Accentuate the positive
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Given the circumstances, you'll have to forgive the Lakers for not worrying about style points after their roadkill ugly 87-81 victory over the Celtics in Game 3 of the NBA Finals Tuesday night at Staples. Facing a must-win against a squad that had beaten them four consecutive times over the course of the season, all that mattered was the final score. Some sort of grand message (announcing their presence with authority, if you will) would have been nice, but beggars can't be choosers. For every positive development, there's a worrisome one to go along with it. Kobe's 36 points and 18 free-throw attempts, meet 13 points and 5-18 shooting from Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. 20 points from Sasha Vujacic, who drilled seven of the 10 shots he took, meet three points, four personals from Vlad Radmanovic. Overall, L.A.'s new Big Two logged 56 of L.A.'s 87 points, while the rest of the gang was a scary 11-39, good for 31.
But while the Lakers didn't exactly flow smooth and swift like the Amazon (for the purposes of this writing, we'll all assume the Amazon flows smooth and swift - no emails, please) with the ball, they came up big where it mattered most, on the defensive side of things. The Lakers limited Boston to 35% shooting, bottled up Paul Pierce (six points on 2-14 from the floor), and held KG to a 6-21 night. Only Ray Allen, with 25 points (only three in the fourth) did any real damage.
The grimy nature of the affair, one both teams seemed reluctant to control, Doc Rivers was asked if he felt his Celtics missed an opportunity to steal one from the Lakers. "Either that, or they should have blown us out. One of the two."
Exactly. So maybe it's tough to draw a lot of lessons. The most important thing, though, is that the Lakers finally broke through against the Celtics. They finally have tangible proof they can beat the green. Tonight's performance, if repeated, won't be enough to sustain them the rest of the series, but it could be the starting point they need to move on to better things. However you slice it, the NBA Finals are officially a series again.
AK with the breakdown, below.
BK
THE GOOD
- Kobe Bryant: Thankfully, the nights where Kobe has needed to put his team's scoring squarely slack on his back have been fewer and far between this season. That preserves considerably more energy for a night like tonight: 36 points off a very economical 20 shots (12 downed) and 18 trips to the line. The Mamba's free throw fortunes weren't all that prosperous (maybe he was just trying to blend in), but he more than made up for those gaffes. The highlight reel basket may have been a gorgeous up and under slither to the rack, but what personally made me the happiest was how the overwhelming number of shots were from 19 feet or closer. Mid-range game for days, the lane driven even more and only two treys attempted. Ironically, even on a night where the situation may have been difficult, I thought Kobe did a nice job of making life (relatively speaking) easier on himself. His defense on Paul Pierce also stood out.
- Sasha Vujacic: Sasha began the night with a 22-foot air ball and a rare miss at the stripe, prompting a "This ain't good" remark under my breath. From there, he quickly sank a pair of freebies, then just about every shot he took. 7-10 from the field for a playoff career-high 20 points, the only Laker to hit double digits not named "Kobe," " Bean," or "Bryant." The three ball he canned with just under 120 seconds to go (on the heels of a very rushed brick to boot) was nothing short of ginormous. Vujacic's spark off the bench wasn't just vital. It was literally life saving for a team that couldn't get much going at all.
In addition to adding some good D to the mix, The Machine also provided the game's single funniest and weirdest moment. As the third quarter's final seconds ticked away, Sasha found himself on the wrong end of an Eddie House forearm while pressuring his way towards the ball. Vujacic hit the deck, then immediately jumped up, got in House's face for a brief second, then just as he looked like he was about to head butt Mike Bibby's brother-in-law (trivia alert!), he jetted off to guard his man. Very bizarre. I couldn't tell exactly what was happening from our nose bleed perch, but it read like, "Eddie House, you're lucky I have a defensive assignment to attend to, because otherwise, we'd have words, sir!!!" Classic Sasha. He also deserves props for recovering from a KG screen that left him absolutely leveled. For a few seconds, The Face wandered the court like he was punch drunk. - The Defense: The Lakers' offense may have been ugly, but it was Giselle-smokin'-hot compared to the 35% shooting Boston scrounged up. Credit the Lakers for not allowing their woes on one end of the court to translate into continual defensive lapses. Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce combined to sink a scant 8-35 of their attempts, which obviously went a long way in securing the Laker win. Credit Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol and Ronny Turiaf for The Big Ticket often operating from mid-range and beyond, while Kobe, as mentioned earlier, played a big role in checking Pierce. Ray Allen may have been hot (8-13 for 25 points), but if future nights feature The Big Three as a solo operation, the Lakers will always be in the ball game.
- The Bench: Tonight, "the mob" finally represented like they were part of the five families (a "Godfather" reference, for those unschooled in their "Barzini"). Outside of Sasha, they didn't paint the scoring column much, but everyone brought something to the table while on the court. Jordan Farmar had four boards, five dimes, a high wire block, a handful of nice defensive moments and fired up the crowd by going nose to neck with P.J. Brown (since that's as high as he reaches on the guy) after a loose ball scrum. A couple of the Taft alum's boards came courtesy of taps from Ronny Turiaf, who added a couple of swats and forced KG into some difficult (and missed) shots. Trevor Ariza got more minutes, drilled his first jumper, and looked a little more in the swing of things (although the rust is hardly gone). And while Luke Walton still isn't coming through offensively (dude needs to start making those layups pronto), he set up Farmar beautifully on a very patient pick and roll and held his own defensively, forcing traveling called on Brown and Leon Powe. Most importantly, they played like a unit, which we haven't seen this series.
THE BAD
- The starting front court: When your Lawrence Tanter-introduced small and power forwards combine for more fouls (9) than points (7), that generally ain't a good thing. Any hopes that home cooking would immediately 180 the struggles experienced by Vlad Radmanovic and Lamar Odom since the series inception were anything but realized. Vlad one upped Game 2's quick pair of fouls by racking a trio before taking a first-quarter seat. Three minutes into the second half, he picked up a fourth foul after basically leaning on Kendrick Perkins, providing absolutely no resistance against a converted layup. From there, he grabbed some wood and didn't reenter the game. LO made an even quicker first-quarter exit, with two whistles coming in less than five minutes of play. His second quarter became a cameo after a third foul came in a mind boggling 23 seconds. After kicking off the second half with precisely zero points, Lamar proceeded to miss six of his eight attempts and turn the ball over a startling four times. Yes, there were nine rebounds and four dimes to ease his pain, but similar to treating a broken foot with Aspirin, it's only going to feel so good.
- Free throws: 21-34 for an inspiring 62% (rounded up). Kobe Bryant was uncharacteristically off, hitting only 11 of his 18 tries. If this was how the Lakers would have shot the ball had Game 2's reffing crew been a little more kind to them, we can all stop complaining. Farmar noted after the game how, despite their muddy production, had they been better at the stripe, Boston would have been blown out. I can't decide if that makes me feel more relieved or disappointed.
THE MIXED BAG
- Pau Gasol: On one hand, he grabbed a dozen boards and converted a couple of huge putbacks as the game wound down. On the other, he was 3-8 from the line, 3-9 from the field, missed some undeniable bunnies around the rim and didn't block a shot. Gasol did enough to make his presence matter, but not nearly enough to make it truly felt.
AUDIO
- Trevor Ariza: Download trevor_ariza_postgame_boston_3.mp3
- Lamar Odom: Download lamar_odom_postgame_boson_3.mp3
- Jordan Farmar (who perhaps reads the blog, since he busts the "GHE/GHF" lingo): Download jordan_farmar_postgame_boston_3.mp3
- Ronny Turiaf (with some good stuff about the bench's improved cohesiveness at home and the defensive chatter between him and Walton): Download ronny_turiaf_postgame_3.mp3
AK
Kobe is the Greatest Player in the World
Posted by: Michael McLoughlin | June 11, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Following up on what lakers_sth said about Rondo possibly not playing and Kobe not being able to sag off a great shooter like House... why don't the Lakers do a lot more full-court trapping? I was surprised they didn't do it last night, considering the Celtics didn't have great ballhandlers on the floor. Rondo was out much of the game and Cassell didn't play much. In those cases, you have to throw in more full-court traps. Especially since it looks like the Celtics are starting to tire after their odyssey of a playoff run. Here's hoping the Lakers can put Boston in the record books: an unprecedented 10 road losses in the playoffs. They're at eight now, so just two to go...
Posted by: greenpaz | June 11, 2008 at 10:37 AM
complex,
"but LO. and Pau? "
Not unexpected, if you look at their careers. Gasol usually doesn't do well against physical defenses - remember, too, that he is really a PF playing C. Odom is consistentlly inconsistent. Always has been, and for us to expect anything else at this point of his career is a mistake.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 11, 2008 at 10:37 AM
More about the lakers' false title in 2006:
The Lakers attempted 40 free throws to the Kings' 25 in that game, and Los Angeles made 21-of-27 from the line while Sacramento converted 7-of-9 in the fourth quarter alone.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 11, 2008 at 10:15 AM
This is like the Patriots championships right...they're all false titles because they were caught cheating right?
So is it safe to say that if the Celtics win the championship, their title will be false because they were clearly given game 2? 40-25 isn't even as bad as 38-10.
Just accept it...your whole team got beat by Kobe Bryant and a dude names Sasha.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | June 11, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Kobe is the Greatest Player in the World
Posted by: Michael McLoughlin | June 11, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Kobe I told you to start bragging about yourself.
Posted by: PHIL JACKSON | June 11, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Fatty:"The green wave is losing some of its power, and the Purple and Gold are starting to become a Tsunami driving them back to Boston."
SURFS UP!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | June 11, 2008 at 11:08 AM
" Odom is consistentlly inconsistent" - Posted by: exhelodrvr
Ex, If I wasnt so blah right now, I'd laugh my butt off... Truer words were never spoken.. I just hope he can put together 3 consistent games before the off season, but that line did make me LMAO. The Truth is usually the funniest.
Posted by: complex brotha | June 11, 2008 at 11:41 AM
"Following up on what lakers_sth said about Rondo possibly not playing and Kobe not being able to sag off a great shooter like House... why don't the Lakers do a lot more full-court trapping? I was surprised they didn't do it last night, considering the Celtics didn't have great ballhandlers on the floor. Rondo was out much of the game and Cassell didn't play much. In those cases, you have to throw in more full-court traps."
Because all that does is give the Boston shooters wide-open almost Transition like 3 point shots the moment they break the trap, something we are trying to avoid. So the traps should be used sparingly against them when you're trying to force indecision and keep their shooters from shooting good looks.
Posted by: Jen Reyes | June 11, 2008 at 12:04 PM
greenpaz - House is a "shooter" for sure. He can get hot for sure. But he's not a great shooter. IMO trapping is great when it can catch the ballhandler off-guard and put them in a difficult position. When I see Fish come over to double on Garnett, all I see is a wide open Celtic guard as a result. Generally, the Lakers only full court trap off made free throws if ever. I agree with you that the Lakers need to keep tweaking their defenses to keep the Celtics offense off balance and uncomfortable.
Posted by: lakers_sth | June 11, 2008 at 12:09 PM
OK. I'm a pretty big LO fan, but he is really not helping much right now, and I don't see that changing much. Offensively, he cannot provide spacing because his outside shot is non-existant. He must drive to the basket to provide anything, and this stops Kobe from being in the key (his most productive place on the court) and will not mesh with a future Pau/AB line-up. Defensively, he reaches too much, does not move his feet enough, and seems to not know how to (or at least have any desire to) box anyone out. When he get's in foul trouble (see reaches too much and doesn't move his feet) it's even worse as he just steps out of bounds and lets anyone in green have uncontested lay-ups. This will become an even bigger problem next year when he is forced to spend more time at the 3.
Now I know we're still fighting for our lives on the biggest stage in basketball, but I can't help but think (especially on an off day) that Korey's earlier post that LO finally must go at the end of the season, win or lose in this series, makes a little sense. Now I would think that the newly rejuvenated Mitch Kupchek should be able to package LO and Rad-man together for for Ron Artest and whoever needs to be packaged to meet salary guidelines. This type of deal would need to benefit both teams, and I think this will. LO gives Sac an inside presence on both sides of the ball that they don't have right now, and an outside shooter they've been missing since they sent their man Stoyokovic to the Hornets. The Lakers would get another tough-minded player who has an outside shot to provide spacing on O, a proven D stopper, and a guy who will probably sign for less to play for a contender. I've been against a trade like this for chemistry reason's in the past, but we really need to improve our overall toughness, and this will definetely get that done. Anybody else have a take on this?
I'm not trying to be a karma buster, and deep down hope LO comes out of his funk...I'm just scratching my head in Riverside...
Posted by: bruzer | June 11, 2008 at 12:35 PM
GET OFF LO'S BACK. GET OFF
PAU'S BACK. BANDWAGON
*________________________*
(01) JustAnotherMambaFan - Owner
(02) Mamba24 - Driver
(03) <<----- add janaya right here please
Riding shotgun!!!
janaya
Posted by: janaya | June 11, 2008 at 01:38 PM
V man,
Classic! I bet Stern would pay 2 million right now to make this whole thing go away. What an idiot for adding fuel to the fire.
Stern is an idiot wagin is in order!!!
janaya
Posted by: janaya | June 11, 2008 at 02:13 PM
as i posted earlier:
Is it just me or does PJ need to bench Radman for the rest of the series?
He should know that his role on this team is not taking running jumpers in the paint but taking threes (which he sucks at). He thinks playing defense is fouling. He doesn't box out. He can't chase down loose balls. He can't dribble.
He CAN'T be a laker next year!
Ship the space cadet out!
Posted by: miker | June 10, 2008 at 11:30 PM
My opinion it is just you.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | June 11, 2008 at 06:21 PM
Lakers need to adapt their offense; strictly relying on the triangle isn't going to work as that leads to jump shots.
Kobe going into attack mode worked well tonight. But that doesn't mean he should make it a 1-on-1 game, nor should the rest of the team stand around.
Posted by: steve | June 11, 2008 at 12:25 AM
I agree and the triangle is ok but need to vary offense to suit game flow. That is why I think Byron Scott would be better coach for this team.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | June 11, 2008 at 06:28 PM
Sasha earned his nickname tonight.
Posted by: the other Tom | June 11, 2008 at 01:54 AM
Ithink time to upgrade his nick name from machine to Terminator!
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | June 11, 2008 at 06:30 PM
Prediction: Lakers in 6 or 7 games.
Predicted score: game 4: Lakers 108 Celtics 93
Posted by: WHITE MAMBA24 | June 11, 2008 at 06:35 PM
AK,
Way to speak the truth to CBuck!
Regarding Luke's game.... He played well defensively and did some nice little things on offense, however, his ability to aggressively go to the hoop sucked.
A great thing about last night's game was it was the game the 2004 Lakers couldn't play in the Finals, and thus we lost.
There's definite cause for hope in this series.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 11, 2008 at 08:17 AM
Great defense on who?
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | June 11, 2008 at 06:41 PM
*_________________________*
GET OFF LO'S BACK. GET OFF
PAU'S BACK. BANDWAGON
*________________________*
(01) JustAnotherMambaFan - Owner
(02) Mamba24 - Driver
Posted by: | June 11, 2008 at 08:25 AM
Let me jump on this bandwagon.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | June 11, 2008 at 06:42 PM
I Bleed Purple and Gold and I WONT be a part of any "trade' L.O and Pau bandwagons after the season. Win or Lose.. PERIOD.. but I'm not gonna pretend all is well with their individual play either. I EXPECT This from Vlad, he's more of a gamble but LO. and Pau? No.. It isnt acceptable in the Finals.
Posted by: complex brotha | June 11, 2008 at 09:36 AM
I agree but I would say not even Radman.
no trade talk imo just adjustment talk on what could be better is what I think.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | June 11, 2008 at 07:08 PM
WOW BallDontLie, my sentiments exactly on everything u said about those so-called ESPN "anal"yst, they just seem 2 sway with whatever team wins-when the Lakeshow ties it up tonte then we'll see which bandwagon they jump on then-at this point neither team really has the advantage over the other-both teams had a big game from one of their reserves in victory and 1 game with an advantage at the free throw line, which seems 2 be whats gonna decide who wins this series-it just amazes me at some of the commentary that these so-called "experts" are making-u can get better analysis from a "blow Joe" couch potato than whatchu get from those guys-IDIOTS-LAKESHOW4LIFE!!!
Posted by: dlaker4life | June 12, 2008 at 03:16 AM
go cletics
Posted by: californiatorockies | June 12, 2008 at 09:00 PM
lakers blew it. kobe couldnt come through.choked hard core.kobe needs to stop trying to be like michael jordan
Posted by: ricky | June 12, 2008 at 09:13 PM
lakers blew it...24 point lead.kobe stop trying to be like michael jordan. be urself....quit relying on the ref's to bail you out
Posted by: | June 12, 2008 at 09:16 PM
I am very disappointed in the way we played this whole series and I dont blame it on just two or three people, I blame it all on the team that does not have the same desire their leader has and is to scared to take over a game. Key examples with over 5 minutes left Boston brings Posey back into the game. Is it just me or does it take a rocket scientists to realize the guy has 5 fouls and we only go at him once in the post with Lamar Odum. Secondly why is Fisher sitting out most of all the 4th quarter when he is one of our best defenders. I have been a major Laker fan since I can remember and I never saw this coming when a team does not play with the passion for a complete 48 minutes, instead they play for a complete 24 minutes either to start the game or end the game. Until next year I must surrender the flag and realize only two people have the desire it takes to win and we need all our players to want to win and hold that trophy. Take a look in the mirror and realize what you put out has to be your all. If you need to get in the weight room and become more physical then do it 100%. The hardest working man in the game can only care you so far. When is someone going to step up and carry him across that finish line?
Posted by: Ben | June 12, 2008 at 09:27 PM
Have been a LAL fan for MANY years. Surely we all know that 3 Supers will or at least should beat 1 Super. Celts have more options for scorers (the BIG 3) and play better defense. This, I believe, is our first big step toward next year. A healthy Bynum would have made a huge difference. If Ron Artest opts out, sign him to the Exception rule and give him a few LA endorsements to make up the lack of salary. RA adores KB and would be a great addition. Would Baron Davis come for the Exception? What's everybody's thoughts?
Posted by: DJNYY2 | June 12, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Lakers team is best known for the mistakes they make, and in todays game they proved that. Mistake # 1, Phil Jackson calls timeout in the 1st qtr when the lakers were in momentum, collapsing the celtics defense on every possession, if you watch the game again you can see that when PJ calls timeout, lakers were about to score but then the ref called, So stupid of PJ, it should have been the celtics couch to call the time out because they were down by like 14 or sumthin. mistake #2 making fisher sit out almost the entire 4th qtr, hellooo!!. Mistake # 3 lakers players had no one making the plays after 2 half, hello team, move around post up some screens, make the celtics collapase defensively. Mistake #4, Was Gasol high after the 2 second half, he needs to step up and grab the ball once in a while when Fisher passes. i think gasol was just not showing his aggressiveness, which we really needed. other mistakes were putting vujicic on allen on the last play, and leaving the best shooter posey left alone..wow !! and i bet i can find even more if i review the game. SO Step up guys this is the Finals not a ball game at the park
Posted by: harbir singh | June 12, 2008 at 10:29 PM