Makes for quite the pleasant flight to Texas
After scoring a skin-of-their-teeth victory two days prior, the Lakers were apparently dead-set on hitting the opposite, efficient end of the spectrum before touching down in the Alamo. While their Game 1 victory over San Antonio came as the result of some serious clawing, last night's 101-71 win required little in the way of scratching and surviving (Good Times!). The first half featured some relatively tight roundball, with the Lakers in control of the proceedings, especially after a 9-0 run just before halftime commenced. Then came the third quarter that gave this Spurs squad fits against New Orleans, a trend that carried over into The City of Angels. Within a blink of an eye, the doors were blown open and the hinges were airborne from the jolt. The Lakers kept piling dirt on an increasingly buried opponent, prompting Gregg Popovich to wave his third-string white flag early in the fourth. Now halfway toward their goal of a trip to the finals (with the odds decidedly in their favor when it comes to that mission), the Lakers can check out this particular box score as a reminder of their capabilities, albeit while lacking in comparative experience. The team down 0-2 might be the ones currently holding a title (although perhaps not for long), but the Purple and Gold are demonstrating considerably more of the proverbial "championship stuff." While it ain't truly over until officially declared so, it's understandable if you're giddy about the Lakers' odds of advancement.
The win also served as a proof positive when it came to the talents of various Lakers. Lamar Odom has mostly earned his keep and then some throughout the playoffs, but stumbled through a mediocre effort during Wednesday's win. Prodded on by his mates, his follow-up was nothing short of the dominant player everyone wishes for. Derek Fisher also made good on his desire to make up for a mostly lousy Game 1. But nobody came through in bigger redemptive fashion than Jordan Farmar, who spent the opening pair of series getting beaten on D and bricking on O. Between his five-for-seven shooting and block-for-the-ages against Ime Udoka, Farmar finally got going, no matter which side of the ball you're talking. But the happiest sight of the evening may have been Trevor Ariza back on the court (and canning his only shot) after a five-month absence.
A look at Ron Harper, who played an important role in Phil Jackson's championship squads here and in Chicago.
Great write-up.
You forgot to mention which version of Kobe's sneakers you were wearing while writing it though .
Posted by: WWJWWD | May 24, 2008 at 12:19 PM
It all goes back to Kobe's Summer tirade.
It seems clear to me. It caused the Gasol trade. It caused the role players to see this team as their own; no longer Kobe's team. It (probably) lit a fire under Bynum. It made everyone focus on winning and nothing else since winning was the only (very slim) chance this team ever had for survival. This season more than ever was win now or lose everything. Give Phil credit. It looks like he's done it again.
Go Lakers.
Wes
Posted by: | May 24, 2008 at 12:23 PM
=== SPURS MEDIA THINKS THEY WILL WIN!!! ===
The cockiness is ridiculous.
Read this article:
http://www.probasketballnews.com/amico_052408.html
This "editor" SWEARS the Spurs will win and dares anybody to email him so he can email back when the Spurs do win.
Crazy.
But I'll oblige. And you should too. And make sure to send him another email once the Lakers finish these chumps off.
"Editor".... wow..that's a strong word for that guy.
Posted by: Korey | May 24, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Spurs flying back on Air Knicks. Yikes!
Great win yesterday. Confidence and aggression wins the series.
Re: the Amico article from the last post. That's a LOT of IFs. Not even the Spurs think they can win this series. I'm hoping the Eastern finals goes 7.
Posted by: mel | May 24, 2008 at 12:32 PM
does anybody have a link to video of Flea's anthem?
Posted by: EHomp | May 24, 2008 at 12:34 PM
A "Good Times" reference & a 30 point win...
DYNOMITE!
And, as always, NEVER underestimate the power of Prayer!
Posted by: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER | May 24, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Sam Amico of Pro Basketball News
re: Spurs will Win Series
The Lakers are Playing Better Than the SPurs isn't much of a headline is it, Sam? The truth often isn't. That is the headline the SPurs themselves are offering being the class act they are. You'd rather talk refs... yawn.
If ya need more readers that badly how 'bout:
Neo Nazis NBA Fans Kidnapping our Women!!!!!
Just a suggestion and closer to reality than the Spurs Will Win this Series.
Posted by: Vman | May 24, 2008 at 12:40 PM
That was the sickest game I have seen in a while. We were firing on all cylinders last night.
Farmer stuffed a "Big" (well, a lot bigger than him). That was some serious hops Jordan!!
Turiaf was pure energy. Any way we could bottle that up?? Turiaf energy drink anyone?? Ronny, have your people call my people to set that up.....
The look in the Purs eyes was a lot different when they went down 2 games to the Hornets. They KNOW that this
0-2 hole is a WORLD of difference with the other team being the Lakers!! ADMIT IT POPS!!!!
Last, Kobe ONLY scored 22 points. The Spurs are done. Stay focused Lakes and FINALS HERE WE COME!!!
janaya
Posted by: janaya | May 24, 2008 at 12:48 PM
So depressing for us spurs fans. That loss last night was unbearable to watch. Kudos to you Lakers for being a damn good team! I repect a team that plays hard every night. I still love my spurs even though they look very tired out there and just plain out of it. Nothing was falling for us. MAKE YOUR DAMN SHOTS GUYS!! well lets see how tommorow plays out. I feel they will come out with more enthusiasm since we are back home. If we go down tommrow, this seris is Done. I still have faith in my spurs!
SPURS IN 7!
GO SPURS GO!
Posted by: cello_the Spurs fan | May 24, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Hollinger (tentatively) agrees with Barkley and a few bloggers: this is the best team Kobe has ever been on, i.e. better than any of the Shaq teams.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=FinalFour-080523
Posted by: Tsphere | May 24, 2008 at 12:55 PM
I have to admit that I am a bit tired of all the excuses of "1 day in between games" and "they just came off a 7 game series" and "they slept in the airplane motel".. Le'ts call it like it is. The Lakers are taking care of business. The Lakers are by far the more talented, younger and athletic team.
The Lakers won the #1 seed in the Western Conference and are reaping the benefits. Their first round opponent was supposed to be "easier" than the other seedings. They took care of business by taking care of the Jazz in 6. The Lakers are built for now and into the future. That is one of the reasons why this team is sooo exciting. This is the making of a DYNASTY like we have never seen. Kobe will be a stud for about another 4 years at least.. Add a young Gasol, Bynum, Odom and the rest of the squad, this team is plain scary.
I also have to admit that during the season, I was getting very frustrated with Sasha for taking too many 3 point shots. I thought there were times were he jacked up shots too early in the shot clock. But now, he is hitting a beter % of shots, he is driving to the hoop more and he is really locking down defensively. Top to bottom, this team is amazing.
I never really gave into the thought that the Lakers are by far the best team in these playoffs without Bynum active. But after seeing them sweep a high potent offensive team in Denver, pretty much handle a strong, all-around team like the Jazz and so far dominating the defensive minded champs, I really believe right now that there is no team that can beat these guys in a 7 game series.
The amazing thing is that you look at Lamars ability to help defensively, and then drive to the hoop.. you look at Vlade stepping up and hititng 3's and even attacking the rim.. you've got fisher who is playing out of his mind.. and by the way, fish has done a GREAT job against 3 stud PGs (Iverson, D-Will and Parker).. you have Gasol who hasnt really lit it up offensively but he is playing solid defense and his mere presence is helping Lamar go off (ala Shaqs presence helping Amare).. you have a great bench with farmar coming around.. Sahsa being a defensive gnat as well as an offensive threat.. Luke is playing tremendous team ball.. Ronny is doing an admirable job defensively
After all that, I almost forgot, how about that MVP
dpk
Posted by: dpk | May 24, 2008 at 01:03 PM
Good Morning Laker Nation!
All is good in Laker Land! I went to the blow-out last night and have to say I probably had the most fun at the game than the previous two games I went to.
1st- Thank you Kobe for not scoring only 2 points in the first half- you showed the spurs to be scared and they were- way to go.
To the Spurs fans sitting in front of me- sorry for giving you such a hard time- you were really cool actually unlike the rest of the spurs fans in attendance. But I digress- Congrats on last years championship- you deserved it- now we get the next 3.........
TREVOR!!!!!!!!!!!! What an awesome comeback
Where was Ira Newble- he was not on the bench didnt seem to be at the game......
Hey- Mamba24 is there a way to contact you privatly- like myspace or something?
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Simi Laker Girl | May 24, 2008 at 01:04 PM
It will be 4-0 for the Lakers if Bowen wouldnt succeed in injuring Kobe. Ive been trying to see how he defend against Kobe and ive noticed how he puts his foot between Kobes legs when he takes a jumpshot. One major mistake by Kobe will cost LA the championship that we have been waiting for. I hope the staff would take notice of this and try t bring it to the attention of the refs.KOBE and Lakers forever!!!!
Posted by: lejan | May 24, 2008 at 01:07 PM
How awesome did you feel waking up today, despite the crappy weather (and whatever degree of hangover you might have)?
Six more wins to go, but feeling good about where the Lakers are as a team.
I confess that Gasol was making me nervous early in the game on Friday, but as my cousin Ben (Benjamin here on the blog) texted me, "Don't worry, we have Lamar."
Watching Kobe sit down with the TNT crew after the game (with all the friendly prompting by Magic Johnson) spoke volumes about the Lakers as a team and about how good Game 2 really was.
The Lakers anticipate seeing a better effort by the Spurs on their home floor, no doubt about it. But the Purple & Gold has the wind at their sails after Friday's near-flawless performance. The Lakers have elevated their game at just the right time.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 24, 2008 at 01:18 PM
Tim Duncan: "We are going to go home and try and change the tide of it."
Gandalf: "I come back to you now, at the turn of the tide."
Oh, that Timmay and his wizard love.
Posted by: lakers_sth | May 24, 2008 at 02:02 PM
Simi Laker Girl~
Ira was in street clothes sitting behind the bench. I think he had to be inactivated in order for Trevor to play. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.
Banner Holder~
You, sir, are indeed the official Lakers Chaplain. Your prayer was awesome, heartfelt and profound. Well done and Amen! Keep them coming!
So proud of this team and how far they have come this year...and knowing that the journey is far from over...priceless! Last night was one for the archives. We simply will not be denied.
One love, one team, one trophy.
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: Happy Camper | May 24, 2008 at 02:02 PM
Happy Camper
Thanks for the insight- even from my seats at the top I love to look down and see the bench and know who is there- I looked down and didnt see him or his head band or corn rows- so that was kinda weird for me- but hey- Go Trevor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Simi Laker Girl | May 24, 2008 at 02:11 PM
LAKERS FANS ... I salute you, I came on here to spew some lyrics about how proud of this team I am but I see that ain't necessary, y'all feel the same ... anywho below r a few random or not so random thoughts ...
Korey, thnx for the link to the spurs article claiming they'd win the series. on the one hand one of the things i was gonna post on here is how we shouldn't be surprised we're killing the spurs, back in the kobe-shaq days kobe used to love the chanllenge of taking down the favored methodical spurs but hey the author has a point, the spurs are the champions and our very own lakers ain't into talk, they know how hard it'll be and are just focussed on trying to win the next game.
Still having said that ... lol, y'all know we own da spurs even if we wanna be humble n go oh they da champs ... I'm thinking detroit is clearly the best team in the east (seriously who can argue for da celtics who can't win on the road), detriot beat us when we were favored to win it in 2004, I'm thinking we want detroit, I'm thinking this championship quest means so much to this dynasty in the making that was born out of the ashes of a laker hero wanting another home, and that they'd want to face the better team, that they want to be tested.
Lets not take these victories for granted, our boys are working so hard for these wins, laker fans I salute you but more than that I salute our team.
Last but not least yo, DPK i gotta give a shout out to you dawg, your article reeked of pride in realising you're rooting for not just the best team in basketball but for also what appears to be the hardest working team.
Posted by: Taliq | May 24, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Win or lose...for the Lakers...there are now between 6 to 12 games left in this absolutely incredible season.
Thinking back over this year, I don't even know if that word INCREDIBLE can begin to describe what this Lakers team (organization, and family) has witnessed this year. Although it's been said that hindsight is 20/20, it will take more than just casual retrospect once this season concludes to figure out the larger impact of everything that's happened: from Kobe's tirades last summer, to the surprising rise of Andrew Bynum, the cruel injury that took him from the team, the trades for Ariza and Gasol which brought much needed reinforcements to the team, and now the emergence of what looks to be the Next Lakers Dynasty.
I can't begin to wrap my head around the resounding victories the Lakers have won during this playoff season when I remember the depths of despair and confusion they were wallowing in just a little over a year ago. Maybe truth really is stranger than fiction, and the perfect hollywood ending as KB24 himself suggested, would be for this year to end with a Victory Parade down Figueroa.
I wonder what Chick Hearn would have made of all this. I wonder if even old Golden Throat would have been able to explain, and put into words, the dramatic ups and downs of this Lakers season. It hurts that he's not with us to give it try. How simply appropriate, and right it is, that the stars have aligned and these things have occured here during the 60th Anniversary year of this Great Lakers Franchise.
Though the Lakers may currently be second (to the hated Celtics) in the number of world championships, by the time his career is over, I have every confidence that Kobe Bryant will lead his team to SURPASS the number of titles Boston owns. The Celtics may have ruled the 60's, but these Lakers are the team of the New Millenia, and they are headed to becoming THE most decorated and storied franchise in NBA history.
Through the vicissitudes this team and organization has endured in recent memory, there has been one constant: Dr. Jerry Buss and the Buss Family.
Jerry Buss has received (more than) his share of criticism, whether justified or not, during his watch. But, he has been the owner who has been front and center in everything Lakers since 1979. Who could have foreseen, when he acquired the Lakers from Jack Kent Cooke, the glorious heights this franchise would reach under his ownership?
The Best thing is, when it comes to the Lakers team and organization, the Best is yet to come!
The entire Lakers Family thanks you Dr. Buss...
P & G R
Posted by: Purple & Gold Reign | May 24, 2008 at 02:50 PM
The scary thing is we are not playing nearly the best we can and we are dominating! Lets avenge our loss to the pistons! Go Lakers.
Posted by: RIZZO | May 24, 2008 at 03:06 PM
=== SPURS MEDIA THINKS THEY WILL WIN!!! ===
The cockiness is ridiculous.
Read this article:
http://www.probasketballnews.com/amico_052408.html
This "editor" SWEARS the Spurs will win and dares anybody to email him so he can email back when the Spurs do win.
Crazy.
But I'll oblige. And you should too. And make sure to send him another email once the Lakers finish these chumps off.
"Editor".... wow..that's a strong word for that guy.
Posted by: Korey | May 24, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Must be tough for the "editor" to write an internet column with crayons.
Posted by: Jman449 | May 24, 2008 at 03:54 PM
What should really worry the Spurs: The Lakers won by 30, and not one player on the Lakers had what anyone would call an unconscious, career game. We had a lot of players play well, but nobody did anything that they couldn't easily do again tomorrow.
The other problem for the Spurs: The Lakers have figured out their offense. San Antonio lives or dies on their 3-point shooting. Finally, the Lakers have learned to not chase the ball into the paint, only have it to kick back out into wide-open threes.
Duncan can get 30 and 20, and the Lakers can still win, as long as they don't let them hit 15-30 from the 3-point line.
Watch the Spurs guards when the penetrate the lane. Their first look is a kick-out. Makes them lousy finshers at the rim. Plus, the three-point shooters are used to wide-open looks. When there's a hand in the face, they are remarkably ineffective.
Posted by: Jman449 | May 24, 2008 at 04:01 PM
Spurs fans - Your every other year title run isn't a dynasty...3 in a row is. And now we are about to start another run. I am coming in to your city for the next few days and to take care of some unfinished business. Watch and learn.
Posted by: Kobe | May 24, 2008 at 04:29 PM
Well, for the first time in these playoffs, I have seen a team that scares me a little bit.
That team is the DETROIT PISTONS.
I don't think the Lakers match up well with them. They are a team with championship experience at all the key positions, who have been together and played in the last six ECF, with some proven clutch players like Rasheed, Tayshaun, Rip and Chauncey. They are extremely physical and smart, play great team and individual defense. This is almost the same crew that knocked out a heavily favored Lakers team on '04.
That's a scary team, folks. Our Lakers are gonna have to play their best to beat that team, assuming they beat those phonies known as the Celtics.
Posted by: hava98 | May 24, 2008 at 05:01 PM
When asked if they think this is like the Hornets being up 2-0, Ginobili replied "I can't take that as something to make me feel better. We should have been at least 1-1, but it is what it is, so we've got to really step up, starting with me and try to get those two games at home."
The keys for game 3:
-Keep Manu off his game. Every game he struggles, his confidence suffers more. He is starting to press, which makes his herky jerky style even worse. I think he is feeling do or die. I think Sasha has gotten to his head.
-The Lakers have to keep their defensive aggressiveness on the road. We can't start giving up easy lay ups, and points in the paint.
-On the same note...We have to prevent Tony Parker from the dribble penetration. Their offense revolves around Parker breaking down the defense with his penetration drive and score, or dish to the open jumper.
-Perimeter defense on the open shot. We can't let them get a rhythm and start gaining confidence. Missing their shots will unleash our potent transition offense. Take advantage when they miss and get some early point with our fast break to built a pad.
-Fast start again a main key. Keeping their home crowd out of the game will be vital. They are tired and worn, and fans cheering will energize them. The easiest way to neutralize this would be a fast start and a nice mini-run.
-Maximus Paolisis Gasolus has to give us a better production. He has missed some easy shots and seems just a fraction off. His two man game with LO has to continue and same consistent defense on Duncan.
We got the Spurs down on the canvas...They are tired, hurt and reeling...Game 3 - standing 8 count....Game four....KNOCK OUT...bold statement, but when you're in a street fight, hit them hard and keep swinging. Don't give them a chance to fight back.
Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: MambaMVP08 | May 24, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Laker Nation,
Has anyone seen Iceman44, Spurs4Life, or Jessie10? I haven't been able to find any posts from them.
Posted by: Eric M. | May 24, 2008 at 05:40 PM
My pre-series prediction remains intact...Lakers in 4!!!
Laker Kev
Posted by: Laker Kev | May 24, 2008 at 07:22 PM
Eric M.,
Nope. I assume they are hiding in shame.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 24, 2008 at 07:40 PM
Nope. I assume they are hiding in shame.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K.
------------------------------------
Nah. The plane broke down again, and they had to return their rented mules. They're currently hoofing it back to SA.
Probably lost in the desert somewhere near Amboy.
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | May 24, 2008 at 08:04 PM
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER -
"And, as always, NEVER underestimate the power of Prayer!"
What about the praying of the Spurs fans? How do you explain the Spurs losing? Religion & Logic - Do not mix. ^_^
Posted by: Pustoolio | May 24, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Hi I have been a LAKERS fans for a long time and I am going to predict that the LAKERS will win go 4-0 this series. Because it looks like they just proved to anybody else that's a LAKER fan out there by the way they've been playingever since they got Pau Gasol. Their whole entire team even the bench is doing a tremendous job playing like a team. LET'S GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jackie Lopez | May 25, 2008 at 12:39 AM
Both Spurs and Lakers are perfect at home so far. Spurs are 6-0 at home. Lakers are 7-0.
Spurs have won one road game in each round. Lakers have won two in the first round, one in the second.
Posted by: | May 25, 2008 at 01:06 AM
dude if ron harper stayed on the lakers just one more year... he could've had 3 back to back rings from chicago AND 3 back to back rings from la. crazy.
Posted by: | May 25, 2008 at 02:22 AM
Wes,
I couldn't agree with you more bra. Last summer, when most of the media was severely bashing on Kobe for his antics about wanting to be traded, etc. - I 100% agreed with his mindset. Think about it, he is the absolute best player in the game, he had 3 seasons of below mediocre talent surrounding him, and his amazing skills were pretty much being wasted. If I were blessed to have been in a similar situation, I would have done the exact same thing. Without his bitching, chances are strong that we would not have Gasol, chances are Bynum may not have been quite as motivated to prove himself, chances are some of the role players wouldn't work their butts off last off-season to get much better (Turiaf, Sasha, Farmar), chances are the entire team would not have the same focused attitude and mindset as they all do currently. So, good point Wesley.
Posted by: PurpleHeart | May 25, 2008 at 07:20 AM
My second favourite moment of this season will come when the crowd at Boston or Detroit begin to chant "Beat LA! Beat LA!" I am sure I'll get goosebumps.
Posted by: Glenn | May 25, 2008 at 07:32 AM
Well, let's see how poised and focused the young Lakers squad will be in Texas. So far, at the 3-minute mark of the 2nd quarter they are showing some stress. Let's see if they can right the ship.
Posted by: TrueFan1947 | May 25, 2008 at 06:27 PM