Around the blogosphere - Reaction to Game 1
Despite the fact that we, as a group, are dedicated to cruelty and journalistic dishonesty, it's always fun to check around the blogs for reaction to what's a-goin' on. So with that in mind, click below for a big ol' roundup.
BK
My Utah Jazz, CB Jack: "...I can't say that the Lakers really won this game, but more that the Jazz lost it. If Matt Harpring would have pulled himself out of the game we could be up 1-0. He played horrible. Between his play, Kyle Korvers inability to hit anything outside of a free throw, and CJ Miles committing the worst foul in NBA history, the Jazz were right in this game. I believe I counted 6 straight possessions where KK and Harp screwed the pooch and missed 15 foot jumpers and layups.
"The officiating crew was poor at best. Both teams have to agree that the calls were extremely inconsistent. Touch fouls, followed by no calls. I know it's the
playoffs and games need to be played out, but I just want to see
consistency ... on both ends of the floor ..."
Ball Don't Lie, Kelly Dwyer (Yahoo!): "...the Jazz have no answer for Kobe Bryant (who does?), but that won't stop this from being a competitive back-and-forth - even if the Lakers sweep.
And the Lakers could sweep. The team could win three more games by a combined total of three more points, and it shouldn't be a surprise. Los Angeles is so good, and while Utah may have had the league's most efficient offense during the regular season, I don't think I've ever witnessed a more satisfying half-court offensive team than these Lakers. Even Michael Jordan's Bulls had more clear-outs and isolation situations, whereas these Lakers are just a Triangle freak's dream. And I'm a Triangle freak. And I've had some weird, weird dreams.
The interior passing is so brilliant, so effortless, and the judicious application of transition play manages to tempt at satisfy all at once..."
Kurt at Forum Blue and Gold: "... Let’s not complain about the refs. I think Darius has said this well in the comments several times — Utah does what it does physically every time down the court, and over the course of a game or a series they move the bar for what gets called. Eventually, the refs call fewer and fewer fouls. Rather than complain about it, the Lakers have to play through it, to play through the contact. Kobe does that better than anyone.
• The fact that Gasol had four free throws in the game I think is a sign he did not like the physicality. He needs to accept it and score through the contact in game two.
• To Utah fans complaining about Phil complaining about the refs: Welcome to playoff basketball. You can influence the refs through the media, every coach knows this and does this..."
SportsHubLA.com, John Krolik: "... Ronnie Brewer looked like he just might be the guy to guard Kobe Bryant, or at least slow him down. He's quick as hell, has long arms to challenge shots, and has the energy to stay with Kobe through all of his pivoting, jabbing, pull-backs, and changes of pace. What happened? Kobe hits him with two quick fouls, on an up-fake and contact, then ripping his arm up through Brewer’s as he tried to swipe for the ball. You reach, I teach. Between that, a loose-ball foul on Kyle Korver when the Jazz were over the limit and a horrible end-of-quarter foul on C.J. Miles at half-court (the sort that could have Jerry Sloan bench you for about 750 years), Kobe got eight free points in the first half ..."
Ross Siler, Salt Lake Tribune Jazz Blog: "...There are a host of reasons why the Jazz lost Game 1 against the Lakers
on Sunday, but one of them is that they were outscored in the 8:04 Kobe
Bryant spent on the bench. It seems pretty simple to me: You'd better
make hay while the NBA MVP is out of the game.
The Jazz
failed to do so at the start of the second and fourth quarters and paid
the price. With Bryant on the bench in the second quarter, they watched
as Sasha Vujacic scored nine points in 4:07 - driving for a
three-point play and knocking down two three-pointers.
The
Jazz were outscored 9-4 as Bryant rested, committing three turnovers - bad passes by Ronnie Price and Matt Harpring and an offensive foul on
Paul Millsap. Deron Williams also was blocked by Ronny Turiaf, though
Harpring scored on the follow up.
The Lakers led 25-24 at
the start of the quarter and 34-28 when Bryant replaced Vujacic. It's
worth noting that Bryant scored on his first possession after returning
in the second and fourth quarters, crossing over Andrei Kirilenko for a
three-point play and hitting a 13-footer.
Bryant came out
with 43.5 seconds left in the third and didn't return until the 8:46
mark of the fourth. The Jazz went into the fourth trailing 79-72,
having battled back from 19 points down in the third. Again, they
couldn't take advantage with Bryant out.
The Jazz went
1-for-7 while Bryant was out at the start of the fourth. Kyle Korver
missed two jumpers (he went 2 of 7 in the game) and Harpring made just
1 of 5 shots. That included a layup smothered by Turiaf.
For the afternoon, the Jazz were outscored 15-11 when Bryant was out..."
Hardwood Paroxysm, Matt Moore: "...The matchups all fall into danger, danger territory for the Jazz in
this series. Mehmet Okur, who could bully and pester the Rockets'
kiddies, is going to have a little more trouble with Pau Gasol and
Lamar Odom. He can score as much as he wants. The Lakers aren't
concerned about him if they shut down Williams and Boozer. The Jazz
rely on killer rebounding to create second chance shots. The Lakers
don't care. Look at the game 1 differential. The Jazz had 17 more
offensive rebounds. 17. They had 17 more looks off the glass. And they
lost by 11.
The Jazz shot 38% from the field. Now, rest assured,
the Lakers are not a bad defensive team. They are a good defensive
team. But they have serious, serious lapses, especially against "good
teams." And instead, the Jazz got annihilated.
Here's the weird
thing. I tend to throw out hot and cold shooting streaks. And with the
Lakers shooting 50% from three point range and the Jazz shooting 21%,
you'd figure I'd be ready to bury the Lakers like everyone loves saying
I do.
Unh-uh..."
Send along a heads up for others that you find.
Thanks Kam Bros!!!
Posted by: Charles | May 05, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Mr. Chopper,
"It was probably a roll call from Iran.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 05, 2008 at 11:20 AM"
Funny guy...
Posted by: Charles | May 05, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Who did Ross Siler kill to end up in SLC? Yuck.
Posted by: mel | May 05, 2008 at 11:39 AM
This game is all about match-ups. Advantage: Lakers. Man, you just have to love our bench.
Posted by: The Outlaw | May 05, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Amen Outlaw!
Posted by: Charles | May 05, 2008 at 11:47 AM
K-Bros,
I hope you guys continue posting blog entries on a regular basis. I get the impression that bloggers know more about basketball than those who write or do commentaries for national media outlets. Good stuff. Thank You.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | May 05, 2008 at 11:48 AM
"This game is all about match-ups. Advantage: Lakers. Man, you just have to love our bench. "
Especially "The Machine!"
:)
Posted by: frank1rizzo | May 05, 2008 at 11:50 AM
That guys was full of the word he used himself plus taking his job too seriousely.
I think blogs are bunch of fans talking. It has nothing to do with journalism or whatever that angry guy on the Bob Costas round table was mad about. First he needs to take a whole bottle of CHILL PILL. Second it is just a bunch fans arguing the daily matters. Blogs are as if you are sitting in a bar and talking without the problem of havign to go out of the bar to eork out the differences. Dude was taking his job very seriousely and angry nobody reads his CRAP anymore.
Posted by: rayray | May 05, 2008 at 11:54 AM
""...whereas these Lakers are just a Triangle freak's dream. And I'm a Triangle freak. And I've had some weird, weird dreams."" Dwyer
Trust me -- nothing like talking triangle to turns the chicks on.
I love Utah fan complaining about the refs. Does that include the complete abomination against LO? or the 4 straight team fouls against the Lakers in the 4th in the span of 2 minutes?
Are there any two team's fans that complain more about bad breaks by the refs than Utah and Phx?
Utah fan follow your coach's example and shut the F up about the refs -- play the game.
Posted by: HmrHed | May 05, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Thanks K-Bros.
Great posts, great perspectives. Weird matchups, but definitely a great series.
Posted by: lotecq | May 05, 2008 at 12:02 PM
Good morning Laker fans!
Great win yesterday, and yes the Lakers WON it, not a case of Utah losing it. Have to disagree with CB Jack, the Jazz Blogger.
I wish I could see tape of how Sloan played in his NBA days, and how physical he was (or dirty). His teams are consistently physical. This current team is not dirty like the Stockton/Malone years, but they all do the same tricks like pushing in the back for rebounds and holding in the back picks they set. I think LO and Pau will be better prepared for that next game. We should as a team all crash the boards as well.
Anyone know for sure if the MVP will be handed out Wednesday?
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | May 05, 2008 at 12:05 PM
HmrHed,
Howdy sir. Don't forget to add San Antoni to that list...
Regards,
Posted by: Charles | May 05, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Here's a link to all the radio show hosts blogs for the Jazz flagship station here in Salt Lake:
http://www.thefansports.com/the_fan_sports_shows.cfm
The most relevant blogs are "DJ and PK" and "David Locke".
You can listen to the show and get a taste for what I have to endure as well. The hosts are not bad but the callers... ugh!... in fact I suggest we flood the lines with our own calls.
Here is a link to the other sports station which is not owned by Larry Miller and is actually a little more free thinking:
http://www.1280thezone.com/
Posted by: SaltLaker | May 05, 2008 at 12:15 PM
I know there’s a lot of babble about the Celtics looking vulnerable because the went 7 with the Hawkettes, and I would like nothing more than to pile on and burry the green 6 feet under,
but I seem to recall one 67 win team who was pushed to 5 games (elimination at that time) by the Queens. I recall that they did just fine at the end.
So, I will not be enthusiastic about Celtic struggles until they are dead — F the Celtics.
Posted by: HmrHed | May 05, 2008 at 12:19 PM
What up Charles --
Posted by: HmrHed | May 05, 2008 at 12:21 PM
I like the name, SaltLaker. Sweet. Way to represent.
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 05, 2008 at 12:24 PM
SaltLaker,
first great blog name, second thanks for the links.
I’ve never seen a bunch of bigger dweebs and misfits in my life – what the hell is going on up there?
Posted by: HmrHed | May 05, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Lakers Legacy
When Sloan played, he would have made even Ainge look like a clean and uncomplaiinig player. The Ja$$ got their Malone/Stokcton era attitude from Sloan. The only reason he's backed off of that at all is the way today's game is being called.......much more thightly than it used to be. The "tricks" they employ with the pushing, holding and grabbing are right out of Sloan's playbook.
Posted by: toad | May 05, 2008 at 12:30 PM
SaltLaker
Thanks and Welcome!
Is the Red Rock brewery still open downtown around the corner from the arena?
Posted by: toad | May 05, 2008 at 12:32 PM
CB Jack must've been watching some other game. The Lakers were never really threatend by Utah. I told him so in a comment on Hardwood Paroxysm. To claim that would mean that the Jazz somehow had a chance to win it or gave it away. If anything, the Lakers let them back into a game that was turning into a blowout. But I guess he has to keep his readers tuned in.....
Posted by: wondahbap | May 05, 2008 at 12:39 PM
yeah, i wonder why ross siler left sunny LA and his lakers beat for salt lake city and the jazz?
seems like a step down...but maybe he's just a guy who likes that slower pace of life, friendly atmosphere and beautiful scenery. i can respect that
(or maybe he has six wives and 45 children and wanted a place where he could to feel right at home)
Posted by: CBuck | May 05, 2008 at 12:40 PM
My favorite quotes from the articles of the day:
“We're rock stars,” Lamar Odom insisted afterward. “We're Lakers. We're always sexy. We've always got sexy going on in everything we do.”
"This guy is not like a lot of great players, this guy is different, this guy has a will like nobody else," Lamar Odom said.
You know what Odom calls him?
"Kobe-Wan Kenobi."
"Because he just sees and understands things," Odom said.
"I think probably what confused him was because of how old I am," Fisher said. "I am so slow, when he fakes I don't go for it because I don't react that fast, so I end up still in front of him."
Do you remember the last time Bryant took shots this important in the playoffs against the Jazz?
Yep, Game 5 of the 1997 conference semifinals, Shaquille O'Neal fouls out, Bryant takes a final three-point attempt in regulation and a few more in overtime and what happens?
Airball. Airball. Airball. Airball.
"Yes, that was a horrible experience, thank you for bringing that up," Bryant remembered Sunday with a grin.
Somebody wanted to know if Bryant's adorable daughter could say, "MVP."
"I don't know," Bryant said with a grin. "But I know she can say dee-fense."
Posted by: Benjamin | May 05, 2008 at 12:44 PM
Hey All...
Dont have anytime to play today.. but I saw something that made me happy. Shaquille rooting for Kobe to get MVP and I wanted to pass it on...
http://whereistand.com/Opinions/43701
Posted by: complex brotha | May 05, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Urelated, but something I need to ask somebody:
If one of the reasons Avery had to go in Dallas was that he couldn't loosen up his offense enough to get the most from Kidd, why would they then go out and sign Rick Carlisle, who calls every play on offense, as I understand it. Is this a sign that they're giving up on Kidd and will probably use his huge expiring contract as tradebait through the middle of next season?
Posted by: J.D. Hastings | May 05, 2008 at 12:49 PM
FROM BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
HI GUYS,
WE ARE PREPARING FOR ROUND #2= WIN= FIESTA FOR OUR MVP LEADER. KOB IS THE BEST AND KNOWS BEST PERIOD
NOW IT'S TIME TO THINK ABOUT ADJUSTMENT AND FOCUS ON THE BALL. WE NEED OUR PLAYERS TO BE MORE FOCUS ON THE BALL AND DEFEND OUR HOME. WEDNESDAY WILL BE A GREAT MEMORABLE DATE AND WE WANT SOME SHOW AT THE GAME AND PROVE TO ELSE, WE ARE DRILLING OUR DESTINY.
I THINK THE SPIKE LEE'S FILM OF KOBE WILL BE ROLLED AT THE TIP-OFF. KNOWING MY MAN, KOB, HE WILLL ENTERTAIN US UNTIL THE END FOR GREAT BASKETBALL.
PRATICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE=DEFENSE+FOCUS+PASSION= WIN#2
LOVE TO OUR TEAM AND TO YOU.
SHEKOBE
Posted by: SHEKOBE | May 05, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Toad, thanks for the reply.
Figured that Sloan would be like that type of player. Interesting quote I googled.
Back in the day, Sloan and Chicago guard Norm Van Lier were the "Bruise Brothers". Sloan was consistently on the N.B.A. All-Defensive First Team leaving the competition black and blue along the way.
Sloan has built the Jazz in his own image, so for the Rockets to have a shot they must not get pushed around. Shane Battier says , "its like dealing with a bully if you hit him in the mouth first he'll think twice before he comes back."
http://www.beloblog.com/sports/2008/04/jerry-sloan-as-player-fine-lin.html
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | May 05, 2008 at 12:54 PM
That's just great!
After the Farsi post Homeland Security will be lurking about.
Posted by: Eric M. | May 05, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Benjamin, thanks for posting those entertaining quotes.
Lamar was funny when he said that "sexy" comment after the game.
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | May 05, 2008 at 01:03 PM
Lots of people were talking about what Greg Anthony and Skip were saying on 1st and 10. I missed it. What were they saying? I'd like to know. I can probably guess their positions, but I'd still like to know what was said. Anyone else think Greg Anthony is one of the best sports/newsguy/reporter/anchors on espn?
Posted by: DavyJonze | May 05, 2008 at 01:04 PM
There seems to be a LOT of disdain for basically every other team and every other player that's not on the Jazz over at the Jazz blogs. How can you hate Derek Fisher so much? He's one of the most like-able and classy guys in the NBA, and the only reason he left Salt Lake was take care of his daughter. Lakers fans may not always be classy while posting on blogs, but usually the extent of what a Lakers fan says is, "Your team sucks. Lakers Rule!" The things said at the Jazz blogs are getting downright personal.
Posted by: DavyJonze | May 05, 2008 at 01:13 PM
INTERESTING OFF TOPIC FOR DURING THE WAIT TIL WEDNESDAY
This series reminds me - why don't teams change their nicknames when they change cities? It would make way more sense.
I've been a jazz musician, and believe me there is about as much jazz in Utah as there are lakes in Los Angeles. And the Oklahoma City SuperSonics? Give me a break!
What would be more appropriate names? Maybe it should be the Utah Salt or the Los Angeles Freeways? Or even better - the Utah Lakers and the Los Angeles Stars! Ideas anyone??
Posted by: Jay Jay | May 05, 2008 at 01:17 PM
toad
Red Rock is still there. Great Place for a drink and something light to eat. I'm not a big drinker myself but the Cream Soda rocks!
Other great places to eat before or after the game in case anyone is planning a trip:
The Red Iguana - Best Mexican food I have ever had. Truly authentic, very affordable, but be prepared for at least a half hour wait (probably longer). No reservations.
Market Street Grill - Good Steaks. Not too pricy for the quality you get, and about the only place in Salt Lake you can get really good Seafood.
Crown Burger - Awesome burgers. They have a great steak sandwhich as well. If you do it true Utah style you have to get fry sauce with your fries.
Z-Tejas - SouthWest place that is pretty good. It's at the Gateway which is walking distance to Energy Solutions Arena (man I hate that name!). There are lots of decent places at the Gateway.
Tony Caputos - Italian deli. It's right downtown and even though the line will be long it moves pretty fast and is worth whatever wait you might have to endure. Granatos is really good too but not downtown.
There is a PF Changs downtown as well but for better chinese drive out to Sugar House for Sam Pan. You can't beat the price there.
I'll be at the Red Iguana on Friday before the game if the wait isn't too long.
Posted by: SaltLaker | May 05, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Yeah Davy,
The Jazz blog is pretty pathetic. Right now they are doing a little intra-blog skit about STD's. Guess who the Laker player with the STD's is. Hint KBB.
Stay classy Salt Lake, stay classy.....
Posted by: pslakerfan | May 05, 2008 at 01:31 PM
SaltLaker
Thanks for the reply. I enjoyed more than my share of the wood oven pizzas at Red Rock..........and more than my share of croakers of ale! Used to "commute" weekly from here to SLC while the Micron plant in Lehi was being built.
Posted by: toad | May 05, 2008 at 01:39 PM
HmrHed,
Excellent point about us going 5 games during the first Ring for the 2k's. That White chocolate era was not as competitive as the Bibby era. (And the same as Media Fodder.)
Posted by: Charles | May 05, 2008 at 01:44 PM
Jay Jay,
I'm something of a jazz musician myself, what do you play?
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | May 05, 2008 at 01:47 PM
Skip Bayless is an idiot. I wouldn't normally say that about another human, but if you listen to his incredibly myopic approach to sports commentary, you'll see that it's true. Unless you love the Spurs. Because he loves the Spurs. Otherwise, he offers virtually no valid perspective on any topic. He loves to pick the unlikely upset (like stating that Denver would win in six games) so that if he ends up being right, he can have the pleasure of gloating for weeks. I can't even watch him anymore. Greg Anthony sounds like a Mensa candidate when compared to Skip. At least Greg knows what he's talking about. Skip is just a waste of time.
Posted by: The Outlaw | May 05, 2008 at 01:50 PM
SaltLaker
You just made me hungry. I am going to have to scroll past your post.
Geez. Do you watch any Anthony Bourdain?
Posted by: Charles | May 05, 2008 at 01:50 PM
pslakerfan!
Just giving a shout out!
Posted by: Charles | May 05, 2008 at 01:52 PM
SHEKOBE:
The very first adjustment I would make is STOP TYPING IN ALL CAPS!!
Posted by: The First Adjustment | May 05, 2008 at 02:03 PM
SHEKOBE:
yeah if I were you I would PRACTICE Practice & PRACTICE in writing my posts in initial caps..
Posted by: Practice Pratice & Practice | May 05, 2008 at 02:08 PM
CAN WE ALL GET ALONG?
hey J.W.Weatherman and Mamba24 STOP pouting and get your asses back to the blog.
Rodney King
Posted by: Rodney King | May 05, 2008 at 02:17 PM
Jay Jay,
How about the Utah Wives and the Los Angeles Ex-Wives.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | May 05, 2008 at 02:22 PM
bozz -
Guitar man. I have a Gibson Barney Kessel, but my main men are Wes and George Benson. You?
Posted by: Jay Jay | May 05, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Jay Jay -
L.A. Stars works and for our pro football team the Compton GangStars. After this year nothing less than the World Champion LOS ANGELES LAKERS would be fitting. damm I miss hearing Chick say that, or it being said period.....
Charles - wutz crackin'? great day and time to be a Laker Fan!
Posted by: lakerfaze | May 05, 2008 at 02:29 PM
I'm in Salt Lake as well...and I'm rocking the my Lakers car flag now!! Haha, Jazz fans seriously hate me.
Anyways, some other good eats around Salt Lake for anybody traveling up to the games (I'll be at the games here as well)...
Mazza (2 locations) - best Middle Eastern (I'm arab) fare in Utah...its pretty authentic.
Bombay House - best Indian Food in state.
Red Iguana - as SaltLaker suggested above, its absolutely incredible Mexican food, at least for Utah. And its within a couple miles of EnergySolutionsArena.
Ruths Chris / Flemings : best Steakhouses, obviously anybody who's been to these chains would agree. Again, fairly near the arena.
Takashi - I hear its some of the best Sushi in the state, also Happy Sumo in Gateway (across the street from the Arena)...
And if anybody wants tips on bars and such, just drop me an email at moasamoI@hotmail.com..
Maybe we could get a big crew together before one of the games for an old-fashioned tailgate!!
Oh and by the way, mormons here are super-pissed about the games being scheduled on Sundays (especially a home game here, which is EXTREMELY rare)...I love it!
Posted by: Sam | May 05, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Hmrhed,
One BIG difference between the Lakers-Kings 2000 First round Playoffs, and the Celtics-Hawks First Round series: The Kings were not the worst team in the Playoffs, as the Buck and Pistons both posted worse records than the Kings.
This year, the Hawks had the worst record of any team in the playoffs.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 05, 2008 at 02:39 PM
JayJay, you want names? I got names:
Utah Polygamists (poly + games)
Oklahoma City Okie Dokies
Los Angeles Chickie Babies (Hearn, Selma Hayek, etc.)
Posted by: CornerJ | May 05, 2008 at 02:46 PM
AK/BK,
Wow, do you guys have the dream job or what?
Thanks for moderating the best blog around. You guys rock.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | May 05, 2008 at 02:47 PM
Bynum to seek another opinion on knee:
http://my.lakers.com/blogs/2008/05/05/andrew-bynum-update/
Injured Lakers Center Andrew Bynum will seek another opinion on the right knee that has caused him to sit out since mid-January.
Team spokesman John Black informed the media that Bynum will seek the advice of Dr. Steven Gecha of Princeton, New Jersey.
==================
I think its probably to weigh his options on getting surgery or rehabd, not to get clearance to come back and play.
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | May 05, 2008 at 02:51 PM