Seriously, you thought they'd roll over?
Two games into the Western Conference finals, it would be easy for some fans to forget that the Spurs have won three titles in five years, 56 games during the regular season (only one fewer than L.A.), have All-Stars and an MVP, and only one round ago came back from a 2-0 deficit to beat the New Orleans Hornets in seven games. In case you forgot all that, Sunday in San Antonio the Spurs delivered a rather unsubtle reminder in the form of a 103-84 win over the Lakers in Game 3 that leaves the Lakers with a 2-1 series lead. The story of this one was S.A.'s big three of Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan, and Tony Parker, who combined for 72 points. Ginobili was particularly effective, blowing up for 30, including 22 in the first half and impressing the hell out of Kobe Bryant. Call him a force of nature. Duncan, with 22/21/5, was no slouch either, proving he still has plenty left to offer even as Ginobili evolves into the linchpin of the Spurs attack.
As for the Lakers, they brought the proverbial knife to the proverbial gunfight (in basketball terms, about 15 minutes of good play in a 48-minute game), unable to match San Antonio's energy or get Kobe much help. Big three becomes big one. Kobe called it a good learning experience, one that the Lakers and Phil Jackson hope not to learn again Tuesday night.
Of course, this being sports and sports media, someone had to be blamed for the loss. Kobe played large, so he wasn't a candidate. There were the ineffective Lakers bigs, and the box score (and this report) points out a tough night for Derek Fisher. Lamar Odom, in particular, was the focus for Steve Dilbeck of the Daily News, who believes Odom is still the game's most frustrating player. Odom, for his part, was more than willing to accept the blame for the game, unless you believe "I take the blame, totally, for this game," isn't explicit enough. But it's a team game, and that box showed that the team didn't play well.
As Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals tips off tonight, here's an interesting look at the relationship between Boston and basketball.
Let's do this! Let's put some fear into San Antonio, who has not lost a home game in 13 straight. The team needs to accept this challenge and take it.
Like Jon K, I will make sure I'm in my lucky spot tonight as I did not keep my same spot during game 3.
A 3-1 lead going back home will be very nice and I'm looking forward to ripping the heart out of the champs. Let's do this!
Go Lakers!
PS- I hope Bowen lays off of Kobe and let's him shoot; something tells me Kobe would relish the opportunity to shoot open 20 footers all night. Something else tells me that that strategy will not work with Kobe poppin' J's all night. Pick your poison San Antonio.
Posted by: Rocky | May 27, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Mamba 24,
You're sleeping again in your post, no roll call before Game 3, get back to your positon and just do it. Call the freaking fans who are scared to death of imagining Smush in the line up and recall 2006 playoffs. No-no, Luke Walton will not allow it. lol!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 27, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Where's the Blog Chaplain. utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER
We need some divine inspiration sir.
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 27, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Lakers Nation, Boys and Girls,
Game 3 lost was history now. We are playing against the champ Spurs and expected to take the series in 5. Game 3 was the only game that the Spurs could win to hold their hope because there is no team coming back to win the series after 0-3 loss. Let's set our head to Game 4. Our Lakers are much younger than the Spurs so the longer series will favor us. The Lakers will not give up a great opportunity tonight, neither will the fans.
Go Lakers!!!!!! Stop negative talk!
Posted by: Lakers Heart | May 27, 2008 at 09:15 AM
C'mon now, no doubting! Lakers will nail their layups and Odom and Fisher will return strong!
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: coolsked | May 27, 2008 at 09:20 AM
Ex,
There is no reason even talking to JustaLakerFan cuz obviously basketball has passed him by.
He really thinks PJ makes no adjustments when the evidence is in his face
- 3 guard lineup with Kobe at SF
- Keeping Kobe start of 4th in Game 1
- playing Sasha vujacic on ginobli
- doubling duncan late in games
- doubling duncan once he starts the dribble
- trapping Parker and forcing him baseline..
Does this JustaLakerFool guy think those are player decision? Does he think the coaching didnt decide strategy there?
Thats why you cant argue with people like that. They dont even concede the obvious points that ...ummm... duuuuhhh... COACHING plays a big factor in where we are today.
If somebody cant see the brilliance in unanimously a top 5 NBA coach of all-time then how can you REALLY talk hoops with them...
Posted by: Korey | May 27, 2008 at 09:30 AM
EDWIN GUECO:"You're sleeping again in your post, no roll call before Game 3,
get back to your positon and just do it. Call the freaking fans who are scared to
death of imagining Smush in the line up and recall 2006 playoffs. No-no, Luke Walton will not allow it. lol!
Guilty as charged sir. It will not happen again. LOL! God bless
Luke Walton.
JON K."He's hilarious and he's got nine rings as a coach."
I violently disagree with you sir! He's got nine rings as a coach and he's hilarious! LOL!
Just playing with you Jon K.
KEN:"Your gonna see the game of the year from Vlad tonight he's gonna bring his game carry
over from Sunday and start from the beginning driving and taking more shots, crashing the boards and playing D."
NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!!
FAIRWEATHER FATTY:"And another great day to be a Lakers Fan!"
I BEG YOUR PARDON SIR. EVERY DAY IS A GREAT DAY TO BE A LAKER FAN.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | May 27, 2008 at 09:48 AM
A couple blogs ago, some people were saying that I must have an issue with Kobe Bryant and I do have an issue with Kobe, when Michael Jordan was performing at his prime everyone in the whole country whether you liked him or not, knew that he was the greatest player in the world and he exuded GREATNESS and most of all CLASS! When Kobe makes a good play or comes up big towards the end of a game he exudes a horrible demeanor - it's his arrogance, cockiness, and attitude. That is why no one will ever consider him as great as Michael Jordan. Everyone else in the country isn't a hater and it's annoying everywhere. But of course not in LA because you guys always tend to drool all over your players, but if Kobe would've got traded like he wanted to - everyone in LA would have been talking so much crap about him just like all you die hard Laker fans did about Shaq, who brought you three rings. And just a reminder those are Shaq's rings not Kobe's – Kobe was just fortunate enough to be on the roster. Your could of stuck any great guard on that team (with one of the most dominant centers ever) and they would of won 3 rings, probably more if they weren't a baby like Kobe. So say what you want now about Kobe because he's winning for you, but you would've been on the "I hate Kobe bandwagon if he would have left LA", and mark my words he still might leave if you don't win the championship. Just like Brian Shaw said.
Posted by: Jesse10 | May 27, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Go Spurs Go! That was an amazing game on Sunday! Ginobli was just incredible! Our bench also has to step up like it did for this next game. The same goes for you Lakers. Your bench HAS to show up to play if you guys want to win it. Kobe can't do everything himself. He is an amazing player...but he needs that backup! I feel the spurs bringing the same intensity in this Game 4 tonite! We are going 2-2 after tonite. Its time for you guys to work for this! I hate to say it but Denver and Utah were not much of a match up compared to the Laker team. You guys are too strong. You needed a challenge, and we are happy to bring it to you guys. I love this series. Game 7 here we come!
SPURS IN 7!!
GO SPURS GO!
Posted by: cello_the Spurs fan | May 26, 2008 at 11:11 PM
Cello,
very reasonable comment my respected enemy. To all the Trolls, you see, you can make a comment, get your point across without being annoying.
BTW Cello, Lakers will win in 6, but I'll take 5.
Mamba from the east coast
Posted by: Mamba24Fan4Life | May 27, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Jesse10,
"they would of won 3 rings, probably more if they weren't a baby like Kobe."
Apparently you weren't following the playoffs during the three-peats. The Lakers came very close to getting knocked out in two of those years. With anyone less than Kobe playing, they almost certainly would have failed.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 27, 2008 at 10:47 AM
don't understand why some people hate Phil Jackson.
He's hilarious and he's got nine rings as a coach.
'Nuff said.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 27, 2008 at 08:48 AM
He could have had more and he makes no adjustments. See what is said not only that something is said but see what he is doing or not doing. Then understand!
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 27, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Justa,
Take off the "I hate PJ" glasses; they are ruining your perception. PJ has adjusted the substitution pattern and the tactics in the playoffs, a number of times, based on what is working and what isn't. More three-guard, differing amounts of Vlad and Walton, which starters play with the backups, the defenses that are being used. The sweep of Denver, 4-2 win in Utah, including the game 6 on the road. One of his strongpoints as a coach is that he DOESN'T make changes just to make changes. But you have missed out on all that because of your irrational hatred.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 27, 2008 at 05:37 AM
Ex I don't wear I hate PJ sunglasses but you should take off your I lOVE PJ KNEEPADS. Quit worshipping at the Phalic temple of PJ.
Denver? The players won that not PJ. We win in spite of him. Yeah the same adjustments like playing Vlad inconsistently and complaining he is not consistent. Putting in Luke who sucked in the Denver series. Those adjustments you talking about?
The Utah series is usual sub pattern worked because Luke was able to body up Harpring so our other matchups prevailed. That was usual PJ rotation not adjustment. Note bulk on bulk.
In this series Luke is too slow and we need quiker and taller defenders. Ira, Vlad, TA and Sasha should get time on Ginobli but not Luke. Where is the adjustment?
Oh yeah you wearing those kneepads can't see past idol.
Looks like you missed out because PJ does not make adjustments for sake of making changes, he just doe NOT make changes!
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 27, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Ex,
There is no reason even talking to JustaLakerFan cuz obviously basketball has passed him by.
He really thinks PJ makes no adjustments when the evidence is in his face
- 3 guard lineup with Kobe at SF
- Keeping Kobe start of 4th in Game 1
- playing Sasha vujacic on ginobli
- doubling duncan late in games
- doubling duncan once he starts the dribble
- trapping Parker and forcing him baseline..
Does this JustaLakerFool guy think those are player decision? Does he think the coaching didnt decide strategy there?
Thats why you cant argue with people like that. They dont even concede the obvious points that ...ummm... duuuuhhh... COACHING plays a big factor in where we are today.
If somebody cant see the brilliance in unanimously a top 5 NBA coach of all-time then how can you REALLY talk hoops with them...
Posted by: Korey | May 27, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Twiddlededumb and twiddledeedumber
Yes the players make decisions out on the court. That is why the triangle is based on moving the ball and taking advantage of what the defense gives and not setting up called plays. That happens occasional but thge triangle is based on player decision.
How many times have you heard PJ's stand on letting them work it out? Now you know why. Players make decisions.
Do you PJ worshippers notice Kobe directing players on where to be on the floor. That is called coaching on the floor. Notice Kobe talking to his team mates on the floor? That is called coaching.
Did you also notice in huddles Kobe taking over huddle and coaches shut up and let him run the huddle? Do you remeember Kobe grabbing clipboard from coach and diagraming plays for the players. That again is coaching.
PJ was in the right place with the right players to get 9 rings but failed the last 4 years.
Is PJ 9 ring with asterik by his name or more likely plain PJ of prince John in the Disney cartoon of Robin Hood?
Should have had 10 or eleven at least instead of throwing away Jerry Buss money by not using the player JB had signed and paid for.
Ex = exceedingly ignorant fan and hereby proclaimed round mouth 1.
Korey = Sorry a$$ clueless Laker fan and hereby proclaimed round mouth 2.
Now suck off vermin. You choose to insult don't cry when the favor is returned suckers!
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 27, 2008 at 12:19 PM
I noticed that the Lakers usually lose on the weekends since the last series and including this one. So, tonight should they should fare well against the Spurs.
I think the only reason why they lost Sunday was because they did not match the energy of the Spurs. The rest of their game just fell by the wayside because of this.
If they match or even exceed the Spurs' desperation energy, then the Lakers should be victorious tonight. I don't see Ginobili making five 3-pointers in a game even if it goes to a game 7.
Go Lakers! Lakers in 6!!
Posted by: PurpleMagic | May 27, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Justa,
So for some reason the game plan against Denver doesn't count.
And he made adjustments against Utah, they worked, but those don't count.
And beating San Antonio the first two games doesn't count.
Those successes were all due to the players making the decisions.
Jackson only has responsibility for the game plan when the Lakers lose, and when he doesn't make a substitution that you, in your infinite wisdom, thinks he should make.
OK, now I understand.
Please point out which years you think PJ should have won a title, when he didn't, so that I can understand about that, too.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 27, 2008 at 12:51 PM
JustaLakerFan , you are going over board board
1) The press has mentioned that the lakers execution of the triangle in this playoffs are plain scary. Did the players invent that offense? Are the players coaching themselves in the system?
2) The spurs pick and roll was very good in game 1, but was completely shut down in game 2. Was that the player’s too? When the player’s adjust to SA’s motion offense, will you credit kobe’s on court coaching for the success?
3) Remember the days when Phil WASN’T coaching the lakers. The run and gun lakers were so much better then weren’t they?
4) The lakers were very good two years ago. Kobe wasn’t a fantastic leader, LO was completely AWAL, kwame, smush, and cook were stinking up the place, and they were hampered by tons of injuries. Still, coaching almost lead them past the RED HOT suns.
All of a sudden, the lakers lose one big game in SA and you want to call out the coaches? Phil didn’t put Kobe on Manu, and he didn’t need to necessarily. In the second half Manu had a measly 8 points. By the time any adjustments needed to be made, Manu had already done all of the damage he was going to do. In hinde sight, anyone can coach a team. Anyhow, Manu’s heat was more a result of a very successful motion offense for which PJ will haven an adjustment for. Sit back, and let PJ bring home 3 more rings.
If you want to talk about crappy coaching look at George Karl or Mike Dantonio. Avery is an awesome coach, but his team has lost some terrible series: NO, Miami, Warriors?! Going around the league, I would say 80% of coaches are EASILY less impressive than PJ. Im not comparing rings either.
You can second guess any coach. Like Doc Rivers for the Celtics getting obliterated on the road. Or maybe Flip Saunders for not adjusting quickly enough to the Sixers, or losing big to Lebron’s Cavs last year. The only team that is consistently well coached as the lakers is the Spurs. That is despite the fact that Kobe CAN be as difficult to coach as AI. That is given Kobe’s sometimes disruptive, standoffish personality towards teammates. That is given Lamar’s mental lapses. Despite what you think, a coach can’t fix that. A player has to overcome those problems, and LO has just recently begun to do so. Poppovich doesn’t have to deal with any of this drama, all he has to do is draw X and O’s. PJ has to hire shrinks, consultants, and other tools to augment his Xs and Os.
Give PJ a break. He is a terrific coach.
Posted by: Jeremy R | May 27, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Justa,
So for some reason the game plan against Denver doesn't count.
And he made adjustments against Utah, they worked, but those don't count.
And beating San Antonio the first two games doesn't count.
Those successes were all due to the players making the decisions.
Jackson only has responsibility for the game plan when the Lakers lose, and when he doesn't make a substitution that you, in your infinite wisdom, thinks he should make.
OK, now I understand.
Please point out which years you think PJ should have won a title, when he didn't, so that I can understand about that, too.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 27, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Simple, as I stated we won inspite of PJ. Reread and understand! We had better players and Nugs had no defense. No big mystery or vooodoo Zen crap needed.
We won in spite of him. He did little or nothing so it is easy to take credit even if not earned.
You finally see the light! My infinite wisdom says very plainly every year after his last championship. We all know he had the best player in the world on the team he coached.
Now don't cry Kwame, Smush etc because PJ could have said something about them and instead of going to front office and asking for better players he did NOTHING. Heck he chose to play those stiffs. And also let Kobe demand a trade for lack of better players and take the rap instead of stepping up and saying my fault.
That is something you will never see PJ say. LO can man up while PJ criticises him and Pau in the press but he will never say I failed to call a TO or had the wrong players on the floor.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 27, 2008 at 08:25 PM
Justa,
No waffling now. You made the claim, now back it up with some logical reasoning about which seasons Phil should have won a championship in.
Blaming him for having Kwame as the starting center, when Mihm was lost due to injury, and there was no room under the cap, is just BS.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 27, 2008 at 10:23 PM
Exhelodrvr,
I don't think you were watching the playoffs during their 3 peat, if Kobe was ever playing bad (which was often when he was younger) he had the luxury of Shaq pulling all the weight - the only thing Shaq ever missed were freethrows - his fg% was ridiculously high and how great is that for a player to know that if the ball isn't falling for him - just give it to Shaq and it's two points every time. And if Kobe was playing good then they were even more unstoppable but like I said before any great player in the league at that time could of played Kobe's role, an occasional scorer that gave the ball to Shaq at crucial times and had wide open looks off double teaming Shaq. Do you think that if you would've switched Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant in that finals series that the sixers would have won - NOT CHANCE Kobe maybe would've won one game like Iverson (probably not even one-because Iverson was playing at a higher level than Kobe at that time). So before you start stating ridiculous comments - get your head out of your lakers box and see the reality of it all that their are other great players playing in the NBA too. I'm out like Bynum for the season.
Posted by: Jesse10 | May 28, 2008 at 09:52 AM