Half 'n' half
First things first: If the Lakers and Warriors meet in a seven game series this postseason, I'm asking for a raise. I think I developed carpel tunnel just trying to keep up with this game, which moved so fast that for the play-by-play the PR folk hand out after each quarter, they had to use, like, three point font just to get it on a standard sheet of paper. Just putting that out there. This is the blogging equivalent of hazard pay. But enough about me, how about them Lakers? It wasn't always easy, and it definitely wasn't always pretty, but in the end the Lakers took the away portion of the home and home with Golden State, 123-119 in OT. It's already past 11 and my flight's at 6:30 tomorrow morning, so you'll forgive me if there's not much preamble to tonight's breakdown, which can be found below.
(In the meantime, there will be much debate about the wisdom of the crucial whistle in the OT, where Monta Ellis was called for a charge moving through Derek Fisher as the Warriors tried to set up their final shot. Needless to say, it was controversial. Even Fish said he didn't expect a call there...)
Before delving into the traditional "Good, Bad, and Ugly" wrapup, it's important to emphasize that very little about this game can be so neatly summarized. Nobody performed well for all 53 minutes, and just about everyone stepped up with solid play at one point or another. As for the team, like Sunday, it was a tale of two halves- Golden State controlling the first (more or less), the Lakers the second and then the OT (more or less). Everything is a sort of mixed grill this evening. So with that in mind...
The Good:
- Lamar Odom: Okay, I take that back. One guy played great for all 53 minutes, and I mean that literally. LO played every minute of the game, was 10-15 from the floor, 3-5 from the line, enough for 23 points. On the glass, he hauled down 21 rebounds, the first back to back 20+ board night in over 13 years for the purple and gold. Odom also tossed out five dimes, was aggressive all night attacking the rim on one end and defending it on the other- his five blocks included some monster saves in the fourth when the Lakers cranked up the defensive pressure- and unquestionably left everything out on the floor. After the game, I asked him if he planned on pulling a Dirk and hitting the gym after the Lakers' plane landed tonight. For the record, he isn't.
- The Third Quarter: Just as it was Sunday, the Lakers came out after the break down a healthy margin (in this case, 11 points), and turned things around. They attacked the zone Don Nelson threw at them, taking threes but also crashing the glass and finding soft spots in which to operate. They outscored the Warriors in the paint 18-6, and fueled by five offensive boards racked up 11 second chance points. 15-25 from the floor, good for 60%. Meanwhile, by converting at a high rate offensively and forcing the Warriors to stay home and protect the interior, LA held Golden State to a half court game, allowing a single fast break point. Over that 12 minutes, GSW shot 35% from the field, and was 1-7 from beyond the arc.
- OT: At this point, it was something of a battle of wills, and the Lakers came out on top. The extra frame didn't start well, with consecutive misses from Kobe on isolations where the ball didn't move well, then the Lakers turned the ball over on consecutive possessions (an offensive foul on Kobe, and a horrible play by Sasha where he was totally unaware of Ellis as he dribbled up the floor, and Monta easily picked his pocket). But after a timeout with two minutes to go, the Lakers shaped up. Fish with a triple, and then after LO snagged a Sasha miss, Vujacic got a second chance and drilled another triple. The Lakers sealed the deal with a nice dish from Sasha to Odom, after the oft-shot happy Slovenian passed up a mid range jumper to feed LO cutting to the hoop. Three helps on four buckets in the quarter.
More importantly, the Lakers were stout on the defensive end, holding a tired Golden State team to 3-9 from the floor, and keeping them off the line.
- Ronny Turiaf: His habit of passing out of the post rather than shooting- and drawing three second violations on teammates expecting the ball to go up- needs to stop, but overall he gave a gritty effort on a bum ankle. 32:35, 11 poitns, eight boards, two blocks.
The Bad: Like I said, everyone on the roster (save Odom) seemed like they were gunning for a spot here at one point or another. Kobe had an off shooting night (11-30)... but was 4-8 in the fourth and finished with 30/11/7. Sasha finished with 19 and hit some huge shots, but also was extremely careless with the ball and fired with impunity and made some really poor decisions. Derek Fisher? 6-16 heading into OT... but made two big buckets there and also drew the charge on Ellis that won the game in the end.
See what I'm getting at? So let's focus on team stuff:
- The First Half: Apparently, nobody really learned a lot of lessons Sunday night, though things weren't nearly as bad. The Lakers did a much better job offensively, getting a lot of looks down low early. Except they couldn't hit a layup to save their lives. The 8-26 mark in the first included a lot of missed chippies. On the other end, they held the Warriors to 37.5% but were killed on the break (14-3) in the paint (20-4), and on second chance points (6-0). The Warriors owned the glass, 19-13, and took advantage of every bad LA decision to build a lead. In the second, the Lakers were more effective from the floor (45.5%), but were punished for jacking up too many threes as the Warriors pushed hard, got a lot of high percentage looks (63%) and pushed the lead to 11 going into the half.
The Lakers were burned leaving Golden State open for threes in transition, or had trouble sticking to guys on the perimeter. Too many breakdowns, and they were generally punished for them.
The Mixed:
- The Bench, plus Vladdy and Ronny: Talk about a helter skelter effort? Everyone pitched in with something good, something bad, and a lot of stuff in between. Vlad made a couple shots and grabbed some boards, but also was careless with the ball (three TOs) took some ill advised shots, and was lost defensively. Luke made some good passes and got himself to the line a few times, but had one terrible TO, choosing to pass into traffic rather than take an open 19 foot shot. Jordan Farmar was 0-4 from downtown, but chipped in with three assists, got inside a couple times, and didn't turn the ball over. Sasha was all over the freakin' place. It just shows how with the Lakers short bodies, it exposes some of the role guys. With everyone in the lineup, it's okay if one or two of them don't play well, because the Lakers have options. Shorthanded? Everyone needs to show up every night, and if that crew could do it all the time, they wouldn't be role players.
I'll get the audio up tomorrow, but since so many of you asked why PJ had Luke in the game down the stretch, I asked him. We live to give.
Q: You talked before the game about Luke's struggles, but you had him in late in the fourth tonight. What was he doing, or what were others not doing that made you go that direction?
A: I felt Vladdy, the ball was in danger when it was in hands. Luke obviously gave up the ball late, too, but he got an offensive rebound in the process and was looking to make a pass. But he moves the basketball and does the things we want him to do. He's got a comfort zone to do the right thing and knows how to attack what we're trying to do. So that's important. And I thought defensively tonight he did a good job, too.
So there you have it.
BK
Good Morning Charles---Good Morning Everyone....
Great game and a much needed victory, I don't even care if that last call was a little suspect--it probably should have been a double foul or a no call maybe--but throughout the game there is enough questionable calls that usually tend to even things out---in this case maybe not---plays down the stretch (missed free throws, turnovers, bad calls etc.) are always magnified, even though a missed free throw or turnover or bad call at the first of the game is just as game altering....
I do know that I am sick to death of the lame ass stack play we run at the end of games-(both teams ran it last night)---it has got to be the most unimaginative play in basketball--no screens, no sharp cuts, no rubber bands, nothing---most of all Phil.....wait for it.....IT DOESNT WORK!!
I can't believe a Pro team with assests up the wazoo, (ie film, coaching staff, unlimited practice time, years of experience, talented big fast atheletes etc) can't come up and run a better unbound play than a 4th grade city league team (you should see some of those plays!!!)
As great as Lamar is playing of late (thanks buddy--keep it up!), every once in a while he has to remind of why his mom named him Lame-ar....somebody hide his bong....don't they have someone on the coaching staff assigned to that task?
Positives for Puke: well he made a nice looking jumper, a lay up and both his free throws.....only 22 years left on his contract...
I do disagree strongly that we play better with Puke in the game--he is too much of a liability (a known one at that) where we get to see the merits of playing 4 on 5.
Intangibles? That word gets linked with Puke because it is intangible why he gets so much playing time---and also we don't really have a stat for lameness and ineptness....
someone had to say "high basketball I.Q." and Puke again and so I disemboweled myself--I am going to look funny at work today with my intestines hanging out---they are supposed to be inside your skin I think.....
I really loved those "high basketball I.Q. "passes last night---I should have included them in Puke's Positives apparently...
WHO HAS THE SHARPER HAIR? Beidris or Kerilinko? and who can spell their names correctly--not me obviously...
WHO HAS THE BETTER PATTERN OF RUTS IN THEIR SKULL? Harrington or Boozer?--may have spelled those guys names correctly....maybe...
I really thought the Warrior anouncers were very good and pretty equitable--right up until that last play---then they just went off--I was expecting a little bit of doubt--maybe that play was as bad a call as they said---oh well we won and JIMMY CRACK CORN....
Last night's game, unlike Sundays', we got to 100 first and that Clipper dude was proven correct once again---maybe that should be a real goal in every game....
Farmar is playing well, is a very good player, and will only get better--yes he does make rookie type mistakes--but he is for real I think--there is no way he merits any bashing---let's save that for a truely deserving player who's contract may end up costing us several players (and free agents) we really need...let's see...who can that be.....
Monte Ellis would be a pretty good addition---I wouldn't mind that at all---it seems like the tide has turned and that the Lakers will once again be attracting free agents....everyone wants to play for a dynasty.....
YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | March 25, 2008 at 09:04 AM
OK - THIS IS JAY JAY AND I'M BACK!
Last time the Lake Show came up here (I live in NorCal) I went to the game and tried to post a four paragraph game dissection but the friggin site kept asking me to copy letters and when i did it wouldn't let me through. So I got discouraged.
Well I guess the K bros got that one fixed AND I went to the game last night, so its the perfect time to make my return.
NOTES ON THE GAME -
LAMAR - what more can be said? He was a Beast on the Boards totally outplaying Beidrens and Wright and blocking and altering shots almost at will. Without Pau and Drew the glass is our big weakness, and he soldiered up and was masterful. Some of his blocks were awesome and without him we wouldn't even have been close - really!
D-FISH - man it seemed like he shot 90% from 3 range not 40%. It seemed like every time the Warriors were about to pull away he'd drop in a trey. Toward the end, every time he got the ball all the Warriors fans would go "uh-oh." The guy has the heart of a champion and I think he's the big reason we've accelerated to this level. And that's not even mentioning his clever veteran play on Ellis at the end to draw the foul that clinched it.
KOBE - actually had a weak game for him - he seemed tired. But you can always count on him at game's end. He brought us back in the third quarter. And even when he's not perfect, he draws enough double teams to free guys up.
SACHA - I assume Faith is still on the blog so I have to apologize to her, but I HATE this guy. He thinks he's freakin Kobe every time he gets the ball and shoots at will no matter how ill advised. And the OT play where Ellis stripped him of the ball nearly lost it for us. (I saw it coming but he couldn't hear me warn him from the 16th row).
At the pregame shootout I watched Coby Karl hit 8 threes in a row and I honestly think it'd be fine to let Sacha go next year and develop CK Instead. He's got smarts from his daddy and sort of reminds me of Luke, but with an outside shot.
Well that's it for now. Good to "see" y'all again. And as Arnold says "I'll be back...."
JAY JAY
Posted by: Jay Jay | March 25, 2008 at 09:04 AM
Morning Laker Fam.
That was a nail biter. I thought we should have won that game in regulation, but at least we won.
Is it me, but do you feel like a child waiting to open your xmas presents when we get our three 7footers in rotation? (With the hope of Ariza coming back. I honestly feel he is done for the season.)
Anyways, here is an article by a writer from Hoops World and I have seen him "supposedly" post here before. (Preetom Bhattacharya)
http://tinyurl.com/2wp5ey
I know the topic has been argued to death. But have a great one you guys!
Posted by: Charles | March 25, 2008 at 09:06 AM
benjamin,
it was actually kobe who got that lane violation call and not lamar. i was watchin the fsn bay area feed on nbatv and u can see the ref blow the whistle and point right at kobe. kobe stepped in and tried to step out before the shot. with DVR and HD i miss nothing that comes across my screen
Nemaia Faletogo,
seen phil on vlad in 3rd quarter, also seen fish tell vlad to chill as vlad was still yelling at phil as he was returning to his chair. so it is safe to assume that vlad didn't like what phil was telling him. also why puke played so much in the 4th quarter.
Posted by: usclaker | March 25, 2008 at 09:08 AM
Good morning Mamba24, Charles, and all fellow bloggers,
Order has been restored in the Universe. The Lakers are on top of the Western Conference heap. A gritty overtime win over a team showing as much determination, skill and effort as the Lakers have seen lately.
As we saw last year, Spring not only brings flowers to bloom, it brings out the best in Lamar Odom. He may not be a man for all seasons, but he seems to play his best when the chips are on the line. The Lakers could not have survived the injuries to Gasol and Bynum without him.
When I see so many hateful comments as have been posted lately, I've been forced to look in the mirror and regret my own angry remarks here. It is easy as a fan to demand perfection and consistency, but as we've all seen, games and individual players have an ebb and flow. I can't assure myself that I'm capable of living up to it, but I will attempt to impose more self-discipline in my tendency to criticize. A team that has come this far despite so many injuries deserves better from me.
Yes, I want to see more consistent and dominating Defense. Yes, I want to see greater commitment to running the Offense as it is designed. Yes, I want to see fewer turnovers and more rebounding.
The Lakers have every chance to make this a Championship season. As a fan, I willl try harder to cheer, and restrain the temptation to bash. This morning, I'm just happy to be a Laker fan.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | March 25, 2008 at 09:12 AM
Great Kobe for MVP article here.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=8000
TWoody
Posted by: TWoody | March 25, 2008 at 09:12 AM
Tim-4-Show,
I too watched that replay numerous times last night in slow mo.
Fish was soundly defending the play by keeping his entire body in front of Ellis to prevent him from getting to the sideline for a three or running a curl to the hoop for a layup. Derek gets fully bulldozed in his chest while at the same time stepping on Al Harringtons foot with his right foot. The heel of Fishers right foot slips and he begins to tumble backward from the combination of the slip and of Ellis' bulldozing. Fish then grabbed Ellis to try and protect himself from getting stepped on as most of us will do when someone is running us over.
The bottom line on that play is that there was a foul before
Fish grabbed Ellis. It was a foul whether or not FIsh grabs him.
Pig
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | March 25, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Just like Drew said!
LO is getting all the F... oops. rebounds!!
Posted by: coolhair | March 25, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Firstly, gotta say, kudos to the Warriors. They play as fun a game of basketball as any team in the league.
Pretty clearly though, if we had our bigs, and played with any kind of discipline, they'd have less than a shooters chance of taking us in 7.
I was MIND BLOWN by the fact that the Lakers first half looked basically like the first half from Sunday. I simply could not believe that we were still letting shooters free outside (Jackson and Harrington in particular).
Looked like late in the fourth and in OT Lakers finally realized that they needed to man up and acutally stay with their respective men no matter where they roman (only exception was Baron's OT three which was a sweet shot after a perfect screen).
Couple other thoughts:
I am a huge critic Luke, his play was still swiss cheese. That said, I detect he is regaining a tiny bit of confidence. His play was spotty---but it wasn't all bad. He hit a nice spot up jump shot, had some rebounds. His ball handling is very suspect, however. Its obviously not a good thing that he is usually the least athletic man on the floor at any given time.
Turiaf has got to start thinking about going up hard when he is deep in the paint. He's passing as a first option from down there and thats not going to help us in the long run.
LO is such a good guy! he gives odd interviews though, like he's on speed.
Posted by: downtown atty | March 25, 2008 at 09:25 AM
OK – Trust me this is freakin’ awsome —
My favorite line set to Bohemian Rhapsody:
"So great , now Pau has come
send shivers down my spine ... Pop’s complaining all the time
goodbye everybody we’ve got Gasooool
gonna leave you all behind an take the jewels..."
I'll repost on the morning blog ... It’s that good.
http://tinyurl.com/26z6a5
Posted by: HmrHed | March 25, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Good morning Mamba24, good morning Charles & the rest of the GREAT LAKER NATION!!
Well -what can we say - a win is a win is a win....albeit an extremely ugly one! Still, it all counts!
AK/BK - do either one of you know who Kobe was talking to when he was making those free throws at the end of the game & kept saying "Game over, game over"?? Just curious....he looked a "little" intense (huge understatement there)....
Also - does anyone have ANY idea what that call on Kobe was for that lane violation???!!! OMG - that was one of the worst calls I've ever seen. Even Stu couldn't believe it....And we hear crap about how the Lakers always get the benefit of the calls by the refs. PUUULEEEZE - granted I'm a rabid Laker fan, but I also try to be as impartial as I can be, and there is NO WAY we get the benefit of most calls. If anything, we are mostly on the short end of the "no call stick". AND - I for one am pretty tired of it.....
Anyhoo.....great win - another one projected for tomorrow AND I really need to be added to the "Lakers win out" bandwagon!!!!! PLEASE - Mamba24 - let's go!
GO LAKERS!
The BEAN for MVP or NO PEACE!!
BTW - JonK - hope Delilah is doing well.....
Posted by: justanothermambafan | March 25, 2008 at 09:33 AM
Lamar's been playing great and I'm glad to see it.
The Warrior game doesnt impress me as much as the others because Lamar always comes up big against these undersized teams. He kills the Suns, he kills the Warriors, etc. etc.
I am impressed that it seems like he hasnt a bad game in awhile which is an anomaly for Lamar.
=========
Kobe? Well he's great we all know that. I think he almost killed his MVP candidacy last nite because he took 2 jumpers with under 1:30 left that led to immediate Golden State possessions/points. Kobe was trying to put the dagger in GS but he should've just went inside and made sure that we got a good shot off that attacked the basket.
Otherwise, I have no beef with Kobe's game. As always, he does waaaaay more good than bad.
Posted by: Korey | March 25, 2008 at 09:34 AM
I'm still Baffled as to why we gave luke such a long extenstion..........and who's still waiting for Mihm..........
Posted by: Dion | March 25, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Kambros,
Think about using the following in your blog this morning.
http://tinyurl.com/26z6a5
Posted by: HmrHed | March 25, 2008 at 09:38 AM
MiloRambaldi, and Mamba,
I HATE THE CELTICS bandwagon? LEMME DRIVE!
F the Celtics!
--FearlessWhackJob
Posted by: FearlessWhackJob | March 25, 2008 at 09:52 AM
LAMAR ODOM
LAMAR ODOM
LAMAR ODOM!!!
The guy has stepped-up 20/20 the first since Divac ? WOW That could have been a trivia question. It won't matter who comes out of the East, the Lakers at full strength can do this. The injuries are only making the team stronger and its evident. At full strength we are going to strike the same fear Kareem, Magic and Worthy use to send before tip-off!
LAKERS '08 and beyond!
MAMBA24 add me too.
"Hate the Celtics Bw" I'm riding out front on my Harley, blocking traffic w/ a fully loaded Uzi!
Posted by: lakerfaze | March 25, 2008 at 09:55 AM
Mornin Blog Family,
Mamba 24 put me on the Lakers win out bandwagon. And as a member at heart on the 2008 championship bandwagon.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Fan of the Mamba | March 25, 2008 at 09:58 AM
MAMBA24, when time permits, please add me to the 55-WIN and 2007-2008 Champtionship Banner!
Thx
RydeOrDie!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | March 25, 2008 at 10:02 AM
JAY JAY- Welcome back my brother!
I forget the reasons behind your departure (I never pictured you as a fair weather guy) LOL and could care less since you've returned.
Faze
Posted by: lakerfaze | March 25, 2008 at 10:03 AM
So we can only have 12 guys on Playoff roster and what, the other 3 have to go on reserve???
I guess Coby Karl, Mbenga and whoever else are not amongst the playoff roster...
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | March 25, 2008 at 10:06 AM
RE: Tim-4-Show Posting--D-Fisher
I am in total agreement with Tim's unbiased observation.
The push on Fisher came first and D-Fish was simply trying to break his fall.
D-Fish is a veteran player but not a dirty player.
Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Robyn | March 25, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Hello fellow Lakers fan,
As much as I hate to admit it - we nearly got beat twice by the Warriors. I'm sorry, but the referee should never decide the game win - it should be up to the players. And the call was blown - as a former college player, that was a flat out foul on Fisher's part. While Gasol was out, Pietrus was also out and he's been a dominant factor. The Warriors are a great team and quite dangerous, but we went pretty deep into the bench.
Posted by: Rick | March 25, 2008 at 10:58 AM
justanothermambafan-
Kobe got the lane violation for, in the ref's eyes, attempting to distract by stepping hard into the lane then backing out. I could see the move from where I was sitting, and thought he might get nicked for it.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | March 25, 2008 at 11:41 AM
The Good - Sasha ducking around a defender then passing up a jumper and passing to Lamar for a long-arm finger roll and a foul. Three points!
The Bad - Luke standing around like a statue and watching a defender swat the ball out of his hands.
The Ugly - Ellis route on the OT inbounds pass.
Posted by: lotecq | March 25, 2008 at 11:49 AM
I think Luke is in the game so the rest if the players don't forget how to pass. I think? Well I don't think so well some a times a hiuk.
Posted by: Tody | March 25, 2008 at 12:10 PM
guys,
Thanks for correcting me. Kobe it is.
Now I REALLY can't complain about Lamar. And I was giving him a pass anyway (thankfully).
Posted by: Benjamin | March 25, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Hi guys,
First time caller, long time listener. I love everything about being a Laker fan and everything about this blog.
A few things I noticed:
1. How fast is Baron Davis?? Did anyone else see him routinely blow by Kobe and whoever else was guarding him. He played like a man possessed and his jumpers wouldn't quit.
2. Was Kobe tired? Baron was feasting on him for most of the game and Kobe couldn't D up. No complaints, since KB is the best player on the planet, but who else could we use to counter a hyper-active guard with a wicked shot? Let alone Stephen Jackson's presence. We really need some size back.
3.. I don't see how Kobe can be passed over for MVP with his boxer-cut finish and clutch play. You know he's going to get 30 points every night, even if he doesn't have any (relatively) in the first 3 quarters.
BTW, the Thai people know their Lakers. Every employee at the Thai restaurant I was eating at was huddled around the TV like us offering good commentary, albeit in broken Engrish.
A good performance from the bench and a better job by Kobe and PJ for keeping the boys in the game.
One final question,
True or False: Ronny Turiaf is the new Mark Madsen.
TRUE!!!
Posted by: Fatal | March 25, 2008 at 02:06 PM
Hi guys,
First time caller, long time listener. I love everything about being a Laker fan and everything about this blog.
A few things I noticed:
1. How fast is Baron Davis?? Did anyone else see him routinely blow by Kobe and whoever else was guarding him. He played like a man possessed and his jumpers wouldn't quit.
2. Was Kobe tired? Baron was feasting on him for most of the game and Kobe couldn't D up. No complaints, since KB is the best player on the planet, but who else could we use to counter a hyper-active guard with a wicked shot? Let alone Stephen Jackson's presence. We really need some size back.
3.. I don't see how Kobe can be passed over for MVP with his boxer-cut finish and clutch play. You know he's going to get 30 points every night, even if he doesn't have any (relatively) in the first 3 quarters.
BTW, the Thai people know their Lakers. Every employee at the Thai restaurant I was eating at was huddled around the TV like us offering good commentary, albeit in broken Engrish.
A good performance from the bench and a better job by Kobe and PJ for keeping the boys in the game.
One final question,
True or False: Ronny Turiaf is the new Mark Madsen.
TRUE!!!
Posted by: Fatal | March 25, 2008 at 02:10 PM
4th game in 5 nights. 2nd game of a back to back. Third city in 5 days. I am in awe of the stamina and skill displayed by Kobe and Lamar last night. LO played the entire game plus OT, while Kobe was only rested for less than 2 minutes. Whenever I'm tempted to bash any one of our Lakers, I try to remember how competitive and demanding their jobs really are. Yeah, I know that they are extremely well paid for their efforts, but once you step between the lines, nobody's checking your bank statement. You gotta play, baby! You gotta play!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | March 25, 2008 at 02:41 PM
Fatal,
First, welcome aboard!
Second, your comments are sage. Very good points. Also, to allay your fears, Kobe is playing on a sprained ankle that is affecting both his jumper and his defense. But, you are correct, we'll be OK.
The Calvary is coming.
--FearlessWhackJob
Posted by: FearlessWhackJob | March 25, 2008 at 05:14 PM
Hey blog, I haven't posted in a very loooooooong time (can't do so from work), but as you can see from my name, I'm also one of the distaff few.
Very happy overall with our boys in purple and gold. They hit a couple of rough patches, but all in all, things look pretty good. I'll be at the game tomorrow night, yelling at the top of my lungs.
Here's to ending the season in June instead of April. GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: SoCalGal | March 25, 2008 at 05:22 PM
You all have got to be kidding, Fisher's play wasn't a "great veteran play" or "sneaky", and what replay shows Monta running Fisher over, Fisher made no attempt whatsoever to play defense, every replay clearly shows Fisher putting reaching out and pulling Ellis to the ground and then faking a knee injury, it was a pitiful display that will long be remembered, Fisher, the Los Angeles Faker obviously concerned he would be unable to guard Ellis straight up,... and I think its a joke that some on this board think that particular play is good basketball, Fisher & Co. should be embarassed.
Posted by: Rob Porter | March 25, 2008 at 09:00 PM
You all have got to be kidding, Fisher's play wasn't a "great veteran play" or "sneaky", and what replay shows Monta running Fisher over, Fisher made no attempt whatsoever to play defense, every replay clearly shows Fisher putting reaching out and pulling Ellis to the ground and then faking a knee injury, it was a pitiful display that will long be remembered, Fisher, the Los Angeles Faker obviously concerned he would be unable to guard Ellis straight up,... and I think its a joke that some on this board think that particular play is good basketball, Fisher & Co. should be embarassed.
Posted by: Rob Porter | March 25, 2008 at 09:01 PM
One additional comment, I think Fisher has had a terrific career, I'm not personally big on the tag "overachiever" because I'm still not sure what is meant, could be an individual was "underestimated", and in Fisher, you have a player who has always been likable because he plsyed the game at a very high level, willing to take, and more often than not, making big shots, playing hard, and generally exceeding expectations, having success in every uniform worn, my problem is really with this one game deciding play, it does not even qualify as a cheap (and widely disdained) flop, which most all flops should really be "no calls" as they often involve little to no contact but a lot of dramatics, nor was it merely an ordinary type "intentional" defensive foul, which alone should have given Ellis two free throws, many teams/players commit an intentional foul, he clearly pullls Ellis to the ground, tackling a player is not only intentional but flagrant, the appropriate call not only would have put Ellis on the line with a chance to tie, but also given the Warriors possession of the ball having no time expired. Making it worse was Fisher's international soccer imitation faking injury, the only thing missing was the trainer miraculously healing the injury by fanning the knee with a towell. Fisher is a player regularly deserving of celebration but certainly for this game ending effort.
Posted by: Rob Porter | March 26, 2008 at 12:26 AM