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In every series up to the this point in these playoffs, the Lakers have been an excellent home team, not yet losing a game at the Staples center. This evening, the Lakers look to keep that streak going as this game 2 will be just as pivotal to the outcome of this series as the win they claimed in game 1. If the Lakers are able to go up 2-0 over the Celtics, Boston will be in the difficult situation of needing to win 4 of the next 5 games with their only home games coming in sequence over the next week. And while recent teams (2004 Pistons, 2006 Heat) have been able to sweep those middle home games on their own court, it’s a task that few teams are up to as winning 3 games in a row against a Finals opponent is difficult (especially when the teams are evenly matched as this year’s Lakers and Celtics are). All this is said to stress the importance that both teams are placing on this game and to emphasize that this is a must win game for Boston and that they’re going to play accordingly. If you’re the Celtics, losing this game is not an option.
And that means the Lakers will also need to bring their best effort. There is no comfort level in the Finals. A 1-0 lead is nothing to be too excited over and as Kobe said in yesterday’s press conference, “we’re not thinking about game 1” – with the message being a clear one: the Lakers need to approach this game fresh and bring the intensity and focus that they had in game one but with an in-the-moment emphasis tilted towards the task at hand.
And while we’ve been talking adjustments, there are still a couple of things that have yet to be explored. After re-watching the Lakers’ game 1 win, there were a couple of things that became abundantly clear. First and foremost was how reliant the Lakers were on the P&R to get good looks at the basket – especially Kobe. The Lakers really used this action to disrupt the Celtics half court defense as Kobe did an excellent job of forcing the hedge man (usually Perkins) into staying with him and then working him off the dribble to get favorable angles to the rim or create open passing lanes to an open Gasol flashing to the FT line. If the Celtics are to win this game, they’ll need to find an answer for the Lakers P&R, and this will be something I’ll be watching intently over the course of the game (and will have more on in the upcoming days).
Because the Lakers P&R really creates a domino effect for how they can build success in this game (and ultimately the series). As was mentioned in the recap to game 1, the Lakers owned the rebounding battle, dominated the Celtics in second chance points, and had a huge advantage in points in the paint. All of this was based off the Lakers dribble penetration off both P&R sets and standard isolation sets. If the Lakers can continue to get into the lane tonight, it will force the Celtics bigs to help and that creates the angles for offensive rebounds, put backs, and renewed possessions that force the C’s to defend for extended periods (something that legs of any age would prefer to avoid – but is even more key for these older Celtics). If the Lakers can continue to get these looks at the basket, they will win the game. If the Celtics are able to successfully “shrink the floor” they’ll have a much better chance of slowing this attack and making the Lakers go to plan B.
But these are all actions that will play out over the course of the game. For now, they’re just X’s and O’s that are drawn up on a grease board or envisioned in the coach’s heads. It really will be on the players to come out and execute them and put the ideas into action.
But if the Lakers are to take the 2-0 series lead that they seek, it won’t be just about the plays that are diagrammed, it will be about the effort and response to the increased intensity that Boston will bring. Understand that since that game 1 defeat on Thursday, the Celtics have been bombarded with claims of being old, soft, and plain outworked. They’ll surely be looking to respond to all the critics with a performance that will turn the tables on those perceptions and bring the series back to Boston even. And if the Lakers are to avoid that scenario, they’ll have to not only match the Celtics, they’ll need to outwork them again. They’ll need to be even tougher while still maintaining their smarts and focus. The Lakers know what is in front of them. The past two seasons have prepared them for this moment. The time is now to claim what they think is theirs and go and get it. Game 2 can’t come soon enough.
Burgundy says
Saw this posted at Lakersground.net, and I thought it was fascinating:
http://i47.tinypic.com/24ca5o6.jpg
If anyone has any doubts as to whether the Lakers are “playing through it,” they should be dimissed after clicking the above link….
Mimsy says
One for Warren!
Jeremy says
I expect Boston to come out early and try to demonstrate their “toughness”. If the Lakers are prepared for this and can match the intensity its possible you may see the Celtics get frustrated (with possible techs out of wallace& perkins). It’s important for Gasol and Bynum to play good defense early.
I’ll look at the 1st quarter and the 1st 5 minutes of the 3rd quarter as a indicator of where the Lakers are.
Will be interested to see what Kobe does early score vs facilitate.
Gr8 Scott says
I would be very surprised if this game wasn’t excruciatingly close. The refs will likely allow the “rugged” Cs to bang more than in game 1, but this should also be extended our way, too. So here’s hoping Artest can keep Pierce from getting into any kind of rhythm. I expect for Allen and KG to try to assert themselves early to atone for game 1, but the key on our end is to continue to find ways to get shots inside, either off PNRs or running the triangle quickly or even in transition. And one thing that we can’t overlook are turnovers. If we can have a 10-12 turnover game and limit offensive boards by the green meanies, we’ll have a shot to win, even if our shooting % is lower this game. All eyes will be on Pau and KG, but me thinks someone else on our team will need to be a strong 3rd wheel tonight (Fisher? Odom? Farmar?). Let’s get another “W” and head up to Boston. Go Lakers!
Bobji says
No letdown please. Make Marc Jackson sing praises to the Lakers after this game.
Texas Rob says
Burgundy, that stat sheet gives new meaning to the phrase “playing through it”. If I hadn’t seen any of these games and just saw the stat sheet I’d think the LAL were a bunch of hackers. While I really don’t think the NBA is “fixed”, I do think that human nature(help the underdog) gets to the ref’s and they do call the game differently depending on the score, If your up more than 12-15 don’t expect any calls, and if your up two games in a series… Don’t expect anything… period.
VoR says
I don’t know what to make of that stat from Burgundy. Maybe after the season Darius or someone eslse can break it down and explain it.
However, what does jump out at me is that the Lakers are so often called a finesse team and yet they look to be the most physical team in the league.
I will refrain from making any comments about the possiblity of the Lakers being on the wrong end of calls in order to ‘even things up.’
See, I refrained… 🙂
In game 1 we learned what many of us suspected – the Lakers are the more talented team. This does not mean they are the better ‘team.’
To win game 2 the Lakers are going to need to play smart and persevere through adversity. Everyone is going to need to step up to win this one.
Sadly, I will be on the road during game time – aaarrrrrrgggghhh.
Jeremy says
Additionally will be very interested whether or not Bynum can be equally as productive on 2 days rest as he was after close to a week. I sure hope so but will also be counting on Lamar to have a better game.
Gabriel R. says
@3: I defintely agree there.
There will be at least another moment like the Artest-Pierce tussle of the last game only slightly more serious with the bigs being involved instead this time.
The attitude of this finals will get REAL serious today.
If someone is going to get thrown out, at least have it be Sasha….he’s pesky and everyone outside of LA doesn’t like him. 😉
Bye.
Annonymous says
I’ll be the first to say it… whoever wins tonight will win the championship!
3ThreeIII says
I think the strategy of having Pierce defend Kobe will cause the Celtics problems. Essentially, Pierce will be expending energy on defense trying to keep Kobe in front of him, and he will be beat up on offense with Artest hounding him.
Add in a few screens (or double screens) for Pierce to fight through and I think it will take a big toll on his energy level and his sharpness throughout the series.
I think the overall key to tonight’s game will be how well the Lakers can focus and persevere through Boston’s physical play, and the lopsided nature of the referees.
I would be pleasantly surprised if the Lakers are within 10 free throw attempts of the Celtics tonight (home court or not) and would be shocked if they Lakers got more attempts.
91601guy says
for all the chatter about game 2 being a must-win for Boston, if anything this is a must-win for the Lakers, I wouldn’t want to have 3 games in Boston with it being tied 1-1. if the Lakers bring the effort, I’ll take my chances with them no matter what Boston does.
Felipe says
@1: That’s just amazing. Specially considering that the Lakers lead in points in the paint in almost every game.
DJ-F.L.A.S.H. says
I know none of you guys wanna hear this, but I’ve been 4-0 in this postseason in predicting when our Lakers lose, and I’m getting that same gut feeling that the Lakers’ trademark “complacency” will kick in one game early……Game 1 just seemed too much Boston playing bad than us playing well, I mean, how often are we going to get good offensive contribution from Farmar, Brown, Fish, AND Ron all in one game? Rondo/Garnett/Ray/Perkins all struggling in one game too? You get my drift? I hope I’m wrong …..
David R. says
There is no complacency in the finals. Lakers will be sharp. the way Kobe sounded in his interview, i really think he hit a new level this post season.
We are seeing the team we’ve been waiting for all season. i get chills thinking how good we can still become. Lakers will play everygame like its game 7.
agree with #12 must win. either way must win for both teams.
Pig Miller says
KG will get a T in this game for barking it up as he typically does, but he’ll be even more fired up and in everyone’s faces because he has something to prove. It won’t matter. No one on this Lakers team is afraid of the Celtics, and they only thrive when the other team is frightened by their ferocity. All of their barking won’t make a lick of difference tonight.
Lakers by 9.
Darius says
Whether the Lakers play well or not will have less to do with any complacency as it will how Boston’s scheme’s affect them and/or how effective their schemes are against Boston. I can’t remember the last time I saw any Finals opponent not come out hard and ready to play. But I can remember many times where a team was overwhelmed by the effectiveness of their opponent. Here’s hoping that it’s the Lakers that are doing the overwhelming, whether that’s early, in the middle, or late (or all three). Jeez…2 more hours?
Bill Bridges says
Injuries will have a huge impact on the series starting with this game.
Injuries to Steve Javie and Mark Wunderlich. It is common knowledge that there are two excellent officials. The rest are a various shade of mediocre.
Because Javie and Wunderlich are out due to injuries, this finals has a chance to be the worst officiated one in the modern era.
By the way, home teams only have a .3 point differential when Ken Mauer is the official – the lowest of all refs.
Also, when the home team is favored by 5 – 9.5, their record (against the spread) is 8 – 16 when Mauer is involved. The Lakers are +6.
The smart money is on Boston tonight.
http://contests.covers.com/Handicapping/Experts/opinion.aspx?sport=NBA&evID=794666&sportID=9&t=0
The Dude Abides says
@14. This isn’t Orlando. Every player on the team hates Boston because of 2008. When was the last time a Laker team made news by getting possession on seemingly every loose ball? There will be no letdown. The Dude has spoken.
😀
T. Rogers says
10) – I think that was the case for game one. It set the tone for this series. The Lakers drew first blood. And I don’t see any letdown coming. There are no later rounds to preserve yourself for. There are no other series to get sidetracked by. Plus, the Lakers know they won’t come back to Staples for quite a while.
I think the Lakers come out the gate tonight.They know the importance of not letting Boston split.
Darius says
Hey everyone, I’ll be chatting pre-game over at the ESPN Daily Dime Live chat in a few minutes. Come by and say hello.
http://espn.go.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dimelive-100606/daily-dime-live
chibi says
I’m guessing Rivers has activated Marquis Daniels for one reason. He wants a full complement of guards and swingmen to double and trap Kobe whenever he has the ball.
cjm says
this Lakers team hasn’t peaked yet, and will get stronger in absolute and relative terms, as the series progresses. i think boston will be amped up at the start of the game, leading to them playing intense but undisciplined ball.
they will burn out early, and the game will turn into a route at that point.
bynum and artest and fish and kobe are punishing in their style of play, they are causing a lot of wear on the boston players. that is going to lead ultimately to a lopsided final game tally.
Taylor says
It will be interesting if the C’s defense in Game 1 just wasn’t ready for enough PnR and was focused on shutting down the triangle. If the adjust, don’t expect another 100pts tonight, as it was already a surprise to see it in G1.
If we get the effort we had, our talent should allow us to win 3 of the next 6 games. Tonight is a very large step in that direction.
Let’s do it…
Pig Miller says
I’m watching game 1 again, so it’s fresh. A lot is being made of the intensity level of the Celtics in the first game, but I think the glaring reality of this series is that the Lakers are playing a level of defense in these playoffs that matches the Celtics. The Celtics are offensively challenged, even with their obvious pace preferences. Couple that with the Lakers’ ability to defend their sequences, and the recipe is for Lakers success. The Lakers are shooting a better eFG% and allowing a lower eFG% than the Celtics, in these Playoffs.
Unless the Celtics can find a way to beat the Lakers’ defense much more consistently and couple that with a significant dropoff in the Lakers’ efficiency, this series won’t even be competitive.
tsuwm says
>they will burn out early, and the game will turn into a route at that point.
a route to Boston, I suppose. (sorry, just being Snidely about the typo for rout.)
chearn says
My prediction, the Lakers will win this game by 3 points.
kingboy says
Rel Boston fans look like this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyrLQviEmoo
Rudy says
Hey fellow Laker fans. It’s been a while since I’ve been on here and my I’m very excited of the thought of 3 more wins until another championship. I’m predicting a close game, but I think the Lakers will pull it out. We can talk x’s and o’s all we want but this game and every other game this series is gonna come down to if Artest can contain Pierce or not. If Artest holds him well we will win. If Pierce goes off we probably lose.
Joe says
94 to 92, lakers will win
Mamula says
Odom is bringing the goods tonight
3ThreeIII says
I like the way Kobe strides onto the court during introductions.
No bounce, no fist pumps, no restless energy. Just a simple stride, a calm demeanor, and an intensity just below the surface.
It has been great to see his evolution as a player.
Go Lakers!
Lakers8884 says
Need to give better help when Ray Allen is coming off screens, they cannot let him get hot
lakeshowfan says
he’s already getting hot…single handed taking on the lakers
Zephid says
33, seems like he was hot the moment he stepped on the floor. I can live with Ray Allen two pointers; it’s the threes that we need to chase him off.
Mark says
That’s $100 already on the Lakers. 😉
And Allen came to play, which is good news as it is two-fold: If Allen gets the ball early in the first, it’s hard to start a rhythm for the others in the 2nd… or maybe the Celtics will shoot well.
Nick says
Reception is awful here…Makes for miserable viewing!
Lakers8884 says
Zephid you’re right, the Lakers did an excellent job of that in the first game.
Right now it seems like the Lakers are just trading buckets instead of playing defense like they did the last game.
Buttas says
Ray is keeping them in it. Have to really stick with him when the second unit gets in there because something tells me that Doc will not let him sit long, if at all in this one.
Zephid says
The C’s are scoring on transition points; the Lakers are scoring in the half court. If it stays like this when the game slows down in the 4th, the Lakers will just slowly trot away with the game in a grind.
carlos says
Can we fast forward to the 2nd half ?
:0)
3ThreeIII says
Difference so far: Celtics making some three pointers.
Same so far: Odom is in bonehead mode…
BH says
Odom should be behind Powell in the rotations, this guy is useless 9 out of 10 games.
Bobji says
good start, stagnation, then a very poor finish to close out the 1st quarter.
needed to create more separation while the calls were going our way..
lakeshowfan says
Did odom get the memo yet that this is the finals?? He has yet to show up
kehn says
Is Odom distracted by his impending fatherhood with Khloe? 😛
Buttas says
Bynum has been playing well, I hope that he can play big minustes again tonight. This is especially important seeing how Lamar seemingly wants to foul out by the half.
james says
very dissapointed with lamar, and kobe needs to get some easier shots
Zephid says
Lakers aren’t getting the looks they got before. Wasting too much time on the shot clock holding the ball. Need to go back to Gasol and Bynum in the post.
And yes, Odom has been horrible. -8 in 3 minutes. Getting baited into charges, giving up free throws, and missing defensive assignments.
Pig Miller says
Lakers aren’t playing terrible defense, save that on Ray Allen. Sheed is having a terrible postseason, so he’s the guy you want chucking Js. Better rotation to the shooters will shore things up, but keep making them take contested jumpshots and the stats will sort themselves out.
Lamar’s true nature is showing itself. He’s got a reputation with the referees in this league, and it shows.
3ThreeIII says
Odom has 3 personal fouls in 3 minutes.
That is impressive in its own way…
Bynum looking so good, can we please not waste that effort?
Darius says
Zephid is right about the transition baskets. The Lakers need to be disciplined in their transition D. On the C’s last run out, 2 Lakers stayed behind to pressure ‘Sheed on the rebound. On another play, Odom had his head turned and didn’t locate Pierce and it led to a foul. If the Lakers can clean that up, they’ll only have to worry about Ray and ‘Sheed’s shooting as nothing else has been too effective in the half court.
Josh says
Not a great first quarter.
Joel B says
Have the lakers scored with Odom in the game. The lakers are going to need Bynum for 35-40 because the lakers are the lakers of 08 with Odom in. They instantly become a perimeter team that mirrors Cleveland. Boston has fits defending two big men in the paint. But when Odom is in, everyone is on the perimeter, which leads to longs shots, which leads to long rebounds, that end up in transition points for boston.
Mark says
If I were Phil, I would take the risk playing LO in this 2nd,.
Zephid says
51, agreed, Bynum is looking great. Playing good defense, moving his feet, and really challenging shots.
Gasol and Bynum both 3/4
Rest of Lakers combined: 2-11
Joe says
This doesnt look good, we are not getting any easy shots at all.
Pig Miller says
Not finishing in the paint. That will be trouble.
lakeshowfan says
Slowly slipping away…step it up lakers! You can do this!
Drew says
Lakers need some stops to change the momentum/energy quick…before it gets out of hand
lakeshowfan says
fast break and then 3? C’mon farmar!
Lakers8884 says
Getting the stops now just need to finish shots around the rim.
Why can’t people just run immediately to Ray Allen in transition, you know where he is going to run to meet him or beat him there.
lakeshowfan says
Forget about ray and he’ll burn you badly
Joe says
We have to figure out how to beat this Celtic defense
Zephid says
The Celtics are really cleaning the defensive boards. This is really fueling their transition game. All the O-boards we had in Game 1 are now gone and being replaced by easy Celtic points.
DJ-F.L.A.S.H. says
did anyone see scalabrine’s “snare” just now?! someone needs to put him in his place
Buttas says
we are basically getting killed in transition. Yeah the open 3’s hurt, but the transition D is so bad…
Other than that we are playing great. haha
Josh says
Farmar with his patented terrible transition decisions…
kehn says
Anyone else ever feel like whacking Mark Jackson’s hand with a sledgehammer and say ‘hand down, man down!’
Also… Dear Lakers, stop taking bad shots that lead to long rebounds. Love, Forum Blue and Gold.com =p
Mark says
10-point Boston lead, it’s partly good for the Lakers, partly because they aren’t playing any Game 1 defense at all, must stay active on the ball and that corner/wing threes by Allen or whoever Rondo dishes to.
Lakers must wake up and then we’re ok,
Lakers8884 says
The aggressiveness from the first game on the offense end has slowly evaporated
Snoopy2006 says
Have to attack the rim and get the foul calls. It’s that simple. No more jumpshots from Shannon or Jordan.
Rondo is carving us up right now. Dictating tempo, everything. And their 3-point shooters came to play today, which makes his penetration even more dangerous.
Joel B says
I’m not liking this at all. The momentum of the game completely changed when gasol missed that finger role layup in transition (where he should’ve went up with force and tried to dunk it and draw a foul).
Shannon is to undisciplined to be on ray allen. And Farmar can’t defend Rondo. They have to put kobe back on rondo, farmar on ray, and shannon on tony. Or just put they starters back it before this gets out of hand.
Bobji says
totally agree Joel B about that momentum shifting play
That Rondo is pretty damn good. somebody needs to start making buckets for us asap
C’s have control of the game right now. will the Lakers be able to keep it close then step up or will they just fold if their shots keep going out?
comon lakers!
Buttas says
Love the energy from Wow, just need to lock it down on D. Come on now guys!
Joe says
Its the Lakers offense that is the concern, not the defense, if we make shots the Celtics cant get into transition
Lakers8884 says
Phil HAS to play Kobe right now, we need his offense
magic days says
too much dribbling for the lakers. pass the ball and move.
lakeshowfan says
Again, stop leaving ray allen open!!! sheesh
Joe says
This game is gonna be a blowout i think hahaha
james says
i have no clue what artest is doing on offense
Joel B says
The question is Where’s Phil. The lakers need his expertise coaching, maybe a timeout, maybe a substitution. Because the lakers are terrible right now play very stupidly. Shannon is horrible
Buttas says
please, someone stay with Ray Allen. PLEASE!
lakeshowfan says
ray allen has more than half the celts pts and is shooting 60%, probably a good idea to pay more attention to him or this will be a long game
Josh says
Allen is KILLING us.
Lakers8884 says
Phil waited 4 minutes too long to put Kobe back in the game
Joel B says
And like i said shannon is way too undisciplined (with an extremely low iq) to play ray allen.
I hope sasha gets the time in the second half, because if sasha would’ve played the defense that shannon played, we wouldn’t see sasha for 2 months.
joe wright says
Shannon s brain seems unable to read a deffensive situation.
I hate those players all-legs, no brain..
james says
never ever put brown on allen again
3ThreeIII says
Ugh… Ray Allen…
I just watched Perkins set four different moving screens, 10 feet from a referee, and no calls.
Got to wonder…
lakeshowfan says
I think kobe’s on allen, now…smart move, finally
zirk says
let’s hope kobe on allen doesn’t tire him out on the offensive end because right now, his shot is really flat, which is never a good sign.
13thirtyone says
boy, kobe is off so far.
his offense is not in rhythm.
still finding his teammates though.
kehn says
I hate sounding like well… a Boston fan, but at this point I’d be fine with Phil sending in Josh Powell to clothesline Ray Allen into the third row.
Lakers8884 says
The Lakers are not moving the ball enough right now and nobody is attacking the rim, Kobe is settling too much for jumpers. The Celtics have double the assists that the Lakers have already, too much 1 on 1 Laker offense
Joel B says
So far Doc has forced the lakers to change their entire game plan. The lakers need to put fisher, or sasha on ray.
Joe says
If Allen misses a shot I will shave my head, though doesnt look like that will happen tonight
3ThreeIII says
Let’s hope that someone knocks Ray Allen down. Disrupt him physically if you cannot do so mentally. 7 for 9 from 3PT attempts… I doubt that continues in the second half… But just in case: KNOCK SOMEONE DOWN!
By the way: Down 12 with 4 minutes left in the 2nd Quarter is NOT the time to start jacking up “can we catch them?” three pointers.
Zephid says
Kobe is killing himself to win this game; the rest of the team needs to bring it like him.
Chewy says
Is Kobe the only one going to display the amount of aggressiveness we need to pull this game out? Everyone else is just going through the motions.
Mark says
Kobe-ster has awoke.
Mark says
Why don’t we give Kobe a shitload of screens too, just like Ray?
thisisweaksauce says
Somehow, I’m not too worried. The Lakers aren’t panicking. They just need to play their game.
TB-8788 says
Screen defender needs to chip Allen and give Allen’s defender a second to recover.
Pig Miller says
Calls like that . . .
Lakers8884 says
This first half could not have gone any worse
Joe says
Horrible call
Bobji says
what a horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible call.
Drew says
I would say the lakers just need to run the offence and not panic…but i just dont see an answer for ray
andre says
that was a terrible call on kobe. what a HUGE SWING.
what is ARTEST doing?!
rebounding and free throw shooting keeping us in the game. this could easily be a 20 point lead
what a move by gasol!
james says
how hard is it just ti stick to allen
lakeshowfan says
Ray’s shooting almost 70% now…damn stop him someone
Buttas says
Ray is having a huge game, but did you need to give him the flop too? Geez
joe wright says
I’ a sporstman in first place.
And this is the finest 3p shooting performance i’ve seen in my 25 years watching NBA.
My admiration for Ray Allen.
lakeshowfan says
Only good thing is maybe the other celtics are cold offensively so stop allen and we may comeback.
Lakers8884 says
Would be nice to get this lead under 10
Josh says
PAU!
Joe says
Got to get this score to 7 and below before half
coolrunnings says
Haha its weird seeing Ray Allen miss now. I just assume the ball goes in whenever he throws it up.
james says
cant even begin to say how bad artest has been on offense
Buttas says
as well as Ray is shooting, we are still in a very good spot all things consider. Let’s get this last shot in and stay in the game….
kehn says
Few things scare me as much as watching Lakers not named Kobe/Pau attempt a fast break
chearn says
I would like to commend Bynam; he is giving all that he has, now if everyone else would join him that would be great!
Good job Gasol on that drive and dunk!
Our bench is giving us nothing, by way of defense!
Zephid says
Gasol and free throws are really keeping us in this game.
joe wright says
Go for Pau again,damn¡
Anybody can read a momentum there?Hello?
sfjayp says
I love how fish came back and was up in ray’s space on the play after his flop. I think that set the tone for the past 3 minutes or so.
Somehow I’m not THAT worried either… down 9…
I don’t see ray going 14-16 keeping pace from 3 for the night, so the second half should go a bit better…
zirk says
HUGE HUGE HUGE shot by Mamba!!
chearn says
Come on Lakers!
Zephid says
My God, we’re only down 6. Kobe Bryant is a winner, that’s it.
coolrunnings says
Wow. I cant believe the Lakers cut it down by that much. If Kobe made that shot with .2 left the Staples center roof would have collapsed.
3ThreeIII says
Get it to 6-8 points and that is pretty good, especially considering Allen’s historic barrage.
With all Celtics big men at 3 fouls each we have a good shot in the second half, especially if we pound the ball inside.
dhilos says
kobe!!! that was ridiculous
Tyler says
KOBE!!!!
Josh says
KOOOOOBE
kehn says
Nice finish to end the half. Memo to Lamar Odom: Bynum has a ripped up knee and is giving quality minutes. What’s your excuse?
Jeremy says
wow
Kobe Bryant is not human! seriously I don’t think he even touched the ground during the last 9 seconds
Chewy says
@135: Agree…
Our bench is playing like they’re on the road.
Buttas says
Man that is the way to close out a qrt.! Let’s take this momentum right at them in the 3rd.
Kobe… Man that was HUGE!
sfjayp says
that was almost a reggie miller-esqe 3 seconds by kob. i guess the last one was just a feel-good steal since you can’t do anything with .2… but damn. kobe plays to win. i hope he gets his stroke back in the second half.
Mark says
I told you he was awake. 😉
Anyway, expect everything to turn for us in these second half. The first 5 minutes of the second half would be important and a decision on who will win. If we win those 5 minutes, we are well on our way to a win. And no, Ray Allen won’t even make 3 3-points this half.
Joe says
Here is the good news, even with Garnet being on the bench most of the half, the Celtics can not play any better. The key to winning this game is more consistent execution on offense.
Jaybird says
Big momentum swing at the end of the half illustrated by Kobe Bean Bryant.
To withstand that godlike performance from Jesus and go into the 2nd half with good energy and the crowd behind you… methinks this Lakers team is stronger than the 08 version.
DJ-F.L.A.S.H. says
jesus if kobe made that one motion 3 after the steal w/ 0.2, it’d be a 3 pt game, imagine that~
Drew says
Just looked at the box score…the celts are getting absolutely nothing from everyone except ray, sheed, and a little from rondo
If the lakers can limit ray even a little, i think they can pull this out
TB-8788 says
Ray Allen can’t continue that torrid shooting clip; Boston will eventually have to pull another arrow from its quiver.
Offensively for the Lakers, it’s quite simple- QUIT TRYING TO DO THINGS YOU’RE NOT STRONG AT. So, Shannon, no more step back jumpers. Ron, no more trying to create one on one, and please, make a free throw.
Andrew played heavy minutes in the first half; it’s unrealistic to expect more of that. Odom will have to join the series.
Tremble says
Things are deceiving… with the exception of Ray and Rondo, the celtics are actually play as bad as game one or even worse.
james says
more Gasol more Gasol more Gasol
Mark says
If I’m Phil Jackson, I’m going with a Wooden quote to urge players for the 2nd half.
Jeremy says
Seriously, at home, game 2 Odom has to show up in the 2nd half. inexcusable if he does not.
Tra says
Mush Respect to ‘Jesus Shuttlesworth’ for that Phenomenal shooting display in the 1st half …. Like I said b4 the series began, he would be the 1 that we would have to MARK if we was to win this series …. With all that being said, we’re only down 6 pts & if not for the free throw shooting, this game would be tied …. We Obviously have to find some way to stop/contain ‘Jesus’ in the 2nd half & hopefully get some type of Performance from LO
chearn says
Now the problem is that we’ll concentrate on Allen and Pierce and Rondo and Garnett will get it going! This is a recipe for disaster!
Mimsy says
Somehow, I am not as worried as I was at the end of the first quarter. Aside from Ray Allen, Rondo is the only Celtic that has given them anything. Lakers have been playing abysmally bad (someone needs to let everyone in a white Lakers jersey know that Ray Allen is good at 3-pointers), Kobe has barely scored at all and DerekFisher is our leading rebounder, and we’re still only down by six points.
Adding to the above, the Staples crowd is into it, and angry. The way they booed at some of those foul calls, they might even be able to wake up Lamar!
Drinking game from Thursday still applies, by the way. 🙂
andre says
i dont believe the celtics have yet to score any 2nd chance points this series.
… and we have the LEAD!
carlos says
That’s more like it…
😀
Jaybird says
Ladies and gentlemen, we have taken the lead!
Mark says
Because Ray Allen took all the momentum to himself. Everyone is cold.
lakeshowfan says
Wow, nice way to start the 2nd half. That kobe 3 is definitely carrying momo. Go lakers!
chearn says
Kobe and Gasol are on a mission! Let’s go Lakers!
Jeremy says
bigger than the lead is the Celtic big foul trouble, lakers are attacking and Celts have softened up inside
reggyray says
I love the mettle of this team, plain and simple.
sfjayp says
“Drinking game from thursday”, you say?
Details?
Strong start. Pau is a monster.
3ThreeIII says
Good patience by Bynum, drawing that foul on Perkins under the basket. We need to punish them inside.
joe wright says
16 ponts out of 7 shots from Gasol.
Great eff¡¡
Buttas says
Bynum is a BEAST! Love his game tonighit. Love it.
Josh says
Man…just imagine if Bynum was at 100% right now.
jhn says
I hope everyone recognizes the effort of Bynum.
3ThreeIII says
That was NOT a foul on Bryant.
joe wright says
When Pau has a touch good things happens again and again.
Buttas says
That’s two terrible calls against Kobe. So I guess they got theirs back for Ray in Game one. Now can we just call the fouls that actually happen?
andre says
that’s 2 bad fouls on kobe….
we are about +20 in FT attempts though… for the first time these playoffs!
(bynum 11 free throw attempts!)
standing ovation for andrew.. deservedly!
c’mon LAMAR. show up!
(that ray allen 3 is the celts first 2nd chance points of the series!)
chearn says
Brown is killing me! He isn’t giving us anything this game!
Why can’t Sasha play, or is he in the dog house again?
The officials have interjected themselves into these playoffs in a big way. The officials have been pretty consistent this game, though they’ve missed a call or two. But that’s expected overall they’ve whistled a consistent game, and that’s all a team can ask.
Jeremy says
Let’s do something Lamar
kehn says
TWO horrible calls on Kobe to sit him and the makeup charge that D-Fish got on Allen isn’t near compensation enough.
Drew says
Ray’s eyes must light up when he sees shannon guarding him
Mark says
That’s 1 more 3-point left for Ray-Ray. And he’s gone.
Andreas G. says
Pau and Drew with 37 pts on 16 shots to go along with 10 blks. Now if LO decided to show up, this would be over.
3ThreeIII says
Lamar: -11 so far in +/-.
Brown is hurt. Let’s hope it is not too bad.
Joe says
We just got to keep the game really close until we get Kobe back in, good time out by Phil.
TB-8788 says
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results. How many times does Shannon Brown have to get burned by leaving Allen to double SCRUBS before he learns he CAN’T DO THAT.
lakeshowfan says
Sasha is playing better than lamar
chearn says
Come on coach put Kobe back in the game!
Well of course the Lakers are getting more free throws the Lakers are playing a low post game! All the three point shots by Allen are the reason they aren’t getting to the free throw line.
Rondo has played the whole game, let’s put Farmar in to push the tempo! Or put Sasha in so he can play him full court.
Again Brown is killing me!
james says
ODOM DO SOMETHING
Lakers8884 says
Ugliest quarter in the history of basketball
Zephid says
I’m not one for hyperbole, but I don’t think Lamar Odom has done anything good this game. Nothing at all.
zirk says
2nd chance opportunities killed us that qtr. We’re playing good D on the initial possession, but then we just stand around and let them grab the O-board. Sometimes even after the ball hits the floor! Need to clean that up in the 4th.
chearn says
Its a time out, but BROWN IS KILLING ME!
kehn says
We’ve lost like 5 4th quarters in a row in the playoffs, haven’t we? 🙁
Jeremy says
Kobe came out in the 4th last game shooting (and was cold) will be interesting to see what and how he does this game. it could be the difference
Josh says
Odom is repeatedly letting Rondo steal rebounds from him. That last time Fisher and Gasol looked at him like “what are you DOING?!?”
72 all at the end of the third. Pretty intense game. If not for Allen’s ridiculous 3 pt shooting, this game wouldn’t be so close, though. Still, with Allen it’s not statistical anomaly. The dude is a ridiculous shooter.
TB-8788 says
We’ll never shoot 40 FTs in another game this series. Need to cash in by winning this game.
Bobji says
way too many offensive boards/second chance points given up in the 3rd.
to join the chorus,
dunno why Brown is in, and
dunno what is up with Odom.
GO LAKERS
Zephid says
Bynum needs to close out this game.
joe wright says
Pau Gasol has played 36 mins out of 36 with 24pts out of 9 FGA with only 2 PF
Garnet,Wallace,Perkins and Big Baby combined 21 points out of 20 FGA.16 Faults.
Nuff said¡
lakeshowfan says
odom got bailed out on that one
joe wright says
Put Pau in, for God’s sake Phil¡
Lakers8884 says
The bench has been awful tonight
3ThreeIII says
Have to get Farmar and Odom out of there, and ride Gasol and Fisher.
Now is the time.
Oh, and by the way, NEVER question Bynum’s toughness to me. He is a beast this game. If he can get past the injury bug he is going to be a MONSTER.
lakeshowfan says
sasha’s been the best player off the bench…that says something
Tyler says
Awful call on the 5th foul on Kobe. Kobe was in the air forever and Davis is still moving.
Joe says
I agree keeping Kobe in, cause without Kobe we aint wnning this game, gotta take the risk.
Buttas says
just need to get Pau back in there and keep pounding it inside. Let’s get in the bonus as soon as possible.
chearn says
This is a must win game for the Lakers! We can not go to Boston tied 1-1!
Andrew is playing one heck of a game!
james says
urgh bench horrible tonight
Jeremy says
ugh this grown ups stuff is terrible
TB-8788 says
That sequence is a microcosm for the difference in the game right now. Farmar turns the ball over and misses a flat three ball ( 7 shots in 7 minutes of play); while Robinson hits a 3 and finishes Farmar’s turnover.
zirk says
Thank god for sasha.
Joe says
They took Kobe out…..good lord
reggyray says
Big board by Sasha there.
Buttas says
That was a TRAVEL by Nate!!!
andre says
those 2 bad calls on kobe might be a difference.
lineup right now does not look good…
bynum-odom-vujacic-artest-farmar.
where is the offense gonna come from and i question their poise….
please weather this through.
gasol needs to come out after this timeout. i hope he didn’t sit TOOO long.
james says
where is gasol?
Tyler says
Did anybody think we would get this from Bynum at any point in the finals.
Jeremy says
dear lord please do not get into the chucking bad 3 phase this game – Bynum cannot be stopped
joe wright says
Why without Pau???Come on Phil¡
Mark says
Stop! Kobe time!
Josh says
KOBE
Lakers8884 says
Give Sasha some credit in limited minutes he made 2 HUGE plays out there, and solid defense as well
Josh says
And Bynum has been huge. He deserves to finish this game. Do NOT sub Pau for Bynum- sub him for Odom.
chearn says
@217, RIGHT!
40 freethrows and we will never get another game like this from Bynum!
Joe says
I agree, Bynum must finish this game, Odom has been a disaster tonight
Don says
We again showed we are the better team. Even if we lose this we should be fine
Mimsy says
Andrew Bynum has carried us for large stretches of this game. He might even win the game for us.
I never thought I’d type that. 🙂
Someone asked about the drinking game? Remind me after this game and I’ll dig up the link.
Buttas says
Block out Rondo PLEASE!!!
zirk says
Grab the f-ing ball!!!!
james says
please dont let artest touch the ball
3ThreeIII says
*breathing deeply*
This has been a great, and horrible game.
Time and time again the referees really hurt the NBA product.
Maybe go with 5 referees, or none?
Buttas says
Sasha was huge tonight as well as Bynum. Let’s not go away from getting it to Pau and Bynum down low.
Let’s just finish as strong as possible!
Bobji says
gaaaaaaah
artest comon man.
offense stagnating big time. comon lakers close out!
Joe says
We might be the better team but we lose this game we have 3 straight in Boston, thisis a huge game, we got to stay tough and pull it out
Blizzard says
2 phantom fouls for Pierce were huge
Mimsy says
For the record, I do not think there is a vast refereeing conspiracy in the NBA, and I do not think the league is rigged. I do however think that the refs tonight are so incompetent they should not be allowed to work any playoff game at all, let alone the Finals.
I also think that if we can win this game despite the refs, and if we win one out of three in Boston, we will win the series.
kehn says
GOnna have a coronary watching this…
lakeshowfan says
One of these games odom will finally show up i hope. his bench leadership or lack thereof is making it tough for our starters to carry the team
joe wright says
That was a excessively long time in the bench for Gasol.
I don’t know if he’s going to get hot again in so little time.
That was a bad read Phil.I hate to say it.But it is how I feel it.
Joe says
Wow, what a crime
Bobji says
ok
with a replay how do you miss that frikken call?
crystal clear the whole time and they still give the C’s the ball.
Joe says
Game over, 1-1
andre says
how could they not overrule that!??!
Lakers8884 says
Game isn’t over but this could turn out to be a crucial loss
Josh says
This is a bad, bad situation.
Chewy says
wow, that was a blatant non-overrule
Tremble says
Worst officiating in the history of the nba.
Buttas says
2 points.
How can the refs not reverse that call?
Kobe’s 5 fouls has really changed his game.
3ThreeIII says
Again and again, the referees ruin the NBA product.
Somewhere Burgundy is having palpitations…
chearn says
NBA wants this to go 7!
BH says
These are supposed to be the best refs the NBA has?
Josh says
That does it.
joe wright says
Those 8minutes with Odom and without Gasol are haunting me like a bad dream.
I’ m sure there is an answer Phil but I really don t get it.
I’m really frustrated right now.
Buttas says
not the finish we were all envisioning, but the 4th qrt is not normally the one we win, it’s the 3rd.
lakeshowfan says
Ref’s took kobe out of his rhythm. He has to play careful all 4th quarter instead of aggressive. Thank you refs.
Buttas says
again another bad call. wow….
magic days says
Artest’s hero mode has kicked in. he’s determined to win or lose this by artest and fouled out.
jimmy says
what was artest doing?
magic days says
its over.
needle says
More contact on that Rondo “steal” than on the Artest foul 6.
Lakers8884 says
Phil was outcoached tonight
sfjayp says
wow. between the non-review pau/kg call and the artest call?
this officiating is a fking joke. two calls in the last 3 minutes each with a 4 pt swing in a 7 point game.
kehn says
Not gonna blame the refs on this, but they were really really really bad tonight.
Buttas says
Ray was great in the 1st half, and Rondo was huge in the 2nd.
Just sad to lose a game like this…
Feel says
If Kobe pretends to be in discussion with Jordan this is not the path certainly.
By the way. Tacos?
Celtics Nation says
I believe I called it – NOBODY can guard RAJON RONDO. ONE ALL BABY!
zirk says
I am gonna blame the refs.
chearn says
When they get to Boston, I bet the Refs will swallow their whistles!
Ron and Lamar have a tendency to become complacent. The bench gave nothing this game and our starting five were unable to distribute the contribution!
The Lakers have to go to Boston and win game 3 they must take that game from them to win back the home court advantage! We need to use Sasha and Farmar to make the game harder for Rajon who plays major minutes in the games!
Why all this energy NOW!
Adrian says
Burgundy… Sorry dude.. But you cost us this game.. I don’t know if you’re a regular here, but it seems like you’re not aware of the tradition in this blog..
Don says
gg, next.
Joel b says
Phil just can’t manage minutes for shit. He had gasol come back in at the 6 minute mark. Why? He player 47 minutes last game. Odom has completely checked put of this series. And some one was talking abt not forcing the ball into artest and that person was right. They kept forcing the ball to him the second and they paid dearly.
kehn says
I never thought I would see us get a +10 FT disparity and still feel nut-punched by the refs
andre says
man, i have lost all hope with the NBA. instant replay does nothing.
and man, those 2 bull calls on kobe early in the game proved to get him out of rhythm offenisvely and defensively.
i know we got a lot of FREE THROWS…. but the crucial calls went against our way.
Josh says
There’s no sense complaining about the officiating when the Lakers get an absurd FT advantage. This is squarely on the Lakers. Artest puts up 1-10? Brown leaves Allen over and over again to help on scrubs? This was a huge opportunity and the Lakers blew it.
3ThreeIII says
Not sure how often Jackson or SVG said, “That is not a foul” tonight… 8 times? 9? 10?
Terrible…
Wasted an absolutely great performance by Bynum.
Will Lamar Odom please, please, PLEASE show up? -9 on +/- in a game where EVERY Celtics big man was in foul trouble the entire game.
Celtics Nation says
Kehn – yeah the refs were bad – how many FTs did the Lakers shoot again?
Chewy says
Learned their lesson from 04,08? I think not.
kehn says
Just gotta win game 3 and we’re back where we started
Josh says
The dynamic of this series has changed. Now the Lakers can’t afford to only win 1 of 3. They have to win 2 of 3. In Boston.
Buttas says
The game plan was solid, just not enough adjustments on Ray early and no adjustmenst on Rondo at the end.
So let’s see how we adjust for Tuesday.
Don says
Celtic. Nation we pretty much shut down Rondo in two games, he got a lot of boards. Wouldn’t bank on that to win the series.
Lets not blame the refs bad calls down the stretch but all game both ways
joe wright says
Refs are terrible but it’s not their fault.
In the last 4 minutes no shots for Bynum and Gasol.
More important, no touches inside.
Going to the small guys when the bigs are 45 pts out of 19 FGA combined.
That’s outrageous coaching.
I’m sorry but I’m really pissed right now.
I feel like giving this one for free.
Good night all. I’m going to try some sleep before going to work in 4 hours.
lakeshowfan says
Good point, hard to win a game when you get nothing offensively from your bench and 2 of your starters, fish and artest
chibi says
Celtics deserved to win and Lakers deserved to lose. Very disappointing. Lakers could not execute for 48 minutes and let Boston control the game and dictate tempo.
busterjonez says
Ray Ray wins this game. Hats off to the best shooting performance in Finals history.
Even considering, we still had a legitimate shot to win. Despite the ref handicap.
Darius says
Frustrating night, to be sure. The Lakers didn’t do a lot of the little things they needed to do in order to win. They allowed Ray too many open looks in the first half and then Odom didn’t have any impact whatsoever when Pau absolutely needed a rest. If the Lakers could have made a bit of a push when LO was in the game, the Lakers would have had a bit of a cushion instead of being in a position to trade baskets and still be fine or take the lead on routine plays. But this is the series that we all thought it would be – close and competitive. Time to go to Boston and play like a champion needs to.
kehn says
That’s my point, the refs were bad on both sides. Your bigs got a ton of fouls called on them, but we had some pretty questionable calls as well at particularly critical times – 2 bogus calls on Kobe, giving Boston the ball when it clearly went off Garnett’s hand. That said, Ray Allen and Rondo were why we lost and we have to play through shitty officiating – and make no mistake, it was shitty all around.
Tremble says
271 Celtics Nations–We never said it was one sided. We just said it was horrible officiating.
Joel says
1) Why did we go away from the Kobe-Gasol/Bynum pick-and-roll in the last few minutes?
2) Officiating was terrible at both ends but that replay call took the cake.
3) What in the world was Artest thinking?
4) Will anyone knowing the whereabouts of Lamar Odom please contact the Los Angeles Lakers as soon as possible?
Mimsy says
I am not going to blame the refs for the loss. That would be going against my firm beliefe that the Lakers need no ones help to win a game.
I will however question if those refs even know the rules of the game. The foul calls have been so consistently stupid and abysmally inconsistently bad throughout the game that I’m astonished the league actually considers these three competent enough to work a regular season game, let alone worthy of a pay check. Talk about making everyone involved look bad… particularly the person who cleared them to work tonight.
needle says
We should have held our composure more with all the ridiculous calls. Can’t blame the refs but they didn’t help things tonight.
Adrian says
@Celtics Nation – let me get this straight, good refs = the same amount of FT’s for each team, irrespective of, you know, how many fouls each commits? really?
Joe says
The thing that killed us this game was Kobe’s 5 fouls, we were getting so much momentum in the third, actually took the lead, and then Kobe had to come ouit for almost half the quarter, we could not keep scoring consistently and lost momentum. Then even when Kobe came in, he couldnt be as aggressive.
Buttas says
No one thought that there would be a sweep, however this was a game where we weathered a historic shooting night and was winning in the 4th.
Just unacceptable…
Need to get it back and win game 3. Let’s Go!
swedishmeatballs says
I’m blaming this one on the f***ing Refs. I’m also siding with JVG on every point he makes about the NBA’s silly foul rules (until Perkins get’s his 7th of course).
I think Kobe’s indecisiveness on offense is something to put the blame on as well. Anyways, probably best for all of us if I just shut up for now.
Jeremy says
let’s be honest the game was lost because Lamar Odom didn’t show up and ron artest was an absolute idiot on offense. Everything else would have been overcome with bynum’s absolute monster game. such a waste
Mason says
I’ll cut the refs *some* slack because it was a very physically played game, but how do you not reverse the Gasol/KG out of bounds call. There were no fewer than three angles showing KG had his hand inside of Gasol.
Weird.
3ThreeIII says
This lose was certainly on the Lakers.
Why they refuse to play to their strengths when their strengths are working I will never understand.
With 8 minutes remaining in the 3rd Quarter the Lakers had a 3 point lead, and Garnett, Perkins, Davis AND Wallace all had four fouls each.
Gasol and Bynum were finishing very well, and (13-20 FG’s and 20-25 FT’s combined) and yet the Lakers stopped going inside and started to shoot three pointers.
This team is incredibly hard to root for, because they are so STUPID at times.
magic days says
Another stinker from odom. i hope he realizes there’s a finals match going on and check into the game. pau and bynum were great. totally wasted a good 46 pts 14 rebs 3 ast, and 13 blocks. next game is a must win.
TB-8788 says
Give credit to Boston. They executed down the stretch and got easy baskets, while the ball stopped on our end and 4 guys stood around watching. The C’s did the little things tonight- won the 50-50 balls, got big rebounds, big second chance points, and big stops.
I anticipate the C’s taking this momentum to win big at home in game 3. Game 4 will be the pivotal game.
This is starting to look like the Pistons series in 88 with us coming back to LA down 3-2.
isang says
The NBA and its officials are conspiring against KOBE and the LAKERS.
Pig Miller says
Bill Bridges was spot on. These referees are terrible, and it showed the entire game. Both ways. The fact that they were able to miss a call clearly on a replay is evidence of the incredible level of competence. Any game can turn on a single call, this one did.
http://twitpic.com/1unqnn
chearn says
Lamar, Odom and Fisher were invisible this game!
At least 3 three point shots by Allen were made against Brown, he does not play defense. We should play Sasha more because even if Sasha fouls he’ll get in somebody’s head, plus he plays better defense than Brown and Farmar!
The film is killing me, how many moving screens are allowed?
sfjayp says
i’ll side with anyone who questions the 7 tech rule, even though that benefits boston this year.
remember – we went through that with kobe in the last couple years.
it’s kind of a joke that the tech count doesn’t reset each series, or at least is somehow pro-rated in relation to games played.
strange in a league so micro-managed as the NBA that there would be such a simple oversight. There are lots of other rules that are up for debate, but that’s the low-hanging fruit. The league needs to fix the tech rule this offseason.
swedishmeatballs says
@Mimsy
I’m thinking that they never saw that last angle from behind where you clearly see Kevin’s hand closer to the baseline during the entire play. Or at least that’s what I’m hoping for for their sakes. Cause if not.. then there’s just no hope for the NBA.
Buttas says
Very Happy for Bynum. He was a big bright spot and will most certianly be able to grow from this.
Now if Lamar wants to actually contribute to this championship push that will take us to a whole other level.
andre says
what could’ve been a 1 point lead turned into a 5 point lead with a call that i find more offensive than robbing galaragga the perfect game. that umpire had no use of instant replay. these clowns did…. that is unacceptable. i dont understand why some fans don’t demand good officiating just like they demand good play from the players.
and yes, those 2 fouls of kobe (once when rondo slipped out of bounds and the other offensive foul on ray allen) killed his rhythm offensively and defensively.
yajeel says
Simmons himself alluded on his gamecast to the fact that the officiating crew was perfect for the Celtics to get one on the road…
having said that, what the heck is going on with Odom???
Rondo was pretty amazing down the stretch, i have to say. KG… not so much.
Jim C. says
There are two stories of this game.
1. Ray Allen went insane in the first half.
2. The refs were insane throughout the entire game.
swedishmeatballs says
Oh and yeah, Odom really Stunk it up tonight. No excuse what so ever.
Joe says
Yea it will be really hard to win 2 of 3 at Boston, Im assuming were gonna have to win games 6 and 7 at Staples to win this series
Mimsy says
@swedishmeatballs
If I, at home, through my satellite feed, have a better view of what happens on the court than the refs have when they look at the replay feed, then that is an even bigger problem than anything else in the league, including illegal drugs, rape charges, gun problems, and refs getting involved with mobsters.
It would also explain a lot about the past few games.
Tyler says
FIsher and Lamar brought nothing tonight.
Shannon and Artest brought only total crap.
I’d also like to know why the NBA has a conspiracy to make these games as unfun to watch as possible. If the Lakers weren’t in the finals, the officiating would have made me change the channel and never look back for the rest of the series.
sfjayp says
seriously. I love odom, he’s so amazingly versatile and inspiring when he’s on – and such a chill guy off the court, but wtf. Dude is infuriating on nights like tonight.
thisisweaksauce says
Need to act as if Ray Allen is the first option on offense.
Pig Miller says
It’s a shame for the NBA that who officiates a game can be such a large determinant of who wins or loses a game. The Lakers clearly didn’t play as well as the first game, and the Celtics improved, but with 3 minutes left in a 3 pt game, you have to get that call correct. The awful announcing trio must’ve gotten the word from the truck to stop talking about it, because they shut up quick about it.
lakeshowfan says
Even w/ odom’s disappearance, artest boneheadedness and bench inadequacies, we were still in this game in the 4th. The ref’s out of bounds call and laying the 5th foul on kobe making him look like a mouse instead of the mamba we’re so used to clearly Influenced the game. HE’s the goto guy and the leader down the stretch…anyways, frustrating. Hopefully we can take the next one
chibi says
let’s not make odom the scapegoat. the reason the lakers lost had more to do with lack of execution than an individual performance.
Josh says
Not just tonight- Odom was terrible in game 1 too. Dude has mentally not checked in for this series and it’s going to cost us big if he doesn’t figure it out in Boston.
And Artest….1-10 is unacceptable.
Bobji says
The Lakers had the FT advantage no doubt, I saw a celtics blog where they were talking conspiracy as well. But I think the amount of free throws Bynum and Gasol shot made sense. Refs were favorable to the Lakers for large stretches (accurate as I’d like to think) but really it seems like in the 4th a lot of very crucial calls went to the Celtics tonight. Kobe had 3 BS fouls called on him which took him out of it and undoubtedly limited his ability to be aggressive in the 4th. That they didn’t overrule the out of bounds on Gasol after looking at the replay was… well completely ridiculous. Lakers have to win games where they actually shoot more free throws though, it’s such a rarity and probably won’t happen in Boston.
However, they were up 90-87 with 5 minutes to go but stagnated on offense after that. They could have done a lot better, but Gasol and Bynum didn’t get the looks they needed to make the offense click. Some bad ISO, some boneheaded plays and then Rondo and Boston took advantage of the situation. The seeds of defeat were planted when the Lakers started giving boston second chances in the 3rd quarter… I really think that although his stat line isn’t great, Big Baby really kept Boston in there and his offensive rebounding spread to others. Rondo really made the plays that counted though on defense and offense…
too bad it ended so poorly… but for
Next game, keep going into the post, hopefully Sasha will play more than Brown, Artest will shoot better than 10%, and maybe Odom will even appear.
Don says
Agree with chibi, Odom is not a one on one player. He can’t just “show up” if he wants to. Of course he wants to play well. Yes he took a couple bad shots, but it’s on our initiators to create for him and run the offense the right way.
hiero_yo says
Summary of the game: when the Lakers are a jump shooting team they are very beatable.
andre says
i propose that the thousand plus FB & G faithful not watch the NBA ever again. letters to the NBA aren’t going to work. we need to stop watching games, live and on TV, stop buying merchandise, anything that will hurt their pocket. its the only way we can make a stand. i’m doing it! i’m following the score off of my i-phone for these finals, and after this season, no more games and merchandise ever!
Joel b says
All te lakers need from there role players is not to be terrible. And that’s exactly what they were. Ron 1-10 and 3-8 ft 3 to. And he played even worse then his stat line. He wouldn pass and tries to do stuff on his. let’s hope The real artest hasnt finally shown up. Lamar is really a waste. I just don’t understand how he can only play well twice every 8 games. I think the lakers can count Lamar out for the rest of the series. but tuesday is the ninth game so we may see do something. Phil needs to play Sasha because brown can’t defend and offensively he’s liablity because he dribbles to much and doesn’t spread the floor. The only thing Phil is good at is adjustments in between games so we’ll see. I’m sorry I’m just frustrated so I may be overexaggerating. But damn why can’t odom do anything.
Burgundy says
I’m apoplectic.
Lakers had a huge ft advantage, but Kobe had 5 fouls, and refs missed a game-altering out of bounds call on KG (even with instant replay!).
This game was lost because Kobe could never get in rhythm because of fouls, Odom hasn’t shown up for the series, and Artest decided to go into hero mode.
This is a game the Lakers should have won, and ultimately, they have only themselves to blame.
Jeremy says
have fun with that 318
lakeshowfan says
Odom’s disappearance in the playoffs is nothing new…we’ve had this conversation many times before. Frustrating player to watch at times
http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2009/6/2/896088/does-lamar-odom-deserve-a-break-of
khoa says
impact of 1 bad call from ref:
1. -2 points for kobe
2. kills momentum for lakers
3. took kobe out most of the game
Game Over.
Sophomore says
Tough loss. What I really don’t understand is how Gasol – who was shredding the Celtics – just disappeared from the offense in the 4th quarter. Also, honestly, how do you keep Ron Artest in the game? He’s clearly having a very, very off night.
amyable says
Isn’t Callaghan supposed to be a good ref? Tonight was a disgrace.
I don’t even think it affected the outcome of the game (the Celts got a couple ticky tack fouls called on them as well), but today’s reffing crew should not be allowed to call anymore Finals games. Stern promised accountability after the Donaghy scandal, but so far he’s swept everything under the rug and proceeded with business as usual.
What a disgrace.
Joel b says
I disagree that odom can’t “just show up” because he’s not a one on one player. Actually he kind of his. He can create plays for himself and others but he just doesn’t bring the right focus and energy every game. Sometimes his body is on the floor but his mind is on the bench.
But the lakers don’t execute well in 4th quarters. I just don’t know why. Yes Boston is a great team, but the lakers are better. This series is wide open with the edge going to Boston right now. They only way lakers take game 3 is if they get something from fish, odom, and artest
Dan says
I’m a Celtics fan and was forced to listen to this game on the radio due to some weird power outages in the area and the commentators noted that KG did touch the ball last, but said that the call was compromised because Gasol had fouled KG on the play. In essence: KG only touched the ball because Gasol fouled him and because the refs could not call a foul on Gasol on the play, they gave the Celtics the ball. Also note that this analysis was prior to the actual call being made (they didn’t just try to justify the call after it was made) and these commentators did not indicate any bias (i.e. complaining about any calls that went against the Celtics) throughout the game. While I still have not seen the game or the replay of said foul, in this situation it would seem the refs made the right call.
Finally, for those who remain convinced the refs cost the Lakers this game, look at the free throw disparity (one which would be even larger if not for a series of Lakers fouls at the end of the game), look at the lack of touches for Gasol and Bynum in the last 5 minutes, look at Ron Artest, and look at the fact that the game ended with at least a 3 possession disparity. The refs did not cost the Lakers this game.
Edit: One final note, addressing the complaints that Kobe was “taken out of this game” by bad ref calls which in turn affected the Lakers to a larger extent than the free throw disparity affected the Celtics. Look at the fouls on the Celtics bigs (Shelden Williams had to play it got so bad), who are integral in slowing the Lakers bigs and providing an interior rebounding presence, and look at the amount of points scored by Kobe versus the difference in free throws. Unless you expected Kobe to go off for an absurdly efficient 40-50 points, it’s clear the refs had a marginal impact in deciding this game.
DY says
I was totally wrong about Shannon Brown (thought he actually had some long-term potential on this team)…don’t know what he’s thinking letting Ray Allen open all the time to double players for no reason. Shannon may be exercising that player option of his now. I’d actually find more ways to put Sasha and his 6’7″ frame on Allen. Shannon seems to think his superior jumping abilities compensate for terrible defensive positioning.
I really hate blaming the refs, but man, some of those fouls on Kobe were majorly suspect. I hate to see such a good game from Bynum go to waste, but maybe Bynum’s “emergence” tonight put Odom back into la la land…because he sure seemed out of it.
Snoopy2006 says
First of all, I’ll get this out of the way: (edited) the referees. Two horrible calls in crucial situations. Calling the foul on Artest, I might be able to understand – that was in real time. But how the hell do you go to a video replay and not see that Garnett touched that ball last? How is that humanly possible? Gasol’s hand was behind Garnett’s. They weren’t holding hands. Their fingers weren’t clasped. If you understand basic physics, how do you watch that video and believe Pau touched that ball last?
Ray Allen’s 4th foul in Game 1 was a phantom call, but two of Kobe’s tonight were phantom calls as well. The referees continue to insert themselves into games in negative ways.
But we lost the game in so many other ways.
-Shannon did not earn playing time over Sasha tonight. Phil should have pulled shannon after the first few brain farts. As athletic and electrifying as he can be, Shannon is not a high-IQ player. Tonight, that was on full display. I’d rather have the low-IQ but feisty Sasha sticking to Allen.
Leaving Ray Allen to help on Kendrick Perkins? Oh wait – I went back and watched the replay. Shannon wasn’t even doubling Perkins! He took a few steps towards Perkins and then stood there and watched – not close enough to bother Perkins, but too far away to recover to Allen. How many times do we catch Shannon just ball-watching on defense without an opponent in arm’s reach? This is Space Cadet level stuff.
-We cannot win if Lamar Odom plays like this.
-I said before the series that if there’s 1 stat that will reveal more than any others, it will be rebounding.
-I cannot say enough about the way Andrew Bynum played tonight. All over the court. Beautiful rotations, getting out to perimeter players and recovering, just being all around active in a way that (because of the knee) we haven’t seen for some time. Just heart and grit and intelligence. I don’t want to jinx it, but tonight, Drew played like a champion.
-Rondo had a big game, but Andrew Bynum is the reason that game wasn’t bigger. Forget the blocks; I counted several plays where just the block attempt changed Rondo’s shot so much that it missed.
-Although there are still some lapses, I have to tip my hat to Jordan Farmar. His contributions have been largely positive these entire playoffs, and he’s making things happen in these Finals.
-It’s highly unlikely Allen is this hot again, but Pierce is unlikely to play this bad.
Angry and disappointed right now. Hours ago, I thought the winner of this game would most likely go on to win the series. But we are the defending champions, and though it’ll be an uphill climb, I still believe we can pull out 2 of 3 in Boston.
Let’s all have faith. In a Steve Javie recovery.
GetItTogetherLakers says
I hate to say it, but I hope all of us Lakers fans are ready to be owned by the Celtics yet again. We just got owned on our own court, and now have to go to Boston for three straight games. Say goodbye to home court advantage. If we even make it back to L.A., I’m betting they’ll have a commanding 3-2 advantage and win one of the final two and finish us off. For the most part, they’ve had our number for years, and this year will probably be no different. Our failure to hold home court will cost us this series. I just wish that this team as a whole would get pissed off enough at losing to the Celtics to come out and absolutely crush them in Boston. I guess that is probably just wishful thinking. If “No Show” Lamar doesn’t produce in a major way for the rest of this series, he needs to be sent packing. I’d also like to know what true positive that Artest is steadily adding to merit the kind of minutes that he’s getting. Sure, this game feaatured some absolutely pathetic officiating. They even used replay on the one call and still screwed it up. That doesn’t change the fact that a great team needs to be able to overcome bad refs and bad calls, and we failed to do that. I hope we dominate in Boston, but something tells me that we won’t. I just hope that they wake up and strengthen their supporting cast when it’s over. They can start by dumping “No Show” Lamar. Money spent on him could be much better utilized on getting guys who at least consistently come to really play and try to win.
Don says
326 Joel, I think Odom’s great off of second and third passes when the ball is swinging and the defense is reacting. He’s also great in transition. He didn’t have these opportunities because we didn’t move the ball and weren’t able to get rebounds – and when we did Celtics were back.
I don’t think you can just give him the ball when the defense is set and he can make a play. Not against the Celtic’s team defense.
I do think Odom gets some blame for not playing well but the whole team does for not executing and helping him get opportunities.
328 As a Laker fan, I actually felt great after this game. We showed we are the better team with more talent and just as much competitiveness.
Lakers8884 says
Glad to see it wasn’t just Lakers fans seeing some horrible officiating. This excerpt is from the guys over at Celticshub.
“Quick addendum: The Lakers got a raw deal from the officials tonight. While they took more free throws than the Celtics by a wide margin, it seems as though they lost every 50-50 call and I noted a lot of phantom fouls. Oh and Garnett was the last one to touch that ball by a mile…”
Q says
don’t tell me nba games are not rigged
Buttas says
Ok. Let’s not over react. We certainly let one get away with our lack of execution in the 4th.
Kobe’s foul situation was a big issue as well as (and because of) some suspect officating.
However, the same could have been said by the Celts after game 1 with Ray. However, they adjusted and played a great Game 2.
So now it’s on us to do the same. Fish will most certainly play better as he normally is one of our most reliable contributors on the road. Odom has to know that he has been MIA so I can only hope, pray, beg that he shows up pissed for Game 3.
Kobe and Pau will be there and we just need to play to our strengths. We did that to get back into the game tonight and used it (inside play that is) to even take the lead in the 4th.
Just execute and we win.
Cdog says
I’m pissed off. Coming into the game I was kind of nervous that the Lakers would lack energy and smarts in the first half. They did. At halftime I was confident we were going to make a run, but we allowed too many second chances (and third chances) that kept the Celtics in the game and allowed them to rest Rondo. That dude was gassed, but those 6 minutes rejuvenated him.
Kobe and Ron weren’t allowed to play tonight – plain and simple. While I concede that Garnett and Perkins and Sheed were in foul trouble the whole game (with 1 or 2 bad calls), the refs single handedly gave Artest the wrong call two plays in a row, and stunted our momentum in the 3rd with Kobe’s fifth. I sensed a 10 point lead before that foul, after that our shots were not as efficient.
I am pissed. We are going to win the next game. Ray ray aint hitting 8 3’s, and the Refs are going to let Kobe and Artest play. Hit our free throws and push it down their throats. Lets go boys…
khoa says
impact of 1 bad call from ref:
1. -2 points for kobe
2. kills momentum for lakers
3. less defensive pressure from kobe
4. benched kobe for most of the game
Game Over.
T. Rogers says
Okay a couple of posters are going over the top. Now Boston is about to own the Lakers? GTFOH! The Lakers lost a game they should have won. Okay. The series is split. If they are a championship caliber team (and I think they are) they will have to win on the road. Boston hasn’t been exactly stellar at home this season. Their worst playoff loss came at home. The Celtics are not chumps. What did some of you think? The Lakers were going to bowl over and the C’s would cower in fear? They are proud and they won’t submit. They have to be beaten into submission.
This series is NOT over. It is just getting started. Initially, I picked LA in six. I’m sticking with that. It could go seven. A six or seven game series means the Lakers lose some games. Suck it up!
Orlando won in Boston. Cleveland won (big) in Boston. Do you some of you think the defending champs can’t? Come on! It is a frustrating loss. But the C’s are not just going to roll over.
I get the feeling some of you started heading down to Figueroa for the parade after the first game.
harold says
The one game I miss, we lose.
But wow, if we can get this kind of production from Pau and Bynum again, I’m feeling good about our chances.
No way the C’s are winning 3 straight on their home court, so we’ll get one there, bring it back where we want it.
Adam says
Boston started packing in the paint tonight big time. Especially when Kobe looked like he was planning to drive on Allen, there were help defenders on both sides a la 2008. This left Kobe driving into a wall of defenders, and the refs let Ray and co. play physically.
I think this, with the foul trouble, really frustrated Kobe. I too agree the refereeing was just abysmal, especially in the fourth when KG clearly held Pau illegally to let Rondo get passed for an easy layup. Then on the following play, Bynum (i think) is called for an illegal pick. And we don’t even need to talk about the replay gaffe.
In the end though, we really just didn’t execute down the stretch. At the end of the game, Artest was stuck with the ball and I think everyone has established this as when Artest was an idiot and went into hero mode (somewhere under 2 mins left). But if you look again, all you will see are four Lakers teammates just standing around on the perimeter. No cutting, no off ball screening, just standing around waiting to catch and shoot. Or just waiting to watch somebody else make the play. We need five guys out there always ready and anticipating opportunities to make plays, bottom line.
Blizzard says
I’m not sure I can follow the NBA anymore. I mean, unless the league office issues an official apology to everyone who watched that game, what is the point? They’re obviously incapable of getting the most obvious calls right, even with he benefit of insant replay. Or of even calling the semblance of a fair game. It’s a waste of time. I’m out for good this time.
Allan Brazil says
Some comments are missing the biggest point of the phantom foul calls on Bryant that led to his 5th (one that was questionable, at best).
Because of those fouls, he could not drive to the basket any more, fearing the Cs could draw a charge on him.
And once he became basically a jump shooter, Boston stopped doubling on him, and that led to fewer passes to Gasol and Bynum and disrupted our entire offense.
After the 5th foul we went mostly for isolation sets, that is all the Celtics want us to, because those possessions frequently end in a bad jump shot.
Same effect that happened in Game 1 with Ray Allen and Boston offense.
Let’s just hope the refs stay out of the game in Boston.
Mason says
Dan-
I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt because you were listening to the game on radio, but your radio play-by-play crew seemed to have less of a clue what was going on than the officials. Gasol had inside position on KG and KG kinda sorta went over Gasol’s back. The TV play-by-play chastised KG for putting himself in a position to pick a a cheap 6th foul. There was no foul called and there should not have been, but the crew just flat blew the possession call. KG clearly, clearly, got a hand in and knocked the ball out of bounds. Lemme take a guess… the guys you were listening to put theah ahs in the wroang plaches?
Buttas says
Seriously. T. Rogers has the correct perspecitive.
It was never going to be easy, so let’s go!
R.J. says
I said in the preview before this series that the two huge keys for the Lakers were limiting the following:
1. Ray Allen threes.
2. Rondo Offensive rebounding.
The Lakers (with some help from the officials in Game 1) effectively eliminated those two plays, and today they failed to do so and were beaten. Ray’s threes won the first half and Rondo’s offensive rebounds won the 2nd half. The Celtics played harder, but they did not overwhelm us with their physicality. I thought we answered the bell in that regard. It was mental breakdown after mental breakdown that decimated the Lakers tonight.
The player who, imo, had a subtly bad game tonight was Kobe. At least one of those fouls was a temper tantrum foul after Rondo made a great reach around to take the ball from him in the post. Then there was a foul on Allen 38 feet from the bucket!!! He takes it personally against Allen, and tonight it didn’t work out.On too many possessions, I thought he held the ball a click too long, overdribbled without any ball advancement, or limiting our offensive options because of shot clock issues derived from the ball staying in one spot for most of the possession. Defensively, I thought he stayed way too far off Rondo, especially where on the one drive and layup by Rondo, he was so far from Rondo that he allowed Garnett to screen him AND Gasol so Rondo could get to the hoop. He took a stab at keeping up with Ray Allen but was obliterated within two possessions.
On offense, the Lakers have all but abandoned the triangle, making themselves way too easy to defend and leading to bad shots.
Defensively, Ray Allen was so devastating that the Lakers had to resort to sending 2-3 players after him to chase him off his shot. This led to bigs switching off of down screens (a move I begrudgingly advocated), but unfortunately it led to easy mismatch buckets for the Celtics and offensive rebounds. I just don’t know what the answer is for Ray Allen, but I do know that Kobe needs to get a bit more aggressive early in the shot clock. This was a brutal loss, and Boston has a huge advantage because they got two extra days of adjustments after their loss (two practices and no travel) and now the Lakers have one travel day and then a game Tuesday. I’m pretty rattled after this game, so I’ll be leaning on Darius and some of the more level headed folks around here until Tuesday, where I’m really hoping the Lakers come ready to play.
Cdog says
I agree with you T. Rogers. Game 3 is going to be an adversity game, with a crazy Boston crowd. Lakers have gotta come in and fight it. 1st and 4th quarters killed us this game. The Celtics are front runners at home and their fans get scared fast when they are down. Gotta throw the first few punches and make sure they know we wont roll over like Cle or Orl.
Montross'Dad says
Kind of shocked at the regressive ‘blame the officiating’ talk on here. In the past i’ve read this blog and thought it and it’s commenters almost high-brow compared to many others.
robinred says
Before the series, I posted one of those “Five Reasons each team could win” deals. #1 on the list of five reasons favoring Boston was how much trouble Lamar Odom has playing against this team. I realize there are many factors involved in winning or losing, but if Odom scores 3 points in 14:38, the Lakers are going to beat this team maybe one time out of four. Game 1 was that one time. Odom needs to be getting a 10/10 against Boston.
Also, while he did not play well, I think people are being a little too hard on Shannon Brown. Yes, he made some mistakes, but Ray Allen is Ray Allen for a reason. He is capable of going off like that.
Boston was 1/10 on 3s in Game 1. Tonight they were 11/16. Game 3 will be somewhere in the middle.
Are the Lakers “in trouble?” Not deep trouble, but they are the underdogs now. If they win once in Boston, beating this team two times in a row, even at Staples, will be hard. It seems unlikely to me that they can win twice in Boston, but it it is not impossible. Artest is containing Pierce, and Allen is not going to go 8/11 on 3s every time.
Also, I have been fan since Showtime, and this was the first time since the GM 1 in 1985 that a Laker loss has made me feel sick to my stomach. ’08 was tough to take, but you live with it because the Celtics were better. I want the Lakers to win this series very, very badly, on a visceral level. Not news to anyone, of course, but seeing the Lakers LOSE to the 2010 Celtics drove that point home.
Joel b says
331 You’re that odom is best as a finisher. But odom is the type of guy that makes own luck. Odom doesn’t really have games where good shots are rimming or he’s playing really great defense but guys are just make really touch shots. It’s all about odoms effort and focus. When he plays well, he’s active he’s slashing in the lane, he’s getting put backs. He isolates against defenders to put them on their heels. He rotating on defense like he should and helping like game one and two vs PHX. but when he has these games he does none of that. He floats around the 3 pt line all night offensively and looks absolutely lost defensively. So no he’s not the one on one guy like Kobe, but he can isolate on the perimeter or post up when the second units needs a basket. But odom can just show up because he creates opportunities for himself and others when he plays with energy, effort and focus. But Lamar just doesn’t play that way most the time.
Although the officials were terrible. The lakers beat themselves. Too many guys played like this game didn’t matter. And I rather live with sashas ticky tack fouls, then Brown completely disrupting the offense by refusing to pass the ball with out dribbling for 7 seconds and trying to go one on one first and making the same mistake defensivlely over and over and over.
When the lakers lose it normally because they don’t play smart. The lakers can afford to mentally take games off and expect kobe and gasol to play hero, or expect to win by trying to be the hero, artest. The lakers were look for a knock out punch when the game got close in the 3rd instead executing offensively and defensively.
While I believe the lakers can play much better I’m not so sure about brown, artest and odom.
Mace says
I love this. Go back and look at a lakers win and not one complaint about refs. Look at a loss and all the bandwagon jumpers are ready to “give up on the NBA” because the lakers got outplayed and outcoached. The refs made equal bad calls both ways. Blaming things on the officiating is an excuse and champions don’t make excuses. In general you guys are an embarrassment to the game of basketball so please stop with the idle threats of boycotting the NBA and go find a better team to be a fair weather fan of.
Darius says
#346. I wish I could say that Lakers fans would be better about this, but they’re obviously not. IMO, there were so many bigger issues than the referees gaffe on the out of bounds play, but fans often want to point at the “big” play rather than look at all the little ones that create the actual outcome in a game. The Lakers shot poorly, didn’t run their offense effectively, didn’t guard Ray Allen for long stretches (allowing him to break a Finals record for made threes) – but the refs are to blame. That’s the cop out excuse for fans that would rather have things given to them than having to earn it. I’m tired of it. I’m just going to start deleting the comments that talk BS about games being rigged or officials agendas. I’ll be happy to have “fans” no longer watch the games if it means less bitching about the refs. One of the mottos of this site has always been that if you allow the game to be close enough where the refs can have an impact than that result is on you (the team/players). Tonight that happened. The Lakers didn’t execute and they lost. The refs missed some calls. Okay. The refs didn’t stop the Lakers from covering Ray Allen. They didn’t force the Lakers to stop throwing the ball inside to their big men. Please. These complaints are tired.
ray says
WE can complain about the refs all we want, but it still won’t help. We can’t control that. Here’s what we can control.
Pau Gasol was 7/10 from the field and 11/13 from FT. That is even better when you realize one of Pau’s shots was a 3 pointer with 17 seconds left in the game. Pau’s shots in the 4th quarter? that ONE 3 POINTER.
Bynum was 6/10 9/12 and ONLY SHOT ONCE in the fourth quarter.
They cannot handle our bigs. We need to get them the ball more in places where they can do things.
Kobe shot 3/8 in that fourth quarter… and they payed him perfectly. 21 points on 20 shots is exactly how you want Kobe to play.
Let’s go. Game 3.
ken says
Oh I just let them play through it. The Phil Jackson way of coaching.
So when Brown is running around like a dumb blonde and standing in the key in the 2nd quarter I guess he just let them play thorugh it.
5 3 pointers in 7 minutes with Brown looking like a silly child and Phil just let them play through it.
That lost the game for you Phil.
Here’s a thought Phil. Call time out, get the guy out of the game and try Sasha or B.Shaw. 5 3’s in 7 minutes and you sat there and stared into space.
Of course Odom didn’t show up in Boston 2 years ago and again a no show. This guy shows up once a week his entire career and is stealing money from the Lakers.
Lakers8884 says
Players not named Kobe, Pau, Drew shot a combined 8 of 31 for a whopping 25.8% that is the stat of the night.
John Matrix says
I think most of us are very upset about this game, the natural instinct is to blame the refs.
I blame Shannon Brown for leaving ray allen wide open… so dumb..
robinred says
261.Celtics Nation wrote on June 6, 2010 at 7:53 pm
I believe I called it – NOBODY can guard RAJON RONDO. ONE ALL BABY!
___
Really glad this guy found this site. Of course, some Laker fans do this stuff as well.
chearn says
@345, the referees did not cost the Lakers this game, the Lakers cost the Lakers this game! More specifically, Lamar and Brown added NOTHING to the game.
Ron-Ron played excellent defense on Pierce, but took his own self out of the game by trying to dribble drive and taking ill adviced 3pt shots.
Fisher was worn out from chasing Allen all over the floor and going under the screens instead of over the top of the screens, so this took him out of his offensive flow.
Cudos to Sasha, I though he played well in the time that he was given. He should get more time in Boston as the Lakers are going to need some hard-nosed play from off the bench.
Buttas says
Totally agree with Darius (and many others who have said it before) in that the refs have been nothing but consistantly bad. However…. the Lakers had a 3 point lead late and just failed to execute over and over again.
Plus the Rondo rebounding was just a killer.
I still like what I saw from a lot of people not named Kobe, so it’s same to assume that if they play well again and Kobe plays a better game 3 then we should prevail.
All is not lost…
amyable says
@355
He’s part of the Truehoop network, I believe. I’ve got no problem with him, since he keeps everything basketball-related.
The ones who are personally attacking Laker fans are the ones who need to get out, IMO.
Cdog says
Darius,
You are a wise man, delete the comments about people stop watching the nba, and the official conspiracy, and all that. I agree and just don’t believe it to be true. I do, however, believe that certain calls are momentum calls, and BOS got a lot of em tonight. A lot. And that takes the gas out of our guys even though the fought to the very last possession.
I am a firm believer that we can win in Boston – I know our guys have the toughness and grit to do it, not we gotta go do it. The series is like Denver last year, it is going to be hotly contested in every game, and we need our guys to step up.
1/10 from Artest doesn’t really explain how bad he was offensively tonight. He posted up Ray a lot, which is what Laker fans called for, and I think that was a mistake. One, Ray didn’t ever foul him, and two, it resulted in bad spacing and bad transition D in the 1st half.
The counter to Ray Allen’s fire is keeping a body on him. In the 2nd half fisher did a relatively solid job on that, and that is what got us back in the game. Contested two pointers can’t beat us guys. Wide open 3 pointers can. Are bigs are back and ready to contest the 2’s (and if they go in so be it), but our guards have gotta be ready to chase them off the line. 11/16 from 3’s was not good from the Lakers, as most of them were open, and even Rondo hit an uncontested one.
Their will be a strategy change in the next game, and it will be interesting to see. I forsee a pretty big game from Lamar actually.
Also, anyone find it strange that the refs saved Perkins from the 7th tech. If they are always gonna call that tussle play a tech (agree with it or not), then they cannot refrain from calling it when a possible suspension looms. That shows either 1. favoritism or 2. a belief that they way you normally do things is wrong, neither of which is right.
That said, Big Baby has been killing us in both games, and I actually think we are much better off with Perkins in the game – it literally makes them 4 on 5 on offense.
Gr8 Scott says
A tough loss, but one that should galvanize us for a better game 3. It’s bunker mentality now. And expect for Fish to be the 4th scoring option. LA 97-Bos-95 in game 3. Go Lakers!
Joel b says
I agree with Ken they blame needs to go on Jackson. Yes he has 10 rings. But the guy does make mistakes, but never get called out for them.
I think jacksons play through it philosphy is what may cost the lakers this series. This isn’t the 3 pt bulls or lakers. Those teams had abolute veterans with high bball Iqs b shaw who is coaching now, Kurr, horry kukoc etc. Those guys may not have been the best, most skilled or altheltic. But they new what to do, where to be and when to be their. That cannot be said about odom, brown, farmar or even artest. These guys “can’t play through it”. Phil should know that when these guys play through it they will keep playing poorly more times then not, and the lakers can’t afford that.
Tra says
1st & 4most, have to give credit where credit is due. Boston EARNED this victory 2nite. As I previously stated, 1. This series will be decided in the PAINT & 2. We have to find a way to contain ‘Jesus Shuttlesworth’. Tonight, we did NEITHER. We were Out-Rebounded and Boston had more points in the Paint. They were also able to get out in Transition for easy buckets. And even though we shut ‘Jesus’ down in the 2nd half, if it wasn’t for his incredible shooting in the 1st, they wouldn’t have been in the game. Rondo played an Excellent all ’round game & took over in the 4th. Whether it was through his scoring, boards or passing (even that critical block on Captain Fisher), he just controlled everything. To the Naked Eye, it also looks as if they won the 50/50 Battle. Their Defense was better also. They took away our lanes to the hole. We could not dribble drive as we did in game 1. Respect Given.
As for us, it’s a shame that Excellent games by our ‘Twin Towers’ had to go to Waste. Not only did Young Drew give us 21 pts & 7 blks., he also played 39 EXTREMELY PRODUCTIVE Mins. As for Pau, for the 2nd game in row, he was our BEST player with 25 pts & 6 blks. We can’t BLAME the Refs either, considering the fact that we shot 15 more Free Throws and were + 11 from the Stripe. Still waiting for LO to come and join us for The Finals and as I predicted, Captain Fisher’s offense would be stymied because of the challenges of Shadowing ‘Jesus Shuttlesworth’. Granted, Ron Ron shot Terrible, but he wasn’t brought here for that aspect of his game. He was brought aboard to Lock Up individuals such as P. Square. Which he Definitely did (limiting Pierce to only 10 pts on 2 for 11 shooting). So if you look @ it, his Defensive Effort went to Waste also. When it comes to Kobe, he just looked indecisive 2nite. Looked passive @ certain points of the game. I understand that his foul situation played a major part in how aggressive he could be, but once again, he shot under 50% from the field. So far, (considerin’ he shot Terrible from the Field in the ’08 Series) it looks as if he still hasn’t figured out how to Attack this Boston defense.
At the End of the Day, it’s just 1 game, so Hopefully, come game 3, we’ll make the necessary Adjustments which will allow us to take back home court advantage. But in order for us to do that, Kobe will have to shoot better than 40% (which he shot 2nite) from the Field & we’ll need a more consertive defensive effort on ‘Jesus Shuttlesworth’.
On to Bean-Town. Gut Check Time. Now We’ll See Where Cats Hearts Are At.
Laker 4 Life …. Go Hard Or Go Home
Cdog says
We did do some very good things in this game that, even with the loss, can be taken forward.
For one, KG and Rasheed were not playing well the whole game, and you have to give our bigs credit for that. 2, when Tony allen came in, we were smart enough to recognize that and dared him to shoot a 3, which of course he missed, because he and Lamar are probably equal in 3 point shooting. 3, I though Farmar and Vujacic actually played a very energetic and strong game – and Vujacic was yanked a little too quick than I’d like in the 1st half.
Yes Allen can blow by him, but that plays into our hands because the Celtics have to have the 3 pointer to beat us.
Biggest need for improvement – closing the gap on screen faster (stop jumping to block a 3 point shot, get in his face and make him put it on the ground and out of rythym. I actually think the Lakers did a bad job of selling the moving screens that Pierce was setting all night, and it cost them. The Celtics (even though the claim to play physical) are a very proficient flopping team and it allows them to get bail out calls. Our guys never fall down off that moving screen, which bails out the official from making a Judgement call.
In the 4th quarter you also can’t let anything go into the basket from the lane uncontested – not acceptable. A Rondo uncontested layup is not something that should happen, and KG should not be able to pick both Bryant and Gasol from the same pick – that was bad D by Kobe.
Little things guys, little things.
Anonymous says
Stop with the LO will show up fantasy. Boston has smart coaches. They figured out 2 years ago that after 10 years in the league Odom is a one handed player. Shut off his left, force him into offensive fouls and let him take the 20% 3 point shot and he becomes nothing.
LO will not show up aganist Boston. He is his own reality series and its called overated and overpaid is me.
Snoopy2006 says
This, to me, is the real danger of the 2-3-2. In 2008, I actually preferred to be the road team, because I thought we could grab one of the first two.
Champions are forged through fire, and the heat just turned up a little bit tonight.
I found this interesting: a reporter asked Kobe to comment on Bynum’s 21 points and great play, and Kobe flatly said that points don’t matter, only defense does. Now, although I would have loved to see more boards from Drew, I actually thought Drew played a great game defensively. I don’t know if Kobe just doesn’t want to give players too much credit so they don’t get complacent, or if he actually wasn’t happy with Drew’s defense. But I was suprised he didn’t compliment Drew’s D at all. Maybe I watched the game the wrong way.
Our poor defense flowed from our bad offense today, since it’s obvious the C’s lead was built on transition points. But late, when the game slowed to a grind, and many predicted we’d win the game in such a situation, we moved away from the post. After Kobe hit his 2 hero shots, all the Lakers stopped looking for the post and started a perimeter chuckfest. The ball movement stopped for so many stretches in this game. Although I agree that our defense could have been better (much better in the case of Allen), I thought offensive execution was the greater sin tonight.
ken says
Thank you Ray! This team lacks smart basketball players and that is when a coach has to call timeout and make changes.
Stop with the ref thing. Lakers shot way more foul shots. 41 to 26!!!! If they didn’t miss 10 they win. Nice clunkers by Ron from the line. Blame your team for stinking up on defense and the foul line.
NCB says
You could always say that the Lakers should have played well enough to “play through” the terrible calls, but it’s hard to refute that a 4 point swing with 1:59 left in the game due to that blown call isn’t devastating to the Lakers.
It seemed to me that the entire game was a series of “makeup” calls, usually initiated by a phantom non-shooting foul on the Lakers, then immediately made-up on the other end of the court (a few of Garnett’s 5 fouls). I appreciate the Donaghys’ gestures, but 5 fouls on Kobe is crippling no matter what.
Even with Ron playing like he was drunk and our PGs sharing the same defunct brain (although props to Sasha-who I agree, should get more playing time), the Lakers could have had a shot to win the game if not for the 1:59 missed REVIEWED call (!).
And, uh, Lamar with 3 fouls in 3 minutes? Whaaaa…
AND AGAIN- Just because the Lakers shot more foul shots doesn’t mean the game was officiated properly!
3ThreeIII says
338: Harold wrote: “But wow, if we can get this kind of production from Pau and Bynum again, I’m feeling good about our chances.”
And that sums up perfectly EXACTLY why this Lakers team is so frustrating to fans and students of the game. They CAN get that production from Gasol and Bynum EVERY game. EVERY SINGLE GAME.
They simply don’t try to.
I will never understand it.
chibi says
i’m not worried at all. i think it’s more accurate to say the lakers lost this game than the celtics won it.
if the lakers execute on offense, they win.
Don says
Joel I think PJ gets called out for his “mistakes” more often than deserved. To say that on this site made me laugh.
jodial says
Sadly, that’s what happens when you abandon what works for you…having Jeffrey Osborne sing the anthem.
Honestly. Why would you give anyone else the mic in a Finals game?
Joel b says
363 is pretty much on the money with l.o. He was the one concern I truly had about this series. If no bynum the lakers absolutely lose in 5 or 6 games. Odom is the model of inconsistency. In 08 his best game in the finals, he actually played his best half then his worst half of that entire playoffs. In game 4 I belive he went 7/8 with 16 first half points, the lakers where up double digits and he finish the game with like 18 points and 8/11. The guy just mentally checks in and out.
We just have to hope me makes some jumpers
and get some offensive rebounds.
The biggest adjustmet phil can make is turnin ron back into a spot 3 point shooter, spreading the floor with a real spot up 3 point shooter, and not trust odom and the bench.
Snoopy2006 says
One number that I love: 39 huge minutes for Bynum tonight.
I also wonder what the fallout of that will be. He hasn’t played close to that many minutes in a long time. With only a 1-day break, how will his body hold up?
Jeremy says
ok I did some work and took a shower and now have the right perspective. Let’s look at a couple of things
1. This is a team that overcame adversity against Houston & Denver last year and OKC & Phoenix this year. The one constant about this team has been that when their back is up against the wall they respond by playing great basketball. This team has also shown it can win on the road consistently.
2. If the Lakers go into Boston and win game 3 then once again the momentum will shift right back and everyone on the green side will be saying the sky is falling.
3. Lost in the this defeat has been that for 2 consecutive games our big men have completely dominated Boston’s to the point where KG is either on a terrible streak, injured or washed up. Either bods well for us.
4. To lose game 2 we had to play terrible perimeter defense have 3 key guys either not help or actually hurt us (fisher, odom & artest) and have Kobe sit with foul trouble.
5. After all of the above Boston’s offense outside of Allen and Rondo looked pretty bad again.
6. We still have an amazing playoff home record. Does anyone doubt that we can win games 6 & & if needed? I don’t.
7. Boston still has the Perkins & Wallace tech issues to worry about which could be a big factor in games 4 – 7. Think about what it would mean to their interior D if one of both has to miss a game
I’m disappointed but still very confident Lakers will win the championship.
chearn says
I thought that Phil should have utilized more of his bench while at home in order to win this game. Bynum played what 38 minutes this game? Bynum has not logged that many minutes since 2009, so he was gassed at the end, incapable of getting those rebounds that Big Baby came up with in the fourth quarter. That was a coaching error. He could have bought Bynum some rest by playing Powell, Mbenga or Luke at home.
Now, what did logging that many minutes on the floor do to Bynum’s knee. Will he be able to contribute anything with his regular 20 minutes in game 3? These are questions that Phil must make preparations to answer in game 3.
Boston knows how to play Kobe, and I thought that Kobe pumped faked too many times trying to draw fouls on Allen rather than to just shoot over him.
The Lakers are going to be hard pressed to win in Boston where the referees may not make any calls against Boston for fear of drawing the wrath of the fans.
I’m afraid that this series, unlike the Phoenix series, Lamar and Artest did not spend anytime in the gym shooting. Now, there will be no time to practice shooting jumpers and the double team will continue to come from the guy defending Artest.
Matt R. says
My buddy and I spent the entire fourth quarter yelling at the TV because the Lakers – Kobe especially – refused to throw the ball inside. Kobe went into hero mode instead of remembering how he beat the Magic last year. Gasol was destroying the Celtics and we didn’t get him the rock.
ray says
Everyone needs to get over their anger for the loss. The refs weren’t the reason that R. Allen made those 3s. Refs didn’t let Rondo get the O Board. Refs weren’t the ones NOT passing to our bigs.
Our turn to make adjustments. To come back and hit them in the mouth at their home court. To dictate the pace. To be the aggressors.
If we can’t do that, then we don’t deserve to be the champs. I think the Lakers want that this year. They will have to prove it.
Is it Tuesday yet!!!???
ken says
Other way to look at it Jeremy is Boston won while getting nothing from two of their best players Pierce and Garnet.
Kobe on Rondo did not work, he almost fouled out.
Allowing Allen to set a all time 3 point record on your home court is something that would NEVER happen to a Riley/Magic team. Never!
robinred says
From Adande’s Twitter:
@jadande Didn’t keep his word vs ORL RT @SPORTSbyBROOKS: Paul Pierce on video to Lakers fans: “We ain’t coming back to L.A.”
Jeremy says
Ken,
I’ll give you Pierce (however Rick Bucher had an interesting observation that Pierce and Rondo never seem to play well in same game) but Garnett has not played well since the Clev series. To Boston’s credit that have found ways to continue to win but the question is can they win 3 more games against the Lakers with similar lack of production or effect on games.
I think the answer is closer to no than yes.
Two ways to look at game 3 in terms of KG, does being a home remedy is problems or does flying cross country and then playing a day later exasperate them.
chearn says
Kobe got one of his fouls on a stupid open court play against Allen at the start of the 3rd. But if Kobe doesn’t guard Rondo, who will? Kobe can not chase Allen all over the court through those screens (remember, he is injured).
Lakers have to stick with the game plan and Kobe has to box Rondo out, there’s no reason that he should get that many rebounds on the second best rebounding team in the league.
One option for the Lakers is to give Artest a few minutes in the 1st and 3rd quarters on Allen, just enough time that Allen has to arm wrestle with Artest to get free to make a cut to get a screen to get a shot. That should wear him out just as it is obviously wearing Pierce out to fight with Artest in order to get a shot.
Phil is going to have to coach, too, I thought he should have called timeout in the first quarter when Allen hit his 2nd three pointer. Allen and Pierce are just as dangerous as Kobe when they get on a roll hitting shots, so their shots need to be curtailed as swiftly as possible.
robinred says
The Celtics went 11/16 on 3s and the Lakers went 5/22. That probably won’t happen again.
As to Pierce and Garnett, I think they have some matchup problems in this series. They may do better, but I don’t see huge games coming from them–maybe one from Pierce.
On the other hand, we have heard a lot about role players playing better ball at home, and the Lakers bench has had some rough road outings.
I also agree with 373: Bynum now has to fly across the country and play on the knee again on Tuesday, and then again on Thursday. This is why the team has to get more from Odom, and, obviously, they have to do a better job following Allen off the picks. When I have seen Allen, he misses a lot more often if you can make him make the catch on the move to the ball, or if you can get there in time to stop him from squaring up his body. But his release is so quick and his stroke is so good, that is easier said than done.
Joel b says
Darius said in game 1 wrap up that it’s only 1 game and the lakers have to win 3 more. Well it’s the same thing for Boston.
If the lakers win this series, it will be because they are more talented.
If Boston wins it’ll be because they are the smarter team.
The lakers just can’t take plays off. They can’t decided they will do by themselves offensively and forget about team work. The lakers resorted to this type of basketball in the First,second and late in the 4th quarters. This actually spilled over from the 4 th quarter of game 1.
I just home the lakers not just go in game 3 expecting to win becuase the celtics won’t probably won’t shoot 68% from 3 and not willing
to put in the effort to make sure that the celtics won’t duplicate this performance.
The lakers are capable. Kobe can play much, rom can play much better and fish can as well. Odom will give at least one good game. So although it seems the Series is over, it not yet. They have to come out with a mentality they will not lose becuase they will not be outrebounded, outhustled, outworked etc.
Mason says
376 (ken)-
Kobe got two offensive fouls – charge drawn by Davis, “head butt” drawn by Allen (?) – and two silly defensive fouls (blocking Allen @ 37′ and blocking Rondo @ 75′). I don’t recall what the other one was, but having him guard Rondo wasn’t really the cause of his foul trouble.
Ben says
It’s interesting that Ron’s mis-adventure with a minute to go only cost the Lakers time as the possession ended with that cold blooded Kobe 3. It just felt like a less productive moment than it was in retrospect.
The refs were troubling, there’s no doubt. I don’t blame them for the rondo getting pushed out call. The camera caught the perfect angle, but I don’t believe that any ref had a view from an area of the sideline where that would be visible (would listen if someone have video proving that someone had a good sight-line). Remember, these calls happen in real time and often the cameras and slow motion replay show much more than a person can take in as it happens. (the replay gaf was still a big one, unless they saw Gasol slapping KG’s paw as some sort of foul). On the other hand, Kobe could have easily been called when he prevented Ray from hitting that fast break layup (it wasn’t a foul, it’s never a foul, bu that one always gets called and always looks innocent in replay). That gets called in any other spot, but no one is going to foul Kobe out of a close finals game.
As for the conspiracy theories, LA is the bigger market, has the biggest star, makes the most money and sells the most jerseys. If anything Laker titles are good for the league. And if a 39-16 FT advantage before intentional fouling begins is the refs short changing a team, than I think every team wants the refs against them. LA basically was 23 free throws better, did they deserve more than that?
(Not to mention the odd set of complaints that resonate after different losses. In earlier series a FT disparity was proof enough of being wronged. Inside-outside disparities didn’t matter then. After a phoenix loss the argument was that early calls took LA out of it’s game. I’m guessing four fouls on every PF/C impacted Boston’s game, they adjusted)
Lastly, this whole, five fouls stripped Kobe of his rhythm is such a cop out. We are talking about a man many claim is the best in the league. Role players need that rhythm and feel. The greats see the moment and get into rhythm, and if they don’t, they take the heat and unleash hell the next game. I’m guessing he will. I still believe LA takes this, the series just might be a bit more interesting.
Joel b says
Wow Paul pierce has to be the cockiest player in the NBA, but a lot people don’t notice. But thank you pierce for pissing Kobe and the lakers off even more. Now I’m absolutely confiden the lakers take game 3.
NCB says
Yeah that Paul Pierce is a real class act…
chearn says
@380, I thought the Lakers game plan was to mitigate their three point shots. In game one I thought the Lakers only took 10 3’s which led to a relatively easy victory.
The Lakers are not a good 3 pt shooting team, certainly not as good as Orlando and look what happened to them for shooting so many 3’s. 3 point shots by their opponents plays into Boston’s game plan.
One must also be prepared for Boston’s bench to be much more aggressive at home. Robinson is a starter sitting on Boston’s bench. Big Baby is much more animated at home. And Paul Pierce said that Boston is going to win all three games at home.
Now, we’ll see what this whole Boston-Laker rivalry is about!
I maintain the Lakers in 5!
Don’t make me a liar Lakers, let ‘s GO!
R says
308 -“I’d also like to know why the NBA has a conspiracy to make these games as unfun to watch as possible.”
Now THAT’S the one conspiracy theory that makes sense!
It always seems to take 45 minutes real time to watch the last 3 minutes elapsed time of a close NBA game.
ken says
with Phil Jackson teams it comes down to basketball IQ.
Pippin, Jordan, Kerr, Grant, Harper all very high IQ’s
Shaw,Harper, Fox, Fisher, Kobe, Horry all very high IQ’s
Odom, Artest, Brown, Farmer, Sasha
all single degit basketball IQ’s.
You can’t allow them to work through it Phil. They are not members of the mensa hall of fame. Its called coaching Phil not watching,
Chearn sorry but do you really believe Boston will lose 3 in Boston. I will give you 10 to 1 odds on that anyday.
robinred says
I maintain the Lakers in 5!
__
Well, that would mean the Celtics aren’t coming back to LA. 😉
chearn says
@387, HAHA robinred, good point, that makes Pierce a psychic!
Cdog says
I can’t stand Princess’s arrogance, the lakers are going to be pissed coming out of the gate, the same anger that fueled them in game 1, and we will see where the cards lie. This is a series guys, get ready for the grit.
Darius says
The game recap is up.
http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2010/06/06/celtics-get-their-split/
Andre says
It’s my prerogative to choose what I do with my life and what I say here. Delete it if you want but just like I choose to abstain from parts of the food industry and health industry, I’m doing what I want with my money and time and it is not going to a corrupt industry. I love mcdonalds and bacon but I don’t eat it anymore. I love the lakers and have watched since 1991 but a) I don’t believe the NBA does it right and b) it’s personally an unhealthy hobby. I’ve tried to quit a couple of times but have always come back. I will try again.
Mike Penberthy says
“Now, we’ll see what this whole Boston-Laker rivalry is about!”
Unfortunately this rivalry has historically been about celtics beating the lakers.
ray says
ken,
can u pretend that the Lakers won today. What would u type on this page?