Really, it's not supposed to look this easy
The Lakers entered Wednesday night's Game 2 against Utah having never lost on a night where Kobe Bryant was presented with an MVP trophy. For that matter, the Lakers had yet to suffer a blemish during their playoff run, going a perfect 5-0. Both records stayed pure after a 120-110 win over the Jazz. The Lakers held the Jazz to 45% shooting and had plenty of practice defending them, what with the Jazz putting up 101 attempts (which dwarfed the Lakers' 68, although the home team's connected at 57%). Along with racking up FGA's, the Jazz also seemed hell bent on picking up as many fouls as possible. Andrei Kirilenko and Mehmet Okur each fouled out and Carlos Boozer spent most of the game in foul trouble, which helps explain LA's 43-16 advantage in FT's attempted. Deron Williams came through with a monster second half (22/5, 4-4 from behind the arc), but his bad opening 24 minutes mirrored his teammates, who weren't able to put together a good rhythm before the break.
For their part, the Lakers occasionally suffered lapses on both sides of the ball (or simply competed against a quality playoff squad, depending on how realistic your POV), but were never in anything remotely resembling danger when it came to holding the stick's short end. When they needed stops, they came. When big shots were required, they fell. Sasha Vujacic led the bench with a dozen points. Lamar Odom had sixteen boards and a pair of blocks to complement his 19 points, barely falling short of the scoring pace set by fellow starters Pau Gasol (20) and Derek Fisher (22). And Kobe Bryant performed in a manner that confirmed his hardware worthiness, a 34/8/6 stat line on 11-18 shooting and a near perfect 11-12 at the line.
Finally, a factoid that occurred to me on this momentous day in Laker history. Kobe Bryant has never won MVP without playing a full season with Coby Karl. Chew on that one for a while.
The breakdown is below, courtesy of BK.
AK
The Good:
- Kobe Bryant: On the odd chance anyone was wondering why The Commish handed him that big ol' trophy before the game, Kobe went out and put on a clinic. 11-18 from the floor, plus 11-12 from the line, good for 34 points, plus eight boards and six helpers. He was never out of control, never pushed more than the situation needed, and was able to dictate play in all sorts of ways while on the floor. Utah threw everything they could at him- Ronnie Brewer, Andrei Kirilenko, Matt Harpring (that one worked relatively well, actually), hard doubles, rabid dogs, star struck groupies, and more. Didn't matter. He had just about everything working tonight. At one point in the third, with the shot clock winding down, Kobe hit a fall away jumper high off the glass against a totally defenseless Brewer for two of his 15 points in the quarter. With 2:40 left in the fourth, when Sloan started throwing bodies at him, Kobe still found his way into the lane for an incredible dish around AK47 to Pau Gasol that gave LA a 10-point lead and seemed to suck any remaining momentum away from Utah. Like Game 1, they simply didn't have an answer for him. Not that anyone really does, hence the big ol' trophy The Commish handed him at the top of the show.
- Lamar Odom: The moment the ball went up for the opening tip, LO was so aggressive there were moments I thought he might actually be a little too geeked up. He attacked Utah all night, and they couldn't do much to stop him. Everything was at the rack. I don't think he took a jumper all night, actually. The result? 7-10 from the floor, 5-7 from the line, 19 points in all. Defensively, he was all over the boards (16 boards) and was extremely active. Two blocks, a steal, and Odom played a role in both putting Carlos Boozer on the bench with foul trouble and limiting his effectiveness when he managed to stay on the court. An outstanding effort for LO.
- Derek Fisher: Before the game I wondered before who would be that "other guy" to step up for either team and supplement the stars. The answer? Derek Fisher. 22 points on 7-10 from the floor, including 4-5 from beyond the arc. He set the tone for a big night by draining the first points of the game 12 ticks in, and only improved from there, making a wave of critical buckets. Two consecutive triples late in the first helped push the Laker lead from seven to 13. In the third, he drove the lane hard to draw Boozer's fourth foul, then stuck a clutch three with 9.4 remaining. In the fourth, a big three helped squash the momentum Utah was trying to generate. Plus, he did a nice job on Deron Williams, at least in the first half, holding him to a very quiet 1-6 from the floor.
- The First Quarter: Utah needed to come out and make a statement. Instead, the Lakers did all the talking. A 13-13 ballgame at the 7:11 mark, the Lakers outscored Utah 20-5 the rest of the way, building a 15- point lead and totally changing the complexion of the game. From that point on, the Jazz was always working uphill. At times they made some progress, but whenever they pushed, the Lakers pushed back. The Jazz worked plenty hard, but was never able to gain control of the game back from LA. Momentum, occasionally. Control, never.
- Sasha Vujacic: 12 points on 3-5 from the floor, 5-6 from the line. He was confident, but most of all played in control. The former is never an issue with him these days, but the latter is. No surprise to see PJ finish the game with him on the floor, pushing Kobe to the three. He was active on both ends, and of all the bench players the Lakers used tonight, Sasha was the most effective.
- Bookend D: In the first quarter, Utah shot 33.3% and turned the ball over six times. In the fourth, they shot 32%. Those are good figures. Things occasionally got squishy- it's important to remember that Utah won 54 games this year, and are a very good team... they're going to look good sometimes- but when the Lakers needed stops they got them.
The Bad: Overall, I thought the team played very well. They didn't run Utah out of the building after getting out to the early lead, but they were never threatened, either. The reserves didn't put up huge numbers, but I thought all, from Ronny Turiaf to Luke Walton and to a lesser extent, Jordan Farmar, made important contributions at important times. They weren't collectively brilliant, but they didn't hurt anything, either. Each had his moments.
At this point in the season, you guys know how I generally look at things on nights like tonight, where they controlled the game throughout against a quality opponent. I'm not one to nitpick. Thus, a pretty brief category.
- Vlad Radmanovic: His playoff slump continues. On the night, he was 1-3 with a dime, two personals, and a pair of TOs. He struggled against Kirilenko on the defensive end, and generally seemed out of sorts. On a night that belonged to the starters, he was the only one that didn't join the party. It's not simply a matter of scoring. In Game 4 of the Denver series, Vlad wasn't shooting the lights out, but still found ways to stay active. Tonight, he wouldn't have looked out of place wearing one of those yellow shirts they handed out to fans on the way in, aside from the fact it probably wouldn't have fit him.
- Offensive Execution as the Game Went On: I thought, especially in the third, that there were too many instances where the Lakers stopped running the offense, as ball and player movement turned a little stagnant. It wasn't a major problem, as evidenced by LA's 57.4% mark from the floor, and 43 FTs attempted shows the Lakers were aggressive attacking the rim. But it was an occasional issue, and worth noting if for no other reason than to avoid leaving Vlad totally without cover in this category.
The "Wow, It's Really a Luxury to Have a Guy Who Puts Up These Numbers Even When Things Seem a Little Off!":
- Pau Gasol: 20/5/5, and again, it wasn't a night where everyone left the building thinking that Pau went off. Many probably thought he didn't play all that well, and certainly until Utah's starting frontcourt hit the bench with foul trouble, he struggled. In the second quarter, though, while Boozer watched and the middle opened up, Gasol had a field day. 12 points on 4-5 from the floor, plus four makes at the stripe. Yes, it's disappointing to see Pau finish a game with only five boards, but at the same time he blocked five shots and was a presence defensively. At the end of the night, to look up and see that sort of production even when he wasn't the star of the show indicates a) how good a player Gasol is and b) how dynamic the Lakers can be on both ends.
QUOTES:
Jerry Sloan, on Carlos Boozer's tough series and pressing in general
"I think every player goes through stages when things don't go especially well for them. I think, knowing Carlos, he was trying to fight out of it. I thought he had a much better run in the second half obviously than he did in the first half and seemed to be a bit more alive. Sometimes, that's the only way you get over it. Get rebounds, play defense and play yourself back into it. If you try to do it the other way, then you don't have much to rely on, don't have much to fall back on. I think that probably hurt him a little bit."
Derek Fisher, on not panicking when the lead was cut to five.
"I think you just have to keep it in its proper perspective. if at whatever point a team makes a run and you were up 18 and now you're up six or seven with however many minutes to go, I think you have to able to really stop in that moment and ask yourself, if somebody called you this morning and said you'd be up 7 points at this point in the game, would you take it? Most times, you'd say, yeah. Realizing that you're still ahead is the most important thing. And recognizing this is the playoffs and you're playing against the best teams in basketball. There aren't many teams that are going to lie down for you.
AUDIO:
- Phil Jackson: Download phil_jackson_5.7 Game 2.mp3
- Jerry Sloan: Download jerry_sloan_5.7 Game 2.mp3
- Derek Fisher: Download derek_fisher_utah_postgame_game_2.mp3
- Sasha Vujacic: Download sasha_vujacic_utah_postgame_game_2.mp3
- Luke Walton: Download luke_walton_utah_postgame_game_2.mp3
- Sasha Vujacic (at the end, you can hear him actually take AK's advice and knock some wood):Download sasha_vujacic_utah_postgame_game_2.mp3
Good Morning Charles.!
Good Morning: MAN, The Outlaw, SBPimp, Fatty, KobesBad, #4, Tha_Show
Welcome : HTJ, IndianLaker, LakerAngolaN, LakerFan, LakerFanCanada
Good Morning Laker Nation!
Toad you the man!
ROLL CALL ONLY ON GAME DAYS FROM NOW TILL CHAMPIONSHIP
SMUSH PARKER YOU ARE ALLRIGHT WITH ME.
SBPimp:"Don't feed the roaches. Let them scatter when the gold light of truth gets turned on in
their faces by los Amigos Cincos."
PREACH SBPIMP PREACH!! LOL!
Botsoy"I must admit that there was tears in my eyes while watching Kobe received the MVP Trophy
Tears in your eyes, shoot man I had to call a plumber cause I fllooded the house. Last I saw the
dog was floating away on the TV. D@mn that Kobe has a beautiful family! See what being a
Laker does for you?
*______________________________*
I SUPPORT RAD/VLAD BANDWAGON
*______________________________*
(01) KEN - Owner & Driver
(02) Mamba24 - ski instructor
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 08, 2008 at 09:08 AM
Some thoughts..
1) Deron was quick in penetrating with the lakers not getting back/asleep.. seemed like Utah/Deron wanted to run and avoid half-court as much as possible since Fisher is pretty comfortable against Deron there. FIsher/Farmar can't keep up when Deron decides to pick it up.. Gasol/Odom/Turiaf can't run back on defense with their backs toward Deron..
2) Look for them to put Harpring more on Kobe.. he was very physical and Kobe seemed to take tough jumpshots against him.
3) Rebounding continues to be a problem.. Gasol is not tough enough to box out against them.. maybe Mbenga and Turiaf get more minutes.
4) Korver was having his way against Sasha.
5) They can't slow Lakers on offense.. but, they can pick up the pace themselves.. Lakers have to be ready from the start.. play with a lead.
Finally, what was up with Kobe's daughters, especially the younger one, at the press conference? poking each other in the eye, kisses all over.. LOL! Kobe should think twice about bringing both of them together..
Posted by: Lakerfan | May 08, 2008 at 09:08 AM
Good morning. Sure does feel good up 2-0 on the Jazz.
GREAT game LO... nice to see you stepping up in big games to finally silence the critics!!!!! Love your game.. KEEP IT UP. NO ONE CAN STOP YOU!!!!!!!
And how about THE MACHINE!!!!!!
What a great game last night... anyone else think he was gonna shot the 3 late before he passed to DFISH? Extra pass Sasha? Talk about growing right before our eyes!!! KEEP IT UP MACHINE... we need every one of your bombs.
Have a great day peoples. TOMORROW NIGHT IT'S ON!!!!!!
HEY MAMBA24 SHOW A BROTHER SOME LOVE.... ROOOLLLL CALLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: CHICK4EVER | May 08, 2008 at 09:09 AM
I like the Lakers.
Sorry crybaby Jazz fans. but the players win and lose the games, not the refs. Just like the Funs, and the Queens, the stinky SLC Punks will go down as another pretender to the throne that rightly is filled by the team from Los Angeles.
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | May 08, 2008 at 09:11 AM
hava98: " WTF was Vanessa thinking? On the night when the whole world and a global
press corps is watching her husband receive a once-in-a-lifetime award, she comes to
Staples in a purple tutu?
Hey!, as long as her name is Mrs. Kobe Bean Bryant she
can wear a purple tutu and carry a riding crop and it's
cool with me. As for the press corp, are these the same mofo's who
denied Kobe MVP's year after year? I say F. them. which is why
she probably wore the outfit .
Posted by: mamba24 | May 08, 2008 at 09:13 AM
MAMBA24 PLEASE PUT ME ON THE SWEEP WAGON!!!!!!
BELIEVE PEOPLE.
Posted by: CHICK4EVER | May 08, 2008 at 09:17 AM
lakersrydeordie,
Thanks for the link.
$800 bill on an after hours gathering of a group of friends at a swanky steakhouse.
LBJ tips $10 for the group?
Next time the waiter will add the mandatory 16% to the bill instead of hoping for a generous gift from the King.
The story goes well with some of Jon K's observations and ear to the ground type stories.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | May 08, 2008 at 09:17 AM
I saw this post on another blog and had to laugh.
I just wanted to share.
"Let me get this straight...the Jazz have a Brewer AND a Boozer?? What a combo LOL"
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 08, 2008 at 09:19 AM
Mamba24 put me on the "Lakers sweep Jazz bandwagon" I believe the Lakers are capable..though it will be tough I have to BELIEVE!
Posted by: drew | May 08, 2008 at 09:19 AM
*__________________________*
Lakers Sweep Jazz - Bandwagon
*__________________________*
(01) TOAD - Owner & Driver
(02) MAMBA24 - Faithful sideKick
Posted by: | May 08, 2008 at 09:22 AM
ken........
Im glad you said something.........about vlad.
Because I was about to bring the hammer......to those who really doesnt watch an know basketball.
Just him being on the court......gives kobe a chance to play 1-1 with his man........notice there is no double team because they dont want to leave the shooters open........come-on people please think before you post it's simple basketball.
If you have TIVO......Go back an look at how many times KOBE get double when VLAD is on the court......IM DONE.
Posted by: COMPTON FINEST | May 08, 2008 at 09:25 AM
S.TAN:"We ain't trying to make no Dwyane Wade Championship run..."
LMAO! CLASSIC!
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 08, 2008 at 09:26 AM
ASHTON KUSHER:"I am a Hollywood star with a beautiful face and a glamorous personality never again compare me to a common
man like Kyle Korver."
NO, YOU SIR ARE A J@CK@SS
Posted by: Monkeys Uncle | May 08, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Bogoljub
Don't be so shocked.
That's your unfriendly neighborhood TJ Simers talking.
Man, he is amazing.
He's NOW saying that it's a wonder Kobe hasn't won
the MVP before this one,but at the same time,
we won because of refs.
It seems he has a mental problem.
Classic TJ Simers moment.
It's like Me, Myself & Kobe.
At first, I thought TJ Simers was only a Kobe-hater,
but it seems that he's actually a Lakers hater.
Man, why can't he just move to Utah and write
something for Utah newspaper?
Posted by: coolhair | May 08, 2008 at 09:38 AM
STAT BOYS............
I hate them someone who look at the stat's to see how someone play's........
look at the game with-in the game.........
When VLAD'S in the game the court is spread........kobe play's 1-1 it's a total win win for us so please dont look at stats.........
An another thing when is PJ going to call his number........When he played for the CLIPS-SONICS........they called plays for him that's the difference.
If PJ call 1-2 plays for him to get him going you will see the difference in his game.
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO TALK BASKETBALL.....CALL MY NAME
COMPTON
Posted by: COMPTON FINEST | May 08, 2008 at 09:38 AM
I want to read Simers, because of the provocative headline. I know how terrible the story will be though. So I won't.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | May 08, 2008 at 09:41 AM
*______________________________*
I SUPPORT RAD/VLAD BANDWAGON
*______________________________*
(01) KEN - Owner & Driver
(02) Mamba24 - ski instructor
(03) Comptons Finest - riding Shotgun
*__________________________*
Lakers Sweep Jazz - Bandwagon
*__________________________*
(01) TOAD - Owner & Driver
(02) MAMBA24 - Faithful sideKick
(03) DREW - Will use same broom used in last round
(04) Chick4Ever - His voice alone can defeat the Jazz.
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 08, 2008 at 09:49 AM
Mamba, you know I'm ALL OVER the sweep the Jazz bandwagon. I've been talking about the Lakers sweeping their way to the Conference Finals *before* the playoffs even started, remember? I'm TOAD's personal assistant in charge of all things Homer.
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | May 08, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Hi All:
Sitting in my company's NYC office today. The NYC bias against KB24 is so incredible - as if none of their players have ever done anything (Isiah, Spree, Marbury, etc). I just keep telling these guys they are just sorry Knicks fans with nowhere to go for years to come.
I made the crew I was with last night turn up the volume and specifically watch the MVP presentation with nobody talking. It was excellent and made me Laker fan proud.
Looking forward to tomorrow night's game. Missed joining in with you all the last couple weeks.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 08, 2008 at 10:05 AM
PsychedLakerGirl
Can you be more detailed about the "bias" against Kobe that you hear...........is it basketball related? What are you hearing in the big apple?
Posted by: pfunk36 | May 08, 2008 at 10:12 AM
The SLC Tribune has some good writers.
http://www.sltrib.com/jazz/ci_9190866
Simers should read this guy and learn a lesson.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | May 08, 2008 at 10:14 AM
yeah, a lot of my coworkers here in NYC really dislike the Lakers and particularly Kobe. they always ask me how i can i root for a 'guy like that' and i always answer, 'i root for the lakers'.
Posted by: d | May 08, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Add me to the Lakers SWEEP the JAZZ bandwagon -- Hell, I've been a believer!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | May 08, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Lakerfan, I thought Kobe's daughters Natalia and Gianna were adorable -- they look like him which I find quite amusing and he obviously spoils them alot, showering them with kisses -- very affectionate. I loved it!!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | May 08, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Pig
Great article..........Thanks!
Posted by: toad | May 08, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Since Gasol had his knee lesion it seems he can not jump as normally did, I don't see him very well physically, but the good new for Lakers is that even not having the best Gasol, this guy is averaging 21 points , 9 rebounds per game, plus, attention, 5 assit!, plus blocks... a 7 foof guy (almost 7'1" , 215 cm, with a wingspan of 7'4"). Pay attention in his arms, the X factor for Lakers.
Posted by: Peter | May 08, 2008 at 07:37 AM
I know Pau can jump but does he need to? I see him jump to catch passes when he wants to make sure to keep possesion as defender is riding his back. Watch the games especially when Pau is at the high post.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 08, 2008 at 11:04 AM
*______________________________*
I SUPPORT RAD/VLAD BANDWAGON
*______________________________*
(01) KEN - Owner & Driver
(02) Mamba24 - ski instructor
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 08, 2008 at 09:08 AM
Sign me up please.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 08, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Pfunk - mostly non-bball related, CO stuff. On the bball front it's been interesting.....guys saying UT is a weak team (don't know how 54 wins is weak but whatever). Lakers are skating their way thru.
But like EastCoastJessie and others know, most East coast NBA fans are not watching the majority of the West coast games because of the late starts. They have only seen a few weekend nationally televised games, then watch ESPN highlights.
I think the next couple games with a more reasonable EST start time will show them that UT is no slouch and the Lakers are just plain, ole good and playing great team ball.
And besides - the storyline out here has been all Celtics. Late last week when I was in Boston, the Lakers got no attention at all because of the Celtics going 7 games. I was so bummed when watching the pre-game show from last Sunday - it was 100% Celtics and barely mentioned Game 2 of the doubleheader.
This weekend should make the playing field level for the remaining games. If Lakers win tomorrow - it will become a much bigger story.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 08, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Mamba Please put me on the support Vlad and Lakers sweep Jazz bandwagons
Kobesbaaaaad(and he is)
Posted by: Kobesbad | May 08, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Good Morning Laker Country! Sure feels good to be an Angelino! Mamba please add me to the sweep bandwagon & I do support RAD as well.
SWEEP SWEEP SWEEP
Posted by: Laker Bandit | May 08, 2008 at 11:20 AM
justanothermambafan,
Thanks for the props. Last night I was, like you, “just another mamba fan.” Who could not love Kobe and his adorable two daughters. I keep remembering those “Daddy for MVP” signs a few games ago. Brought tears to this old Lakers fans eyes.
As for the right coast haters and losers, I actually feel sorry that they are so blinded by their hate and bias that they are missing the chance to see the player performing in the prime of his career who will eventually become the greatest basketball player in the history of the NBA by the time he is finished. They may never see another player with Kobe’s skills in their entire lifetime.
6 games down – 10 more to go for the first NBA champion to go 16-0 in playoffs.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 08, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Those MVPs ads were great.
The ad from the Lakers was very classy. The ad from Nike was pretty neat.
The Glacieu ad included a "it's about time" part that pleased me.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 08, 2008 at 11:32 AM
OH Yeah thanks for the article Pig.
*___________________________*
Lakers Sweep Jazz - Bandwagon
*__________________________*
(01) TOAD - Owner & Driver
(02) MAMBA24 - Faithful sideKick
(03) DREW - Will use same broom used in last round
(04) # 4 - Director of Round 2 win 4
(05) Chick4Ever - His voice alone can defeat the Jazz.
(06) SemiLakerGirl - Director Round 2 Win number 3
(07) FEARLESS- Toad's personal assistant in charge of all things Homer.
(08) lakersrydeordie – Stopped the Mailman from delivering period!
(09) JustAnotherMambaFan – Director of
(10) Janaya – Director of Positive Vibes
(11) WhiteMamba24 – Made Stockton retire.
(12) FairWeatherFatty - Grease monkey that keeps these wheels a turning!'
(13) Tully Moxness – Director of Class
(14) PIG”MILLER – Director of making the finals Trophy shine like the Sun.
(15) Laker Bandit - BandWagon Advance Man
(16) KobesBad - Kobe's personal Security
*______________________________*
I SUPPORT RAD/VLAD BANDWAGON
*______________________________*
(01) KEN - Owner & Driver
(02) Mamba24 - ski instructor
(03) Comptons Finest - riding Shotgun
(04) #4 - Vlads new shooting coach
(05) Laker Bandit - On secret mission to find Vlads Shot
(06) KobesBad - Made Vlad shoot 100 free throws
(07) JustaLakerFan - taught Vlad to shoot threes
*________________________*
Posted by: | May 08, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Morning Mamba24, Charles, PyschedLakerGril, Faith, LakerTom, Fearless and eveyone else in Purple and Gold.
I think my favorite play last night was Kobes 2 hand behind the "other guys back" pass to Gasol for the dunk. Just to do a regular no look, behind the back pass is so yesterday. Kobe pulled it off with the kind of flare that only a true MVP could muster on the night of nights.
I am starting to have dreams of a 20 game win streak now. Not sure a bandwagon is in order, but it is seamingly closer to reality than thought a month ago. 10 more wins and we come home to a parade. That definitly has a great RING to it.
TWoody
Posted by: TWoody | May 08, 2008 at 11:41 AM
I don't hate Kyle Korver. I thought he was great in the movie The Butterfly Effect!
Oh wait...
Posted by: Benjamin | May 08, 2008 at 11:42 AM
"Simers should read this guy and learn a lesson."
I make a point of ignoring Simer's articles. I still can't figure out why the LA Times keeps him around. He's a hack that will find any way to bash the Lakers.
Fouls are coming often because the Jazz are incredibly physical and have been all year (no. 1 in fouls). What's the mystery? From what I see, while some of the fouls are ticky-tack or imaginary, the lion's share are definitely earned.
But it's good to see that reporter's for our own city's paper are buying into some David Stern conspiracy to get the Lakers to the finals. Get rid of this guy.
Posted by: Ben | May 08, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Somebody answer me this:
How did Gasol even know that Kobe was going to pass him the rock? When Kobe went into that triple-team he had already beaten everybody and he was at the rim! I was prepared for this absolutely sick layup high off the glass, like those other two rediculous layups he already made in the game.
Then, he fed the ball *through* the outstreatched hands of the Jazz defenders. I don't think Gasol could have even seen the ball coming.
Sometimes it seems like they are reading each others minds.
Also, I've noticed that maybe that "Gasoft" crack we used to lay on Paul might have always been unfair. Even tough a dude like Boozer can sometimes knock him off the block and away from the basket, Gasol still finishes anyway. His touch is so soft out to about 15 feet that when he lets the ball go, its money.
And, I've noticed that he doesn't actually back down from contact. He will get inside and mix it up. He is just a little lighter than other dudes his size and can be pushed out. But, he has the heart, and he does grab a lot of boards. And he finishes.
Plus, I like the fact that he poses after throwing one down. That is so Gangster right there.
--Fearless
F the Celtics!
Posted by: Fearless | May 08, 2008 at 12:13 PM
"Pig",
Nice post. I also read some of their blog. Most of the Utah fans seem to get it, they seem pretty level-headed. But this anti-Fisher thing is really crazy over there. I can't believe it. They are hurt not only because Fish left, but because they feel slighted that the rest of the country isn't giving their pediatricians enough respect. Talk about Napoleon Complex!
Do they even know that Fish's daughter is currently the *only* person in the whole country on her particular treatment plan? You don't leave that up to "pretty good", or "very good", or "great" medical care. That is reserved for the Best medical care. LA. NY. Chicago. Those are your choices.
Also, are they aware that Fish walked away from almost $6 million in the process?
However, I must admit. The reason for the hate is because Utah fans obviously have so much respect for him. To a person, they all feel that if they still had Fish, they would be playing much better and that he would keep them from melting down every game.
They are hurt because they are keenly aware of how much they lost.
Man, and they are coming down VERY hard on Boozer. I would hate to be him, even with his fat contract.
I think they are actually complaining about Boozer more than they are about the refs. I wouldn't have thought that even possible.
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | May 08, 2008 at 01:00 PM
MAMBA24 .......you're back! Ah ha, who knew it would feel so sweet.
I need help. I'd forgotten how consuming these darn playoffs can get ........ the past few years this time of year I check the scores of the other teams in the dance after I check the weather, the horoscope, the news, dancing with the chicks, idolatry, flavour flav, and so on.
These days I keep wondering how long until the Lake Show is on ... my bosses are POed ... they keep suggesting I stay home for a few weeks ... told 'em this may take 'til like the middle of June ....
Who knew? Who cares?
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Lakers!
Posted by: Glenn | May 08, 2008 at 05:59 PM
you spelled coby karl's name wrong. it's coby with a C, get it right k brothers. get it right.
Posted by: hello | May 08, 2008 at 10:39 PM
Hello,
Thanks for the pickup. Brain cramp.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 08, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Mamba24,
Always glad to join your bandwagons. They are taking us West to a sweep
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | May 09, 2008 at 05:29 AM
"The Lakers entered Wednesday night's Game 2 against Utah having never lost on a night where Kobe Bryant was presented with an MVP trophy."
"Finally, a factoid that occurred to me on this momentous day in Laker history. Kobe Bryant has never won MVP without playing a full season with Coby Karl. Chew on that one for a while."
- Those are a couple of ridiculous statements considering Kobe Bryant has never won an MVP trophy before (except for all-star games). Of course the lakers have never lost on such a night, because it has never happened before.
You could also say the Lakers have never won when Kobe received the MVP trophy. Or you might as well say Kobe has never won an MVP and didn't score 34 later that night. Or Kobe has never won an MVP without Gasol on his team. Or Kobe Bryant has never won an MVP on any days except Wednesday . . .
You could make a million random facts from one MVP . . . chew on that one for a while.
Posted by: TD | May 09, 2008 at 07:09 PM