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We touched on the familiarity between these two teams when we first previewed this series. And we revisited that topic when examining how the Lakers claimed victory in game 1. So, if familiarity is going to be the running theme of the match up versus the Jazz, what comes next might also be familiar, but I’d very much like for it not to be the case.
The word that’s in my mind is complacency. Can the Lakers avoid it? Since the start of the 2008 season – including the playoffs, the Lakers have beaten the Jazz 16 of the 21 times they’ve faced off. In other words, the Lakers have the Jazz’s number. Fans know it, the media knows it, and even though they’re saying the right things, the players know it. And while I like this team to be confident, knowing that upper hand is in their possession normally leads to uninspired play from this particular group of Lakers. And I’m hoping that we see different in game 2 and throughout the course of the series.
As was proven by the Cavs against the Celtics last night, playing with no urgency will lose you a game in the playoffs. And in case reminders are needed, this is not the regular season where dropping some random game may not cost you much. Losing a game in the playoffs – especially at home – can be the difference in a series. To quote Kelly Dwyer – “There are eight teams left. None of them can take plays off, on either end, and survive.”
I bring all this up because despite the comfy feeling brought on by Sundays win, that game just as easily could have been a loss. And while it’s easy to discount the Jazz -with their aforementioned lack of success against the Lakers, their injury situation, and the disadvantages they face in this match up – and give a little giggle at their expense because they “felt good” about their game 1 loss, understand that they’re a confident group. And that confidence did grow based off their ability to weather the storm and come back in game 1. Sure, it’s sunny on our side of the block as the Lakers have the series lead and have history on their side. But, I’m hoping that the Lakers are ready to pay attention to the game plan and execute, not just pay lip service by speaking nicely about the Jazz.
As for winning the game tonight, the biggest key will not lie solely in the X’s and O’s, but in the effort given and the attention to detail in executing what’s already known to work. The intensity and focus will need to be there on both sides of the ball for the Lakers to win this game. That means a continued effort to mark Deron Williams in the open court and keying on him when the Jazz run their half-court sets. In game 1, the Lakers did a good job of walling of Williams and not allowing him easy access to the lane. They switched screen on him when he played off the ball and funneled him to the areas on the court where he is least successful. He still had 24 points, 8 assists, and only 1 turnover. If the Lakers don’t execute as well as they did in game one, there’s a good chance Williams will do more – he is quite capable.
It also means a continued effort to play physically tough in the paint on defense. The Lakers length advantage is not going away, but the want and desire to contest and challenge shots must also stick around. In the last game, Carlos Boozer got his points, but mostly on fade away jumpers over the outstretched arms of Gasol and Odom. Millsap also did well to score 16 points, but he too had to shoot over and around the long arms of the Lakers front line. Understand too that despite all of those contested shots, neither Boozer nor Millsap attempted a free throw in game one. Can the Lakers do it again? They’ll need to.
Offensively, the Lakers must be better prepared for the aggressive double teams that the Jazz showed in the second half of game 1. Utah dug down from the ball side, collapsed from the middle, and even showed some big on big double teams. In the first half the Lakers moved the ball against this defense and had success, but abandoned those efforts in the second half and gave up their lead in the process. I hope to see the same game plan in effect of Kobe and Gasol operating on the weak side pinch post, but with more cutters and flashing than what was displayed at the end of the third and start of the fourth quarters on Sunday. If the Lakers focus on ball and player movement, they will be fine. If they are in any way hesitant or lazy against the double teaming Jazz, turnovers will result.
The Lakers must also continue to push the pace. When Odom first came into the game, he instantly generated a fast break opportunity and got an ‘and one’ lay up. LO will continue to be a key in this series and his impact can be most felt in these types of plays. In game one, the Lakers and Jazz both had 14 fast break points. Considering the speed and quickness advantages the Lakers have with their big men, that total should be tilted more in the Lakers favor.
At some point this series the Lakers will have a chance to put this Jazz team away. There will be a moment where Utah will lose hope and cede the ground that is blocking the Lakers path to the conference finals. That point has not yet come. If the Lakers play like they understand this, they’ll be one step closer to making that situation a reality. If they don’t, the Jazz will have the second life they seek and this series will go longer than anyone that has rooting interests in the Lakers would want. And considering the health of Bynum and the fact that it was less than a week ago that Kobe wasn’t looking that healthy, I think any rest would be helpful. Step two is tonight, here’s hoping the Lakers walk firm.
lil' pau says
For Warren! Let’s go!
Taylor says
I think the comment about the Jazz’s “second life” is right on. That being said, I really think this would be a big win for us. This will likely be the best chance to get a good win as we will be at home and the Jazz will be without the services of AK for one more game. Once the Jazz get back home, especially if they are at 1-1, they will be even hungrier, and as the series goes on, we all know everyone plays that extra bit harder. Tonight is important, very important, but I feel a strong game. I think (hope) the bench has received the message and will play better than Game 1. I think the urgency may finally be setting in…here’s to proving me right.
Clark says
I hate everything about the Lakers. Everything.
But I like your posts and your commentary. Keep up the good work. That is the best compliment I could think of to give you.
And bad luck to your team tonight. We are going to need it.
dEDGE says
Jerry Sloan has an ability to get the most out of his players for the full 48-minutes even when the chips are down. I think the Lakers learned a valuable lesson with their series with the OKC Thunder. It put the fear of losing into them and they responded like true champions. Hopefully, they will carry their lessons forward through the duration of the playoffs. I look for a big rebound from the Bench Mob in Game 2 after their near disaster opening the 4th quarter in Game 1.
R says
3 @ Clark – Sorry, we have our secret weapon in place for game #2 – the first post shout out to Warren!
So there.
Buttas says
Hopefully last night’s game will serve notice to our boys. The Cavs were flat and got taken to the woodshed by a veteran team understanding the moment.
We have to be on our guard for a similar type letdown as this Jazz team will fight and scrap to the end.
Let’s Go!
aB says
I know this is not a forum to sell tickets but I’ve been a season ticket holder for 9 years now and unfortunately, I’m unable to go to tonight’s game due to some last minute circumstances. Since I’ve been following this blog for 5 years now, I’d thought I’d open this up to my fellow Lakers brethren. I have 4 tickets located in Sect 115, row 7, seats 15-18. If anyone is interested please email me asap at adbarot@me.com. Thanks. Tix will be emailed.
Funky Chicken says
As a frequent critic of the Lakers’ lack of effort, I have been pleased with what they have shown in the last three games. In game 1, the effort was there from the starters, and even the bench was decent in the first half. What transpired with the second unit in the third quarter did not cause me to conclude that the overall effort was weak.
Moreover, to the extent that a fan can exert any “effort”, I have to admit to losing my focus in game 1. I watched the whole game, of course, but I found Utah to be such a non-threat that I went through phases of reading the paper and checking the internet during the game, even as the lead slipped away. That almost never happens to me, and certainly didn’t happen in the first round.
So, I’m a little concerned about the team’s ability to focus when even a fan can see that they’ve got Utah’s number, because the Lakers tend to worry a lot less than I do, and I couldn’t bring myself to worry about the Jazz. I have no doubt that Utah can win a game or two in this series, but barring a Laker injury (not at all out of the question with this group) I can’t see the Lakers losing the series. That said, winning in anything more than 5 games will be harmful to the team’s chances in the conference finals, because these guys need their rest.
Bottom line: I promise to put down the paper and watch from beginning to end if the boys promise to play hard throughout….
Rich says
@ 7 – Man I wish I didn’t just pay my rent or else I’d jump at that offer, lol. I’ve only been to a few games myself.
As for tonight’s game I expect the Laker bench to not give up the lead, I fully expect LO to be more aggressive and ensure the bench plays within the offense. I’d like to see Farmar & Brown take it to the rim as Utah doesn’t really have any shot blockers and as they are prone to foul we can get their guys in foul trouble and get to the stripe.
Same goes for Ron, even though I believe he should continue to take his shot if open, I’d like to see him pin his man and start posting up more as there’s no way Miles/Matthews/Korver can handle his strength down low. For Bynum, just would like to see him alter shots and pull down some boards, we don’t necessarily need him to score to win against this team, anything he gives will be great though.
chibi says
i expect utah to swarm our bigs in the post; it’s incumbent upon the guys struggling from the field to flash into the paint, and for our bigs to be patient and to be looking to hit cutters.
Gr8 Scott says
@3 – It’s all good, Clark. Our team is easy to hate because of our sustained success, premier status, list of storied stars and history of being in big games. That said, if not for the great playoff rivalries with teams like the Celtics, Spurs, Jazz, Suns, Blazers, etc. we wouldn’t have the shared history of hating each other’s teams the way we do. I can guarantee you that we felt the same way about the Jazz in the late ’90s that most Jazz fans feel about us now. It pained me to watch the Jazz lose to the Bulls because I knew our Lakers would have been a tougher matchup for Jordan and co., but we weren’t disciplined enough mentally to overcome Stockton/Malone’s tenacity and borderline dirty tactics.
As for tonight, this game is a trap game. We have to be wary of what the Jazz will do – basically everything they can, because they know if they go down 0-2 the series will likely head down the road most people thought it would.
We have to play defense for a full game and it would help if our bench stayed strong. And if Ron could hit a wide open uncontested 3 every once in a while it would be nice.
Let’s go Los Laguneros!
inwit says
I agree that the Lakers have a golden opportunity to get some rest, with 3 days off before game 3, there is a real oportunity to get it over in 4 or 5 games. The Suns and Spurs are likely to go 6 or 7.
Considering how beat up they are right now, rest before the WCF and the Finals is a necessity, IMHO.
ken says
Sloan is a very good coach and does it year after year with less talent then others.
Expect lots of PR to get Boozer free from Pau and Williams to try to slaughter Fish and work the bucket.
Been very good this playoff calling the points. This game is a toss up. If LO comes to play a full game Lakers win by 3 if not they could lose tonight by 1 or 2.
Need a 3rd player to show up tonught other the Kobe and Pau.
Warning: Be prepared for a rumble in the Staples Jungle tonight Lakers!
flip says
A win tonight would be huge. The 3 day rest will go a long way for the players, and it’s lot easier to rest when you’re up 2 games. The jazz will come out harder than Sunday. I hope the laker bench is up for it, because that could be how the game is decided. And thumbs up to the suns! And to say there’s no place for taking sides on political issues in sports…what? You ever heard of the 68 olympics? How about the world cup?
Darius says
RE the political talk. I’d like to try and keep that to a minimum here at FB&G. Feel free to visit PBT, though, and comment away on the post that was put up. I think it’s an interesting topic to be sure and it does intersect with basketball with what the Suns are doing, but that conversation can spill into other things rather quickly, so lets nip this in the bud here at this site.
On second thought, I’ve removed the comments. Sorry. If you have a question as to what topic was up, visit Pro Basketball Talk.
inwit says
Bricking 3’s shot off one leg while falling to the side ….
JeremyLA24 says
Ken- “Keeps my mind free for 3 or 4 hours a day.” I second that my Laker brotheren!
Let’s make the Jazz sing the blues tonight! (so corny)
DirtySanchez says
Is anyboby as confused as I am about PJ wanting to increase Bynums minutes. Logic would be to decrease his minutes, not increase them, against a team LA normally plays well with or without him.
http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5162668
Anonymous says
@7
yea i was trying to attack the rim more when i was out on the floor…i got one transition basket but really couldnt finish on my other attempts…that dunk attempt that ended up with me having a hard fall really stung but ill try to get some buckets and attack to get the utah bigs in foul trouble and maybe even deron
Chownoir says
@18 DS, maybe the thinking is since Bynum can’t get worse by playing on it and it’s a pain management situation, Phil wants to get him experience in how to deal with it.
It’s been mentioned a few times that Bynum now needs to adapt and see what he can and can’t do but still contribute to the team.
Sounds like against the Jazz where he would have some natural advantages anyway, it would be a good time to figure it out without hurting the team that much. Phil can see how long Bynum can go before he loses effectiveness. Also Bynum can see what type of moves he can execute efficiently and also let the team adopt to it. We already saw that he can’t go as high to finish. That takes out the lob play that Kobe likes to run with him. Now they have to figure out how where to pass him the ball when he does spin open on that type of play.
Bynum’s consistently shown that he just needs game experience to get better. This is a good situation for him to learn how to play through pain against an opponent where there’s a larger margin for error. Unlike if he was going up against Duncan, Dwight or Shaq. Better he find out now what his limitations are than finding out against those three.
ken says
Ah come on Darius that was funny.
The Dude Abides says
Just got done watching The 16th Man, today’s 30 For 30 documentary on ESPN. Wow. Powerful stuff. All I can say is I can’t recommend anything more. Better than Invictus, because here you see the real players, all of them a lot bigger than Matt Damon. Oh, and the real stadium and the real Mandela too.
Jaybird says
@19. Come on now, ShanWOW isn’t actually reading and commenting on this blog…
…is he?
Darius says
#23. No, he’s not and now you see that it’s really anonymous who was posting. One thing I can do is look into the past and see who’s who. BTW, I only changed the name because last year we had some folks that kept using players names as their handles and saying some things that ended up deleted. After that, I have little tolerance for commenters that use players names in that way.
#21. Sorry, Ken. Politics, religion…I have to draw the line somewhere. I didn’t find it offensive, but I’m not the only guy reading, you know?
wil says
the laker game will start on time today =)
number 19 says
hey Darius ive been reading fbg for a while now and didnt know bout not using players name sorry bout that
Darius says
#26. No need to apologize. That’s just something that got out of hand before. I haven’t added it to the commenting guidelines because it rarely comes up, but I just might. Thanks for understanding.
Joel Paris says
Can anyone provide a link to the game?
Jane says
Does anyone else think it stinks that CLE gets 4 days off between game 2 & 3??
Boy, anyone that thinks ORL isn’t on a mission is sorely mistaken. Tonight was painful to watch; they will give CLE all they can handle…pending BOS doesn’t get there instead by “elbowing out” Lebron. In which case, same result.
Come on Lakers!!! We got a lot to play for…
Darius says
Link to the game:
http://atdhe.net/18763/watch-utah-jazz-vs-los-angeles-lakers
Jane says
I meant 4 days between, not days off. And I realize that the Lakers do too, but that’s different! 🙂
Taylor says
I guess when you have a 40pt blowout, the doubleheader will start on time…Orlando looked good, and I wasn’t even fully watching.
Funny how the East has suddenly become more up-for-grabs. The top has always been heavy, and I guess since it’s now down to four, it makes sense. How quickly the “any of 7 teams can win the West” mentality of the media disappeared.
DTM_ says
I found Barkley so funny a second ago. George Lopez was on the monitor so Barkley said he was one of his favorite people. So then he screamed “Don’t come to Arizona George”. hahaham, funny!
Joel Paris says
Thank you very much sir.
Anonymous says
Enough of that I wear no pants commercial, please!!!!!
Psychological torture.
3ThreeIII says
Quick media comment, but is anyone else disturbed by that internet car sales commercial? It sure had, um, overtones of the mechanics of conception…
inwit says
I was anonymous of anti-Dockers fame, above.
Mimsy says
@3ThreeIII
All commercials allude to that… it’s just a lot less subtle.
J M says
Poor execution and transition defense so far.
Mimsy says
The Yahoo box score is off, almost a minute ahead, and the stats are really weird. Anyone else seeing this, and are any other box scores better/more accurate?
Jaybird says
How do they miss that Fesenko foul on Bynum’s dunk?
Bleh, sloppy start.
Edit: But Kobe’s making things happen.
Mimsy says
Ron dunked!!!
Joel B. says
Lakers need to get these 50-50 balls. The Jazz have been able to get to all the loose balls so far.
Jane says
Bynum has 6 rebounds already? That’s a nice effort.
Taylor says
Calling it – the jam will break Artest’s cold streak.
Jaybird says
You see Boozer’s face after the LO and Pau blocks? Pure FAIL.
inwit says
Gasol is getting pushed around so far.
Mimsy says
inwit, you either have terrible timing, or a gift for sarcasm 🙂
glove32 says
@40 Mimsy
I am using EPSN’s box score and have no problems
J M says
The officiating has been really strange so far.
Zephid says
I think aggressive Lamar is in the house. We’ll see if he keeps this up.
Jaybird says
They’re begging Artest to shoot wide open 3’s and he’s 1/4 so far.
Zephid I also like what I’m seeing from Lamar.
Tyler says
Someone took their RonRon Juice today.
It only works inside the 3 point line though.
Mimsy says
Thanks glove! 🙂
inwit says
Mimsy,
Alas, in this case it was bad timing.
kehn says
Gotta love Artest’s heart and hustle. Looking back it’s now funny to think people were wondering if his temperment would be a problem with the Lakers, when it’s been a shot in the arm for us.
(Just gotta have him work on them open shots)
DirtySanchez says
Good close out of the first quarter, coming from behind with the strong finish at the end.
Mohan says
This offense is as beautiful as it gets. And…it’s simple. Why complicate things?
zirk says
Go ahead, Utah. Keep doubling Kobe…
bypasser says
3 straight kobe assists…i like!
glove32 says
Lakers need to do a better job on the defensive boards. The Jazz have had too many seconds opportunities. Other than that I like how the Lakers are playing
Adrian says
Love seeing facilitator Kobe, that thing he does when he passes in the middle of his shooting motion is SO difficult to defend.
DTaft says
lovin how kobe is controlling the game…keep it up kobe
Tyler says
Farmar is playing total crap defense. Milsap got 2 easy buckets directly because of Farmar’s lack of focus and effort.
Play 1 he lost Price, Odom had to rotate up, and Milsap was alone under the basket.
Play 2 Utah gets Farmar on Milsap on a switch. Shot goes up and Farmar turns to watch instead of boxing out, even though he was originally in good enough position that even with the size disadvantage he could have easily handle Milsap.
I’m Farmar’s biggest fan, but its times like this that I scratch my head.
bypasser says
KOBE! KOBE! KOBE! (eddy murphy klumps mom voice)
3ThreeIII says
Bynum!
I like this strategy of using him for 4 or 5 bursts of 4 or 5 minutes.
Let the young man know to just be as active and energetic as possible.
Looks good so far.
Mohan says
Haha did you guys see Lamar try to steal Bynum’s stats?
J M says
Niceeeeeeeeeeeeee.
Zephid says
Man, I love hearing Boozer scream “God damn!” after every time he thinks he gets fouled.
Taylor says
(clap) (clap) (cheer)
Fun.
Did we just run a fast-break to perfection?
kehn says
Wow – a contested 3 by Farmar is no surprise.
A contested 3 by Farmar leading to consecutive easy Laker baskets?
Shenanigans.
Josh says
Farmar has fans?
coolrunnings says
@65
Its a little better than Odom screaming “Ooooooohh” every time he grabs a rebound or drives in to score.
bypasser says
jazz shooting a lot of Js. is this because of solid interior defense? hope this continues
Zephid says
73, haha, I agree, Odom’s “Oooooh!”‘s are so funny. I can’t imagine being an opposing player and hearing that all game; I’d just be laughing too hard.
inwit says
Dick Stockton makes alot of mistakes these days.
Tyler says
72. Yeah, I have his jersey hanging above my desk.
Mimsy says
@75
That the point of them! To distract the opponent.
Zephid says
That’s twice in a row that Millsap got Artest in the post, once got him in the air and went under, he other time just backing him down and getting a layup.
james says
seriously, I am way better at layups then artest
bypasser says
it’s one of those games, the lakers should be up 20 by now.
Taylor says
Is anyone else’s TNT-HD skipping about once every minute. I checked on the regular TNT and it wasn’t doing it…very annoying. Not just on the game either, commercials as well. Damn Cox Cable.
thisisweaksauce says
Is it me, or have the Lakers been executing the offense really well since Game 5 against the Thunder? It’s reminding me of last year’s beauty… hope I didn’t jinx it.
Don says
boozer has zero confidence right now
lesha says
artests defense, kobes passing and pau´s overall brilliance are just amazing to watch. add a motivated bynum and the derek fisher playoff-edition 2010 and you get a very, very good team. i wish they´d always play like that. who cares if artest is missing layups and open threes when we get steals, blocks, rebounds and almost every shot inside of 4 feet
Josh says
How do Artest’s playoff steals totals compare with Ariza’s (from last season) at this point in the playoffs, I wonder?
lesha says
i hope the jazz try to sign and trade boozer this summer. it would hurt too much to just lose him, but millsap does everything boozer does for less bucks
Mimsy says
@Taylor
My TNT HD is working fine. No skipping except by Laker girls in time-outs.
Taylor says
No spacing there…but did anyone just see the 2-man game between Pau and Drew! ; )
Mimsy – thanks – apparently $200 worth of cable a month can’t get you a decent feed…i’m going satellite when the contract is up!
Zephid says
Hahaha Derek Fisher pushing Fesenko out of the way. hahahahah
Danny says
Watching ESPNGamecast. Has Kobe rested at all this first half?
james says
if only we could make open threes this would be over but hard to complain
inwit says
Andrew is growing up, controlling the boards.
kehn says
James Worthy – better Laker SF finisher at the rim than Ron Artest? Agree or disagree? 🙂
Anyways – lots to like about this first half. Only main beef was our inability to stop Paul Millsap. Jazz *will* make a run late, so we need to step on their throats early in the 2nd half and hold a lead.
You know… that thing we’ve been doing all season.
glove32 says
I like the balanced scoring everyone is involved and contributing
Mimsy says
@Danny
He sat for a few minutes late in the first.
@Taylor
If you can get DirecTV in your area they have the NBA league pass… 😉
Bynumite says
Charles Barkley is great.
On Watching the Magic Highlights Again:
“C’mon Ernie isn’t there a Law & Order or somethin we can watch”
Lakers looking good in the first half. Spacing and passing is superb. Only issue is the turnovers. Other than that, looking good for the second half.
I’m hoping the bench can improve on their performance from the last game. I don’t expect them to magically become the bench of 2007-2008. Mostly because Sasha, the key element of the bench is injured.
inwit says
Kobe isn’t having to wear himself out either.
Zephid says
97, dude, and the gem later in halftime report where they bring up the Taco Bell 5 buck boxes.
Kenny: “How did Lamar get in that commercial?”
Ernie: “DJ Mbenga, unavailable.”
Taylor says
@Mimsy…free?
I have to drop $160 every year for it!
Tra says
Gotta give it to Utah, they’re a reflection of their coach. Real Scrappy …. With that being said, I really can’t see us losing a game to this team …. They’re outmatched …. We should be up more, but they scored some easy baskets off of a few broken plays …. Hopefully, we can jump them to start the 3rd & win comfortably
chibi says
i keep getting distracted when the camera is on phil. some lady with giant jugs is sitting right behind him.
Mimsy says
@Taylor,
Well, no, not free. But I like my sports on the big TV. 🙂
(Hint: It’s easier to justify if your spouse/partner is a fan too.)
luubi says
somebody, please stop artest from taking a 3. think of the children!
Taylor says
@Mimsy
My girlfriend was a Sonics fan…picked her up in free agency, so we have two laker fans here as well ; )
I hope we can keep a double digit lead the rest of the game. That will allow then bench to hopefully get some good time at home before needing to go out on the road on Saturday. Energy Solutions is always rockin’, regardless if we blow them out the remainder of this game. Let’s go team.
Mimsy says
Is it just me, or is our outside shooting marginally less ugly since the beginning of this quarter?
EDIT:
And Pau is great so far. Just great.
james says
is Fesenko the worst NBA player ever?
Bynumite says
Boozer’s defense against Kobe’s layups is hilarious. Basically consists of him standing like a cardboard cutout and waving as Kobe drives by him.
The turnovers are killing the Lakers. Just protect the ball and the Lakers can put this team away. Otherwise, the Jazz will stay in striking distance.
lesha says
james, that title goes to shawn bradley
inwit says
Fesenko is killing the Jazz.
MannyP13 says
chibi – Yeah, they keep focusing on Phil but all I see is yellow boobs
( . Y . )
kehn says
I get the feeling that this woulda been the Jazz run we’ve been fearing, but the Lakers have been answering when they have to.
ken says
Seems like Kobe has had 10 not 5 TO
Good thing we have Bynam and Pau tonight. Are guards are not beating anyone tonight.
MannyP13 says
I wonder if Phil should put Kobe on Deron Will at tsome point in the 4th. I know we’re up by like 12, but I think we need to have a convincing 20+ point win here to make a statement.
james says
a 3 would be nice
3ThreeIII says
Bynum so far: 23 minutes, 6-8 FGs, 3-5 FTs, 15 Points, 14 Rebounds, 1 Steal, 2 Blocks and NO Turnovers.
SO NICE!
Bynumite says
Deron Williams is outrageously good at change of direction. I can’t blame Fisher for getting straight ran by Deron Williams. There are very few people in the NBA that can stop Deron Williams off the dribble.
Sidenote:
Why are the announcing teams so horrendous?
Dick Stockton + Mike Fratello are incredibly boring. Reggie Miller doesn’t make any sense when he speaks. Mark Jackson simply repeats the same catchphrases over and over again. JVG isn’t even talking about the game half of the time.
Doug Collins + Marv Albert are a solid combo. Hubie Brown probably provides the best analysis out of all the color commentators.
ken says
why is brown in the game
kobe can’t hold the ball. Finger?
We are 3 for 13 in 3’s and have twice the TO as Utah and up by 10. Amazing
lesha says
you really think we need to win by 20+ to make a statement? isnt the fact that kobe can drive to the cup anytime he wants it and that pau and andrew own the boards so bad that you feel sorry for utah not enough to make a statement? our guys are barely sweating… hope they can keep it up
inwit says
The bench to start the 4th …
Adrian says
Kobe is having a great game, it just looks like he’s uncomfortable dribbling up the court and loses his dribble randomly which causes TO’s…
Kenslc says
LOL I could watch Ammo celebrate 24/7! So funny! Love Bynum’s game tonight.
Zephid says
Wow, Lamar Odom just took a piece of crap possession and turned it into 2 foul shots. Aggressive Lamar is in the building.
Mimsy says
I think it was just me. The outside shooting remains ugly.
And there goes my laptop battery. Bye-bye box score…
ken says
Get this crap line up out of there PHIL before you blow this game again!!!!!!! I just get nervous when I see Walton, Brown and Farmer on the court at the same time. Scares me!
Zephid says
125, again? Last time I checked, we won the last game. Our starters can’t play all 48, how do you not understand this?
kehn says
Wtf with 4 Lakers watching a missed Jazz shot drift back to Utah.
Taylor says
Anyone see that?!
Kobe went to check in after the bench started to blow it, they got a few stops, Farmar knocks down the three…Kobe goes back to the bench.
chibi says
I think Hubie Brown has slipped a lot. Seems like he just rattles off the items on a stat sheet, with very little insight nowadays. He’s become pedantic.
I like Collins, and I like the Breen-Jackson-Van Gundy team only when the Lakers are winning. If the Lakers are losing, they’re insufferable.
3ThreeIII says
There are fans, and there are those who understand the game and enjoy watching it…
Fans expect 20+ point blowouts nightly. Those who understand the game are happy with effort and wins. And, hopefully, no injuries.
Adjustments and advancements are all the matter in the playoffs.
kehn says
Anyways – Cavs vs. Celtics series. Who do you root for to win, if nuclear bomb isn’t an option?
Don says
Bynum needs to learn to look over his shoulder like Pau. Two straight possession could’ve hit backside cutter for easy layup. Otherwise playing great.
ken says
Farmer and Brown togeather kills me . You can’t leave those two in the game at the same time in my way of thinking.
They are just bad.
3ThreeIII says
Farmar is killing us a bit at the moment… Fisher?
And… Fisher back in and the Lakers settle down and play some defense again. Veterans matter.
james says
jordan farmar everybody!
Don says
Wow I can’t believe I’m saying this but get Fish back in the game!
Q says
who is worse? jordan farmar or smush parker?
kehn says
Why isn’t Artest in the game?
J M says
#137, Smush was quicker and had better hands. Better defensive player too. We knocked him for being inconsistent and bad at making decisions, but Farmar isn’t any better.
SO – Farmar is worse.
Josh says
131. To me it’s not even a question. We have a score to settle with Boston. The Cavs mean nothing.
glove32 says
Make your FT’s Lakers
J M says
How many bunnies has Artest missed today?
Bobji says
Lettin these guys hang around for too long.
obviously, the turnovers are killing us.
just to throw some numbers out there:
at 101-94
Jazz are 34-85(40%)
Lakers – 36-69 (52.2%)
Lakers are outrebounding the Jazz 50-35
only a couple points difference in FT and 3Pt fg.
but the Lakers have 19 turnovers and the Jazz have only 9
james says
ron up to 4 on missed layups
Adrian says
Yeah we can definitely beat Boston this year, I would love to see some revenge.
Taylor says
I apologize for comment #45.
Bynum/Odom/Gasol
50 pts 18/22
4o Boards
6 swats
WOW
Josh says
145- on top of all that…I just love watching Lebron lose. And knowing that Shaq, the Big Bandwagoner, would have to spend the summer watching Kobe compete for #5 would make it all the sweeter.
lesha says
too many and still not enough to help the jazz win. artests defense is amazing, i cant wait to see him against lebron or pierce in the finals (if he gets to play vince, look at a 15%fg from vinsanity)
Josh says
Gasol trashtalking Boozer! Love it!
Q says
adam morrison the cheerleader
J M says
Did the Lakers think the game was already over?
LOL. Gasol got nothing but forearm.
Kobe back at his 50% FG, I love it. After his injury, Kobe was hitting about 30% of his shots, but he was shooting above 50% prior to that and no one seemed to remember.
Zephid says
Ah yes, the ever-classy, “Utah Sucks” chant from the Staples crowd…
Q says
that block by gasol looked like a foul
Adrian says
BLOCKPARTY!
Taylor says
@152 – Proving they have pulses. ; )
zirk says
Not sure what to think of this game. Thrilled to be up 2-0, but kind of annoyed that they let the jazz back into again with lackadaisical and sloppy play. Even tho I was never that worried, we’re gonna need to play a full 48 in utah to win up there.
harold says
we defended homecourt. good job all.
Kobe back to his Kobe-ness… maybe that photo shoot was indeed white-hot.
ray says
just like the first game.
the other stephen says
I only caught the last 6 minutes or so tonight. Guess there was no better time to turn on the game.
Josh says
Kobe – 3 straight games of 30+. I think our man is back.
james says
i know we are long but cant help feel weve got away with some fouls these two games
Taylor says
Down to 10 boys and girls. Cross another one off the mirror.
Bring on Saturday.
‘night all, enjoy the win…while they may not be perfect, they’re much better than the OKC outings
kehn says
Whoever said that it felt like Kobe has 12 TO’s instead of 5 was right on the money.
Sloppy, sloppy play in the 4th quarter deprived the fans of tacos. And we can’t pin this one squarely on the 2nd unit.
Bynum, Gasol and Odom were beasts, and Utah’s frontline isn’t growing 4 inches apiece between now and Saturday. Deron Williams will hit more shots in Utah, but hopefully that’ll be offset by not having 2426 turnovers. We have a pretty good opportunity Saturday to go up 3-0 since we’ll be playing on 4 days rest, which, I think, favors us.
Palani says
is anybody still wondering why Phil starts Fisher instead of Farmar?
the other stephen says
is it just me, or has charles barkley been making great points lately?
the other stephen says
haha the only person looking down at PJ’s diagrams in the huddles this game was PJ.
Craig W. says
We all tend to forget that Kobe’s hand injuries are almost certainly more difficult to deal with when he is trying to dribble in traffic. I really expect his turnovers will be up until he completely rests/repairs his hand.
Q says
charles barkley making great points? he was talking how cleveland would dominate boston. and he put lakers 3rd best team behind clevelad and orlando? great points?
lil' pau says
long wait ’til sat. easier w/ 2-0 than 1-1, however….
ray says
Stat from ESPN. Lakers total 40 FG. 32 inside the paint.
Domination.
the other stephen says
thank you, Q, those were not the points i was talking about. never mind.
kareem says
Somewhere in the world, Darius smugly smiles while clutching a Derick Fisher wallet photo. I’ve still got mine in a shoebox somewhere, back from the days of Three-peat. Maybe I should shake off the dust, show some love.
Count me on the Derick before the rest wagon. Good game. Good night.
Anonymous says
18 FOR 24 FOR lo. Pau and Drew. Best I can remember. If only the teams in the East were as small as Utah.
So if Atlanta played Utah who wins in 7?
I only ask because Orlando just beat Atl by 40 and they are better then Utah.
Oh and Orlando has home court.
Wondering when someone on the coaching staff is going to tell Ron to stop shooting 3’s?
As a guy who bashed Fish I now must say he is a different player in the Playoffs. I don’t want him off the court once I see Farmer flopping around. Fisher I humbly say you are the man.
imposibol says
Aaron?
Darius says
Game recap is up.
http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2010/05/05/lakersjazz-game-2-lakers-control-the-paint-the-game-and-now-the-series/
Darius says
#173. Kareem,
I’ve been willing to acknowledge that Fish has been below average this year, but I said before the playoffs started that I thought he had one more run in him. Here’s hoping that his solid play continues. Who knows, we may just have something more on Fish in the next couple of days. 😉
Aaron says
(edited) Darius… you are willing to admit he was below average this year? He was the worst starting PG in the entire NBA. That is not below average, that is dreadful. Below average would be if he was like the 20th best PG in the NBA. Just because he has gotten hot from behind the three point line for 8 playoff games doesn’t change the fact that he was an awful NBA PG this season. Having said that… if he keeps this shooting up all will be forgiven. Still… the Lakers need to bring in a real NBA starting PG this offseason.
It is funny to see fans flip flop so quickly based on a few made three point shots. Lets keep things in perspective people.
Darius says
I’ve deleted/edited a couple of comments because they were baiting in nature and then the response no longer made sense after the original comment was gone.