A whole new ball game?
The popular saying is that a series doesn't truly begin until a team loses one on its home court, a saying that the Utah Jazz is taking to heart this evening as it preps for game 3 (6:00 pm PST, ESPN). But even if the notion that L.A. merely held serve is indeed the case, that doesn't mean a shift of venues works as a Robitussin-style cure all. Only thirteen teams in NBA history have pulled out a series after falling behind, 2-0. Of course, there's a difference between long odds and impossible ones, a fact this Utah squad knows via firsthand experience. They also come armed with a coach who knows a thing or two about teaching an effective pick and roll. Plus, they consider themselves in possession of an ace in the hole, an arena with everything from deafening volume to a motorcycling bear that's capable of creating a boxed in effect on the home team. That boisterous crowd isn't afraid to get in a player's ear, even ex-Jazzman Derek Fisher, whose 365-day-old story is considered inspirational by everyone but the SLC residents (and speaking of anniversaries, nearly 11 years ago to the day, Kobe Bryant used a high-profile failure in Utah to gain wisdom for a brilliant career).
So how will the Lakers look to counter this admittedly tough obstacle? For starters, they can take a page from Coach Dale Norman's Hickory High play book, which involves a tape measure and some calm perspective. Matching or even besting Utah's numbers on the boards would also be a plus, although the Lakers have already started moving in the right direction. It also wouldn't hurt to note the lack of believable swagger in the voice of their opponents. The one approach they shouldn't apply, however, is a game plan involving the services of Trevor Ariza. The latest CAT scan shows damage still lingering, which will force him to miss at least two more weeks before getting medical clearance.
The average Kobe fan's allegiance can border on zealotry, in the eyes of those on the outside looking in. Of course, the first time The Logo looked in Bryant's direction, he was pretty much hooked, too. After all the ups and downs, the roller-coaster rides and titles, Bryant has become family for many a Laker enthusiast.
Marge Hearn says Chick would be enjoying this run. The Lakers' first lady would know.
The NBA playoffs may be where amazing happens, but is the NHL postseason even more amazing-er?
If Mike D'Antoni really wants to prove he and his system wasn't the problem in Phoenix, he'll make it work with the Knicks, who put their offer on the table (depending on how much much stock you put in an ESPN report, that is). Or he could just take the easy (or as some would call it, "sane") route and take a gig in Chicago.
Hey guys- lets hang out and watch the game- anyone want to find a place to watch it and hang out? I need Laker fans around me- I like out here but my car is fixed and can travel now.
I know the game is at 6 but let me know....
Elle we live close enough is there a sports bar or something?
Simi Laker Girl
Posted by: Simi Laker Girl | May 09, 2008 at 02:40 PM
with all due respect to the blog veteranos,
whats up with all the polygamist jokes? Some of you need to be educated. As far as I know most of SLC is not even Mormon. The outer cities of Utah are the cities that have the higher Mormon population. Another thing is that I doubt that the FUNDAMENTALIST Mormons which do practice polygamy wouldnt even go to a Jazz game. why don't you keep this blog basketball related only.
btw: again i say this with all due respect. i've been reading for about 2 years now.
Posted by: darock | May 09, 2008 at 01:53 PM
Ahh, c'mon. If we can't (inappropriately) make fun of Utah being Mormon and the Mormon Church endorsing polygamy then how are we gonna have fun with the Utah Mormons, er Jazz? I say that jokingly because it's a cop out to think we wouldn't find something else, but it's such a fun, easy target. We can't help ourselves!
Maybe SLC isn't Mormon, but the state of Utah, whom the Jazz represent based on their name, certainly is or is at least strongly identified with that religion.
And dude, you're totally entitled to pipe in. Who cares what the rest of us think? You have something unique to add? I wanna hear it even if I will just disagree with it.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 09, 2008 at 02:40 PM
On Fish,
I was super frustrated with him in 02-03 and 03-04. He was pretty inconsistent with his shot. HIs defense was okay when drawing fouls, but he had serious issues defending the top point guards in the league, my impression is that it was worse than now.
I like the idea of getting him back because it seems pretty clear that he's a good guy and could help in the lockerroom. I also thought his knowledge of the triangle and ability to mentor young point guards might be very nice as well. While Fish played pretty well for Utah and the Warriors, I didn't have super high expectations for his play, but I did know he would be an upgrade over Smush. I liked the idea of there being someone from the championship threepeat other than Brian Shaw on the sidelines back to help out Kobe.
I've been pleasantly surprised. Now, you can call me a fair weather Fish fan if you like, and I'm probably guilty as charged. However, a lot of my appreciation of him or lack thereof has had to do with how he has performed over the last few years, and some of those years really weren't pretty.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 09, 2008 at 02:45 PM
Jesterguru,
I sent Bill Dwyer appreciation for his article too. I also asked him to do something about that darn Plaschke that just doesn't get it. He replied and said many Laker fans totally missed his sarcasm and thought it was a purely celebratory article. I thought that was pretty funny. He said something about maybe he would have to move to North Dakota or something because of it.
Good stuff.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 09, 2008 at 02:48 PM
I believe someone else brought this up in a previous blog, but does anyone else think it's funny that Fish's daughter is still being treated in New York? If Fish had stayed in Utah, he'd be closer to his daughter's treatment!
If I were a Utah fan, that would probably make me say, "Hey, what the heck..." I certainly wouldn't be happy about it, but I'd feel more unlucky than manipulated or messed with. There are just no data points suggesting that Fisher isn't a solid guy.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 09, 2008 at 02:51 PM
Hey,
I just want to thank all of you that came to my defense against the red state guy. I appreciate it!
Posted by: Benjamin | May 09, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Worst season of Idol ever. I have to root for an emo with mangs. (Man bangs. Hate 'em.)
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 09, 2008 at 02:53 PM
it's cute to see all the bandwagoners in love with Fish. I remember right before he left the lakers how these same boards were filled with hatred towards him over his crappy shooting, etc. And now look.. not only is he loved again but loved with a self righteousness (e.g., how dare you boo fish!) befitting the world class hypocrites that you are.
Posted by: lakenbake
hahahaha...apparently you don't the rules around here! You must pay homage to the blog seniors before posting such blasphemy..oppss my bad..I said I wouldn't get started today.
Go Lakers
Posted by: lakeraholic | May 09, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Por la Cuatro dices??? Eso si que es una buena noticia. A pasar del SopCast.
Oh man! What´s that rotten-chicken-like smell?? I see... They are corpses but still dosent know.
Lakers in four.
Posted by: HugoSpain "horse whisperer???" | May 09, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Long Live Chick,
My post was not meant to be offensive. I am saying in General there is a lot of Mormons in Utah.
if it offends you you should yell at them for booing fish- that offends me.
Posted by: Simi Laker Girl | May 09, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Wow,
Nice meeting you lakenbake, thanks so much for making such a broad generalization, I didn’t even realize I was a bandwagon jumper thanks for pointing that out to me *note the sarcasm*
Posted by: Elle | May 09, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Benjamin~
The way I understand it, Fish and family travel to NY every two months to be seen by the Dr. that developed the treatment that Tatum is undergoing. On a more regular basis, she is being seen by a Dr. in LA who is that surgeon's former colleague.
Here is an excerpt of an article that addressed this:
Tatum's Los Angeles doctor is an ex-colleague of her surgeon, which Fisher said "really gave us the confidence that, 'OK, if we can't be in New York, this is the guy we want to see.' "
"The tumor in the eye she experienced — they start like a pin mark on a paper. That small," he said. "So if you aren't watching closely, and if you're not dealing with doctors and medical people that have seen this for 25 or 30 years, and know exactly what to look for, you could miss something. We never want that to happen again."
(And there are a lot more flights going to NY from LA than from SLC.) Beside, as others have mentioned, Fish back in LA has served to restore order in the Laker universe!
Posted by: Happy Camper | May 09, 2008 at 03:19 PM
Ben,
I think the deal with Fisher is that Tatum goes for her experimental treatment in New York every few months (I’m not really sure) but she also gets check ups at Children’s Hospital more often (every few weeks). I think Children’s is more equipped to deal with her medical situation than any hospital in Utah was.
Posted by: Elle | May 09, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Benjamin,
Mormons don't practice polygamy, but go ahead and have fun with it. The Fundementalists are NOT LDS. They are a bastard step-child of a second cousin conceived by incest. Please don't mix up the two.
And by the way, you hit the nail on the head when it comes to Jazz fans and Fish. They would've understood it if he signed with the Knicks. But they now hate him coming to the Lakers, when he still has to travel to NYC for treatment. Although classless (and I am not making excuses for them), but that is why they booed Fisher. Jazz fans are extremely poor sports.
Here's hoping they boo again tonight!! Because as Kobe said, the Lake show will thrive on that. A pissed Kobe is a good Kobe.
GO LAKERS!!
10 to 15
Posted by: Earth Wind & Fire | May 09, 2008 at 03:27 PM
Simi Laker Girl,
Absolutely no offense taken. I did not respond because I was offended, but just to point out a few misconceptions.
I am a Mormon SoCal Laker fan for life, so i just wanted to point it out.
PS - I think Utah has some of the worst "poor sports" fans of any sport.
Posted by: Earth Wind & Fire | May 09, 2008 at 03:36 PM
Happy Camper & Robyn....
I love DFish! And the Utah Jazz are going to get a taste of religion tonight....FISH ON FRIDAY!!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | May 09, 2008 at 03:39 PM
Oh and by the way
Earth Wind and Fire = Long Live Chick
I think I will return to my original post name from back when the blog started.
Posted by: Long Live Chick | May 09, 2008 at 03:44 PM
Can't we all just cool it with the Mormon junk? I thought this was a basketball blog - not a blog for bigots. As a non-Mormon that went to BYU on an athletic scholarship - and being familiar with the religion thanks to the religion classes I was required to take, I can firmly state the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints do not practice polygamy. In fact members found to be doing so are expelled from the LDS Church. Secondly, the State of Utah is not Mormon. There is a large percentage of the population is LDS and the Church exerts a strong influence because so many members of state and local government happen to be Mormon. It is not because the Church runs the state. Finally, while I personally don't subscribe to their theology the fact of the matter is that they are for the most part a nice group of people that are kind and considerate and follow the 10 commandments. Were the fans rude to D Fish? Sure. But what about all those fine Laker fans chanting DUI to Melo? Doesn't show a lot of class. Fans can be jerks at times in any city that root for any team in any sport. Deal with it.
Eagleboy
Posted by: Eagleboy | May 09, 2008 at 03:51 PM
The specialty treatments for Tatum are done in NY. But the bulk of her hospital stay is in LA. I believe.
Which was the whole point of moving to a bigger city. Children's hospital of LA is one of the country's best, not to mention CHOC...these are facilities I'm sure the Fish's are using.
As always our thoughts are with Fish and his family.
Posted by: Faith | May 09, 2008 at 03:55 PM
I have to say that I, not only loved Fish before he left, I was very disapointed when we let him go to GS. I felt that they should have told him they were trading away the Glove and if they had, DFish might have stuck around to start at the 1. Rudy T did not have his head on straight thats for sure. We would have done much better with Derrick than we did with Smash Park-inglotattendent-er
Posted by: | May 09, 2008 at 03:56 PM
Eagleboy
Your missing the point of the two Times articles. It was Larry Miller, the owner of the Jazz, implying the Lakers and Fisher made up all this stuff, and it was Miller that was leading the cheers against Fisher.
The Polygamy stuff here is funny, its part of Utah's history and culture. As one from Utah as well, I noticed they had more fun with the jokes than outsiders.
All Mormons with any history from Utah have had a polygamy background. They have no problem with it. Why should you?
The stuff about Fisher was unbelievable and despicable. Give credit where credit is due. Its nowhere on the same level as the Melo stuff.
Do you want us to believe Fisher concocted this stuff to get out as Miller said, and then compare that to a DUI chant which Melo deserved? Cmon!
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 09, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Sorry Darock, don't mean to disrespect the religion. yeah let's go back to the lakers by winning it in Utah. One hour more to go before we get our purgatory of being booed as a team.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 09, 2008 at 05:05 PM
Happy Camper, Faith, Elle,
Thanks for straightening me out on Fisher. My perception has been corrected.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 10, 2008 at 01:10 AM