think that’d get me banned pretty quick. =/
emh101 says
We certainly need to rebound better.
R says
Gotta love it – the Lakers are showing who’s boss!
Where are those Rockets trolls now?
Zephid says
Our guards keep trying to leak out. They need to box out Lowry.
sT says
Lets run up and down the floor all night with them.
Mimsy says
Are they chanting “Kobe sucks!” ?? I take everything back, the Taco chant is classy.
emh101 says
KOBE!
anon says
KOBE!!!!!!
Joel says
Stop! Kobe time!
lakergirl says
Wow Kobe. Cold blooded!
TracerBullet says
@274- Their FG% is 7 points lower than ours right now, and they’re +6 in ORebs. I’m generally okay with that, as more misses will mean more rebounds.
glove32 says
Kobe at the buzzer for 3!!!
magic says
Ouch! Kobe Bean Bryant.
Zephid says
Is it just me, or was that the same play as Fisher’s Point 4 shot?
Jon says
Dude’s insane.
BCR says
Kobe. Bean. Bryant.
harold says
that should be illegal haha.
gotta stink if the other guy makes those kinda 3s.
Darius says
KOBE!
Mohan says
After the Houston fans started the “Kobe Sucks” chant, I KNEW that shot was going in.
wil says
YOU?CANT GUARD ME!!!!!
3ThreeIII says
o.O Bryant goes into Hero Mode for a reason… He can be unworldly… WOW.
anon says
phil uses that play alot in those situations
…they did the same with that fisher shot, but kobe couldnt get open and fish was the second best option
Snoopy2006 says
Did anyone see Sasha all over Kobe after that shot? I think he was trying to rub some of that magic off Kobe.
chibi says
Kobe #1.
But Bynum was wide open under the basket.
TracerBullet says
Man, if Father’s Office didn’t have awful seating, I’d go there for the 4th right now. As it is, I might have to wait until game’s over, then go gorge on some tasty Sweet Potato Fries (With the garlic aioli)!
Joel says
295
And if he tried to pass it the shot clock would have run out.
Zephid says
Why are we not posting up Andrew Bynum?
Mimsy says
Wow, a Laker making freethrows! Go Brown!
TracerBullet says
@Zephid-
That wasn’t working too well in games 1 and 2. Landry plays best when his man tries to back him down.
BCR says
Sasha finally hits the open three.
Joel says
So much for me worrying about guys hitting open shots…
magic says
machine! finally with a 3.
emh101 says
I like Brown taking it aggressively to the basket.
k1on says
sasha finally makes a shot!!
3ThreeIII says
Did Sacha just score?
Mimsy says
I still like Sasha. I don’t care what anyone says, I remain defiantly fond of his energy, aggressive fiestiness, and… hard foul! Yes! Clock him!
TracerBullet says
Wafer jumped into Sasha. No Flagrant.
BCR says
And then Sasha makes a moronic foul on Wafer.
magic says
Wafer jumped into Sasha there. Foul should be on Wafer.
Anonymous says
sasha u fool
Mimsy says
That is entirely on Wafer. Why on earth is he dumb enough to headbutt an elbow anyway?
Great Wall says
As a rocket fan, no flagrant.
Kurt says
Wafer jumped into him.
Joel says
If that’s a flagrant foul they might as well disallow contact in the NBA altogether.
anon says
i cant believe i actually agree with something JVG has to say
magic says
That was bogus. Wafer jumped sideways into Sasha.
TracerBullet says
That was a hell of a catch by Drew to avoid the turnover there. Kobe dumped that behind him and he still managed the one-handed grab.
emh101 says
I like that the Lakers are getting into the paint.
chibi says
Way to pluck that ball out of traffic, Drew.
3ThreeIII says
Starters! Send in the starters!
Please please please…
Joel says
Bynum is finally doing what the Lakers need him to do: rebound, protect the rim, and make Yao work. Solid game from him despite the lack of scoring.
Mimsy says
Bynum continues to play well, play hard, and play the way we know he can. That is GREAT. If the problems were all in his head, this can turn it around.
pollyserial says
suspend vujacic!!
TracerBullet says
BTW, has anybody noticed that that Pull-Up Nowitski jumper “Amazing” commercial happened with 2:38 left in the 3rd period? Really now, we’re defining a play that happens 15 times a night per team as “amazing”?
anon says
damn
TracerBullet says
Kobe F’in Bryant.
Joel says
If only Farmar played this under control all the time.
magic says
Rebounds damit rebound.
lakergirl says
Welcome back Ronnie.
3ThreeIII says
Good to see Phil calling a tactical time out there. Some lapses you do not let your team play through.
GTLkrfan says
I agree Wafer jumped right into Sasha. When did the rockets start playing so dirty?
Reed says
Even if kobe ends up shooting just ok, this is one of the best all around games he’s played all year. Subtle dominance.
TracerBullet says
I don’t much like Kobe taking that shot, even if it does go halfway down.
Kurt says
I had a roommate after college who, when nervous during a game, would get up and clean the house. It was his way of dealing with the nervous energy. I miss watching games with him and how good the house looked during the playoffs.
3ThreeIII says
You know, the Rockets are damn good this year. No surprise that the loss of McFady makes them better.
I can tell they are really good, because I am still worried they might pull this out…
emh101 says
Farmar playing BIG.
emh101 says
Um . . . bad shot Farmar.
TracerBullet says
Excellent job by Ariza there to not do is normal “bite on the pump fake and fly by as the guy gathers for his shot”
Joel says
Artest is going into hero mode.
TracerBullet says
**his
TracerBullet says
**his
Kurt says
I love the way Jordan has played, I do not want the offense to run through him right now. He should not be taking early threes in the clock, I don’t care how open.
magic says
We need to stop shooting outside jumpers and keep pounding it inside. Can’t settle and let them creep back in.
Zephid says
I can live with that shot by Farmar, He was wide open and that’s a make-able shot.
luubi says
bad 3 by Farmar. too early in the clock and he had open lane.
Anonymous says
I want Drew to get in there instead of LO. LO is not rebounding at all and his defense is much worse.
anon says
LO is a way better passer, and his shot is falling so he spreads the floor
magic says
Odom has 10 rebounds, the most for the lakers.
TracerBullet says
Kobe is a bad, bad man.
Mimsy says
KOOOBE!!!
GTLkrfan says
Go KobE!!!
Joel says
Stop! Kobe time! (again)
k1on says
dagger shot!!
magic says
Yes. Gasol is getting with the game plan. Rebounds!
And Odom with the big dunk-in.
3ThreeIII says
HUGE
BCR says
Kobe with the clutch shot.
And nice to see the energy from Odom.
Zephid says
Loving, Loving the offense here. Attacking Yao off the dribble.
palani says
go kobe! go LO!
Jon says
And Lamar seals it. We just have too much talent for Houston (or anyone else in the League- even the LeBrawns) and it shows when we play defense, rebound, and have patience on o.
magic says
Is Yao hurt? He’s limping and looks in pain.
Mico says
From the broadcast team on the shot clock buzzer beating 3:
Kobe Bryant beating the clock… it should be a crime being that good
nice
glove32 says
Yao looks hurt, the Lakers should drive right at him
luubi says
you make shots, you win. sometimes it’s that simple.
anon says
yaos a tough mofo
Mohan says
Cash em in Trevor.
Mimsy says
Yes, Yao is hurt. The were treating his ankle earlier.
I admire a guy who plays through pain just because he thinks his team needs him. Classy, brave, strong. Admirable.
TracerBullet says
Now’s when you pull Jordan for Shannon – Free throws, no matter how confident Jordan is tonight, are not his strong suit.
emh101 says
Make your free throws!
Mason says
Free throws, please, gentlemen?
magic says
Why did Kobe leave Artest there for the 3? He was on him and then he just left him. Sometimes I wonder about Kobe defensively.
Anonymous says
can phil free throw shooters in there?
anon says
im starting to like yao more and more
Mohan says
These missed FTs are killer…
Joel says
Get the ball to Kobe, everyone else is bricking FTs.
palani says
we need fisher to shoot FT!
k1on says
how come scola didn’t play for most of the quarter? is he hurt or something?
magic says
Big steal by Farmar. He’s really working for his minutes tonight. That’s a good mentality to have.
glove32 says
Farmar with the steal, he is showing he wants playing time
Anonymous says
i hate to agree with Van Gundy but i think farmar should start
emh101 says
Flagrant 4!
3ThreeIII says
Sweet steal! Go Jordan Go!
TracerBullet says
Looked like a play on the ball, I’m fine with nothing besides personal.
anon says
bad call…that shouldnt be flagrant
TracerBullet says
F2?!? Really, that’s not right.
Zephid says
That should be just a normal foul, no flagrant
BCR says
That’s a flagrant two for Artest? Wow.
Joel says
These refs are drunk. A flagrant 2???? You gotta be kidding me.
Mimsy says
That should not have been a flagrant 2. Flagrant 1 maybe, but NOT Flagrant 2. That is wrong.
luubi says
ok these flagrant fouls are getting ridiculous. that’s barely a flagrant 1.
wil says
flagrant FOUL!!!
LOL
white guys do get some calls…
Coop says
As a Lakers fan, that wasn’t a flagrant 2, it wasn’t a flagrant 1. It was just a foul. Terrible terrible call by the officials, even I don’t think Ron deserves treatment like that.
magic says
So how many flagrants is it till a mandatory suspension?
Kurt says
That was not a flagrant on Artest. Not close.
E-ROC says
That’s a bad call.
Mohan says
So…let’s see if the world has an uproar about a “dirty” play now. For some reason, I doubt it.
glove32 says
that is not a flagrant 2
Mason says
That was a reputation call. It will be downgraded.
phineas says
Not even a flagrant. If I’m being honest here.
Great Wall says
I’m sorry, that was weak. Less flagrant than Kobe’s elbow. He hit the ball for god’s sake!
TracerBullet says
This is when a normal league office would issue an apology to the Rockets and Ron Artest.
Then again, this isn’t a normal league office.
E-ROC says
I’m glad Gasol got his left leg out from under him because it was close to bending the wrong way.
palani says
#394: 4
Anonymous says
i cant believe i actaully feel sorry for artest
Joel says
You know, just before that call I was going to say that every time a hard foul is given you half expect a flagrant of some sort.
Right on cue, Artest gets tossed on a BS flagrant 2. I’m sure his history played a major role in that call as well.
anon says
it seems like flagrants are called based on how hard the player falls/acts after the foul nowadays
Mason says
Maybe they didn’t like the right hand action? It looked like it might have hit Pau’s throat, but the contact wasn’t that hard.
Strange.
BCR says
Solid win. Took home court back, let’s see whether we can bring the effort in Game 4.
lakeshow says
if there was a silver lining in fisher being suspended its getting farmar confident again…granted its one game, but it might be that break through game he needed.
phineas says
Kobe playing w/ his taped fingers. Yeek.
Great Wall says
Good game by the Lakers! It was good to see a hard fought game without all the BS. I hope Yao’s ok.
svb says
If that call had come earlier in the game, the conspiracy theorists would have plenty to work with. What a garbage call. How is Vujacic still on the floor (which wasn’t even close to being a flagrant) if Artest is thrown out on that.
3ThreeIII says
Great game.
Farmar looked great. Bynum played well.
We hit shots, played defense, and showed poise and discipline once we got the big lead in the third.
Great game.
glove32 says
even Kobe did not think that was a flagrant foul
nomuskles says
Good on the Lakers for coming out strong at the start of that third quarter. Great stops on all the rockets and hit a couple key shots. Kobe didn’t dominate but he was making great plays all night.
Great job by Farmar and Brown in place of Fish. That play in the beginning where farmar boogey boarded on Von Wafer filled me with lots of confidence.
Artest foul = not a flagrant 2, at all. period. refs called a great game all night, except that.
R says
I didn’t see the call on Artest – but it must have been a terrible call based on the chorus of LAKER fans protesting it!
(I guess we are a pretty fair-minded bunch)
Archon says
It’s simple, Laker role players hit their 3’s they’re unbeatable.
Mason says
SVB-
Angles. The ref who made the call had a good angle on Vujacic’s foul to see that it was not a flagrant. The angles are a little different on the break when everybody, including the official is in motion.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Mohan says
That play almost looked like Lowry hit Pau harder from the back.
emh101 says
Robert Horry on NBA TV as an analyst.
Mimsy says
Great game by the Lakers.
Compete BS to eject Artest, he does NOT deserve a suspension for that. If he gets one I’ll be pissed.
I hope Yao’s knee is okay. Hes’a great player, in every sense of the word. If don’t want him to miss the playoffs because of an injury.
svb says
Rockets were not recovering to open shooters quite as well tonight. I’m not sophisticated enough to tell whether it was due to slow feet, or guys penetrating one extra step to give the shooter a more open shot.
Either way, Ariza, Vujacic, and co. sure had fun shooting open j’s.
exhelodrvr says
Based on about a third of the flagrant 2s that get called, that was an appropriate call.
magic says
I hope Yao is ok. It would be nice to see him finish the series, win or lose. He has too much heart and I don’t really want to imagine him sitting in the locker room crying. Cause you know that’s what’s going to happen. He deserves to be healthy and to play. The Rockets deserve to have him in this series.
That was a good win for the Lakers. I liked Farmar’s hustle and play today. Bynum got back to the basics of what is expected of him, defense. Everyone contributed. Good game.
I’m kinda liking not having Fish in the rotation for this series.
inwit says
They were worried Artest might get even rougher as the game ended.
Brian P. says
What I don’t get is that they reviewed the artest and still called that a flagrant 2. I can see flagrant 1 just cus gasol was in the air, but no way an ejection for that. If I made the call, I’d say a regular foul.
Anyways, Lakers play a tough game and won and I am happy. They didn’t even play perfect, they had plenty of chances to break that game open.
Good to know they are still winning even though they still need to make some adjustments.
m_mattimeo says
wow all I’m seeing is Farmar leading in +/-? Glad to see him get some finally.
svb says
Mason,
You’re probably right. Doesn’t change the fact that it wasn’t remotely close to a flagrant 1, much less a flagrant 2. Not sure how any angle would change that.
I think Ron Artest is just not allowed to foul as hard as the rest of the players on the floor.
Zephid says
I think the officials were taking into account how late in the game we were and they were trying to prevent things from getting out of hand in garbage time. Some justification, but still a bad call. That being said, I loved this game: a hard fought, tough, gutsy performance from both teams, with us prevailing in the end. Now for some notes:
1.) Props to Jordan Farmar for stepping up and giving his all in this game. Loved the energy, liked the defense, accepted the shot selection, couldn’t believe he actually made free throws. He had a couple key offensive rebounds in the 2nd half, and some great hustle plays in the 1st quarter. Much as I love Fisher, I wouldn’t mind seeing Farmar start next game; his defense on Brooks was above average, and he was really able to contain Brooks’ drives. Couldn’t ask for more, except maybe a couple threes.
2.) Andrew Bynum also had a good performance, giving good energy on defense and a couple nice putbacks on the offensive boards. Really loved the one replay where they showed Andrew working to front Yao on all sides of the key. Again, that’s all we need from him: defense and rebounding.
3.) Ron Artest finally regressed to the mean, but he’s still abusing the crap out of Ariza. I really loved Phil’s choice to switch Kobe onto Artest in the 4th and put Ariza on Battier. It let Ariza use his length to challenge Battier’s shot, and Kobe was able to hold his own against Artest.
4.) Please, please, PJ, no more minutes for Josh Powell. The only time when our offense got bogged down and our defense really broke down was the few short minutes when Powell was in. He’s bringing nothing on offense or defense; I’d rather have Bynum or even Mbenga go in when Odom has to go out. Powell is just not bringing anything.
pw says
I think they called that flagrant 2 because that hard foul was really unnecessary. The Lakers had already put the game away. Ron did not need to make a hard foul like that. I think that foul was more of a message than an attempt to stop the basket. I think thats why the refs decided to call that a flagrant 2.
wiseolgoat says
It looked to me that it was Yao’s foot / ankle that was bothering him – very problematic considering his past history of stress fractures in his feet.
Jordan, if you’re reading this – thank you for staying mentally strong and prepared in the face of negative criticism from Lakers fans (including myself). They couldn’t have done it without you.
Joel says
Hopefully this isn’t the end of Yao’s season but that didn’t look good. He could barely move out there.
Snoopy2006 says
I’ve been screaming about it since Game 1, and so I can’t describe how damn happy I was when Kobe finally started driving. I felt like crying tears of joy. Finally, finally, finally, Kobe Bean said “f the jumpshots” and drove into the paint on literally every possession to close the game out. Was he successful every drive? No, the Rockets interior defense is great. But the more aggressive team always wins, and finally Kobe put his head down and got to the rim.
What broke this game open? Outside shots.
We still had huge dry spells (esp at the beginning) but we finally got some 3 pointers to fall. I believe it was Lamar and Ariza that really started to connect from downtown.
Farmar’s shot is still off but he more than made up for it. What I liked most? One turnover in 32 minutes . It wasn’t his 12/5/7 that impressed me the most, it was that he stayed away from the boneheaded decisions we’ve come to associate with Farmar. He took care of the basketball, and played within himself. That was truly beautiful to see.
Now we have a dilemma. If Farmar plays at this level, then he and Brown truly are our best PG options, especially defensively. I’m not sure what Phil will do with that.
What happened between Anthony Johnson and Stan Van Gundy?
chibi says
Artest doesn’t make a play on the ball with his left arm, which is what he uses to shove Pau in mid-air. That was scary.
Cedric Ceballos says
Good win. This may be Farmar’s best game(or close to it) as a Laker with the way he was setting up perimeter shooters so decisively.
At risk of thinking too far ahead, I think Bynum needs to be a factor for the Lakers to win against Cleveland, and all he needs is time on the court to get comfortable. I understand why Jackson plays Gasol/Odom though. He knows what he’s gonna get from them.
svb says
I don’t think Yao did himself any favors by staying in the game. 10 points behind, he has one functional leg, and the series is far from over. Should’ve sat.
Lakers have to be feeling good. Aside from a five minute let-up on d and the boards in the 4th, solid all around. I’m sure Phil was hoping Farmar would be his starting PG at the beginning of the season – it’d be nice if Farmar is confident enough in himself to keep the spot.
Anonymous says
dstilwell, which game were you watching man? do you realize how little sense you are making?
Snoopy2006 says
Yao must heal. Too class of a guy, and if he’s injured we’ll be robbed of a great series.
Kurt – just to check, was there something wrong with my above comment (#434-ish)? Hopefully I didn’t do anything to get moderated.
anon says
dstilwell = troll
nomuskles says
i think this is the part where you just ignore the silly comment. “nothing to see here folks, move along.”
anon says
plz dont feed the troll
Zephid says
435, arguably the worst written post I’ve read here all year. I don’t think it could make any less sense.
nomuskles says
@wiseolgoat: i enjoy the inclusiveness of the he/she slash usage. =D
Mason says
SVB-
The official with responsibility for the Artest call was looking at his back from the lead position (close to the sideline on the other side of the key). All he saw was Gasol go up, then Artest went up, then Gasol went down hard. I could understand calling it on the floor and then calling it back upon further review, because the under the basket cam had a much better view of the play, but to leave it a flagrant on review strikes me as odd. The SV foul was different in that the center ref was standing right next to the play and it was pretty clear that Von Wafer got SV into the air and then “drew” the contact.
Furthermore, do you really expect Ron Artest to get the benefit of the doubt when he gives interviews like he did Thursday night?
So yeah: Bad ref angles on the transition and Ron’s bad rep.
Artest presser: Refs told him they left it an F2 because of how awkwardly Gasol went down.
pb says
Artest’s foul may not have been flagrant 2, but 2 other Rockets set him up for that. If you look closely, Battier holds and pulls Pau’s right thigh with his right hand as he is goin out of bounds, which cause Pau’s lower body to lose most of the balance. Then Lowry swipes at the ball and fouls him in the arm, causing his upper body to be held back. Then Ron comes in high hitting Pau’s arm and causing Pau to hit his face with his own arm. Artest’s intent was to merely foul him hard, but the combination of Lowry and Battier pushing and pulling Pau in different directions made the foul look a lot worse than it was. Remember, the refs were making the call in real time, not in slow motion. The affect of three combined fouls made it seem like Ron went for head hunting. His reputation didn’t help either. Do I think it was a flagrant? Not intentionally, but refs have to protect players. I think the refs thought the game was over, and with the history of game 2, they wanted both teams to calm down fearing that the Lakers might retaliate with a hard foul if they didn’t do something drastic. I think the refs actually did the right thing.
svb says
dstillwell –
the artest call came when the game was already decided. Didn’t affect the outcome, and doesn’t constitute evidence of a conspiracy. Unfair to Artest, sure, but not a whole lot more.
I wouldn’t have thought it out of line to suspend Fisher another game, especially if Scola had been hurt. But 1 game isn’t soft.
As for Kobe, the next elbow he throws may very well get him suspended. On reputation, kinda like Artest. His elbow in game 2 was chippy, at worst. It’s the playoffs…guys play rough.
Anyhow, I find it tough to believe you’re not rooting for any particular team. Sounds like you’re definitely rooting AGAINST the Lakers.
I’m rooting against them, kind of like how I rooted against the Bulls, the 80’s Lakers and Celtics, and other super-teams that just had a major advantage on talent. And I don’t like Jack Nicholson.
But I would rather see the Lakers advance to play the Nuggets (and likely destroy them), then on to the Cavs.
anon says
ron-rons a pretty good interviewee
Great Wall says
That is what I expected your team to play like when the series started. If they play like that they will be ok regardless of who they are playing. The Rockets gave everything that they had, but missed shots, didn’t get the ball to Yao enough in the 3rd, and were just beaten by the better team tonight.
On another note, I never had the opportunity to watch Artest extensively throughout his career. I have seen him on ESPN, TNT, and the other networks but that is it. He has been a great addition to the Rockets and has really kept his emotions in check. There is no doubt who the emotional leader of our team is. Sure he still makes some of the most bone-headed plays ever seen on an NBA court, but he is actually a joy to watch. How can you not enjoy his passion when he is on your team. He is great in the community and with the fans. It is a shame that his past haunts him the way that it does. The last two games have resulted in ejections that no other player in the NBA would have gotten.
By the way, thanks for your concern for Yao. That guy is amazing!
svb says
Mason,
I still don’t see how all that adds up to a flagrant in the first place. A hard fall does not equal a flagrant – the cause of the hard fall is what has to be examined. If the ref doesn’t see it because his angle stinks, then he has no business making the call.
I see a handful of folks have talked themselves into believing that the call was justified under the circumstances, which is baffling to me, and I know you, Mason, are not in that camp, but we’ll probably just have to agree to disagree. Which is thankfully not a crime.
theshmoes says
11-28 by kobe and 4-11 from pau, and we still win? good team effort today
Don W says
Can’t knock on us about losing a lead tonight.
I absolutely loved how everybody came out aggressive and stayed aggressive tonight. There was a stretch in the third our defense was ironclad.
Farmar’s energy and athleticism really helped us tonight. He got some loose balls, deflections, rebounds. But more importantly, he exploited the PNR w/ Gasol when Yao was on the court and Kobe was getting pressured. The side pick and roll with Kobe at the top left gaping holes in the free throw area and Rockets defenders had to rush to help. Yao is a complete liability and Kobe’s defender will not leave him so that really collapsed the Hou D.
Hat’s off to Kobe and the coaching staff for using a heavy dose of the PNR. Kobe missed some easy 7-12 footers but also made some ridic shots, played great help D, and rebounded the ball.
I’d like to see Gasol step up the intensity. He disappeared at stretches and seemed like he couldn’t get a contested rebound (finished w/ only 3 defensive rebounds). Credit the adjustment to put him in PNR’s and face-ups situations w/ Yao rather than trying to back him down. But Pau’s gotta trust that 10-15 ft shot when he’s open. He’s got to take it when he has the space created off movement rather than let Yao get back into position.
Bynum did a good job of not forcing shots and really set some great screens that were pivotal (OMG pun) in helping free up our wings. However, he seemed almost too passive offensively. He should not be the initiator of our offense – we shouldn’t look to force feed him to create shots for other guys. But when he comes off movement and the defense is a step from being set, he’s got to punish the Rockets, esp for putting such a small lineup out there. It’s as simple as drop step dunk on a couple plays. Again, I would like to see PJ play him instead of Powell’s minutes in order to build that continuity. He did some good things but still could not get enough minutes to build the confidence that can carry over to the next game.
PlanR says
From a rockets fan, props to you guys, in a pivotal game, you guys were the better team.
Joe says
Yea a great win, now there is some breathing room as game 4 is not a must win situation. If the Lakers would have lost tonight, game 4 would have been a must win. Of course we try and get game 4 as best we can but, even if we dont, I am now confident Lakers will win this series.
pw says
Are the Lakers the worst defensive rebounding team left in the playoffs? Can somebody explain to me why the Lakers rebound so poorly? I mean, by all claims we have the height and athleticism advantage over Houston except for Yao.
wiseolgoat says
nomuskles – that’s the kind of inclusive, PC guy i am
BCR says
Some observations:
— Powell needs to stop playing any meaningful minutes. He’s simply worthless out there and looks completely lost on both ends. Give Bynum more burn or even Mbenga some spot minutes.
— Sasha can’t buy a bucket to save his life. His minutes should be going to Shannon at this point; the pesky touch fouls are getting just unbearable also.
— Farmar needs more burn. He basically defied months of our vitriol and pushed the pace well. Not saying that JVG and Mark Jackson are necessarily right in that he should start, but more minutes are in order.
— We really need to hit the defensive glass. 19 offensive rebounds for Houston was one of the main reasons they were staying in the game.
All that said, this was a pretty good game. Houston’s future in this series hinges on Yao’s ankle/foot. Pray he’s alright.
Mico says
Going out of Topic for this one but
Watch this link, a where will amazing happen commercial:
Kobe to Shaq
Nicely done, but is it just me or shaq really didn’t acknowledge the kobe handslap?
svb says
Don W –
Thanks for reminding me about Kobe’s help D. Wasn’t it about a 2-4 point game some time in the third when Kobe either stripped or blocked Yao on three or four straight plays?
Just a huge stretch for the Lakers, and it gave them a cushion.
Remind me again why a 7’6″ dude needs to bring the ball down to his waist when he’s within three feet of the hoop?
Nick the Great says
OK, so my TiVo finally caught finished the game, and here are some thoughts that I had:
-Obviously the foul by Artest wasn’t a flagrant two, but since the cost to the Rockets was next to nothing I have no problem with the refs making that call in an attempt to set a precedent of clean play for the rest of the series.
-Was it just me or did I actually hear Van Gundy say that Farmar was the best point guard in the series. I mean, he had a good game, but lets not lose our heads.
-If Yao is indeed hurt, this thing could be over in five games. If he isn’t though, Lakers are really going to have to come out strong in game four.
-It was nice to see some jumpers falling finally, even if Kobe did cool off a little in the second half. Like Van Gundy and Jackson, I like it when the Lake show run the pick and roll through Pau. If it doesn’t lead to an open jumper for him, it leads to a good shot for one of the guards.
chris h says
hey Joe, I agree with you, I did not expect to get this game tonight, but did expect us to get Sunday’s game 4, win game 4, keep the Mo the go home and get 5, now we really have the Mo and win game 6 on the road, we have done this before.
but now, it does take the pressure off, and we can afford to play it a bit ‘fast and loose’, which might result in yet another W, and for the Rockets, the added pressure will cause them to be tight.
Snoopy2006 says
Mico – I’ve noticed the same thing. Look even closer – Kobe actually had to grab Shaq’s forearm to get any recognition, Shaq was too busy hot-dogging for the crowd to acknowledge the man who had thrown him that beautiful pass. When it first happened I thought he was pointing at Kobe. Who the heck was he pointing at on the bench? Brian Shaw didn’t throw that pass.
It’s fun to compare that young, skinny Kobe to the hardened, trash-talking veteran we see today. OK, Kobe always talked trash. But still, he’s come a long way since then.
Mason says
SVB-
I think we actually agree: hard foul, not flagrant. All I’m saying is to lay off the ref’s *initial* call. He was in the right spot, but the way the play went, he just couldn’t see it because he was screened off by Artest’s body. To me, and if I’m correct, you as well, the real error wasn’t the error in real-time, it was the error they made when he went to the video and didn’t change their minds. In the SV-VW case, they didn’t even consider the F1 or F2 because everone was in position able to see it and get it right.
And hey… That “awkward fall” bit came from the game officials via RA.
Don W says
@svb
I remember two wide open point blank shots being blocked by Kobe when it was just a two point game. Then a usually automatic 4-5 footer that Yao rushed and missed because he saw Kobe come for the over the top block. Great defensive sequence that set the tone for the second half, kept Yao out of rhythm, and led to a 10 pt cushion.
Speaking of rhythm, the Rox are really on their heels right now after those deflating defensive plays, TO’s, and dagger 33 footers. Just like how game 1 confidence carried over to game 2 and made it difficult, we should look to end the series right away with gm 4 instead of risking their regaining anything mentally.
dstilwell says
come on post #462 LA is huge man,not drinking,not talking politics,just talking NBA playoffs ,not everyone in LA is a laker fan
Zephid says
462, Nick, Mark Jackson made that unfortunate Farmar comment. Can’t say I’m surprised that Jackson manages to not only be completely uninformed, but also wrong. Aaron Brooks is by far the best PG in the series, but that’s pretty much by default since he did score 20 pts in Game 1. It’s not as if Lowry, Fisher, Farmar, or Brown have given him any stiff competition.
If the Lakers had played half as good in Game 1 as they did tonight, or even with half as much energy, we would be on our way to a sweep. While it isn’t good that the team needed a wake-up, it is good to see them playing strong with effort.
dstilwell says
come on post #462 LA is huge man,not drinking,not talking politics,just talking NBA playoffs ,not everyone in LA is a laker fan,but the 3 point jump shot into the laker was such a flop,the rockets got lucky on that one,what a bad call
Don W says
I love how dstilwell’s website is http://yahoo/
How much more nonsensical can you get?
kwame a. says
Great Wall- good post, glad to have a sensible oppossing teams fan in the house.
Cedric Ceballos says
Ron Artest: “We’re gonna lose. We suck. I suck. I’m the worst basketball player in history…”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8GzOgnkWfE
Not this has anything to do with the game, but it was funny.
Snoopy2006 says
Great Wall’s been great, he’s been reasonable and backs up his argument even when he disagrees.
svb says
Mason –
I’m still not on board with the initial call, but no matter. It should be rescinded, and it had no effect on the game other than to give a goofball or two something to add as a postscript.
And the Vujacic foul would’ve/should’ve been a charge if he’d have kept his arms in. Not sure the refs would’ve gotten it right, but I thought it was comical how hard Wafer jumped sideways to “draw” the foul. Nice natural shooting motion there.
The NBA is a tough game to ref, I guess.
svb says
You’d feel like Artest if you missed a bunch of open 3’s in what was a close game most of the way.
hagsst says
Good to see Farmar get another shot and come through. Back when Laker Nation officially turned on the guy, i felt he still would get a shot in the playoffs and make his mark – glad he proved me right because this team can use a real energy/speed guy.
Now, how does PJ balance playing time for the new three-headed-munchkin ?
Cant say enough about that Dfish play – i think we will look back on that play as the turning point in this postseason – when the lakers finally picked up the intensity and started playing their gritty basketball. Can’t say enough about this win tonight.
kwame a. says
I’ve given Farmar and Luke crap all year. Both have been great this series. If Kobe keeps leading and they keep contributing, we will win this series easier than once thought.
sT says
I just love the action in this series, very much fun to watch these games. Farmar, 6-8 FT’s, wow. I hope Yao will be OK and nothing serious has happened to him, it did not look promising for him out there at the end.
Great Wall says
I appreciate the appreciation. There is just too much negativity on most blogs. I purposely came to this site when this series started because I wanted to exchange rational talk. I am obviously not going to agree with the majority of people on this site because I am for the opposite team, but I love basketball. I made some comments after game 2 that did not sit well with most of the people on this site, but no disrespect was meant. I hope that I will be welcome on this site in the future, regardless of how this series turns out. I could go on our Houston sites if I did not want to be challenged on my opinions.
sT says
*these games are fun to watch.
MannyP13 says
Brief Points on tonights game:
1) Sasha can’t hit anything
2) The artest foul was at most a Flagrant 1, likely just a hard foul
3) Von Wafer should have been assessed a Flagrant 1 foul for his hip check of Sasha – and not given 3 free throws instead
4) We play better without Fisher (at least against the Rockets)
5) Bynum and Farmar showed improvement – lets hope this is an upward trend and not a one-time fluke
The Dude Abides says
Our three-headed monster at PG should be letting D-Fish regain his starting spot, but only play the first five minutes against Brooks in each half. Then Jordan comes in, then Shannon, and later Fish, to match up with Lowry, then Jordan back in when Brooks returns. This was the best game I’ve ever seen Jordan play. I can’t remember seeing any bad decision he made all night, and he played good defense on Brooks, got some key rebounds, and made some excellent assists.
Led says
Small point: Yao crashed the boards like a beast tonight. As a result the Rockets were in position for an offensive board almost every time they put up a shot. When he plays like that and Scola’s on the floor I don’t see many other teams with better rebounding potential on that side of the floor. Van Gundy was complaining tonight about how Odom shouldn’t let Scola punk him down low, but I think Scola is actually just really good at using his skills and playing with incredible hustle. Does anybody remember the US-Argentina game in the Olympics? Scola was far and away the best rebounder on the floor and the most effective post player overall. I’m a Lakers fan, but I like to see players who work really hard – tonight Yao was crashing hard and that makes it tough for us to seal out. Gasol was just getting overpowered and pushed too deep under the basket.
Led says
Plus we fronted Yao more often. Which was good, but it makes sense he would get more rebounds.
Great Wall says
Led,
You are right, when they front Yao he is in a good position to get offensive rebounds. That was actually one of the things that RA tried to combat the fronting defenses. The thing is that it is as sure a basket as there is in the NBA if Yao gets the ball in inside, so the Rockets would rather run the offense through him.
Scola is one of those players that you have to watch to appreciate. Either you will love him or you will hate him (Usually depending if he is on your team or not). He will grab, pull, and poke (Also flop on occasion), but not in a dirty way. He does not do things that are hurtful to oppontents, but definitely does things that annoying.
J-man says
Yao’s a beast. Name a better big man in the league right now not named Howard.
Kobe’s almost-halfcourt 3-pointer at the buzzer, and the subsequent “freeze pose,” was eerily similar to what LeBron did last night. We know they’re both watching each other.
lil' pau says
I want to commend the Houston supporters who have posted on this site for their intelligence and willingness to stick to a discussion of the ‘issues’. I must say this is quite a refreshing change after the Utah series. Maximum respect to Plan R and Great Wall and best wishes for a great game four.
In that spirit: as much as I want the Lakers to win this series, I’m really hoping we see Yao on Sunday. I must admit I’m not sure I’d be quite so high-minded about any other opposing superstar, but I really admire that guy on and off the court.
A great win– maybe I’ll finally be able to get some sleep.
Lake Show Life says
Great game tonight, Lakers fans. We are getting closer to our date with destiny…and LeBron. Jordan Farmar made a huge impact on this game.
lil' pau says
is it just me, or do the rockets appear to fail to understand the primary vulnerability of the SSZ– namely, the weakside three? Specifically, it looked to me like Battier was wide open a lot and never got the ball.
Great Wall says
lil’ pau, you are correct, but that is much less a problem for the Rockets than their unwillingness to force the ball into Yao. Why is Yao consistently being asked to come out to set picks for Brooks? I am much happier when Lowry is in the game because he is a pure point gaurd. Brooks is as quick as any player in the league, but he is not a real point. A real point would find a way to get the ball to the best interior scorer in the leage
Great Wall says
Sorry for the misspellings.
Brian says
That Artest call was terrible. That was a borderline Flagrant 1 because of the force used (he really gave Pau a forearm shiver with his left arm and wasn’t making a play on the ball with it, although he swung at the ball with his right), but I would have been okay with it simply being a 2-shot foul. But in no way was that a Flagrant 2. That should be reversed. Unfortunately, the refs and the league look far too often at what the result of the play is, and not what the play was.
As for the game, nice hard-fought win. RonRon came back to Earth, like I expected. Kobe didn’t shoot as well, also like I expected. Good contributions from Ariza, Farmar, and ShanWOW off the bench. Odom was big in the first half. We really won the game with that stretch where we knocked down 3-4 treys in a few possession span.
I hope Yao is okay – but it doesn’t look like it.
harold says
Can’t front Yao and box him out at the same time unless you double him constantly. So it’s only natural that when you front him, he’s going to have a monster night on the offensive glass.
But still, the name of the game is the 3, and if they start falling (55% for us!) everyone looks good (like Lamar making 2-2), but if they go the way the Rockets did (31.6%, Artest 2-8) it’s really going to be tough for us to score against Houston.
Darius says
I only have a couple of points to add because everyone has already said everything (and done it quite well).
1) We got the FT line tonight. Kobe, Farmar, and Brown were 17-20 (while Houston as a team was 18-25). Our guards were in attack mode all night and were consistently going to the basket. This not only gave us free points at the line, but it allowed our shooters to get the types of looks that they’re accustomed to getting as Houston’s D collapsed to help in the lane. And our shooters responded by making those wide open shots. We’re a different team when all those jumpers start to fall, but it all started because of our aggressiveness when attacking the basket.
2). When the All Defensive First Team was announced, there was a lot of debate about Kobe being included on that unit. Many thought (and maybe still do think) that he is not deserving of that distinction. Well, tonight he showed why he’s held in such high regard as a defensive player. Many will remember his blocked shots (especially the lefty swat of Yao’s layup attempt), but in re-watching the DVR I again saw how smart he can be on D. He was cutting off angles in anticipation of passes to Battier on the wing where Houston was trying to move the ball to a position to make a post entry to Yao. He was sagging just enough off Battier (who was in the corner) when the ball was on the strong side to discourage the post entry from the guard who had the ball at the wing extended. He was working his way through screens and getting in the passing lanes. And in the 4th quarter, when Ariza picked up his fifth foul, Kobe switched on to Artest and battled him for every inch of hardwood and limited Ron’s catches when he was really starting to do damage against Trevor. Houston was trying to make a push in those final minutes and with Yao hobbling, Artest was the guy that was scoring. Kobe switched on to him and we got the stops we needed because Ron couldn’t get a good touch or get up a decent look. Kobe may have had a big scoring night, but he did some real damage on D as well.
Cavaquinho says
I like the fact that our role players were able to knock down 3’s effectively in tonight’s game. Why the Lakers’ championship runs over this decade have been dependent on the 3-point shooting ability of its role players is something I do not have the answer to, but with our offense, there is bound to be a man open on nearly every possession.
Active defense with great hustle. That’s what this Lakers team will need to accomplish what the failed to do last year. Scrappy and heady play from unexpected people such as Farmar and Walton, etc will only help us solidify our bench. I still remember when Powe came off the bench during Game 2 of the Finals and scored 20+ pts. Our bench play has been criticized heavily this playoffs, but I hope the bench is gathering steam and gaining confidence.
The Dude Abides says
492. Darius, I will heartily second your point about Kobe’s D. As for the Lakers getting to the FT line, that wasn’t the case in the first half, with only 4 FTA. The third quarter was better, as the team got more aggressive on the defensive end and it carried over to the offense as they drove the lane more. Also, don’t forget that the Lakers shot 16 FTs in the final two minutes of the game when the Rockets were deliberately fouling.
TRad says
1. I’m glad my prediction about Farmar was correct.
2. If Ariza’s foul in Portland was flagrant, then Artest’s is flagrant too. Gasol was in the air. For my money this kind fouls shouldn’t be flagrant, but I’d like NBA to call it in a coherent way.
Mico says
Guys another OT post but I think this one merits mention
Chuck Daly (Coached against us in the finals 88 and 89 i think and Coached the dream team) has died.
GR8Scott says
All – I was at the game (made the drive over from SA) and it was great! They killed us on the boards, got more foul calls and points in the paint and we still pull away. Kobe’s 3 at the end of the 3rd was awesome. Will be at game 4. Go Lakers! Fans here were so so.
Craig W. says
Again we fans are swinging with the wind. This is a game of matchups and in this series it is Farmar and Walton, players who usually have a hard time contributing, who have the favorable matchups.
Perhaps Farmar should be starting this series, but don’t get carried away because the next series (assuming we win) it will be either Chauncy or Jason and Farmar should see a substantially reduced role. I wouldn’t be suprised if Fish pulls a Walton and suggests to Phil that Farmar start, but only for this one series.
Darius says
RIP Chuck Daly. Certainly one of the best coaches of his era. Two titles, chosen to coach the first Dream Team… just a great, great coach. This truly makes me sad.
Darius says
#494. Dude,
You’re right about the inflated FT numbers. When making my point, I should have led with our guards attacking more off the dribble as that was the real key.
E-ROC says
Kobe along with some help D did lock up Artest for the better part of the second half of the 4th quarter, ’til Artest’s evening was cut short.
drrayeye says
TEXAS HOSPITALITY
The Lakers showed great hospitality for game 1, allowing the Rox to feel right at home. They responded by stealing the game, taking home court advantage with them back to Texas. They wanted to steal game 2 as well, but hospitality has it’s limits, and Derek Fisher gave the Rox an unmistakeable sign that stealing has consequences–even in laid back LA.
What would happen in cowboy country? Would the Rox be equally hospitable? Or. would they send a Texas message that finders are keepers, and they were unwilling to give that home court advantage back. Were the Lakers being invited to a barbeque, or a man to man
shootout with Rox enforcer “Ron Ron”?
Turned out that the Rox were willing to be hospitable to a point, but they were not willing to give the Lake Show home court advantage back without a fight.
So the Lake show came to Texas as a group of LA Homies, determined to bring the home court advantage back with them–determined to win a shootout. From the earliest moments of the game, shots were fired and returned, but as the smoke cleared and the time ran down, Lakeshow clearly were about to get home court advantage back,
So Ron Ron sent the Lakers an unmistakeable sign that hospitality was withdrawn for game 4.
The Lakeshow must accept the reality that they face shootouts for the rest of the series with the Rox until only one team is left standing.
We’ll see how those LA Homies respond to this new challenge tomorrow.
Zephid says
I think any rational basketball fan (and they are few and far between) has to appreciate the heart of Yao Ming. Every fan, Houston or opposing, can tell that he’s giving his all on the court, and that he’ll do anything to win that won’t compromise the integrity of the game. People universally respect his determination, so it’s natural that rational people will want to play with/against Yao Ming, because he is simply a competitor. Watching him limping up and down the court in the 4th, you could see the pain in his eyes, not just physical, but the emotional pain of not being 100% to lead his team. Then, seeing him dunk on Gasol and Odom’s heads late in the 4th on his gimpy leg, you could tell that he has enough heart for two men. I don’t think enough can be said about Yao Ming. He has so much heart, so much fire, but he never crosses the line to arrogance a la KG.
That and Yao is just hilarious. That “see you in the club” line was just too funny.
Mico says
Was rewatching the game…
On Artest:
He killed the momentum of Houston, when houston was still trying to bring the lead down to single digits there were a couple of plays where he forced up some drives or shots.
It got so bad that the broadcast team referenced chauncy billups not giving the ball to certain people during moments in the game because they would shoot the team out of it.
Mico says
Sorry for the double post (premature clicking):
@gasol
Pau gasol has pretty good handles for a big guy. He did the between the legs dribble near the free throw line to set up a three point play. And even tried a semi step back dribble a few plays after.
@Kobe
I think he’s an arm shooter… His power does not come from the knees. The footwork just provides the balance but the shot strength comes from the arms. When you look at kobe’s three point plays now, it’s rarely the layup/drive/dunk variety but more on the hang in the air jumper. After seeing that block by battier but made it anyway shot (see shane’s frustration afterward) I began looking at his free throws. I noticed that you don’t really see the full lift coming from the bending of the knees but more of arm control.
Kurt says
new post up