Nothing like the start of the NBA season to take the sting off a heartbreaking baseball and fantasy baseball season. Yes, the 2008-2009 NBA season started tonight. My Los Angeles Lakers had a very easy time disposing of the Portland Trailblazers 96-76 in front of a sell-out crowd at Staples Center. As usual, Kobe Bryant led the way, scoring 23 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Pau Gasol added 15 points and seven rebounds. It was such an easy win for the Lakers that no one played more than the 33 minutes both Kobe and Pau put in.
And for those interested, the "World Champion" Boston Celtics didn't need the help of their sixth man (i.e.: referees) against the Cleveland Cavaliers in their 90-85 win tonight at Boston Garden. The "zebras" actually called a very fair game tonight, but the key to the Celtics winning was actually the Cavs all-everything Lebron James missing four of five free throws at one point in one sequence down the stretch. As I've said before, the main difference between Kobe and "King James" is that one makes their free throws during crunch time, while the other doesn't. Perhaps one day, Mr. James will get that part of his game on a par with the rest of it.
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Showing posts with label 2008 NBA Playoffs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2008 NBA Playoffs. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Lakers Put Spurs Against Wall With Game 4 Win
It was a game which probably gave many Los Angeles Lakers fans a heart attack. The Lakers jumped to a quick 22-8 lead in Game 4 of their best-of-seven playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs tonight at the Alamodome, and then watched almost helplessly as some very poor officiating helped bring the Spurs back into the game and (almost) the series. It was tied 45-45 with 2:10 to go in the second quarter before an 8-2 Laker run gave the visitors a 53-47 halftime lead.
The game remained close in the second half as the Spurs drew within a point at 71-70 with 1:32 to play in the third quarter. Kobe Bryant then made a dunk and Sasha Vujacic hit a 3-pointer from the left wing and was fouled with 49 seconds to play. Vujacic converted on the rare 4-point play and the Lakers led 77-70 entering the fourth quarter.
Both teams stepped up the defense early in the fourth quarter, and the Spurs managed to outscore (if you want to call it that) the Lakers 9-4 through the first 7:20 to trim the margin to 81-79. The Lakers then seemingly almost put the game away as Lamar Odom dunked and converted a 3-point play on successive possessions and Kobe added a slam of his own to make the margin 88-79 with only 3:26 to play. The Lakers held a 93-86 lead with 56 seconds to play. Pau Gasol was fouled as the Spurs missed on their next attempt, but he inexplicably missed both free throws. A Manu Ginobili 3-pointer trimmed the margin to just four points with 42 seconds to play. A Tony Parker layup with 28 seconds left cut the Lakers lead to 93-91. The Lakers used up all of the clock in their next possession with Kobe missing a long fall away jumper as time expired. Tim Duncan grabbed the rebound with 2.1 seconds to play and the Spurs called time-out. The Spurs had one last shot to win, but Brent Barry's desperation 3-pointer was well off the mark and the Lakers escaped with a 93-91 win to take a commanding three games to one lead in the series. Ironically, the Lakers finally caught a break from the officials as it appeared that Derek Fisher may have fouled Barry on the play.
After personally shouldering the blame for the Game three loss, Lamar Odom more than made up for it, scoring 16 points (hitting 8-for-9 free throws) and grabbing nine boards. Kobe had another nice performance, scoring 28 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Gasol, despite his missed free throws at the end, had another strong game scoring 10 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and leading the Lakers with six assists and two more blocks. The usually reliable Lakers bench was largely absent tonight though scoring 19 points total, making only 28% (7 for 25) of their field goal attempts. Fortunately, the five Lakers starters combined to make 31 of their 60 shot attempts - a robust 52%.
Game five of the series will be at Staples Center on Thursday night starting at 9 ET/6 PT on TNT. Go Lakers!
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The game remained close in the second half as the Spurs drew within a point at 71-70 with 1:32 to play in the third quarter. Kobe Bryant then made a dunk and Sasha Vujacic hit a 3-pointer from the left wing and was fouled with 49 seconds to play. Vujacic converted on the rare 4-point play and the Lakers led 77-70 entering the fourth quarter.
Both teams stepped up the defense early in the fourth quarter, and the Spurs managed to outscore (if you want to call it that) the Lakers 9-4 through the first 7:20 to trim the margin to 81-79. The Lakers then seemingly almost put the game away as Lamar Odom dunked and converted a 3-point play on successive possessions and Kobe added a slam of his own to make the margin 88-79 with only 3:26 to play. The Lakers held a 93-86 lead with 56 seconds to play. Pau Gasol was fouled as the Spurs missed on their next attempt, but he inexplicably missed both free throws. A Manu Ginobili 3-pointer trimmed the margin to just four points with 42 seconds to play. A Tony Parker layup with 28 seconds left cut the Lakers lead to 93-91. The Lakers used up all of the clock in their next possession with Kobe missing a long fall away jumper as time expired. Tim Duncan grabbed the rebound with 2.1 seconds to play and the Spurs called time-out. The Spurs had one last shot to win, but Brent Barry's desperation 3-pointer was well off the mark and the Lakers escaped with a 93-91 win to take a commanding three games to one lead in the series. Ironically, the Lakers finally caught a break from the officials as it appeared that Derek Fisher may have fouled Barry on the play.
After personally shouldering the blame for the Game three loss, Lamar Odom more than made up for it, scoring 16 points (hitting 8-for-9 free throws) and grabbing nine boards. Kobe had another nice performance, scoring 28 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Gasol, despite his missed free throws at the end, had another strong game scoring 10 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and leading the Lakers with six assists and two more blocks. The usually reliable Lakers bench was largely absent tonight though scoring 19 points total, making only 28% (7 for 25) of their field goal attempts. Fortunately, the five Lakers starters combined to make 31 of their 60 shot attempts - a robust 52%.
Game five of the series will be at Staples Center on Thursday night starting at 9 ET/6 PT on TNT. Go Lakers!
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Friday, May 23, 2008
Lakers Rout Spurs in Game 2!
For 22 minutes tonight, game two of the Western Conference Finals at Staples Center was a close game. The tired and weary Spurs though were simply no match for the Lakers after that though. The Lakers went on a 9-0 run over the final 1:54 of the first half to take a 46-37 halftime lead. From there, the Lakers steadily increased their lead, taking the margin to 17 points at 74-57 at the end of three quarters. When it was all said and done, the Lakers had a blowout 101-71 win to take a commanding two games to none lead in the best-of-seven series.
Kobe was his normal dominant presence, pouring in 22 points while dishing off five assists and grabbing five rebounds. "Mr. Double Double," Lamar Odam had a 20 point, 10 rebound, four block effort, while Jordan Farmar came off the bench to add 14 points. Derek Fisher with 11 points and Pau Gasol added 10 points as five Lakers scored in double figures. As a team the Lakers shot 54.9%, while the stingy Lakers defense held the Spurs to only 34.5% shooting. Game three of the series will be in San Antonio at 8:30 ET/5:30 PT on TNT. GO LAKERS!
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Kobe was his normal dominant presence, pouring in 22 points while dishing off five assists and grabbing five rebounds. "Mr. Double Double," Lamar Odam had a 20 point, 10 rebound, four block effort, while Jordan Farmar came off the bench to add 14 points. Derek Fisher with 11 points and Pau Gasol added 10 points as five Lakers scored in double figures. As a team the Lakers shot 54.9%, while the stingy Lakers defense held the Spurs to only 34.5% shooting. Game three of the series will be in San Antonio at 8:30 ET/5:30 PT on TNT. GO LAKERS!
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Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Lakers Steal Game 1 From Spurs!
Lakers coach Phil Jackson jokingly quipped during halftime of the game one of the 2008 NBA Western Conference finals tonight at Staples Center that Kobe Bryant was running the "Bermuda Triangle offense," rather the Triangle Offense that the coach is perhaps known best for. Kobe indeed was in the Bermuda Triangle in the first half as he only tallied two points. Derek Fisher didn't score at all, and not surprisingly, the visiting San Antonio Spurs took a 51-43 halftime lead.
Early in the third quarter, things went from bad to worse for the Lakers. A 14-2 Spurs run over the first 6:06 of the third quarter gave San Antonio a commanding 65-45 lead. Even last year, prior to the Pau Gasol trade, this Lakers team probably would have wilted and closed tent under the pressure. But these new Lakers do have a healthy Gasol... and Kobe decided about this time to come back from Bermuda. The Lakers Went on a 14-0 run over the next 3:38 as Kobe scored seven points, Gasol added four, and "the machine," Sasha Vujacic hit on a three-pointer. The sleeping crowd at Staples Center was suddenly wide awake and into the game again!
The Spurs took a tenuous 72-65 lead into the fourth quarter. And as you Lakers fans know, the fourth quarter is also known in these parts as "Kobe time!" The league MVP, along with his wingmen Derek Fisher and Lamar Odom, slowly pecked away at the Spurs lead. With 3:18 to play, Odom's fingerroll tied the the game at 81. Two Kobe free throws and a jumper on the next possession gave the Lakers an 85-81 lead with 2:17 to go. The Spurs (aided by some very poor officiating) managed to tie things back up at 85 on a Tim Duncan layup with 41 seconds to play. Kobe calmly took his time with the Lakers ensuing possession, passing to Vujacic and then driving into the lane for a relatively easy 12-foot jumper with 23.9 seconds to play. Manu Ginobili's 3-point attempt with eight seconds to play was well off the mark. Vujacic was fouled with 7.3 seconds to play and sank both free throws to seal the Lakers amazing come-from-behind 89-85 win!
Kobe scored 25 of his 27 points in the second half. He also dished out nine assists and grabbed six boards. Gasol was his steady self with 19 points and seven boards to with two more blocks. Odom only had eight points and eight rebounds, but made some some VERY plays on both offense and defense down the stretch. What a game! GO LAKERS!
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Early in the third quarter, things went from bad to worse for the Lakers. A 14-2 Spurs run over the first 6:06 of the third quarter gave San Antonio a commanding 65-45 lead. Even last year, prior to the Pau Gasol trade, this Lakers team probably would have wilted and closed tent under the pressure. But these new Lakers do have a healthy Gasol... and Kobe decided about this time to come back from Bermuda. The Lakers Went on a 14-0 run over the next 3:38 as Kobe scored seven points, Gasol added four, and "the machine," Sasha Vujacic hit on a three-pointer. The sleeping crowd at Staples Center was suddenly wide awake and into the game again!
The Spurs took a tenuous 72-65 lead into the fourth quarter. And as you Lakers fans know, the fourth quarter is also known in these parts as "Kobe time!" The league MVP, along with his wingmen Derek Fisher and Lamar Odom, slowly pecked away at the Spurs lead. With 3:18 to play, Odom's fingerroll tied the the game at 81. Two Kobe free throws and a jumper on the next possession gave the Lakers an 85-81 lead with 2:17 to go. The Spurs (aided by some very poor officiating) managed to tie things back up at 85 on a Tim Duncan layup with 41 seconds to play. Kobe calmly took his time with the Lakers ensuing possession, passing to Vujacic and then driving into the lane for a relatively easy 12-foot jumper with 23.9 seconds to play. Manu Ginobili's 3-point attempt with eight seconds to play was well off the mark. Vujacic was fouled with 7.3 seconds to play and sank both free throws to seal the Lakers amazing come-from-behind 89-85 win!
Kobe scored 25 of his 27 points in the second half. He also dished out nine assists and grabbed six boards. Gasol was his steady self with 19 points and seven boards to with two more blocks. Odom only had eight points and eight rebounds, but made some some VERY plays on both offense and defense down the stretch. What a game! GO LAKERS!
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Friday, May 16, 2008
Lakers Escape with Game 6 Victory!
A game which was a blowout for most of 3 1/2 quarters got really close at the end... so close that the Utah Jazz actually had two chances to tie the game with less than 10 seconds to play. Both of those shots were off though, and the Los Angeles Lakers held on for a 108-105 to take game six of the best-of-seven series against the Jazz and advance to the Western Conference finals to take on the winner of game seven of the series between the San Antonio Spurs and the New Orleans Hornets.
Though the Jazz may have lost the game, they certainly earned my respect in this series. Unlike the Lakers first round opponent, the Denver Nuggets, the Jazz never gave up. The Lakers took a double-digit lead early, taking a 33-20 first quarter lead. By halftime, the Laker bulge had grown to 19 points at 62-43. The Lakers kept the Jazz at bay in the third period, and held an 86-70 lead with 12 minutes to play. The Jazz trimmed the Lakers lead to seven points with 5:17 to play, but Kobe Bryant hit a 3-point shot and then converted on a 3-point play on the ensuing possession to get the lead back to 13 points at 99-86 with 4:21 to go. The Jazz then staged a furious rally, connecting on 3-pointers on five conseutive possessions during a 19-6 run to cut the Lakers lead to just two at 105-103 with 16 seconds to play. Kobe Bryant was fouled immediately on the ensuing possession and made both free throws to up the lead back to four, but the Jazz then scored a layup with 13 seconds left to make it a 107-105 game. Derek Fisher was then fouled with 10 seconds to play and made the first free throw but missed the second. The Jazz then missed both of their game-tying 3-pointers and the Lakers had escaped with a 108-105 win.
Kobe led the way for Lakers as usual, scoring 34 points (including 12 in the fourth quarter) to go with eight rebounds and six assists. Importantly, Kobe made all seven of his final period free throws. Pau Gasol was steady as usual with 17 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks. As the late, great Lakers announcer Chick Hearn would have said, the last four minutes of tonight's game was "nervous time." Thankfully, the Lakers have moved forward and become the second team to clinch a trip to the NBA Conference Finals. GO LAKERS!
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Though the Jazz may have lost the game, they certainly earned my respect in this series. Unlike the Lakers first round opponent, the Denver Nuggets, the Jazz never gave up. The Lakers took a double-digit lead early, taking a 33-20 first quarter lead. By halftime, the Laker bulge had grown to 19 points at 62-43. The Lakers kept the Jazz at bay in the third period, and held an 86-70 lead with 12 minutes to play. The Jazz trimmed the Lakers lead to seven points with 5:17 to play, but Kobe Bryant hit a 3-point shot and then converted on a 3-point play on the ensuing possession to get the lead back to 13 points at 99-86 with 4:21 to go. The Jazz then staged a furious rally, connecting on 3-pointers on five conseutive possessions during a 19-6 run to cut the Lakers lead to just two at 105-103 with 16 seconds to play. Kobe Bryant was fouled immediately on the ensuing possession and made both free throws to up the lead back to four, but the Jazz then scored a layup with 13 seconds left to make it a 107-105 game. Derek Fisher was then fouled with 10 seconds to play and made the first free throw but missed the second. The Jazz then missed both of their game-tying 3-pointers and the Lakers had escaped with a 108-105 win.
Kobe led the way for Lakers as usual, scoring 34 points (including 12 in the fourth quarter) to go with eight rebounds and six assists. Importantly, Kobe made all seven of his final period free throws. Pau Gasol was steady as usual with 17 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks. As the late, great Lakers announcer Chick Hearn would have said, the last four minutes of tonight's game was "nervous time." Thankfully, the Lakers have moved forward and become the second team to clinch a trip to the NBA Conference Finals. GO LAKERS!
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Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Lakers Win Tight Game 5!
The final score may have read 111-104 tonight as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Utah Jazz in game five of their best-of-seven series, but believe me it was a lot closer than that. The Jazz never led the game, and trailed by only 3-4 points throughout the fourth quarter.
NBA MVP Kobe Bryant nursed a sore back and became facilitator instead of scorer, not taking a single shot in the final period. Without Kobe taking control of the offense, it was his two wingmen who assumed command. Lamar Odom scored seven of his 22 points in the final period, and Pau Gasol scored six of his 21 points including a key rebound and slam dunk of a Sasha Vujacic miss with 20 seconds to play to give the Lakers a 107-102 lead. Odom also grabbed 11 rebounds, while Gasol had eight assists, six rebounds and four more blocked shots. Kobe only took ten shots in the entire game, scoring 26 points, while dishing out seven assists and grabbing six rebounds. Derek Fisher also played a prominent role with his tenacious defense, grabbing four steals in additon to his 14 points.
Game six of the best-of-seven series is in Utah at 10:30 ET/7:30 PT and will be seen on ESPN. GO LAKERS!
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NBA MVP Kobe Bryant nursed a sore back and became facilitator instead of scorer, not taking a single shot in the final period. Without Kobe taking control of the offense, it was his two wingmen who assumed command. Lamar Odom scored seven of his 22 points in the final period, and Pau Gasol scored six of his 21 points including a key rebound and slam dunk of a Sasha Vujacic miss with 20 seconds to play to give the Lakers a 107-102 lead. Odom also grabbed 11 rebounds, while Gasol had eight assists, six rebounds and four more blocked shots. Kobe only took ten shots in the entire game, scoring 26 points, while dishing out seven assists and grabbing six rebounds. Derek Fisher also played a prominent role with his tenacious defense, grabbing four steals in additon to his 14 points.
Game six of the best-of-seven series is in Utah at 10:30 ET/7:30 PT and will be seen on ESPN. GO LAKERS!
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Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Lakers Roll to 2-0 Lead!
With Kobe Bryant finally winning his first MVP award, many thought that he and his Los Angeles Lakers teammates might have a letdown against the Utah Jazz tonight in game two of their best-of-seven round two playoff series tonight at Staples Center. The Lakers did have a letdown, but fortunately it only lasted about 4 1/2 minutes into the game.
The Jazz kept it close early, actually leading 13-12 with 7 1/2 minutes to play in the first quarter. The Lakers then went on a 21-5 run to close the quarter to take a 33-18 lead. From there, the Lakers were never seriously challenged until late in the fourth quarter when the Jazz cut the lead to 99-94 with 5:58 to play. But, just like in game one on Sunday afternoon, the Lakers then put the Jazz away just as quickly as they had inched close. Sasha Vujacic hit a 20 foot jumper and Derek Fisher connected on his fourth three-pointer of the night to stretch the margin back to 10 points. The Jazz desperately tried to get back into the game in the closing 1:01, fouling the Lakers six times! It didn't work though as the Lakers made 11 of their 12 free throws, and finished with a 120-110 victory to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
The usual suspects did their thing for the Lakers tonight. The newest league MVP had 34 points (11-for-18 from the field, 11-for-12 from the line), eight rebounds and six assists. "Mr. Double Double," aka: Lamar Odom had 19 points and grabbed 16 rebounds. Pau Gasol had a "quad 5"... scoring 20 points while grabbing five rebounds, dishing out five assists, and blocking five shots. "D-Fish" scored 22 points including the aforementioned four three-pointers. "The Machine," as Vujacic is called by his teammates, scored 12 points off the bench.
Game three of the Series will be on Friday night in Utah at 9:00 ET/6:00 PT and can be seen on ESPN. GO LAKERS!
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The Jazz kept it close early, actually leading 13-12 with 7 1/2 minutes to play in the first quarter. The Lakers then went on a 21-5 run to close the quarter to take a 33-18 lead. From there, the Lakers were never seriously challenged until late in the fourth quarter when the Jazz cut the lead to 99-94 with 5:58 to play. But, just like in game one on Sunday afternoon, the Lakers then put the Jazz away just as quickly as they had inched close. Sasha Vujacic hit a 20 foot jumper and Derek Fisher connected on his fourth three-pointer of the night to stretch the margin back to 10 points. The Jazz desperately tried to get back into the game in the closing 1:01, fouling the Lakers six times! It didn't work though as the Lakers made 11 of their 12 free throws, and finished with a 120-110 victory to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
The usual suspects did their thing for the Lakers tonight. The newest league MVP had 34 points (11-for-18 from the field, 11-for-12 from the line), eight rebounds and six assists. "Mr. Double Double," aka: Lamar Odom had 19 points and grabbed 16 rebounds. Pau Gasol had a "quad 5"... scoring 20 points while grabbing five rebounds, dishing out five assists, and blocking five shots. "D-Fish" scored 22 points including the aforementioned four three-pointers. "The Machine," as Vujacic is called by his teammates, scored 12 points off the bench.
Game three of the Series will be on Friday night in Utah at 9:00 ET/6:00 PT and can be seen on ESPN. GO LAKERS!
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Sunday, May 4, 2008
Lakers Begin Round 2 on High Note!
For one quarter this afternoon, the Utah Jazz were able to hang with the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. The problem for the Jazz though is the NBA game is four quarters. The Lakers only led 25-24 after one period, but Kobe Bryant and company gradually built their lead until it reached 13 points at halftime. The Lakers lead continued to grow until it reached 19 points at 68-49 with 7:33 to play. The Jazz though were persistent and slowly pecked away at the Lakers advanatage, trimming the Lakers lead to 79-72 by the end of the third quarter. The Jazz would stay close, getting to within four points at 91-87 on a layup with 4:44 left to play. They would get no closer though, although even three minutes later they were still down by only six points at 96-90. The Lakers then finally closed things out, scoring five points over the next minute to give them an insurmountable 101-90 lead. FINAL SCORE: Lakers 109, Jazz 98.
Who were the heroes for the Lakers? The usual suspects continued to dominate. Kobe went off for 38 points, making 21 of his 23 free throws and grabbing six rebounds, while dishing out seven assists. Pau Gasol contributed 18 points and 10 boards, while Lamar Odom almost matched him with 16 points and nine rebounds. Sasha Vujacic scored 15 points off the bench in just 17 minutes of action, and Ronny Turiaf added four blocks in his 18 minutes.
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Who were the heroes for the Lakers? The usual suspects continued to dominate. Kobe went off for 38 points, making 21 of his 23 free throws and grabbing six rebounds, while dishing out seven assists. Pau Gasol contributed 18 points and 10 boards, while Lamar Odom almost matched him with 16 points and nine rebounds. Sasha Vujacic scored 15 points off the bench in just 17 minutes of action, and Ronny Turiaf added four blocks in his 18 minutes.
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Monday, April 28, 2008
Lakers Seal Deal in Denver!
No, the Los Angeles Lakers didn't bring their "A" game tonight to Denver - it was more like their "C" game. Lots of turnovers in the second half and some poor defense kept their opponent in the game after trailing by 10 points at halftime. In the end though, their "C" game was good enough as the Lakers defeated the Denver Nuggets 107-101 to sweep their best-of-seven first round series.
Kobe Bryant lead the Lakers as usual with 31 points, seven rebounds and six assists, though he did uncharacteristically miss six of his 10 free throw attempts. The rest of the three-headed beast was in full effect tonight as well as Pau Gasol contributed 21 points and seven boards, while Lamar Odom had yet another double-double, scoring 14 points, while leading the team with 12 rebounds. Amazingly, this sweep by the Lakers was the first in a playoff series since the 2002 NBA Finals.
The Lakers now get to rest a little as they await the winner of the series between the Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz. The Jazz currently hold a commanding three games to one lead in that series.
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Kobe Bryant lead the Lakers as usual with 31 points, seven rebounds and six assists, though he did uncharacteristically miss six of his 10 free throw attempts. The rest of the three-headed beast was in full effect tonight as well as Pau Gasol contributed 21 points and seven boards, while Lamar Odom had yet another double-double, scoring 14 points, while leading the team with 12 rebounds. Amazingly, this sweep by the Lakers was the first in a playoff series since the 2002 NBA Finals.
The Lakers now get to rest a little as they await the winner of the series between the Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz. The Jazz currently hold a commanding three games to one lead in that series.
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Saturday, April 26, 2008
Lakers Take Mile-High Step!
It was probably their first true playoff test to date. The Los Angeles Lakers went to Denver to take on the Nuggets in game three of their best-of-seven playoff series this afternoon. The game just concluded and to say the Lakers passed their first playoff "road test" with passing colors would be a huge understatement. The Lake Show flat out ACED this exam!
With a ferious defense, the Lakers held the Nuggets to just 46 first-half points in taking a seven point lead into the lockerroom. In the second half, the Lakers D tightened the clamps down even harder, holding the Nuggets to just 38 second half points. In the meantime, the Lakers offense was working on all cylinders. A 30 point third quarter extended the lead to 19 points and effectively put the game away. The Lakers lead grew to as many as 23 points in the final period, before they settled for a 102-84 victory to take a commanding three games to none lead in the series.
Once again, the Lakers victory was a team effort. As usual, Kobe Bryant led, scoring 22 points, while adding seven assists and eight rebounds. Pau Gasol had 14 points and Lamar Odom talled 12. Derek Fisher also scored 14 points, including three 3-pointers in the pivotal third quarter to help put the game out of reach. The final dagger from "D-Fish" came with 1:53 to play in the period to give the Lakers an 81-64 lead. Luke Walton again made his presence felt as the sixth man, scoring 15 points while adding five rebounds and five assists in just 24 minutes off the bench.
Game four of the series will be on Monday night at 10:30 ET/7:30 PT and can be seen on KCAL 9 locally and TNT nationally. GO LAKERS!
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With a ferious defense, the Lakers held the Nuggets to just 46 first-half points in taking a seven point lead into the lockerroom. In the second half, the Lakers D tightened the clamps down even harder, holding the Nuggets to just 38 second half points. In the meantime, the Lakers offense was working on all cylinders. A 30 point third quarter extended the lead to 19 points and effectively put the game away. The Lakers lead grew to as many as 23 points in the final period, before they settled for a 102-84 victory to take a commanding three games to none lead in the series.
Once again, the Lakers victory was a team effort. As usual, Kobe Bryant led, scoring 22 points, while adding seven assists and eight rebounds. Pau Gasol had 14 points and Lamar Odom talled 12. Derek Fisher also scored 14 points, including three 3-pointers in the pivotal third quarter to help put the game out of reach. The final dagger from "D-Fish" came with 1:53 to play in the period to give the Lakers an 81-64 lead. Luke Walton again made his presence felt as the sixth man, scoring 15 points while adding five rebounds and five assists in just 24 minutes off the bench.
Game four of the series will be on Monday night at 10:30 ET/7:30 PT and can be seen on KCAL 9 locally and TNT nationally. GO LAKERS!
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Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Nuggets Get a BIG Dose of Kobe!
The "MVP" chant was in full-force almost from the beginning for the Lakers' Kobe Bryant in their game tonight at Staples Center in game two of their best-of-seven playoff series against the Denver Nuggets... Unlike Sunday's performance where he had an off shooting game, #24 was simply "en fuego" all night long, scoring 20 points in the first quarter and 25 in the first half to help give the Lakers a 59-49 halftime lead.
The Nuggets though were not done, and actually went on a 21-10 run over the first 6:33 of the third period to take a one point lead at 70-69. The Lakers stormed right back though, going on a 20-9 run of their own to close the quarter, reestablishing their 10 point halftime margin. The Lakers withstood one last Denver run in the fourth quarter as Allen Iverson scored six points as part of a 14-9 run to trim the Lakers lead to 98-93 with 7:16 to play. At that point, Kobe decided to do what the only the very great ones are capable of doing - he almost single-handedly took over the game! Over the next almost five minutes, he scored 17 points during a 22-8 Laker run. Yes, it was VERY reminiscent of what #23 in the Chicago Bulls uniform did so many times in the 1990's... After scoring his 49th point with 2:22 to play in the game, Kobe was pulled to more MVP chants from the crowd. The Lakers then cruised the rest of the way to a 122-107 win to take a two games to none lead in the best-of-seven series.
As for Kobe's night, the 49 points only tell part of the story. He was extremely efficient from the field, making 18 of his 27 shot attempts including 5-for-9 on three pointers. He was also 8-for-9 from the foul line and even managed to dish out 10 assists when he wasn't scoring. Both totals being one short of career playoff highs. Pau Gasol had a double-double of his own, scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Luke Walton had another great game off the bench with 17 points, 7 rebounds and five assists.
Yes folks, Showtime is BACK in L.A.!!! The Lake Show featuring Kobe, Paul & L.O. travels to Denver this weekend. Game three of the best-of-seven series will be shown at 5:30 ET/2:30 PT on TNT. GO LAKERS!
The Nuggets though were not done, and actually went on a 21-10 run over the first 6:33 of the third period to take a one point lead at 70-69. The Lakers stormed right back though, going on a 20-9 run of their own to close the quarter, reestablishing their 10 point halftime margin. The Lakers withstood one last Denver run in the fourth quarter as Allen Iverson scored six points as part of a 14-9 run to trim the Lakers lead to 98-93 with 7:16 to play. At that point, Kobe decided to do what the only the very great ones are capable of doing - he almost single-handedly took over the game! Over the next almost five minutes, he scored 17 points during a 22-8 Laker run. Yes, it was VERY reminiscent of what #23 in the Chicago Bulls uniform did so many times in the 1990's... After scoring his 49th point with 2:22 to play in the game, Kobe was pulled to more MVP chants from the crowd. The Lakers then cruised the rest of the way to a 122-107 win to take a two games to none lead in the best-of-seven series.
As for Kobe's night, the 49 points only tell part of the story. He was extremely efficient from the field, making 18 of his 27 shot attempts including 5-for-9 on three pointers. He was also 8-for-9 from the foul line and even managed to dish out 10 assists when he wasn't scoring. Both totals being one short of career playoff highs. Pau Gasol had a double-double of his own, scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Luke Walton had another great game off the bench with 17 points, 7 rebounds and five assists.
Yes folks, Showtime is BACK in L.A.!!! The Lake Show featuring Kobe, Paul & L.O. travels to Denver this weekend. Game three of the best-of-seven series will be shown at 5:30 ET/2:30 PT on TNT. GO LAKERS!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Lakers Gasol Up on Nuggets!
I said it at the time of the trade, and I will reiterate it today. The Los Angeles Lakers acquision of Pau Gasol a few months ago may go down as the best in-season player move the Lakers organization has ever made. Mitch Kupchak has gone from looking like a goat to genius in a short six months, and Kobe Bryant for the first time in a very long time seems to be totally content playing here in Los Angeles.
Prior to yesterday's game between the Lakers and the Denver Nuggets at the Staples Center, I had heard from ESPN and other sources that the officiating had been especially poor in most of the earlier playoff games held this weekend. Sure enough, as I got on the road to visit family yesterday and listened to the first several minutes of the game on the radio, what were the Lakers announcers griping about despite the Lakers getting out to an early 26-16 lead with less than a minute to play in the first quarter? Yes, the officiating! From buying into Vlade Divac-like flops by Nugget players and calling ticky-tack fouls on the Lakers it was apparent from the outset something was up.
After about three minutes or so of watching the game, I was convinced that the refs were trying to give the game to the Nuggets. And not surprisingly the Nuggets proceeded to go on a 27-9 run over the next seven minutes of action to take an eight point lead midway through the second quarter. The "officiating" got so bad that I even turned the game off, telling my Mom "the refs are trying to throw the game." Despite the "officiating," the Lakers though managed to go on a little run of their own, outscoring the Nuggets 11-4 over the next three minutes. The refs decided to then call a "phantom foul" on Allen Iverson against Kobe to give him his third one of the game with 2:51 to go in the half. Coach Phil Jackson took a risk and left Kobe in the game for more than two minutes before benching him with 35 seconds to play in the half. Led by Pau Gasol's 18 points, the Lakers took a narrow 58-56 lead into the lockerroom. In addition to picking up three fouls, Kobe had a miserable first half offensively, scoring four points on just 2-for-9 shooting.
The Lakers halftime lead would have been much larger if the referees had called the game fairly - the Nuggets took 22 free throw attempts to the Lakers' SEVEN in the first half!!! Perhaps Comissioner Stern sent a memo to the officiating crew at at halftime, as the officiating was much more equal in the second half.
Kobe and the rest of the his Lakers teammates, and most especially Gasol, made sure the refs weren't going to have any bearing on the result of this one as they went on a 15-4 run to begin the second half to stretch the lead to 13 points. The Nuggets would never get closer than nine points the rest of the way as the three pronged monster of Kobe, Pau and "L.O." went crazy over the game's final 24 minutes. In his first ever playoff game victory in 13 tries, Gasol truly had a game to remember, finishing with 36 points, 16 rebounds, 8 assists and three blocked shots. Kobe pitched in 28 second-half points to finish with 32 despite only shooting 9-for-26 from the field. L.O. added 16 points, 14 boards and six assists, while Luke Walton chipped in with 17 points and five assists off the bench. Final score: Lakers 128, Nuggets 114.
Game two of the best of seven series will be played at the Staples Center at 10:30 ET/7:30 PT on Wednesday night and can be seen on TNT nationally and Prime Ticket locally.
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Prior to yesterday's game between the Lakers and the Denver Nuggets at the Staples Center, I had heard from ESPN and other sources that the officiating had been especially poor in most of the earlier playoff games held this weekend. Sure enough, as I got on the road to visit family yesterday and listened to the first several minutes of the game on the radio, what were the Lakers announcers griping about despite the Lakers getting out to an early 26-16 lead with less than a minute to play in the first quarter? Yes, the officiating! From buying into Vlade Divac-like flops by Nugget players and calling ticky-tack fouls on the Lakers it was apparent from the outset something was up.
After about three minutes or so of watching the game, I was convinced that the refs were trying to give the game to the Nuggets. And not surprisingly the Nuggets proceeded to go on a 27-9 run over the next seven minutes of action to take an eight point lead midway through the second quarter. The "officiating" got so bad that I even turned the game off, telling my Mom "the refs are trying to throw the game." Despite the "officiating," the Lakers though managed to go on a little run of their own, outscoring the Nuggets 11-4 over the next three minutes. The refs decided to then call a "phantom foul" on Allen Iverson against Kobe to give him his third one of the game with 2:51 to go in the half. Coach Phil Jackson took a risk and left Kobe in the game for more than two minutes before benching him with 35 seconds to play in the half. Led by Pau Gasol's 18 points, the Lakers took a narrow 58-56 lead into the lockerroom. In addition to picking up three fouls, Kobe had a miserable first half offensively, scoring four points on just 2-for-9 shooting.
The Lakers halftime lead would have been much larger if the referees had called the game fairly - the Nuggets took 22 free throw attempts to the Lakers' SEVEN in the first half!!! Perhaps Comissioner Stern sent a memo to the officiating crew at at halftime, as the officiating was much more equal in the second half.
Kobe and the rest of the his Lakers teammates, and most especially Gasol, made sure the refs weren't going to have any bearing on the result of this one as they went on a 15-4 run to begin the second half to stretch the lead to 13 points. The Nuggets would never get closer than nine points the rest of the way as the three pronged monster of Kobe, Pau and "L.O." went crazy over the game's final 24 minutes. In his first ever playoff game victory in 13 tries, Gasol truly had a game to remember, finishing with 36 points, 16 rebounds, 8 assists and three blocked shots. Kobe pitched in 28 second-half points to finish with 32 despite only shooting 9-for-26 from the field. L.O. added 16 points, 14 boards and six assists, while Luke Walton chipped in with 17 points and five assists off the bench. Final score: Lakers 128, Nuggets 114.
Game two of the best of seven series will be played at the Staples Center at 10:30 ET/7:30 PT on Wednesday night and can be seen on TNT nationally and Prime Ticket locally.
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