• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Roster
  • Schedule
  • Forum Blue?
  • About Forum Blue & Gold
    • About FB&G
    • Forum Blue?
    • New Hoops Stats 101
    • Commenting Guidelines
    • Privacy Policy
  • Support FB&G

Forum Blue And Gold

A Lakers Blog. Thoughts, reflections, and the odd rant on the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA (even the Clippers).

  • Lakers News
  • Lakers Analysis
  • Laker Film Room
  • Cranjis’ Corner
  • Lakers Data
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Facebook

Lakers/Jazz: Game 2 Preview & Chat

May 4, 2010 by Darius Soriano


[picappgallerysingle id=”8684317″]

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.


Previous Post
Next Post

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. lil' pau says

    May 4, 2010 at 1:15 pm

    For Warren! Let’s go!

  2. Taylor says

    May 4, 2010 at 1:19 pm

    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.

  3. Clark says

    May 4, 2010 at 1:31 pm

    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.

  4. dEDGE says

    May 4, 2010 at 1:33 pm

    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.

  5. R says

    May 4, 2010 at 1:40 pm

    3 @ Clark – Sorry, we have our secret weapon in place for game #2 – the first post shout out to Warren!

    So there.

  6. Buttas says

    May 4, 2010 at 1:52 pm

    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!

  7. aB says

    May 4, 2010 at 1:53 pm

    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.

  8. Funky Chicken says

    May 4, 2010 at 2:17 pm

    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….

  9. Rich says

    May 4, 2010 at 3:11 pm

    @ 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.

  10. chibi says

    May 4, 2010 at 3:25 pm

    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.

  11. Gr8 Scott says

    May 4, 2010 at 3:28 pm

    @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!

  12. inwit says

    May 4, 2010 at 3:59 pm

    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.

  13. ken says

    May 4, 2010 at 4:06 pm

    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!

  14. flip says

    May 4, 2010 at 4:16 pm

    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?

  15. Darius says

    May 4, 2010 at 4:21 pm

    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.

  16. inwit says

    May 4, 2010 at 4:37 pm

    Bricking 3’s shot off one leg while falling to the side ….

  17. JeremyLA24 says

    May 4, 2010 at 4:38 pm

    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)

  18. DirtySanchez says

    May 4, 2010 at 4:57 pm

    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

  19. Anonymous says

    May 4, 2010 at 5:25 pm

    @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

  20. Chownoir says

    May 4, 2010 at 5:47 pm

    @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.

  21. ken says

    May 4, 2010 at 5:50 pm

    Ah come on Darius that was funny.

  22. The Dude Abides says

    May 4, 2010 at 6:07 pm

    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.

  23. Jaybird says

    May 4, 2010 at 6:11 pm

    @19. Come on now, ShanWOW isn’t actually reading and commenting on this blog…

    …is he?

  24. Darius says

    May 4, 2010 at 6:22 pm

    #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?

  25. wil says

    May 4, 2010 at 6:52 pm

    the laker game will start on time today =)

  26. number 19 says

    May 4, 2010 at 7:00 pm

    hey Darius ive been reading fbg for a while now and didnt know bout not using players name sorry bout that

  27. Darius says

    May 4, 2010 at 7:18 pm

    #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.

  28. Joel Paris says

    May 4, 2010 at 7:25 pm

    Can anyone provide a link to the game?

  29. Jane says

    May 4, 2010 at 7:27 pm

    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…

  30. Darius says

    May 4, 2010 at 7:29 pm

    Link to the game:

    http://atdhe.net/18763/watch-utah-jazz-vs-los-angeles-lakers

  31. Jane says

    May 4, 2010 at 7:34 pm

    I meant 4 days between, not days off. And I realize that the Lakers do too, but that’s different! 🙂

  32. Taylor says

    May 4, 2010 at 7:35 pm

    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.

  33. DTM_ says

    May 4, 2010 at 7:37 pm

    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!

  34. Joel Paris says

    May 4, 2010 at 7:38 pm

    Thank you very much sir.

  35. Anonymous says

    May 4, 2010 at 7:39 pm

    Enough of that I wear no pants commercial, please!!!!!

    Psychological torture.

  36. 3ThreeIII says

    May 4, 2010 at 7:39 pm

    Quick media comment, but is anyone else disturbed by that internet car sales commercial? It sure had, um, overtones of the mechanics of conception…

  37. inwit says

    May 4, 2010 at 7:40 pm

    I was anonymous of anti-Dockers fame, above.

  38. Mimsy says

    May 4, 2010 at 7:48 pm

    @3ThreeIII
    All commercials allude to that… it’s just a lot less subtle.

  39. J M says

    May 4, 2010 at 7:51 pm

    Poor execution and transition defense so far.

  40. Mimsy says

    May 4, 2010 at 7:53 pm

    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?

  41. Jaybird says

    May 4, 2010 at 7:55 pm

    How do they miss that Fesenko foul on Bynum’s dunk?

    Bleh, sloppy start.

    Edit: But Kobe’s making things happen.

  42. Mimsy says

    May 4, 2010 at 7:58 pm

    Ron dunked!!!

  43. Joel B. says

    May 4, 2010 at 7:59 pm

    Lakers need to get these 50-50 balls. The Jazz have been able to get to all the loose balls so far.

  44. Jane says

    May 4, 2010 at 7:59 pm

    Bynum has 6 rebounds already? That’s a nice effort.

  45. Taylor says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:03 pm

    Calling it – the jam will break Artest’s cold streak.

  46. Jaybird says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:06 pm

    You see Boozer’s face after the LO and Pau blocks? Pure FAIL.

  47. inwit says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:06 pm

    Gasol is getting pushed around so far.

  48. Mimsy says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:07 pm

    inwit, you either have terrible timing, or a gift for sarcasm 🙂

  49. glove32 says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:08 pm

    @40 Mimsy
    I am using EPSN’s box score and have no problems

  50. J M says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:09 pm

    The officiating has been really strange so far.

  51. Zephid says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:11 pm

    I think aggressive Lamar is in the house. We’ll see if he keeps this up.

  52. Jaybird says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:15 pm

    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.

  53. Tyler says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:15 pm

    Someone took their RonRon Juice today.

    It only works inside the 3 point line though.

  54. Mimsy says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:16 pm

    Thanks glove! 🙂

  55. inwit says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:17 pm

    Mimsy,

    Alas, in this case it was bad timing.

  56. kehn says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:17 pm

    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)

  57. DirtySanchez says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:18 pm

    Good close out of the first quarter, coming from behind with the strong finish at the end.

  58. Mohan says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:22 pm

    This offense is as beautiful as it gets. And…it’s simple. Why complicate things?

  59. zirk says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:22 pm

    Go ahead, Utah. Keep doubling Kobe…

  60. bypasser says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:22 pm

    3 straight kobe assists…i like!

  61. glove32 says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:22 pm

    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

  62. Adrian says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:23 pm

    Love seeing facilitator Kobe, that thing he does when he passes in the middle of his shooting motion is SO difficult to defend.

  63. DTaft says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:24 pm

    lovin how kobe is controlling the game…keep it up kobe

  64. Tyler says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:25 pm

    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.

  65. bypasser says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:26 pm

    KOBE! KOBE! KOBE! (eddy murphy klumps mom voice)

  66. 3ThreeIII says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:27 pm

    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.

  67. Mohan says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:27 pm

    Haha did you guys see Lamar try to steal Bynum’s stats?

  68. J M says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:28 pm

    Niceeeeeeeeeeeeee.

  69. Zephid says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:28 pm

    Man, I love hearing Boozer scream “God damn!” after every time he thinks he gets fouled.

  70. Taylor says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:29 pm

    (clap) (clap) (cheer)

    Fun.

    Did we just run a fast-break to perfection?

  71. kehn says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:29 pm

    Wow – a contested 3 by Farmar is no surprise.

    A contested 3 by Farmar leading to consecutive easy Laker baskets?

    Shenanigans.

  72. Josh says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:29 pm

    Farmar has fans?

  73. coolrunnings says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:30 pm

    @65
    Its a little better than Odom screaming “Ooooooohh” every time he grabs a rebound or drives in to score.

  74. bypasser says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:31 pm

    jazz shooting a lot of Js. is this because of solid interior defense? hope this continues

  75. Zephid says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:32 pm

    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.

  76. inwit says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:32 pm

    Dick Stockton makes alot of mistakes these days.

  77. Tyler says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:33 pm

    72. Yeah, I have his jersey hanging above my desk.

  78. Mimsy says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:34 pm

    @75
    That the point of them! To distract the opponent.

  79. Zephid says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:36 pm

    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.

  80. james says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:39 pm

    seriously, I am way better at layups then artest

  81. bypasser says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:41 pm

    it’s one of those games, the lakers should be up 20 by now.

  82. Taylor says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:42 pm

    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.

  83. thisisweaksauce says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:42 pm

    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.

  84. Don says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:42 pm

    boozer has zero confidence right now

  85. lesha says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:43 pm

    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

  86. Josh says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:43 pm

    How do Artest’s playoff steals totals compare with Ariza’s (from last season) at this point in the playoffs, I wonder?

  87. lesha says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:46 pm

    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

  88. Mimsy says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:47 pm

    @Taylor
    My TNT HD is working fine. No skipping except by Laker girls in time-outs.

  89. Taylor says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:47 pm

    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!

  90. Zephid says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:48 pm

    Hahaha Derek Fisher pushing Fesenko out of the way. hahahahah

  91. Danny says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:50 pm

    Watching ESPNGamecast. Has Kobe rested at all this first half?

  92. james says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:55 pm

    if only we could make open threes this would be over but hard to complain

  93. inwit says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:56 pm

    Andrew is growing up, controlling the boards.

  94. kehn says

    May 4, 2010 at 8:57 pm

    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.

  95. glove32 says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:03 pm

    I like the balanced scoring everyone is involved and contributing

  96. Mimsy says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:05 pm

    @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… 😉

  97. Bynumite says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:06 pm

    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.

  98. inwit says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:07 pm

    Kobe isn’t having to wear himself out either.

  99. Zephid says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:11 pm

    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.”

  100. Taylor says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:12 pm

    @Mimsy…free?

    I have to drop $160 every year for it!

  101. Tra says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:13 pm

    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

  102. chibi says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:14 pm

    i keep getting distracted when the camera is on phil. some lady with giant jugs is sitting right behind him.

  103. Mimsy says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:14 pm

    @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.)

  104. luubi says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:20 pm

    somebody, please stop artest from taking a 3. think of the children!

  105. Taylor says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:21 pm

    @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.

  106. Mimsy says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:22 pm

    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.

  107. james says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:26 pm

    is Fesenko the worst NBA player ever?

  108. Bynumite says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:27 pm

    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.

  109. lesha says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:28 pm

    james, that title goes to shawn bradley

  110. inwit says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:28 pm

    Fesenko is killing the Jazz.

  111. MannyP13 says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:30 pm

    chibi – Yeah, they keep focusing on Phil but all I see is yellow boobs

    ( . Y . )

  112. kehn says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:30 pm

    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.

  113. ken says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:31 pm

    Seems like Kobe has had 10 not 5 TO

    Good thing we have Bynam and Pau tonight. Are guards are not beating anyone tonight.

  114. MannyP13 says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:35 pm

    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.

  115. james says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:38 pm

    a 3 would be nice

  116. 3ThreeIII says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:40 pm

    Bynum so far: 23 minutes, 6-8 FGs, 3-5 FTs, 15 Points, 14 Rebounds, 1 Steal, 2 Blocks and NO Turnovers.

    SO NICE!

  117. Bynumite says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:42 pm

    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.

  118. ken says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:43 pm

    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

  119. lesha says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:46 pm

    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

  120. inwit says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:46 pm

    The bench to start the 4th …

  121. Adrian says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:47 pm

    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…

  122. Kenslc says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:48 pm

    LOL I could watch Ammo celebrate 24/7! So funny! Love Bynum’s game tonight.

  123. Zephid says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:49 pm

    Wow, Lamar Odom just took a piece of crap possession and turned it into 2 foul shots. Aggressive Lamar is in the building.

  124. Mimsy says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:51 pm

    I think it was just me. The outside shooting remains ugly.

    And there goes my laptop battery. Bye-bye box score…

  125. ken says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:51 pm

    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!

  126. Zephid says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:54 pm

    125, again? Last time I checked, we won the last game. Our starters can’t play all 48, how do you not understand this?

  127. kehn says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:54 pm

    Wtf with 4 Lakers watching a missed Jazz shot drift back to Utah.

  128. Taylor says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:54 pm

    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.

  129. chibi says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:56 pm

    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.

  130. 3ThreeIII says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:56 pm

    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.

  131. kehn says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:56 pm

    Anyways – Cavs vs. Celtics series. Who do you root for to win, if nuclear bomb isn’t an option?

  132. Don says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:57 pm

    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.

  133. ken says

    May 4, 2010 at 9:59 pm

    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.

  134. 3ThreeIII says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:00 pm

    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.

  135. james says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:01 pm

    jordan farmar everybody!

  136. Don says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:01 pm

    Wow I can’t believe I’m saying this but get Fish back in the game!

  137. Q says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:05 pm

    who is worse? jordan farmar or smush parker?

  138. kehn says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:08 pm

    Why isn’t Artest in the game?

  139. J M says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:09 pm

    #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.

  140. Josh says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:10 pm

    131. To me it’s not even a question. We have a score to settle with Boston. The Cavs mean nothing.

  141. glove32 says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:12 pm

    Make your FT’s Lakers

  142. J M says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:12 pm

    How many bunnies has Artest missed today?

  143. Bobji says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:13 pm

    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

  144. james says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:13 pm

    ron up to 4 on missed layups

  145. Adrian says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:14 pm

    Yeah we can definitely beat Boston this year, I would love to see some revenge.

  146. Taylor says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:15 pm

    I apologize for comment #45.

    Bynum/Odom/Gasol
    50 pts 18/22
    4o Boards
    6 swats

    WOW

  147. Josh says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:16 pm

    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.

  148. lesha says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:18 pm

    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)

  149. Josh says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:18 pm

    Gasol trashtalking Boozer! Love it!

  150. Q says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:19 pm

    adam morrison the cheerleader

  151. J M says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:20 pm

    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.

  152. Zephid says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:21 pm

    Ah yes, the ever-classy, “Utah Sucks” chant from the Staples crowd…

  153. Q says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:21 pm

    that block by gasol looked like a foul

  154. Adrian says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:22 pm

    BLOCKPARTY!

  155. Taylor says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:22 pm

    @152 – Proving they have pulses. ; )

  156. zirk says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:22 pm

    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.

  157. harold says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:24 pm

    we defended homecourt. good job all.

    Kobe back to his Kobe-ness… maybe that photo shoot was indeed white-hot.

  158. ray says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:26 pm

    just like the first game.

  159. the other stephen says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:29 pm

    I only caught the last 6 minutes or so tonight. Guess there was no better time to turn on the game.

  160. Josh says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:30 pm

    Kobe – 3 straight games of 30+. I think our man is back.

  161. james says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:30 pm

    i know we are long but cant help feel weve got away with some fouls these two games

  162. Taylor says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:31 pm

    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

  163. kehn says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:33 pm

    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.

  164. Palani says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:45 pm

    is anybody still wondering why Phil starts Fisher instead of Farmar?

  165. the other stephen says

    May 4, 2010 at 10:50 pm

    is it just me, or has charles barkley been making great points lately?

  166. the other stephen says

    May 4, 2010 at 11:07 pm

    haha the only person looking down at PJ’s diagrams in the huddles this game was PJ.

  167. Craig W. says

    May 4, 2010 at 11:16 pm

    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.

  168. Q says

    May 4, 2010 at 11:21 pm

    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?

  169. lil' pau says

    May 4, 2010 at 11:23 pm

    long wait ’til sat. easier w/ 2-0 than 1-1, however….

  170. ray says

    May 4, 2010 at 11:34 pm

    Stat from ESPN. Lakers total 40 FG. 32 inside the paint.

    Domination.

  171. the other stephen says

    May 4, 2010 at 11:37 pm

    thank you, Q, those were not the points i was talking about. never mind.

  172. kareem says

    May 4, 2010 at 11:41 pm

    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.

  173. Anonymous says

    May 4, 2010 at 11:49 pm

    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.

  174. imposibol says

    May 5, 2010 at 12:06 am

    Aaron?

  175. Darius says

    May 5, 2010 at 12:09 am

    Game recap is up.

    http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2010/05/05/lakersjazz-game-2-lakers-control-the-paint-the-game-and-now-the-series/

  176. Darius says

    May 5, 2010 at 12:20 am

    #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. 😉

  177. Aaron says

    May 5, 2010 at 12:28 am

    (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.

  178. Darius says

    May 5, 2010 at 8:31 am

    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.

Primary Sidebar

laker-film-room-podcast
Tweets by @forumbluegold

Archives

Categories

Donate to FB&G

Footer

© 2023 Forum Blue & Gold · Partner with USA Today Sports Digital Properties · WordPress Support by WP Site Care