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Lakers/Magic Finals Game 2 Chat

June 7, 2009 by Kurt


LAKERS
We’ve talked about how Game 2 really sets the tone for the series. This one will be closer than game one, let’s see if the Lakers can play up another level.


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  1. Mohan says

    June 7, 2009 at 4:52 pm

    I’ve had far too many moments during these playoffs where I thought, “yes, the Lakers are here and ready to dominate at championship-level intensity”, only to see them disappoint in the following game. Let’s hope the Lakers create a new pattern tonight.

  2. chris h says

    June 7, 2009 at 4:53 pm

    mohan, dudde you gotta say “this one’s for Warren” when you’re first poster.,
    but hey, that’s behind us now.
    go lakers!
    focus, match the intensity! cause they’re gonna bring it tonight, they can’t afford to go down 2 – 0

  3. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 4:55 pm

    Randy Smith actually pulled off the afro-goatee combination… that in and of itself is admirable. Rest well, Randy.

    Now, bring on the game! I want to see Bynum dunk over Howard again.

  4. Zephid says

    June 7, 2009 at 4:56 pm

    Look for the Magic to come out doubling Kobe on the screen roll.

  5. Birdman says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:01 pm

    I’m here at the Staples right now (good karma for LA tonight, since whenever I go into their games, they are undefeated).

    And as usual, the opening moments suck.

    No love for your team there, Mr. Introducer!

  6. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:03 pm

    Okay. I have to say this. I can’t keep it to myself anymore.

    We. Must. Stop. With. The. Crotch-Cam.

    Please, stop zooming in on that area! I don’t care how he’s sitting. Please.

  7. Mohan says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:04 pm

    2 – Who’s Warren? I definitely missed that.

  8. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:08 pm

    We lost the tap last game too. Good sign.

  9. Kurt says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:08 pm

    Kobe with the early Pujit, then a bad rotation next time down on D.

  10. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:09 pm

    Two terrible shots.

  11. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:09 pm

    I think we would rather let Courtney Lee finish on any given possession than Howard of Turkoglu.

  12. Kurt says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:09 pm

    Then Fish with the PUJIT as the Magic play some ball denial.

  13. adam t says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:09 pm

    2 possessions. 2 contested jumpshots. No post up, no triangle. Needs to change

  14. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:10 pm

    Wow, they’re calling this tight. I missed that part of the pre-game thing, who are the refs tonight?

  15. Birdman says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:13 pm

    Goaltend baby.

  16. Andreas G. says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:14 pm

    How do they miss that goaltend on Pau’s dunk? Insane.

  17. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:14 pm

    That was one of the sicker goal tends I’ve ever seen… What are the odds of not getting your fingers stuck in the net? Risky, Dwight, risky…

  18. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:14 pm

    The refs are whistle happy tonight.

  19. Kurt says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:14 pm

    Depth and bench play may be huge in this if the game is called this tight.

  20. 3ThreeIII says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:15 pm

    >.<

    If Howard can block shots from INSIDE the hoop, then yeah, that will be pretty easy for him.

  21. glove32 says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:15 pm

    If they let Howard put his hand through the basket he will block shots all night

  22. Kurt says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:15 pm

    That was a great play by Fish and MP just suckered right into it.

  23. adam t says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:17 pm

    I like our help on Howard but we’ve gotta rotate better. They aren’t going to miss shots all series.

  24. sT says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:17 pm

    Mohan, Warren is from the Philippines and every time he got the first post the Lakers won the game that day. I do not like these long jumpers by the Lakers so far.

  25. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:17 pm

    Wow. This is going to be a 4 hour game.

  26. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:18 pm

    I can’t believe we still have fouls left. Did they extend the limit?

  27. Zephid says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:18 pm

    This is hard to watch. No rhythm or anything to this game.

  28. Mico says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:19 pm

    Everything is tight now… but to be fair to the refs, both teams are getting similar calls.

    I hope they call a 3 second violation on howard as well… he seems to camp in the shaded lane a lot

    Another thing I hope for is that they be consistent not only with regards to calling fouls for both teams but also consistent in the way they call fouls throughout the game

  29. Nick the Great says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:20 pm

    Neither team is shooting all too well right now. Interesting that Kobe is starting in cruise-control again, setting up teammates. I wonder if the Lakers continue to struggle shooting how long it will be before he tries to impose himself on the game a little.

  30. Anonymous says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:22 pm

    Phil needs to figure out how to put Fishers brain into shannons body

  31. Kurt says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:23 pm

    The Lakers are the better shooting team right now at 35% eFG%. Ugh,

  32. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:23 pm

    #30,
    If he does figure that out, we can never let Shannon Brown lead a fast break again.

  33. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:24 pm

    Too many jumpers from Kobe.

  34. Nick the Great says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:25 pm

    Gortat was begging for that foul to be on him. Kobe should torch JJ here.

  35. Kurt says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:25 pm

    I like that last possession better, the Lakers kept attacking the rim despite the big lineup in from Orlando. The Lakers need to do that. No more PUJITs for a while.

  36. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:27 pm

    Here comes the 3-second on Howard…

  37. james says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:27 pm

    too many jumpers

  38. Zephid says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:28 pm

    I don’t like the fact that Ariza gives up his dribble when trying to pass into the post. This allows teams to just shade off him and dare him to shoot an off rhythm three. He needs to keep his dribble, take a couple steps to one side, then pass the ball into Gasol and let him punish the Magic.

  39. PhilAus says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:28 pm

    Way too many jumpers.

  40. glove32 says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:29 pm

    it looks like 3 seconds will be called tonight. The players need to adjust and move through the lane quickly

  41. Birdman says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:29 pm

    I thought Howard was in there for 3 days actually.

  42. Nick the Great says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:29 pm

    Not enough jumpers! (Just to be contrary)

  43. adam t says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:30 pm

    Nice excerpt from over at SlamOnline’s live blog:

    While wandering around and watching the players warm up, I bumped into a former NBA player who (while insisting on speaking off the record) insisted the Magic will not be winning this series.

    ā€œThere’s no way Orlando can win playing this style of basketball,ā€ he said. ā€œThis drive and kick stuff might work in the East, but it won’t work against a Western Conference team that’s used to playing against big men. Also, Dwight Howard only has one post move. How can you spend the entire summer playing with the Dream Team and still come back with just one post move?ā€

  44. 3ThreeIII says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:30 pm

    I looked at it again, and I don’t understand the first foul called on Bynum. You HAVE to be allowed your own space on the floor.

    At worst, that should have been called on Howard, but realistically, there was no call there.

    If the referees are blowing the whistle at that level of contact, they will be out of breath before the second half, with blistered lips…

  45. Kurt says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:30 pm

    The Lakers are the more efficient offense so far, at a pathetic 68.8 points per 100 possessions. This is not pretty.

  46. PhilAus says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:31 pm

    #41 – Well, definitely not enough MADE jumpers!

  47. Birdman says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:31 pm

    LA peeps are looking into their mobiles more often than into the game.
    Definition of BORING.

  48. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:32 pm

    In the defense of every player on the floor, it’s very hard to get in a shooting rhythm when the whistles go off every 15 seconds. Which is why we need to attack the paint instead.

  49. D-RED says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:32 pm

    Looks like the Refs didn’t get enough air time last game

  50. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:33 pm

    wow, we’re going to have a really high scoring game at this rate šŸ˜‰

    maybe Magic wants to prove that they can win scoring 75.

    If both teams keep this up, the team that scores 75 may win by double digits.

  51. Zephid says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:34 pm

    ugliest, 1st quarter, ever.

  52. lakergirl says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:36 pm

    Gasol needs to stop with the weanie shots. Thats not a hook shot.

  53. Nick the Great says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:36 pm

    That quarter was the very definition of gross.

  54. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:36 pm

    Terrible first quarter.

  55. adam t says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:36 pm

    We’re on pace for a real barn burner, folks…60-60 final at this rate.

  56. joe wright says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:36 pm

    Pau is awful today in the offensive end but he is doing an AWESOME work on Howard.

  57. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:37 pm

    @lakergirl
    Took the words right out of my mo… er, keyboard. Shoot a jumper or dunk it! Snarl!

  58. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:38 pm

    Who said Orlando won’t shoot 30% again?

    Let’s see if we can keep this up while getting some boards.

  59. Birdman says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:38 pm

    Gasol is “out the zone” .

    He is now taking too many quick shots because Dwight had his shot blocked once.
    And he’s doing a 7-foot teardrop.

  60. glove32 says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:38 pm

    not a pretty quarter. The Lakers actualy had a higher fg% at 30% to the Magic’s 28.6%

  61. Birdman says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:39 pm

    Orlando is on pace for 16 FGs tonight, 7 less than Game 1.

  62. 3ThreeIII says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:39 pm

    I agree Lakergirl. When Walton gets that pass to you in the paint, after drawing the defensive rotation, you have to attack the rim. Go hard, and you will get the contact, the foul, and maybe the dunk/lay-up.

    Per the referees… I am having trouble believing that they are actually calling 3 Seconds and Moving Screens. Of course the game is disjointed! The players are stunned!

  63. Reed says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:39 pm

    I thought our defense was beautiful. If we keep that up we have nothing to fear.

  64. Joe says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:39 pm

    Bad quarter by both teams but you have to give credit to the defense. Both teams played really hard defense, the offense will pick up in the second quarter.

  65. Mamula says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:39 pm

    LOL at Howard’s Vitamin water commercial. LeBron must be steaming!

  66. Andreas G. says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:39 pm

    Awful is a strong word;) He did have that one nice dunk (the goaltend one), the nice post move with the left, and the interior no look pass to LO. But sure – he’s had better offensive quarters.

    If the Lakers can keep up this kind of D, I’m not too worried however. Kobe and Pau will get going; they usually do.

  67. Kurt says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:40 pm

    I’m just excited to be watching this Spurs/Pistons Finals game…. wait, who is playing again?

  68. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:41 pm

    Let’s outbench these guys…

  69. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:42 pm

    As a ‘rational’ fan though, I am very pleased that we can and are playing defense.

    Offense will come, in the name of Kobe if all else fails.

  70. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:42 pm

    On the plus side, if this keeps up Birdman will get free tacos šŸ™‚

  71. glove32 says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:43 pm

    The Lakers need to do a better job on the boards. They are giving up too many 2nd attemps

  72. Birdman says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:43 pm

    Anyone wanna bet JJ will get a tech for taunting Sasha?

  73. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:44 pm

    Poor Luke.

  74. Travis says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:44 pm

    the bench guys are playing hungry

  75. lakergirl says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:45 pm

    The refs just got a memo on moving screens and the 3sec call….must be.

  76. james says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:45 pm

    refs not helping the flow of the game

  77. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:46 pm

    I don’t mind the players having to adjust to how the refs are calling the game, but it seems the refs are throwing a lot at them that they had been letting go before.

  78. Nick the Great says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:46 pm

    Getting three-plus minutes of rest for Kobe and Pau while adding a couple points to the lead is a steal in my book. It’s still been all jumpers on offense to start the quarter though…

  79. Travis says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:46 pm

    yo the refs are slowing this game down a ton. everythings a foul. way different from game 1.

  80. 3ThreeIII says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:47 pm

    Yeah…. explain that second foul on Luke to me…

    Was that a “Lack of Chivalry” call? Is he supposed to hold a door open for Lewis there?

    All that said, the defense has been scrappy, and awesome.

    Lamar’s block on the break was sweet, but so was the fact that ALL FIVE Lakers were at the basket after sprinting back.

    Very, very nice!

  81. Birdman says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:48 pm

    Laker fans, pardon me for asking this, but I can’t stop wondering about this for about a long time now, when the away teams scores below 100, do the opponents get free tacos as well?

  82. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:48 pm

    Isnt if funny how Van Gundy comes out saying he doesnt want to use post game interviews to bitch about calls, yet all of a sudden since that interview in cavs series Dwight Howard gets just about every call his way. I find it humorous how easily Bynum gets whistled when you pretty much could nail Howard every time down the court for an elbow, moving screen or body contact… whatever van gundy..Its all good though, the Lakers dont need the calls to win.

  83. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:51 pm

    Free tacos to the person who can find Sasha’s shot.

    Then again, life would have been too easy had Sasha shot like he did last year.

  84. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:51 pm

    This game looks like a preseason scrimmage.

  85. D-RED says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:52 pm

    Yoo Yoo look at the fouls and tell me which team is in foul trouble. You comment was at the wrong time

  86. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:52 pm

    And on a more serious taco note, I thought that if you have a ticket you get tacos? Someone else who has actually been to Staples probably knows better than me though.

  87. james says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:53 pm

    some back shot selection going on, farmar just awful

  88. Andreas G. says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:53 pm

    What kind of a foul was that – save your fouls for Howard…

  89. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:53 pm

    Drew can’t get into a rhythm with all those fouls and 3 seconds.

    Urgh.

  90. Nick the Great says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:53 pm

    “…and that might be on Bynum.” I dunno, ya think?

  91. sT says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:54 pm

    Feed the 7 footers more please.

  92. adam t says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:55 pm

    Lewis is earning that paycheck…

  93. Curt says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:55 pm

    Farmar kinda nervous on that try for a put back after his miss.

  94. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:55 pm

    total bs, the one guy that gets screwed more then anyone in this entire playoffs has been poor bynum, I dont think I have seen him hack a player once this playoffs, the refs just pick on him. Time for Phil to come out and call out the double standard, then Dwight could get back to the bench, although the way he shoots I kind of like him out there.

  95. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:55 pm

    Bynum can be a black hole on offense now and then. Pau is much better at passing it back out and finding the open or slashing teammate.

  96. Chad says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:56 pm

    I actually dont mind that foul on Bynum, He was racing down the court and just got caught off guard as the ball handler cut right in front of him. Im just glad he didnt show any signs of pain from the fall.

  97. Zephid says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:56 pm

    Why all the Sasha hate? He missed the shot because he got a horrible pass from Farmar. He’s also brought back the old Bob Cousy trick of running underneath a player going up to shoot instead of contesting late.

    I’d complain more about Farmar, who’s taken 2 average shots and 3 really bad ones, also with a couple turnovers and stupid fouls. I’d like to see more Shannon Brown at this point.

  98. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:56 pm

    Farmar looks great though, shot clock didnt reset.

  99. Anonymous says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:58 pm

    Is Lamar Odom planning to play some defense on Rashard lewis..

  100. Kurt says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:58 pm

    Rashard Lewis has been the best player on the floor the last three minutes.

  101. Travis says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:58 pm

    there it is. offense outside of kobe

  102. Kurt says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:59 pm

    Sorry if comment moderation is a bit slow at times, the connection here at Staples is horrible.

  103. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:59 pm

    Beating the magic at their own game LOVE IT!!!

  104. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 5:59 pm

    Was gonna say we got to rebound better, but if we can get a steal, I guess I won’t mind.

  105. Travis says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:01 pm

    my favorite part of this game is the laker D. its here again tonight. really good sign.

  106. Chad says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:01 pm

    wow, the lakers cant buy a foul against howard, he flies in and practically lands on gasol and the call goes against pietrus

  107. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:02 pm

    I want to see Ariza take another seven threes.

  108. Andreas G. says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:02 pm

    Any time when Pau and Kobe are a combined 1/10 and the Lakers are still winning, there are reasons to feel good about the outcome.

  109. Nick the Great says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:03 pm

    No Lakers in double figures, Kobe’s only taken four shots, the team is shooting less than 40%, and we’re leading by 3 (soon to be 5?). I’ll take it.

  110. kehn says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:03 pm

    seriously though – can we buy a defensive rebound? Way too many 2nd shot chances for the Magic, at least they’re bricking most of them

  111. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:04 pm

    I think we kind of want him out there if hes gonna keep shooting at a 20 percent clip.

  112. lakergirl says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:04 pm

    Since we’ve missed most of our free thros does that mean that our focus is a little off?

  113. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:04 pm

    Hedo’s keeping us in the game šŸ˜‰

  114. Mico says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:05 pm

    with this kind of game a 2 possession lead is a luxury

  115. Anonymous says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:05 pm

    is odom planning on covering lewis tonight

  116. Mico says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:06 pm

    i think the overall idea of this game has turned to

    well shots are missing anyway, might as well fire three pointers šŸ˜›

  117. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:06 pm

    We should probably stop doubling off of Lewis if he keeps shooting like this…

  118. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:07 pm

    Terrible camera work by ABC.

  119. Kurt says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:08 pm

    Mimsy, the Lakers are doubling in the post and have to rotate off Lewis, and the Magic are moving the ball so much better this game. Lewis is benefiting.

  120. Anonymous says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:08 pm

    please, please, refs dont put bynum into foul trouble.. i do not want to see so much odom

  121. sT says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:08 pm

    Lewis is on a roll to match Kobe’s game high last game.

  122. glove32 says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:08 pm

    thanks ABC for showing Lewis on the bench and not Gasol’s basket

  123. Adrian says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:08 pm

    Nice balance in Laker’s offense

  124. Curt says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:08 pm

    In NBA JAM terms…. Lewis is ON FIRE! darn

  125. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:09 pm

    I guess we went to the middle this game, since Lamar and Pau are our leading scorers…. with 7 pts each.

    Kobe and Ariza with 6 pts each.
    Fisher and Bynum with 5 pts each.
    Farmar with 4pts.

    Talk about balanced scoring.

  126. 3ThreeIII says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:09 pm

    Wow that was the best 1st quarter I have ever seen. High scoring, lots of defensive plays, good adjustments by the coaches with the substitutions! Fun to watch!

    Wait… what?

    That was the 1st HALF?

    Oh… well… *sigh*

  127. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:09 pm

    That last bucket by Gasol better be on a replay or highlight. Seriously… you show a player sitting down on the bench during the home team’s last possession of the half? Oh wait, you’re ABC. Never mind. Your camera works is always horrible.

  128. John says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:10 pm

    I dont want to see rashard lewis sitting down when pau is making a bucket inside. crack work ABC

  129. j. d. hastings says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:10 pm

    Maybe I’m old fashioned but I’m usually of the mid that when only one player has mad more than 1 field goal in a game, you probably shouldn’t leave him completely wide open to hit 2 3 pointers in a row.

  130. Chad says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:11 pm

    cant complain too much about being up by five with the way Lewis is shooting, it speaks volumes of how well the majority of our defense has been able to hold up to Orlando’s adjustments and higher energy level than last game

  131. John says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:11 pm

    someone PLEASE stop these puppet commercials.

  132. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:13 pm

    #131, John,
    I don’t know, I kind of like this one… šŸ˜‰

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra2ms0e1IQs

  133. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:14 pm

    I love six points on five shots, i guess some of these heads forget the lakers do better when kobe isnt launching it.

  134. Kaifa says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:14 pm

    ABC’s halftime show lacks hair… and insight.

  135. Travis says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:16 pm

    I like how Kobe put it. they made adjustments so now we go make ours. that tells you that even though the lakers aren’t up by much, they are confident that they are able to do much of what made them successful in game 1. I like our chances.

  136. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:20 pm

    I get depressed when Shannon Brown doesn’t see the court though, that guy gets me fired up. I really think Brown and Ariza are the greatest steals in Laker history, when you consider we gave up guys that I wouldnt want on my rec league squad.

  137. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:20 pm

    Hey Kurt how bout a where are they now post about Pig Miller.

  138. glove32 says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:22 pm

    I would rather see Shannon Brown than Sasha in the 2nd half,

  139. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:23 pm

    I would rather see Mbenga running the point than Sasha.

  140. Andreas G. says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:24 pm

    yoo yoo: How about giving up Kwame for Pau?;)

    I agree with you though – I really like both Trevor and ShanWOW.

  141. Birdman says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:24 pm

    The halftime show totally describes both teams tonight: They perform but they don’t know why the hell are they performing.

  142. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:24 pm

    Who would win in a fight Mbenga or Kimbo Slice?

  143. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:25 pm

    #136,
    I’ll call that bet and raise you with the “Kwame Brown and scrubs for Pau Gasol”-trade. šŸ™‚

  144. Nick the Great says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:26 pm

    We may be slowing Dwight with some good D, but he’s already got 11 rebounds. That guys is just a beast on the boards, there’s nothing else to it.

  145. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:27 pm

    #144, Nick,
    He also has 4 points on 1-4 shooting. Let him rebound?

  146. lakergirl says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:27 pm

    Who knows what SVGs wing span is?

  147. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:28 pm

    if balls dont ever go in the basket your seven footers are gonna get rebounds.

  148. Birdman says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:28 pm

    Sasha has been +3, took only one good shot, had 1 rebound, and held Redick to a 0-of-5 shooting, considering he has a team-leading +0 this series.

  149. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:28 pm

    A bigger concern is Lamar’s disinterest in defending the three.

  150. 3ThreeIII says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:29 pm

    yoo yoo: Um… Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the combination plate of center Elmore Smith, guard Brian Winters, and rookies Dave Meyers and Junior Bridgeman.

    So, yeah… not even close, just saying.

    I like our chances to make adjustments, and use Walton and Brown in the second half to wear their wings down.

    Then, with a bit of treatment for the doink he suffered in the first half, Kobe time.

    As has been said, when Gasol and Bryant give you not a whole lot, and you are still leading, you have to like your chances in the second half.

    Still, Orlando is scary, so let’s hammer them down.

    CUT OUT THEIR HEARTS!

  151. Andreas G. says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:29 pm

    Note to Dwight: Keep pointing at Pau!

  152. luubi says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:29 pm

    this game is making me nervous. If the Magic have someone else making shots and stop turning the ball over, Lakers are in real trouble.

  153. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:30 pm

    Our crowd sucks right now.

  154. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:31 pm

    Okay, not the best way to start the second half.

    That’s two quick turnovers by Fisher…

  155. Cayucos Surfer says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:32 pm

    Speaking of tennis, are we at a match right now? I can’t hear the crowd at all. I hate Staples. Cheer for your damn team!

  156. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:32 pm

    In the crowd’s defense, this is a boring game to watch… I have a hard time staying interested over here, and I have affordable beer close by!

  157. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:33 pm

    Time for us to use our secret weapon:

    Kobe Bryant.

  158. sT says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:34 pm

    13 minutes 4 fouls for AB, we will see alot of Odom tonight.

  159. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:34 pm

    If Orlando is happy to be in this game, they should recognize Houston or Denver would be up by double digits right now.

  160. lakergirl says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:34 pm

    Bynum gets no respect huh.

  161. Shaky says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:34 pm

    DREW WTF??? What the heck was that 4th foul? Why are you jumping into Turk there? WHY? And how are you even pretending to be surprised?

    My remote control needs to stay at that spot I just threw it to, if it knows what’s good for it.

  162. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:35 pm

    When did Howard become the Michael Jordan dude gets more love then Kobe or Lebron, ridiculous.

  163. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:35 pm

    Kobe late over to cover Lewis again… he needs to hurry that switch up.

  164. j. d. hastings says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:36 pm

    Come on, Staples, get into it

  165. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:37 pm

    164. yeah if odoms gonna be awake the least the fans could do is the same.

  166. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:37 pm

    Gotta start attacking the middle and get some fouls… this looks like a game that may be decided on the FT line.

  167. Jim says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:38 pm

    we are gonna see tiger woods 500 times when this series goes back to orlando

  168. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:39 pm

    anyone else see howard just push pau in the back no call again.

  169. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    Every single player on the floor for us has a steal each.

  170. Curt says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    there goes the crowd…thanks Kobe…phew.

  171. Andreas G. says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:41 pm

    Say what you want about JVG – that comment about Ewing was hilarious:D

  172. james says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:41 pm

    i have to say these two teams hardly look like finals level teams tonight

  173. Kurt says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:41 pm

    Ariza forced to rotate onto Howard and the Magic can’t score, Ariza with the steal and the big dunk going the other way.

    By the way, loved Fisher’s Steve Nash impersonation on the possession before that.

  174. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:41 pm

    The crowd woke up! About time too.

  175. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:41 pm

    Neither offense has any rhythm.

  176. Jim says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:42 pm

    nba all-star 2011 los angeles. i wonder if any celebs will show up?

  177. kehn says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:43 pm

    7-0 edge to Orlando on the offensive glass – with any kind of offensive rebounding, we’re doing a lot better than our current and fragile 3 pt lead.

  178. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:43 pm

    NBA’s awards are such a joke so retarded Ariza not on all defensive team, but Howard other then a through the rim block once again worthless on D. Ariza is the best defender in this series.

  179. Nick the Great says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:43 pm

    I have literally been wringing my hands in this second half. The Magic have come out with considerably more energy in this second half, also Hedo is starting to get some jumpers to fall. Thankfully, Skip still can’t hit the broadside of a barn and our offense has also been a little more inspired than in the first half. This one feels like it is going to go down to the wire.

  180. kehn says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:43 pm

    er, 7-1, but still.

  181. passerby says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:43 pm

    just have to stop orlando cuts and drives. that seems to be their last stand strategy inside-out with kick-outs. once those start dropping, this will be closer. lakers look sharper in this series. i feel good about our game 2 chances than in hou or den unless we breakdown. not likely with kobe on go go mode. go lakers

  182. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:44 pm

    I don’t know if I agree with that, yoo yoo. I think Howard is a great defender and his and his team’s stats through the season show it.

  183. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:44 pm

    Howard is better as a help defender than one-on-one though.

  184. passerby says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:45 pm

    their offense looks smoother than ours in 1d mode

  185. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:45 pm

    We’re approaching the penalty really quick while the Magic foulded just once this quarter.

    Really?

  186. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:46 pm

    yeah blocks are a joke of a stat Camby isnt even a half way decent defender but just like howard could get beat on the post, but come help for a noisy block. Pau when he gets the ball gets whatever shot he wants/

  187. Ryan says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:46 pm

    Rebounding is a part of playing defense and Howard is the best rebounder in the game. On top of that how many shots around the basket does Howard change per game. Howard deserved the DPOY award he got.

  188. Cayucos Surfer says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:46 pm

    The refs are just destroying this game.. for both teams.. and fans as well.

  189. passerby says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:46 pm

    man, orlando must be this good to make it this far on this system. something tells me we need a kobe explosion to end the 3rd

  190. luubi says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:46 pm

    I don’t get the lakers. Lewis makes shots and they leave him open. But they double team Howard b/c he had one dunk?

  191. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:47 pm

    LOL that should of been Howards fifth.

  192. j. d. hastings says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:47 pm

    Kurt- could you let the fans that the game started?

    There is no flow to this game. First team to find it wins. Right now, one team gets 2-3 good possessions, then let the other team do the same.

  193. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:48 pm

    I have totally tuned out the announcers.

  194. passerby says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:48 pm

    this is the orlando we know. not good. this will be about execution.

  195. drew says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:48 pm

    hedo heating up

  196. passerby says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:49 pm

    man if lamar shoots his j’s this well, we could do much better. how is this a foul on lamar?

  197. j. d. hastings says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:49 pm

    Odom could have been called for 2 fouls on that

  198. Ryan says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:49 pm

    Need to stop Doubling Howard every time. Change up the defense. double sometimes and not others, bring the double from different places. And bring the Double as Howard makes his move not before he does.

  199. 3ThreeIII says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:50 pm

    Too much Fisher, not enough Bynum…

    Let’s get to the 4th with a lead of 5 or so, and then focus hard on defense.

  200. Birdman says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:50 pm

    When the refs are calling the game loose, you see the results: Game 1.
    When tight: Game 2.

  201. Kurt says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:50 pm

    JD. It’s been a hard game for the fans to get into. So many fouls, a slow pace, long timeouts. Just no rhythm. But Kareem just got a nice hand.

  202. Mico says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:50 pm

    I have a feeling that Kobe would dominate ball possession in the fourth

  203. Andreas G. says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:51 pm

    In my opinion, they are doubling Howard too much. Let’s see if he can make a couple of shots first. It’s not like he’s been lighting Pau up?

  204. james says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:52 pm

    could someone smarter then me inform me why our offense is so bad right now

  205. Nick the Great says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:52 pm

    That could very well be a good thing Mico…

  206. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:53 pm

    Anyone else realize our best point guard doesnt even play, its so funny phil is to stubborn to play Shannon even though the dude comes in cold every game and is the best small man on the floor. Very strange for a zen man to not go with the present, I know we can without him but not only is he the best defender and shooter of our points hes a crowd pleaser.

  207. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:56 pm

    fisher needs to make a couple more of those to jusify his moon bootb defense while brown and farmar sit there watching.

  208. Nick the Great says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:56 pm

    I’m wringing my hands a little bit here…

  209. Lewis says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:58 pm

    Phil needs to put Drew ASAP back In the game let him foul out his presence defensively is being missed right now

  210. j. d. hastings says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:58 pm

    The energy in this game is like its the middle of february. Dial it up, Lakers. Kobe’s last 2 shots were just ill-conceived, based on thinking about what happens IF they go in, rather than executing a high percentage play (like his assist to fisher, which was an excellent play).

  211. glove32 says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:58 pm

    I do not know if the Lakers can give Kobe a rest at the start of the 4thQ. He needs to be in the game

  212. Mamula says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:58 pm

    We need to get some stops… offense will come off our stops. We should not give Magic any reason to feel confident in this series

  213. Birdman says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:58 pm

    Is it true LA has been undefeated this whole season while playing Sunday white uniforms?

    http://twitpic.com/6uzml

    So, too many “undefeateds” here, huh? šŸ˜€

  214. Will says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:59 pm

    Lakers are playing sloppy and shooting cold and are still only down by 2. If they can focus in the 4th they should take this.

  215. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:59 pm

    We’ve been totally driven out of the paint tonight.

    Gotta attack more and get the game to closing mode with FTs. Limit Howard by getting FTs so he can’t participate in transition offense.

    Seriously, we made no baskets in the paint this quarter and that’s really not gonna cut it.

  216. Joe says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:59 pm

    This looks really bad for the Lakers. They have had no offensive rhythm the whole game, a bench mob that cant score well will be on the floor for them, unless Bryant is left in. This is gonna be a really important first 4-5 minutes of the quarter. We gota contain the Magic hot shooters better

  217. joe wright says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:59 pm

    Kobe has to wait the game arrives to him.Don t force such ugly shots.You are not going to get a Jordan-like performance every day.Keep sharing the ball and play hard D one-one on Howard.Start with Drew and when he get fouled out switch to Pau.That would do it.

  218. Kurt says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:59 pm

    Brown and Bynum in to start the fourth.

  219. 3ThreeIII says

    June 7, 2009 at 6:59 pm

    This is the Finals, and you have 42 hours of rest before Game 3 in Orlando.

    Kobe needs to play in the 4th.

  220. Will says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:00 pm

    And note to ABC: Howard does not have 3 blocked shots.

  221. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:01 pm

    GOOD FOUL BROWN~

  222. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:02 pm

    Can we just put orlando jerseys on the refs?

  223. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:03 pm

    Odom and Bynum with 4 each.

    Our team already racked up 3.

    This is a recipe for disaster.

  224. passerby says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:04 pm

    ODOM!

  225. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:04 pm

    The worst part with the refereeing is that you know the conspiracy theories and paranoia is going to continue anyway… no matter how they call it.

    On that note, Lamar is doing great despite being hacked on every possession. I like what we’ve gotten from him so far.

  226. passerby says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:06 pm

    phil’s smiling?

  227. Kurt says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:11 pm

    That turnover was on Brown, you stay in that pressure relief spot in the corner until the shot is up.

  228. Jim says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:11 pm

    these fouls on bynum are ridiculous and weak. refs are killin the lakers

  229. Adrian says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:11 pm

    Lamar channeling his inner Kobe

  230. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:12 pm

    That was a HORRIBLE call!!

  231. Andreas G. says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:12 pm

    That’s a clean block.

  232. passerby says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:12 pm

    Odom playing like our 2nd option circa 2005-2006

  233. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:12 pm

    That looked like a clean block.

  234. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:12 pm

    Unless we start drawing some fouls, this game is going to be really, really, painful.

    On the bright side, if we do pull this one off, it has to be demoralizing.

  235. passerby says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:13 pm

    man our crowd is like watching a november opener

  236. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:13 pm

    Why is Hedo allowed to clothesline Ariza?

  237. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:14 pm

    harold, it not a matter of drawing fouls. It’s a matter of the refs calling them.

  238. passerby says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:14 pm

    lewis and turkoglu showing us what to expect come game 3

  239. james says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:15 pm

    im so sick of this officiating

  240. 3ThreeIII says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:15 pm

    I have a suggestion: Guard Lewis.

  241. Kurt says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:15 pm

    Orlando has rebounded 27% of its missed shots, the Lakers 6.7%.

  242. Birdman says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:16 pm

    Refs should have counted that 3 on Kobe. WOW. just Wow. I almost dropped my laptop.

  243. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:16 pm

    Mimsy, in that case, I see another 25k fine coming up for PJ and the Lakers.

    We’ve attempted less FTs than they’ve made, and still only behind two. I guess there’s something to that, but we really have to get something going.

  244. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:16 pm

    The Lakers are not in position to rebound as they were last game. Is that a result of the Magic being more energetic on the boards or the Lakers less so?

  245. passerby says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:16 pm

    yeahp birdman, jvg feels the same way about that shot. if only.

  246. Cayucos Surfer says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:17 pm

    OK.. I officially hate Steve Javie. This is ridiculous. Good, clean defense is a foul, and fighting through a screen is illegal. soo.. how are we supposed to stop them again?

    im sure it will even out as we get to the end of the game.. i hope.

  247. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:17 pm

    I am not worried, unless the refs take it away the better team should win tonite.

  248. Andreas G. says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:18 pm

    Seriously, sometimes I wonder how you guys live with all these commercial breaks. There’d be riots in Europe if they did this to soccer games.

  249. lakergirl says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:19 pm

    We cant buy a foul in this game. EVen if we had 50K

  250. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:19 pm

    Aren’t there riots in soccer games no matter what?

  251. kehn says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:19 pm

    This game, our guys probably get called for a foul by looking at the Laker Girls funny.

  252. Andreas G. says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:20 pm

    emh101: TouchƩ;)

  253. passerby says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:20 pm

    great now attack howard

  254. passerby says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:21 pm

    whatta?! a foul?!

  255. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:22 pm

    I am now at the point where I am genuinely thinking: If they are calling just about anything anyway, why not just do a Rondo? Knock some teeth out, injure someone. You’re going out anyway, go out causing damage.

    I’d be ashamed of that thought if I wasn’t so frustrated by the way this has been officiated. This is either deliberate bias or glaring incompetence, and I’m not sure which is worse.

  256. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:23 pm

    With us being in the penalty, the refs are now in a position to save any botched offensive possession by the Magic.

    This is going to get uglier unless we witness something great again.

  257. lakergirl says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:23 pm

    Whats the defination of clutch free throws? 2 free throws with 4mins left?

  258. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:23 pm

    im sick of the NBA,if the lakers lose by two on top of all the bad calls we gotta look at a dude blocking a shot through the rim, i mean that has to be the worst missed call in the history of pro sports. you got three dudes watching the basket.

  259. j. d. hastings says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:24 pm

    Okay, so the key to kobe getting a foul call is to not get fouled

  260. 3ThreeIII says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:24 pm

    Go Lakers!

  261. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:24 pm

    make up call

  262. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:25 pm

    That great performance is coming from Ariza.

  263. Mico says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:25 pm

    eh? dwight goes 2 for 2 and kobe misses? hehe not really our night

  264. glove32 says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:26 pm

    Turkoglu does that alot, use his off hand to push the defender out of the way

  265. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:26 pm

    FINALLY! Magic in the penalty too.

    Good god, now we are in for some clutch FT shooting.

    Dwight vs. Kobe

    Let’s see how this ends.

  266. Andreas G. says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:26 pm

    Has anyone else noticed that the refs don’t dare to call any more bad fouls after getting yelled at by Jack?;) Respect.

  267. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:26 pm

    Okay… trying to be constructive here. There’s 3 minutes left and we have Kobe, Pau, Lamar and Ariza. Let’s FOCUS!

  268. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:27 pm

    hey a dude thats slower then fisher on the floor.

  269. Nick the Great says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:27 pm

    I know it has been ugly, but I must say, that this game has been both excruciating yet a ton of fun to watch, win or lose.

  270. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:27 pm

    #266, Andreas,
    They’re afraid he’s going to attack them! šŸ™‚

  271. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:28 pm

    And Jack can’t get fined by the NBA. You tell ’em, Jack!

  272. kehn says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:29 pm

    this game tape needs to be locked away and burned for the good of all mankind

  273. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:30 pm

    2:42 left but both in the penalty…

    so another 30 minutes of gaming left?

  274. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:30 pm

    I agree a close game is better for the memories but im sick of bad officiating, not just for the laker just the whole playoffs. Like all the bs flagrants, then brad miller gets decked and nothing. The fact that these dudes know they are getting criticized but between the whole crew they cant see a dude put his hand through the hoop. I mean its just attrocious. We would be better off letting dudes call their own fouls, and shoot for it.

  275. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:30 pm

    45 minutes for a few TV timeouts as well.

  276. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:31 pm

    ITs happening, its happening i am starting to hate the MAGIC

  277. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:32 pm

    Ooooo…. crap! That bruise is going to slow down Kobe.

  278. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:33 pm

    Games like this, there’s a T lurking to be called…

  279. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:34 pm

    They are hitting some nice shots.

  280. Kurt says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:34 pm

    Wow. Bigtime shot by Hedo. That quieted the crowd here, who had been rockin.

  281. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:34 pm

    One stop. One stop. Just one stop.

  282. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:34 pm

    its gonna fng happen we are gonna lose by the goal tend.

  283. Cayucos Surfer says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:34 pm

    This is pretty much about what i expected for this game. Close down to the wire. We haven’t been able to get any flow going at all, and part of that is poor officiating, but a big part of it is that were just being indecisive with the ball. Too many turn overs and bad decisions.

  284. Zephid says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:34 pm

    Don’t the Lakers realize that Turkoglu isn’t going to drive late in the game. He always does the drive-fake, step-back jump shot.

  285. sT says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:34 pm

    I can not take this anymore, I will have a heart attack before the game is over.

  286. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:35 pm

    you cant get stops with fisher on the floor if you watch the defensive breakdowns he has just been burned over and over all nite.

  287. 3ThreeIII says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:36 pm

    This is EXACTLY what Lakers fans have been dreading.

    Up and Down calls. No rhythm. Orlando hanging around and then making shots late.

    Go Lakers!

  288. DB says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:36 pm

    What I don’t understand is why they don’t force Hedo right! Everyone should know he’s gonna step back to the left for that shot.

  289. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:36 pm

    Hope this game ends before lunchtime.

    It’s 11:36 am right now…

  290. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:37 pm

    GO LAKERS!! Stop and score. Stop and score. Give it to Pau!

  291. lakergirl says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:37 pm

    Thats the stop we needed

  292. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:37 pm

    Just dont even shoot lets go OT.

  293. glove32 says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:37 pm

    Its Kobe time

  294. DB says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:38 pm

    Wow, we just dodged a big bullet there.

  295. joe wright says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:38 pm

    Pau in both ends”””

  296. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:38 pm

    Defend the 3.

  297. Joe says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:38 pm

    Kobe needs to go to the basket

  298. Zephid says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:38 pm

    I want to see Kobe catch the ball on the wing, screen from Gasol, cross-screen by Ariza for Odom, Odom cuts to the lane and gets a lay-up due to all the attention paid to Bryant.

  299. Birdman says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:39 pm

    Stop! Kobe time!

  300. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:39 pm

    Now can we get those two points back from the refs… they can change a two to a three two quarters later but they cant review a goaltend, amazing happens.

  301. j. d. hastings says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:40 pm

    clean block.

  302. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:40 pm

    How the **** is that not a foul!?!?

    Go get them Jack!

  303. Adrian says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:40 pm

    Please no OT.. Lamar’s already got 5, and the refs will do everything to take this one away from us

  304. Zephid says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:40 pm

    that was a clean block

  305. joe wright says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:40 pm

    Too predictable.Kobe should have faked the shot and pass to Pau,

  306. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:40 pm

    Not Kobe’s night tonight.

  307. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:40 pm

    (For the record, I want it called on Lewis, not Hedo. His block was clean.)

  308. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:41 pm

    So much for getting this game wrapped up before lunch.

  309. Mico says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:42 pm

    Kobe

    clean block,

    and L.O. was open there,

    oh well

    hope he kills them in OT

  310. Kurt says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:42 pm

    Mimsy, it was a foul any time but that late. Has to be a mugging with the game on the line like that. Just the way it is.

  311. DB says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:43 pm

    I’d put Bynum in to precent the alley-oop..

  312. Adrian says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:43 pm

    and they’re giving .3 of a second

  313. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:44 pm

    I thought it was .6.

  314. Joe says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:44 pm

    If the magic hit this shot, im gonna shave my head

  315. joe wright says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:44 pm

    Just look at Howard pushing Pau away….No call ,of course.

  316. lakergirl says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:45 pm

    PHEW!

  317. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:45 pm

    Lee could have won it twice.

  318. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:45 pm

    its a no lose situation tonite either we win im happy or i get to hear phil criticize the officiating in post game either way, its all good.

  319. Kurt says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:45 pm

    Lakers escaped there, Lee should have made that. SVG with a great play.

  320. Zephid says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:45 pm

    wow, dodged a bullet there

  321. JB says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:45 pm

    Call the Lakers Neo, ’cause they’re dodging bullets all over the place.

  322. Mamula says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:45 pm

    PHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEW

  323. joe wright says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:45 pm

    Kudos to S.V.Gundy.Lucky usĀ”

  324. 3ThreeIII says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:45 pm

    Yikes!

  325. glove32 says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:46 pm

    That was a well designed play by the Magic

  326. james says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:46 pm

    omg how did he miss, two major chokes by lee

  327. Birdman says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:46 pm

    Crowd gasped right there.

  328. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:46 pm

    Let’s see how long Bynum can stay in OT.

    Gotta save Lamar even for a bit.

  329. Tremble says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:47 pm

    oh god i don’t feel good, someone call 911

  330. Mamula says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:47 pm

    Kobe sagged off… Had Lee made it, Kobe would be under a lot of criticism tomorrow

  331. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:47 pm

    Okay, I know this goes against all my comments about the refs in this thread so far, but let’s not turn into the kinds of fans that blame everything on the refs. And I don’t mean that personally to anyone commenter here, especially not since I’m guilty of it myself at times.

    We should have rebounded better and moved the ball better. We made mistakes on defense, and our shooting % was not the best, and those factors more than the refs, are why we are now going into over-time.

    Let’s not join the conspiracy theorists and become the types of fans that we hate. We don’t need the refs’ help to win games. And because we don’t, we should be honest enough to admit that it’s not because of them we sometimes lose.

    Now, we are going into over-time. Let’s get them. Let’s win this.

  332. Chad says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:48 pm

    kobe didnt sag, lewis layed a nice screen to free lee

  333. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:48 pm

    I want to hate the Magic but I realize I just hate the NBA and its geriatric overpayed overprotected officials.

  334. Adrian says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:49 pm

    Drew will kill them in OT

  335. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:49 pm

    crap Kobe is in “he cant guard me mode” be prepared to ride or die with Kobes.

  336. JB says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:50 pm

    Getting tired of watching Turkoglu hook Ariza to get open.

  337. Nick the Great says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:51 pm

    That point that Van Gundy just made about Fish is the smartest thing he ever said. If I am the Magic, I am just trying defend his shot when he drives, don’t give him passing lanes.

  338. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:51 pm

    drews not allowed to play more then two times down the court without a foul.

  339. Zephid says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:52 pm

    Kobe is killing our offense holding the ball too long.

  340. james says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:53 pm

    best game fish has had in a long time

  341. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:53 pm

    Our effort is definitely there.

  342. Joe says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:53 pm

    God…Fisher makes my heart stop when he goes to the basket

  343. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:53 pm

    Redick is a liability for them.

  344. Chad says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:54 pm

    FIsher is having a great game, very veteran right now, he is an important presence on the floor for us

  345. Zephid says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:55 pm

    YES! Perfect play by Kobe and Gasol. Absolutely perfect.

  346. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:55 pm

    *can’t type*
    *wringing hands*

  347. glove32 says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:55 pm

    Nice!! Gasol with the basket and the foul

  348. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:55 pm

    oh that was basketball god justice right there that ball was halfway down.

  349. sT says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:55 pm

    Yeah baby, way to go guys…

  350. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:55 pm

    I take back anything negative I might possibly have said earlier about Fisher leading a fast break.

  351. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:56 pm

    Great play!

  352. Chad says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:56 pm

    Kobe to Gasol FTW

  353. chris h says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:56 pm

    still too much time, don’t let up!
    match the intensity! they won’t give up!

  354. Birdman says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:56 pm

    This is the loudest the crowd sounded since Lewis shot an airball.

  355. glove32 says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:56 pm

    NO 3’s NO 3’s. Defend the 3

  356. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:56 pm

    Fisher with the steal and the two free throws was huge as well.

  357. Don W says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:56 pm

    great play by Kobe

  358. Joe says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:56 pm

    Come on Lakers! Get this game!!!

  359. kehn says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:57 pm

    ariza and fisher – 3 steals each and at the right times, to boot.

  360. Don W says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:57 pm

    magic playing 3v5 right now

  361. Zephid says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:58 pm

    horrendous call by Javie

  362. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:59 pm

    Kobe needs to learn that he has to be a star to get calls like that, oh and Howard arguing a call. Its official
    I hate Dwight Howard.

  363. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:59 pm

    Kobe is making this game interesting.

  364. glove32 says

    June 7, 2009 at 7:59 pm

    time to make FT’s

  365. Chad says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:00 pm

    Howard is hurting the Magic right now with his chippy fouls

  366. Andreas G. says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:00 pm

    And people say Pau’s not clutch?

  367. Nick the Great says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:01 pm

    Even if Orlando loses this game, they showed us that they’re going to make it a series. Lakers can’t give up a three here, do not double Dwight, just don’t do it. Stay with your man.

  368. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:01 pm

    Laker D bailing out Kobe’s O.

    Now if we can get this, we’ve handed them a blowout and a close loss in OT.

    And we can’t lose 3 in a row, even at Orlando, can we?

    Looking good…

  369. Don W says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:02 pm

    wow excellent execution by the magic

  370. Nick the Great says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:02 pm

    That was the same shot that Lewis hit to tie it up against the Cavs in the last series.

  371. Andreas G. says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:02 pm

    Haha I love how Jack is signaling for a two!

  372. drew says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:02 pm

    lewis and turkoglu are tremendously clutch shooters

  373. glove32 says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:04 pm

    Orlando needs to foul, not enough time left

  374. j. d. hastings says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:04 pm

    Its clearly a 3

  375. Birdman says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:05 pm

    Seriously, Magic plays an A game and we’re still capable of winning the game?

    73 points from Lewis, Turkoglu, and Howard. Check.

    10 made threes. Check.

    +11 in rebounds. Check.

  376. Birdman says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:05 pm

    I’m sorry. It’s they’re not we’re.

  377. Nick the Great says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:05 pm

    Odom has been cold-blooded tonight. He gets the game ball.

  378. drew says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:06 pm

    i love the way odom has played tonight

  379. glove32 says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:06 pm

    Yes!!!!! 2-0 LEAD

  380. Zephid says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:06 pm

    Odom with clutch free throws. Major props.

  381. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:06 pm

    Why was Redick in there?

  382. lakergirl says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:06 pm

    How tense was this game? – No chants of “we want tacos”

  383. JB says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:06 pm

    Hey, tacos.

  384. luubi says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:06 pm

    we dodged an ICBM on that one.

    whew!!!

  385. palani says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:06 pm

    Yes!

  386. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:07 pm

    Lamar made two free throws! Phew!

    I really hope I have some of that vodka left… I need something very nerve-numbing after this ordeal.

  387. 3ThreeIII says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:07 pm

    I need a drink, a shower and a throat lozenge!

    We win a game where toughness, and determination, mattered most! Um, and a bit of luck with Lee missing that alley-oop at the end.

    Win by 25, win by 5, still a win!

    Go Lakers!

  388. barry g says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:08 pm

    lots of not-so-great decision making by kobe in this game. THANK GOODNESSS WE GOT THIS ONE.

  389. DB says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:08 pm

    Sheesh, survive it right! But give the guys credit for hitting clutch free throws down the stretch. It’s a very good thing Jameer Nelson isn’t at 100%, or they would have won this going away…We really need to move the ball better on offense in game 3.

  390. j. d. hastings says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:09 pm

    Phew. That game was painful for 3 quarters, but the last 2 periods were all about execution. Both teams had stretches of great execution and poor execution. Clutch plays by both teams- some great team prep by SVG- but the lakers do just a little more.

  391. kehn says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:10 pm

    I’m not sure if that win makes me feel good or bad. Happy we held serve at home, that we executed when we had to, that we survived a strong, strong Orlando effort; not happy that we struggled all game long to guard fkn Hedo and Lewis and the defensive rebounding has got to pick up. Still – win’s a win and almost all of our guys made some bigtime contributions.

  392. Don W says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:10 pm

    man, first time in a long time other lakers won it instead of Kobe down the stretch. Actually more like despite Kobe.

  393. Mike says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:11 pm

    now the orlando magic have to win 4 out of 5 against the lakers. not sure if that is going to happen

  394. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:11 pm

    I can’t find the post-game coverage! Anyone know where it is?

  395. james says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:11 pm

    if orlando had reliable guards they would be very good, i think with a healthy nelson they beat us

  396. glove32 says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:13 pm

    Mimsy —-Fox Sports West has some post game coverage

  397. Birdman says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:13 pm

    LA still undefeated when i attend a Kobe game. šŸ˜€
    LA still undefeated this season when they wear their Sunday white uniforms. šŸ˜€

    But guys, remember, they had 2 wins as well in the Finals last year.

  398. joe wright says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:13 pm

    Lamar&Pau are clearly the MVP of the game.
    43pts (plus 2 stolen) 18rebs 70%FGM

  399. VI Guy says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:14 pm

    Mimsy,

    Channel 7 ABC is doing a post game if you’re in L.A.–unfortunately w/out my favorite Laker commenter Michael Cooper.

    Wow, whatta win….

  400. Joe says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:14 pm

    I got to say it. The Lakers won because they were “tough” haha. I mean Lakers could not get a flow offensively the whole game, Turk and Lewis were hot, Kobe wasnt dominant, yet we still pull out a win. What a great effort and a classic game!

  401. j. d. hastings says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:15 pm

    EXTREMELY ANNOYING: I get NBAtv with the league pass instead of the sports package. They let nbatv continue all the way through Friday. Now, suddenly they cut it off. Why string me along until right now??

  402. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:16 pm

    glove32,
    I don’t get FSW… šŸ™

    Heh. My husband just found it on ESPNEWS. Sweet. Channel 207 for anyone with DirecTV.

  403. Tremble says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:17 pm

    nba.com is giving a live full post-press conference too.

  404. glove32 says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:21 pm

    ESPN News is showing more on PJ’s interview than Fox Sport West

  405. Kev says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:28 pm

    I swear, this Lakers team is going to give me a heart attack at a young age. Did you see those last 2 shot by Courtney Lee at the end of regulation OMFG! OK now that I have caught my breath lets move forward to game 3. Imho the Lakers can wrap this up quickly If Farmar and Sasha show up on the road. The Magic are collapsing hard on Kobe and leaving shooters open. So far Sasha and Farmar have been a disaster when they have been on the court offensively and defensively. Another thing please stop doubling Howard, he is no Olajuwon in the post by any means. I would rather see Howard trying to score in the post one on one than letting Lewis and Hedo get clean looks at the basket.

  406. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:32 pm

    I know that this could never happen as if the Lakers win its auto kobe MVP, but I really feel like the MVP through two games is Lamar. And damn, Pau and Lamar making clutch freethrows, I am ready to redo last years finals. The Refs played really good tonite for the Magic, just one win in the next three and were good, I think the Lakers will be back to playing good basketball for game three, that team is pretty awful unless they make threes however I fear they will next game.

  407. Peanut Butter Spread says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:33 pm

    Lakers got really lucky on this one.

    Too lucky for my comfort.

    If Courtney Lee had made that layup at the end of regulation, the Lakers would be going into Orlando 1-1.

    If the Magic had Nelson at 100%, the last two games would have possibly the Lakers down 0-2.

    I think the defense is paying too much attention on Dwight. Stop doubling the guy, pay attention to Hedo and Lewis for heaven’s sake!

    The Lakers looked lethargic tonight. Slow on defense, slow on offense. It was a really weird game to watch, the crowd wasn’t into it until like the 2 minute mark of the 4th quarter.

    Game 3 is pivotal. For Orlando it’s a must win and I think for the Lakers, it’s also a must win just because I’m seeing 2006 Miami-Dallas flashing through my eyes right now.

    I hope the Lakers bring it, but I think everyone should probably expect a win from Orlando, I wouldn’t be surprised if they won with a blowout.

  408. emh101 says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:34 pm

    Odom is certainly a key to our team, but Kobe opens up the floor for the rest of the team. He takes the double teams and drives and draws the defense in. Lamar gets what he gets mainly because of what Kobe does.

  409. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:36 pm

    Lamar’s shirt is as horrible as his game tonight was great. Wow!

  410. wiseolgoat says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:38 pm

    with all due respect to Al Pacino in “Any Given Sunday”, BASKETBALL is a game of inches. One inch to the left and an inch less pressure on Lee’s oop and we’re tied 1-1. An inch to the right and Hedo and Lewis can those 3s instead of having them swirl in and out. An inch lower and Pau’s dagger layup and-1 just becomes 2 FTs. If Howard sticks his arm out an inch longer then Fish’s pass to Gasol gets deflected for a turnover instead of game-tying dunk.

    Today the inches went our way instead of theirs – by destiny, experience, skill, or luck – and we pull out a gutty win.

  411. pw says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:41 pm

    102. You mean the same Lamar who consistently left Rashard Lewis open on at least 15 possessions. Some of those possessions, I have no clue what exactly he was doing in the paint. And that too when Lewis was making every jumper from anywhere on the court.

  412. Peanut Butter Spread says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:42 pm

    Lamar’s shirt isn’t too bad. It’s a nice blue color? He looks relaxed in the shirt. I admit, I actually like LO’s fashion. Most of it anyways.

  413. Chris248 says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:43 pm

    I think this is one of those exceptions where the winning team will need to make adjustments for Game 3.

    On defense, we need to show Lamar a picture of Rashard Lewis so he knows who to pick up on defense. Lewis had a great game but some of his points came from Lamar hanging out in the key then closing out late. And I have no idea what happened on that play where Kobe was clapping his hands where Derek, Kobe, and Lamar all basically had their back to Lewis as he drained a three. But I think this is not a difficult fix.

    On offense, I wish we would keep the flow going and take open shots when the offense creates them. I felt Derek and Pau had open looks that they then complicated by faking, and creating a worse shot.

    I also hate Ariza’s body language on offense, especially when he camps at the three-point line with his arms up, even after the play is over (and why is he camped at the three when we only needed a two to win the game on the last play?).

    But Trevor did great on defense and I’m glad the officials did not buy in to all of Hedo’s gesticulations.

    I don’t think we’re in danger of a 2006 delayed sweep, but we should take care of business and finish it off in Orlando.

  414. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:45 pm

    Let me clarify regarding the shirt: In and of itself it’s pretty horrible, however, Lamar not only pulls it off, but looks very comfortable and happy in it, which means that although still a pretty bad shirt, it looks good on Lamar.

    I’m not sure if that made sense… and it should also be pointed out that compared to Craig Sager, Lamar has impeccable taste.

  415. Peanut Butter Spread says

    June 7, 2009 at 8:53 pm

    LOL Mimsy.

    I think that’s why I like LO’s taste in fashion. It’s so unusual, yet he makes it work. The jackets, the shirts, the suits, the vests, he somehow just works it. He can pull it off.

    I’m still not happy with the win. Too many open 3s. But I guess a win is a win.

  416. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:03 pm

    It’s a bit late to change our defensive philosophy, which basically was ‘give up 3s but stop 2s.’

    Not something i’d condone against this Magic, but oh well, I’m thinking we can’t lose 3 in a row and that means we take one in Orlando šŸ˜‰

    The silver lining here, for us, is that we survived a pretty bad kobe tonight.

  417. Don W says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:04 pm

    Reporter: What did you think on the last play with Courtney Lee?
    Kobe: “Shit”

  418. Anonymous says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:05 pm

    14 free throws in a row to end the game, nails.

    I love how ESPN chose not to show the press conferences after the game and instead gave us a breathless report on Brett Favre. Jeez, let this guy just retire and go away.

  419. Dex says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    When the Magic failed to convert with .8 seconds remaining a forked vein appeared under the skin of my forehead, pulsed once and exploded, whipping around like an out-of-control fire-hose and dappling my small living room in blood as bright and red as largish paintball splatters. I’ve Googled it but no beans. Does anyone know if I should be worried or not; there’s no pain, just a flap of skin and a slight swath of naked skull and I’m paler than usual. But really happy about the win.

  420. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    Anonymus, it’s on ESPNEWS. Kobe interview right now.

  421. sT says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    A win is a win, but yeah, it could have gone either way tonight. I will take the 2-0 going to Orlando though, anyday. Can’t wait to see what FB&G puts up to talk about this game before Tuesday.

  422. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:10 pm

    Speaking of fashion, who is the guy with the huge Laker fur hat? I like him! He asks smart questions. šŸ™‚

  423. lakergirl says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:12 pm

    409 Mimsy, i actually liked Lamars shirt. The Military style shirt is definately back in vogue this season

  424. Kurt says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:13 pm

    422. That’s Vic the Brick, local radio personality. Some people hate his shtick, but radio is about shtick. And the guy has a job despite the radio upheaval in this city, so in that sense it works for him. But he is out there.

  425. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:14 pm

    Thanks Kurt! I tried Google, but I couldn’t find much. šŸ™‚

  426. glove32 says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:15 pm

    Mimsy,
    that is Vic the Brick, he does updates on the local FOX station in Los Angeles AM 570

  427. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:18 pm

    Quick question I was out drinking, did anyone ask anyone about the Dwight Howard block, cuz i seet this dude whining about the missed shot at end of regulation, but bottom line the Lakers had already won by two.

  428. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:18 pm

    Thanks glove32 too. The hat makes more sense now. šŸ™‚

  429. Steve W says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:19 pm

    Seems to me that Turkuglo uses his off hand to fend off the defender every time he dribbles. Why isn’t this called a foul on him?

  430. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:21 pm

    Ariza, Pau, Kobe, Lamar, Brown, Fish, Bynum, Farmar

    or

    Worthy, Magic, Kareem, Woolridge, Scott, Cooper

    damn yeah that team was sweet I hope we look back on this squad as being up ther, but damn I forgot how sweet that Shotime squad was.

    I think as Laker fans we can live with Howard not fouling out but lets hope next game they stop treating Bynum like Danny Fortson, and let him actually play. The dude is ready to blow up but cant dust off his shorts without a whistle.

    By the way this has been a lot of fun chatting with you all.

    GO LAKERS>

  431. greencrow333 says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:30 pm

    Even though others are complaining about how the Lakers played defense I think it was fairly good, especially in the backcourt. Orlando shot 41.8 percent overall but their backcourt,(including Pietrus), was a combined 6 for 26(23 percent) overall and only 1 for 12(8 percent) from three point range. After watching the game and then looking at the boxscore it seems that the only facet of the game the Lakers got beat on was rebounding. The Lakers made more field goals, shot a higher percentage and made more free throws. I think anytime a team does that they are pretty much assured of a win. Up 2 to 0 feels pretty good, grin, let’s see if Orlando can beat the Blue and Gold four out of five.

  432. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:31 pm

    Sorry I am bored last post I swear….

    Whats more soul crushing losing by 25 or losing a nail bighter?

  433. Kurt says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:33 pm

    Steve W. It is amazing how little that gets called.

  434. Snoopy2006 says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:38 pm

    -Lamar came up big, keeping us in the game when other Lakers wanted to give it away. Scrappy play, hitting all the bunnies he sometimes misses. Clutch FTs too. Yes, he left Lewis, but the defensive gameplan was to help on Dwight and Odom had to rotate. I wouldn’t blame LO too much for that.

    -Fish played beautifully tonight. Of course, he still made some decisions that, had they gone wrong, would have looked stupid (e.g. forcing the break on Turk). But the game is about results, so Fish will get his props. Hit his shots, made some key passes.

    -Turk’s defense on Kobe was extremely impressive. Good timing with the hands, bodied him up well, and generally didn’t let his lack of foot speed become a factor.

    -Ariza just played some great, gritty D. Admittedly, I can understand Magic fans’ beef because Ariza is allowed to get away with more contact on Turk than Magic defenders can get away with on Kobe, but that’s the nature of the NBA. Ariza made the most of it.

    -Seems like anytime Luke Walton was in the game, Courtney Lee was not.

    -Both Kobe and Dwight had a high # of TOs. Both teams had solid defensive strategies against the superstars. I feel a bit bad, but Dwight’s lack of a post game is really being exposed here.

    -If you took the best centers in the league today and put them in the late 80s/early 90s, they’d be fairly unremarkable. Even the least of the great big men (Ewing, Mourning) played both ends of the floor in ways that Yao and Dwight don’t. If you could combine Yao’s O-game with Dwight’s D, however…wow…

  435. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:41 pm

    Check this… for all his scoring Lewis plus minus was minus six tonite… worst on the team, goes to show no defense and long ball isn’t the way to win a championship. Laker’s high man was Lamar Odom plus ten, coming off the bench that is pretty impressive in a close game.

  436. Snoopy2006 says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:42 pm

    Steve W – Because almost every great wing player in the league does it, including Kobe and Melo.

  437. Mimsy says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:45 pm

    $432, yoo yoo,

    What’s most soul crushing is when you do both.

  438. R says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:48 pm

    432 – Most soul crushing is losing by 25 THEN losing a nail biter.

  439. Snoopy2006 says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:50 pm

    437: +1

  440. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:54 pm

    Blowout? check.
    OT nailbiter? check.

    now…

    away win?
    away clincher?

    can we get them both?

  441. yoo yoo says

    June 7, 2009 at 9:56 pm

    438-BINGO

  442. harold says

    June 7, 2009 at 10:06 pm

    Off topic, but anyone else see a lot of Blue and Gold as opposed to Purple and Gold?

    Ever since HD, some of the digital feeds can’t seem to capture purple and make it look blue… just like average digital cameras.

    Noticed that some feeds were better, but still there are lotsa feeds where the jerseys are blue when they should be purple.

  443. R says

    June 7, 2009 at 10:23 pm

    Speaking of Hedo illegally using his off hand, I think it was he who had the ball knocked free and then pushed a Laker away so he could retrieve the ball (No whistle).

    Still, the first quarter “no call” on Howard’s absolutely obvious goaltend was even more amazing. Uh, how inept can these refs be? Are they having some sort of stupidity contest?

    And, btw, I rarely worry about calls, figuring they typically more or less even out over the course of a game. But jeez.

  444. chearn says

    June 7, 2009 at 10:34 pm

    If Van Gundy decides to go to a no guard lineup at any point in Orlando we should full court pressure whom ever has to bring the ball up. Keep a fresh guard rotation and full court pressure them into making mistakes they are not a good passing team anyway, so this will add to their turnover woes, and hopefully a Laker victory.

  445. Darius says

    June 7, 2009 at 10:38 pm

    I’m late to this party because I had to watch this game on the DVR. So, I apologize if these observations have already been made…

    Tonight, the Magic showed why they are in the Finals. They made several key adjustments that worked out in their favor. First, they were much more effective in the P&R. Howard was able to get a piece of Ariza much more consistently than in game one, and it affected our defense in a major way. Wondering why Lewis found himself more open on the perimeter? Wonder why Hedo was able to get to his step back jumper more often? Look no further than Howard holding that screen just a tick longer and allowing Hedo to get a bit more space and Howard to get a cleaner roll to the basket. And when our PF has to show on Howard’s roll AND chase Lewis around the arc and you’ve got problems. The Magic also did a much better job bottling Kobe up on the P&R. Howard is one of the most gifted help defenders in the league for a reason. He was able to show on Kobe (limiting Kobe’s space to shoot his jumper) and still recover to the paint to put a body on our bigs + rebound – no small feat. He *is* an amazing athlete. Like I said, the Magic did several things well and showed their worth in this game. I’m not sure if fans thought a 25 point win meant that we were clearly a higher class team, but that wouldn’t be the proper conclusion – something that the players and coaches were stressing over the past two off days.

    As for the Lakers, I’m not sure why so many have said we won this game despite Kobe or that Kobe didn’t play that well. Yes, he had seven turnovers. Yes he took some long jumpers that didn’t drop. But when the game was on the line he made some very difficult shots, drew fouls, and made the key play in the closing minutes when he set up Pau on his and-one. Remember, the guy did give us 49 minutes and worked his tail off for most of it. Orlando made his job much more difficult tonight and he still came through when it mattered.

    A couple of other points about the game, bullet style:

    *I thought we were undisciplined in the way that we took too many long jumpers. Sure, those shots were open, but in game 1 those were shots that we passed on to look inside instead. And while these shots didn’t lead to fast break plays outright, Orlando did push the ball back at us and on several plays this led to cross matches where our guards ended up on Lewis and he was able to get open shots on smaller players. Farmar and Sasha were the biggest culprits here (even though Sasha only took that one three) and it’s no coincidence that they only played 6 and 5 minutes respectively – and in an overtime game to boot. Ariza was also uneven on offense taking 6 threes and also forcing some inside shots in a contested lane.

    *Van Gundy changed his substitution patterns and it took away some of the advantages that we exploited in game one. Walton never saw a single minute of action where either Lewis or Hedo weren’t playing SF, essentially negating his post game. We saw a big line up with Hedo, Lewis, Gortat, and Howard all in the game at the same time essentially removing any rebounding advantage and making their P&R defense even that much stronger. Lee also didn’t play as many minutes – making Kobe play against size more often as he found himself matched up with Pietrus or Hedo for long stretches. So, when you combine these bigger defenders and better P&R defense, you’ve got Kobe working harder to get his points.

    *Orlando still doesn’t have an answer for our skill bigs. Gasol and Odom feasted on the inside and on the mid post, getting into the creases of the defense and making mid range jumpers. We all know that Kobe is the engine of this team, but Orlando better find a way to control these guys or they’ll find themselves in a similar situation to tonight – playing well themselves but still not coming up with enough at the end to win. Odom especially was big as he flashed his all court game on the biggest stage. Odom turned several of his six defensive rebounds into opportunities to push the ball, he made a couple of jumpers against Gortat early which gave him crucial space to operate later in the contest, and was constantly putting pressure on the Orlando D with his movement. I do understand that he left Lewis several times, but I as I explained earlier our PF has multiple responsibilities on the P&R and Orlando only runs that play 50-60 times a game. And as I said in my comments before this series started, Orlando is going to get open looks this series. It’s inevitable. On a certain level, we’re just going to have to accept that and hope they miss some and that the rest of our defense is up to the task against the other facets of Orlando’s arsenal.

    *I feel comfortable in saying that Fisher has stabilized some from his earlier struggles in the playoffs. I’m not ready to say he’s back to being Mr. Reliable or that he’s the guy he was even 3 years ago, but he played a much more controlled game. He made several good plays and hit a couple of big jumpers (including that three that tied it in the middle of the fourth quarter). It’s nice to see that he’s playing okay again after all his sub standard play against Houston (and somewhat against Denver too).

  446. Snoopy2006 says

    June 7, 2009 at 10:45 pm

    Props should be given to Bill Bridges, who (if I remember correctly) before the series began predicted that SVG would be the first to blink and play Gortat and Howard at the same time.

  447. Kurt says

    June 7, 2009 at 10:54 pm

    new post up.

  448. la_resistance28 says

    June 8, 2009 at 12:08 am

    Is anybody else worried that Kobe led all players with 7 turnovers? 7!

  449. dave in hillsboro says

    June 8, 2009 at 5:14 am

    401, j.d. hastings,

    I get NBATV as a result of League Pass as well, and they didn’t cut me off. But, take heart, you didn’t miss anything. NBATV has no post-game press conference coverage in the Finals. It’s all on ESPN News and Sportscenter. I can’t say that I’m thrilled with this. NBATV is the best when it comes to not cutting off speakers, always airing the complete press conference live.

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