Fortunately, it's not a Best of One...
Those inhabitants of the Laker Nation with a natural inclination for worry will not sleep well after the Lakers hit the famous parquet floor in Boston with a thud, dropping Game 1 of the NBA Finals to the Celtics, 98-88. It was a night with few highlights for the purple and gold. They ran out to a very early four-point lead, and used a 16-6 run at the end of the second quarter to take a five-point lead into the half. Unfortunately, the rest of the night clearly belonged to the home team, which otherwise tended to dictate the flow of the game. Boston was able to erase L.A.'s lead only 45 seconds into the third quarter, engaged the Lakers in a dog fight, then slowly took control of the game. The iconic moment of the night? Paul Pierce put the Celtics ahead for good with two huge three-pointers after a dramatic return to the court less than two minutes after being rolled off the floor in a wheelchair because of a knee injury. Call it a Willis Reed moment for the Gen X folk.
On the other hand, optimists will look at Thursday's loss and believe that the Lakers probably won't get another 9-26 shooting night from Kobe, only six boards from Lamar Odom, or 15 points combined between Vlad Radmanovic, Sasha Vujacic and Jordan Farmar. The Lakers didn't look all that good in Game 1, but still were in the game until the final four minutes or so. A little more execution down the stretch, and they might have stolen a game they didn't deserve.
Click below for the breakdown.
The Good:
- Derek Fisher: He was as close to a consistent influence as the Lakers had over the course of the game. Nearly 41 minutes of run, 4-9 from the floor for 15 points, plus six assists. He was particularly effective in the second quarter, when he scored 11 points and helped keep the Lakers close, then pull ahead before the half. He had some issues with Sam Cassell in that quarter, but while Sam-I-Am couldn't keep me out of the paint at this point in his career, he can still get hot offensively and drill some turnaround J's on just about anyone. Overall, Fish was one of the few Lakers who managed to find his way to the basket and stay aggressive.
The Bad: Wow. Lots to choose from.
- Sasha Vujacic: Overall, he had a tough night. 2-7 from the floor, four personals and some undisciplined play offensively. On the other end, he had a tough time keeping up with Allen, who ran him pretty ragged over the course of the game. If you had asked me before the game what player might be a little too amped up for his first Finals game, I would have thought long and hard about Sasha.
- Offensive Discipline: Too often the Lakers became content to be a jumpshooting team, and spent long stretches of time outside the paint. The patience and ball movement characteristic of the team weren't there for nearly enough of the game, and practically disappeared in the second half. "We had 14 assists in the first half and seven in the second. That was the difference. We did a lot of things off the dribble we didn't do in the first half," Phil Jackson said. Still, PJ didn't seem to think they, whether Kobe or the rest of the gang, were taking a lot of bad shots. "Our guys had good looks. A lot of in-and-out shots for us tonight," Jackson said of the team. Similar reaction to Kobe. "I think he thought he was shooting the ball pretty well, they just didn't stay in. A lot of them rattled out. I said to him, check it out, he had some guys open in other parts of the offense, but he said he had some good looks. You live on that. That's going to happen." To some extent I think he's protecting his guys. The shot selection wasn't all that good, and the patience wasn't there. Some of that can be chalked up to the Celtics, who are a very strong defensive team, but some of it goes to the Lakers as well.
- Rebounding: Rebounding, rebounding, rebounding. So bad it should be mentioned at least that many times. The final margin was 46-33 Boston, including 10 offensive boards for the Celtics that helped explain their 98 points despite 42% shooting. The extra chances often put the Celtics on the line, where they were 28-35, and led to an eight-point advantage in second-chance points that seemed a lot bigger. A lack of attention led to what was likely the dagger score for Boston, a ferocious dunk put back off a James Posey three with 92 seconds to go. Gasol, in the same ZIP code but a decidedly different neighborhood, never put a body on him. A six-point deficit became eight, and that was the end of that.
The Occasionally Good, but Not Nearly Good Enough:
- Defense: In the halfcourt, it wasn't bad. As I mentioned, L.A. held Boston to 42% shooting, and limited them to under 25 points in three of four quarters. But because the rebounding (did I mention the rebounding) was so awful, it's hard to give them high marks. Moreover, the Lakers struggled to defend without fouling, part of the reason the Celtics were able to make some hay at the stripe. Too many ticky-tack fouls, or ill-timed shooting fouls (a Vlad hack on Pierce for a three+1 and an awkward Allen jumper late in the shot clock where Sasha bailed him out with a pop to the arm come to mind). The groundwork is there, but if the Lakers are going to come back strong on Sunday, they'll need to shore up those weak spots.
- L.A.'s Big Three: It wasn't an MVP performance from Kobe by any stretch. He forced jumpers, forced passes and forced plays (explaining the four TOs). It's not that he was awful - Kobe also made some excellent decisions with the ball, was able to set up his teammates, and hit some big shots - but he clearly wasn't sharp, and wasn't able to find any sort of flow in the game save the last six minutes of the second quarter, when the whole team was on fire, going from five down to five up into halftime. There are nights where he is able to exert influence on a game in all sorts of ways, controlling the flow. Tonight, he couldn't do it, and seemed to get stuck trying to figure out how. Lamar Odom had some nice moments and was 6-11 from the floor, but like Kobe, they were quiet points, and his 2-5 showing from the line took some of the fun away from the numbers, too. LO wasn't dominant on the boards, didn't distribute, and overall couldn't make an impression on the game in the way we've seen over the second half of the season. So inconsistent was his play that PJ had him on the bench for critical minutes in the fourth.
Pau Gasol was also 6-11 and had four assists, generally coming from his work at the top of the post, but was also limited in his effect on the glass, and had a ton of trouble with KG on the other end (in fairness, Garnett can play a little). His performance tonight reminded me of some of his lesser efforts against San Antonio.
If you want to pit Big Three vs. Big Three, Boston's was the clear winner. 65 points to 53 for L.A.'s trio. Rebounds- 25 vs. 17. Big moments? Too many vs. way too few.
Audio to come ASAP.
BK
Lakers scoring totals against Celts this year :
Nov., 2007............94
Dec., 2007............91
Last Night.............88
See any disturbing trend taking place?
Game 2...............85
Game 3...............82
Game 4...............79
Posted by: Red`s Love Child | June 06, 2008 at 08:15 AM
BTW - someone needs to put PudgyPaulPierce into a REAL cast.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | June 06, 2008 at 08:16 AM
BTW - someone needs to put PudgyPaulPierce into a REAL cast.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | June 06, 2008 at 08:16 AM
KOBE MUMBAYE!!!
KOBE MUMBAYE!!!
KOBE MUMBAYE!!!
KOBE MUMBAYE!!!
KOBE MUMBAYE!!!
KOBE MUMBAYE!!!
KOBE MUMBAYE!!!
KOBE MUMBAYE!!!
Posted by: pumpedlakersfan | June 06, 2008 at 08:23 AM
Last night did feel a bit like the "Revenge of the Sith" with Paul Pierce playing the role of a reconstructed Darth Vader.
I don't get it. I was in my lucky bar and my lucky barstool. What happened?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 06, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Kobe needs to pass to Vlad about 4-5 more time a game, he needs to get him involved. He was wide open so many times but no one was looking for him. Also the refs really shafted Vlad on 3 phantom calls, 2 flops by Pierce of screens and one wiff on Perkins. Everytime Pierce runs off screens he runs in to his own man and doubles over backwards like he gets hit, this is a flop off his own guy, maybe Vlad should run underneath the screen and let Pierce step back for a shot, it's better he stays on the floor because he was the only one that had success against Pierce plus he had a couple of steaks and assists, the offense works better with him on the floor.
Posted by: Ken | June 06, 2008 at 08:28 AM
Anyone know Philly J's record when losing game 1?
Posted by: PlayonPluto | June 06, 2008 at 08:37 AM
I really hope that guys like Butler (who is desperate to cheer for any team because his, sucks sooo much) and all the other Celtics fans will have the guts to be a man and post after 6 games. It was game 1 after a long rest, our Lakers is always kind of rusty after a long rest. I'm not panicking even if we lost game 2, all we need is 1 game in Boston: LAKERS IN 6,.
Mamba from the east coast
Posted by: Mamba24Fan4Life | June 06, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Jon K - it wasn't your fault man. I'm putting this one squarely at the the feet of Charles and complex brotha - see my post above.....LOL!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | June 06, 2008 at 08:43 AM
I figured to split in Boston.
Hard to beat them in the first game.
We were down by 5 with less than 2 minutes.
Kobe had an off game.
Lakers win game 2.
Go Lakers!
Go Kobe!
Posted by: hobbitmage | June 06, 2008 at 08:44 AM
Troy: I think you are being a bit harsh. We probably would have been the 8 seed swept out by the NOH in the first round if we didn't have Pau. The Lakers knew what they were getting in Pau - an all-star POWER FORWARD.
He was only our insurance policy at Center if AB didn't come back. And lo and behold - AB didn't come back. While I think mgmt. felt we were a good team - I really doubt they felt we would be competing in the finals this year. They were certainly planning on down the road. The team cohesion and Pau fitting into the triangle has been seemless - he only needs a little more grit.
Lastly, he is a much more intellectual mind than we really know. He is not outgoing but he is very competitive. As any of the Spanish media that covered him in the FIBA world championship - he is a tough competitor. Now he is here in the US and on this big stage - I don't think he will let us down. I really don't.
I am chalking this up to a bad overall night. I knew it was going to be a tough road when D-Fish missed his first two FT's. That is an anomaly. And Sunday - I expect channeled and focused anger that one game got away to be the motto - because we could have won that game!
Jon K. and Karanyr - very funny demo stories...... you had me cracking up.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | June 06, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Good morning Laker fam! Do not dispair. Boston might be able to play that well again during the series. But I'm willing to bet the farm that we won't play that bad again.
Nobody panic, tighten the seatbelt on whatever bandwagon Mamba has you on. It'll all be okay my brothers and sisters.
My favorite post of the morning:
and about Paul Pierce and his fake injury, I think Truth had to go to the toilet and drop a BUTLER.
Eevee, you made me spit my coffee all over my keyboard!!!!!! LOL!!!!!!!!
Posted by: magicman | June 06, 2008 at 08:45 AM
I AM NOT SURE WHY TREVOR ARIZA NOT PLAYED IN GAME 1. MAY BE PHIL HAS SOME PLANS FOR HIM FOR GAME 2. WE HAVE TO USE THIS GUY. HE CAN STOP ALLEN IF NOT PIERCE
Posted by: Disgruntled, Frustrated Laker Fan | June 06, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Lakers Suck
Posted by: PlayonPluto | June 06, 2008 at 08:47 AM
"Paul Pierce, though, is the new Michael Jordan!"
No he is Paul... why do you morons have to compare every one with Jordan.
Word I just got is that knee is in real bad shape and he might be done for the season.
Have a nice butthead
Posted by: mammothsnowman | June 06, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Oh No! The sky is falling!
Calm down everyone. Boston won a game they *HAD* to win. This Boston win only ensured the fact that this will be a real competitive series. So what, the Lakers don't coast through the finals and it goes 7 games. Let's admit, we're a bit spoiled with the Laker success this season and let's put things in perspective!
They played great, the Lakers had an off night, and still, it was quite the ball game until 4 mins left to go.
One thing that does worry me is the Gasol/KG matchup.
I see KG completely dominating this matchup. KG played great D on Gasol, and Kobe/Odom/Fisher will need to pick up the slack!!!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Lakafo0 | June 06, 2008 at 08:53 AM
=== CONGRATS FAKE LAKER FANS ===
Yea, you... You know it's you.
You are the guy/gal who says trade Pau Gasol. The guy that doesnt see we have the best record in the league since we got Pau.
You are the guy/gal who blames Kobe for everything. Kobe misses a shot, daaamn he's shooting us out the game! Kobe makes a shot, daaaaamn he's dominating.
He needs to pass more, no no, he needs to shoot more.
You are the guy/gal who blames PJ for rotations as if you've ever coached even a high school b-ball team. Why isnt Ariza playing? Why is Luke out there?! But when the reserves get us back in the game in the 4th, you give PJ no credit. You gave him no credit when we got to 3-1 over the suns with Luke & Smush starting and all you will do is blame.
Congrats Congrats Congrats.
Today is your freakin day!!!
But just so you know, I have been keeping names from the live blog game thread. I've been reading ALL the comments.
Troy says we cant win with Pau at C. Let me jot that down.
JustaLakerFan finest thinks PJ cant coach. Scribble Scribble Scribble.
When the Lakers win this chip, not only will it be sweet redemption, but I will be unleashing the full list of FAKE LAKER FANS who hate on their own team but will act as if it was all good when the parade starts.
You know who you are and you WILL be on the list.
Posted by: Korey | June 06, 2008 at 08:54 AM
Right again, ex. We were outhustled and outplayed. The encouraging thing is, we have a lot of room for improvement and every expectation to do so. And let's face it, I don't think Cassell is going to go off like that again.
BK: I also liked what you said about Pierce's injury being the the Willis Reed moment for Gen-Xers. Especially apropos because the Reed "moment" was real and brewed over several days, whereas the Pierce thing was superficial and, owing to today's attention spans, only lasted a couple of minutes.
A bad Finals defeat, but nowhere near the Memorial Day Massacre, and history tells us we eventually won that series against the Celts in 6.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Marty | June 06, 2008 at 08:56 AM
ROLL CALL!
Ray Allen? Check.
Kevin "Bearer of Celtic historical power over lakers" Garnett?
Check.
Rajon Rondo? Check.
PAUL PIERCE? Double check!
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 08:56 AM
It's ok Jon K., Mamba24, BlkMamba, Laker Tom, and others - you can now tell me I was right all along.
Didn't I say that pinning your hopes on lamar "jelly brains" odumb would prove to be in vain?
Didn't I say that Ga-Shawl is a softie who prefers the wrist-flick to banging?
The Celtics were without Kendrick Perkins tonight and the Celtics front line STILL dominated the hapless lakers.
Wow!
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 09:02 AM
How about Sam Cassell?
He made Fisher look like a wuss, and dropped some key hoops to hold the laker fans under a wet blanket.
He nearly threw away the game for the Celtics, though, with some bonehead plays in the 2nd half.
But boy, he sure took delight in taking advantage of the spongy laker D at the guard position!
Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen - and they didn't even play Eddie House!
Wow!
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 09:05 AM
Boy that game sucked! I think it came down to execution or the lack thereof. The Celtics are maybe a bit better than the Spurs and Jazz - maybe - so the Lakers need to execute properly and last night they did not execute at a high level for any sustained periods. It also didn't help that the shots just were not falling. There were quite a few shots, that literally were halfway down and then popped out. I doubt that will happen again.
Despite the Lakers poor play - a little had to do with the energy advantage the Celtics had - but I thought more of it was that the Lakers didn't seem to be into the game. Kobe couldn't get a shot to fall. I also think that the Lakers relaxed a bit when Pierce went down. I mean they made it look so dramatic, I think the Lakers let their guard down.
Not to go too Zen, but I see this loss as the kind of loss that can set this Lakers squad up to roll. They learned that they need to bring their A game to win, that they cannot let their guard down and that they must play through dubious officiating once again. The flip side is that if they allow this loss to get into their head it could spell parade time in Boston. I don't think PJ will let that happen, I think adjustments will be made and a good number of those shots that rattled out will start to drop. It will not be an easy series but the Lakers are not out yet by any stretch.
Go Lakers.
Peace,
Eagleboy
Posted by: Eagleboy | June 06, 2008 at 09:06 AM
How about the KG dunks, especially the poster on Ga-Shawl! Now that was a heroic performance from the Big Ticket!
Pau, you got humiliated! best of all, they replayed it all night in slow-mo.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 09:06 AM
Is Butler a fan of some pathetic no-rings team who gets his thrills by annoying supporters of legendary franchises deep in the playoffs?
How sad.
The good news is he'll be harassing Boston bloggers after game 2.
Posted by: The D | June 06, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Hey Butler - I thought you got flushed already? Man - you're quite the little crapper - keep bobbing up to the surface & fire off some more drivel. You're pitiful man - you can't even keep track of what team you're cheering for. You should really get back on your meds. I hear the looney bin calling for you.........
Posted by: justanothermambafan | June 06, 2008 at 09:08 AM
Robyn-
As soon as he WENT DOWN I knew something was up!! Willis was and is a flopper extrordinaire.
Posted by: McGarnagle | June 06, 2008 at 09:08 AM
Good Morning Laker Fans!! Tough loss last night I know, but we're going to be alright. The Celts put on a show last night: from the GAWD-AWFUL T-Shirts to the "heroic comeback," they made some big plays and made the most of their home court advantage for game 1. They had to pull out ALL THE STOPS to win game 1 beacause had they lost, I don't think they could recover the series. We also helped by missing open jumpers and numerous free throws throughout the game, not to mention our poor defensive rebounding. The good thing is WE WILL MAKE OUR ADJUSTMENTS!! Guaranteed on PJs Legacy we will make an adjustment!! I agree with PsychedLakerGirl that PJ did not want to show all his cards.
Now as for the player known as "The Truth," Paul Tears, the Drama Queen...
I think Pierce oversold the injury and the announcers bought into it. Willis Reed? I think not. If the Celtics needed all of that to win the first game, what do they do for an encore?
Posted by: teamn | June 06, 2008 at 06:55 AM
I agree completely! He pulled the old Hulk Hogan move on us!! Great job!!! Now what? Willis Reed did "The Willis Reed" in GAME 7!!!! I guess you're going to have to just play basketball for the rest of the series. And don't buy into this bum knee rumor until he's officially a DNP for Sunday: Fall Pierce, the REAL Faker!!
Lakers will get up brush their shoulders off and proceed with game plan: Bring home the Championship. For those of you with a sense of history, remember 1985, HUGE LOSS in game 1, Lakers won in 6!! (It really could have been 5 if not for DJ's buzzer beater) so I still believe they can run the table...LAKERS IN 5!!!!
Posted by: JSNV | June 06, 2008 at 09:09 AM
Paul Pierce showed kobee how to play in a Finals as a LEADER.
Paul Pierce took control of the series by lifting his team to greatness.
kobee reverted to his "old kobee" (aka the real kobee who's never going to change) during this game. He berated teammates, shot way more than he had a right to, and made some bonehead plays such as sending Paul Pierce to the foul line right after Pierce re-enters the game - on a cheap face shot no less!
kobee still needs to look at greats such as Paul Pierce and Steve GNASH to understand that LEADING a team is the path to greatness.
Back to school, mr. mvp!
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 09:10 AM
Man, Paul Pierce made this game a total classic!
A 4-point play on sasha!
Two threes in a row over kobee!
A heroic return from a nasty knee injury!
He just added himself to the likes of Bird, McHale, Parish and Dennis Johnson.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Oh, I thought I'd share a little slice of Cleveland with Laker Nation today.
Last night I overheard the following statement from a Clevelander at the bar...
And I quote...
"Man, I don't know why everyone makes a big deal about Michael Jordan. LeBron James has accomplished everything he has and MORE... except for the championships."
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 06, 2008 at 09:14 AM
Great act by Paul Piece to fake a " serious " injury to become a hero , C'mon act like a MAN , not like a little baby girl to cry badly after bit by a mosquito
Posted by: shum | June 06, 2008 at 09:15 AM
MAMBA = Migraines After Many Bryant Airballs
Posted by: Red`s Love Child | June 06, 2008 at 09:15 AM
Good Morning Charles---Good Morning Everybody...
Well that didn't go so well did it?---but better than the ass whomping I sort of expected---like some have said, there is still a lot of hope because we played fairly bad and still had a chance to win etc....
To me the biggest factor in the loss was .....wait for it......MISSED FRICKING FREE THROWS! --for the love of all that's good and holy MAKE YOUR FREE THROWS LAKERS !!
and excessive fouling on the other end gave them a lot of free throws and they are a good free throw shooting team---both sides of the free throw issue needs to be addressed....
The other factors obviously, getting out rebounded (especially on the defensive end)---and we reverted to a jump shot shooting team with the shots unfortuanately going in and coming out all night---frickin' Leprechauns !!
EVERY time we ran the pick and roll we scored it seemed, and rather easily---WHY DON'T WE RUN THAT DOWN THEIR THROATS AND UP THEIR ASSES? WHY ? WHY? WHY?
And why for the love of Spam don't we run more screens for Kobe---the team just seems to rely on Kobe creating off the dribble (which he is fairly good at) but sometimes we need to send a series of screens to help him get to the rim---Indiana made that idiot Reggie Miller into an all star by constantly running screens until he was open for his jump shot etc---sort of the same could be done for Kobe with either an open jump shot or a slam dunk being the end result...
Lamar needs to show the hell up on Sunday---I thought Pau played pretty well, though a box out or two would have been helpfull...
MY PREDICTION: WHO EVER WINS ON SUNDAY WILL WIN THE SERIES. Game 2 is crucial to say the least...
AS ALWAYS, AS EVER, STILL YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | June 06, 2008 at 09:16 AM
People always seem to forget that defense matters more than offense in these situations.
So, as Dan Shaughnessy said, the pundits were "blinded by the light."
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Didn't even start to read the posts this morning...
As I've been saying all along...
Get the boards and the free throws... we win the game!!
Posted by: keifo | June 06, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Butler,
Yep, Eddie House is the secret weapon the Celtics will pull out to rescue them if they get in trouble late in a game.
I give it to Paul Pierce and the gang. They played about as well as they possibly could and won the game. Hats off to them, the certainly deserved the victory.
I wouldn't get too jacked up about the win though. First it is only one game. Enough said. Second, the Lakers problems were not simply a result of the Celtics incredible defense. I saw a Lakers team that didn't execute well for extended periods. Some of it surely was the Celtics defense, but some of it was just plain bad basketball.
If, I were a Celtic fan I would have just a bit of doubt about my team. Sure they won the game, but they played at near their maximum capability and the Lakers certainly below their maximum efficeincy. Game 2 will be key. Can the Celtics keep it up? Will the Lakers come back with a vengeance? Either team can win this series. On paper the Celtics should romp over the Lakers, they have the Big 3, the stats and the record that are all better than what the Lakers posted this year. Everyone at the start of the year expected the Celtics to be in the Finals. No one expected the Lakers to be in the Finals. The Celtics have home court, and in game one the benefit of the officials favoring the Celtics. Still, the Lakers were in it until the end, despite playing so poorly. So enjoy the victory, but Boston would be wise to not have the parade just quite yet.
Peace,
Eagleboy
Posted by: Eagleboy | June 06, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Given all the prognostication leading up to last night, it was nice for the guys to finally get on the court and see what they were actually facing.
Like I said in yesterday's chat - Boston is a very emotional team. Pierce's Willis Reed-type moment and Manu Ginobli-Game 3-type 3 pointers was proof of that. They had something to rally around and the Lakers couldn't muster enough energy to overcome that.
Boston's defense was surprisingly porous in the first half. They really do remind of San Antonio with one big exception, they foul a lot. Their front-line intimidated the Lakers away from driving to the basket, thus all the jump shots. The main player this affected was LO. He did manage to hit a couple of mid-range shots but that's not something you can count on. When he got the ball, you could literally see him decide not to drive with Perkins (or PJ Brown) and Garnett waiting for him inside.
Since the Lakers offense became predictable down the stretch - give it to Kobe and see if he can lead us back - Boston looked like Kobe-stoppers b/c they knew that's all they had to do.
My recipe for success in game 2? Aggression. A number of Boston players got into foul trouble without LA trying very hard. If they recognized that, perhaps it could've been used to their advantage. Also, LA is going to have to come out much like they did in game 4 against the Spurs and surpass Boston's energy and hustle. Vlad, Pau and LO need to crash the boards hard on every shot attempt on both sides of the floor and own the glass. They've shown they're capable of doing it and Game 2 would be the perfect time.
Posted by: lakers_sth | June 06, 2008 at 09:42 AM
You have to take your hat off to Doc Rivers. He coached a brilliant game, outcoached Jackson and had his team so inspired that they came out in the 2nd half and utterly destroyed the lakers from the outset.
Impressive!
Phil Jackson has a thing or two to learn still. For instance, he must yet prove he can beat D'ANTONI in a playoff series.
The SUNS probably would have beaten Boston.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 09:43 AM
Wow, it's just like a day after a loss to Utah or San Antonio
where the trolls come out in force.
Hey Red's Bastard Kid and BUTLER. Welcome to the blog.
Maybe nobody has ever told you this, but in the NBA finals,
they play a seven game series. It's not single elimination,
like in the NCAA tournament.
Fact is that both Utah and San Antonio managed to win their
first home game against the Lakers as well. Utah even beat
the Lakers twice!!! And San Antonio held the Lakers to
less points and scored more.
And then Phil made adjustments... and the team made
adjustments... and Utah went down... and San Antonio
went down.
Enjoy this feeling of elation you're having. Come on in
and talk smack all you want. You deserve it. If there had
been a blog back in 2001, I'm sure Philadelphia fans would
have been here talking smack and saying how great
Allen Iverson and Philly's defense were as well. Enjoy
it while it lasts.
But don't mistake 1 game won for a championship.
I still say... Lakers in 6.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | June 06, 2008 at 09:45 AM
Allow me, to critique our performance as laker fans in this blog.
We often exceed our expectation in discussing the future by dreaming dynasty when we haven't tested the championship caliber of this team.
We are fast in shortchanging our players on their first loss in the Finals, talk of trades after the game, micro manage their performance as if there no more second chances.
We display impatience on our venting Laker fans who felt very bad of the loss so they laid the blame on the coach, the superstar, the other players that they perceived as weak. We have zero tolerance on fans who are just whining, venting as if they were mourning the loss of a loved one. Actually, no life was lost just opportunities of winning the first game.
We entertain posts of immature visitors/troll as if we have the power to remove them in this blog, however if you reply only on names that you know, you systematically weed out the irresponsible ones that populate our blog. Why don't you just ignore a crazy poster?
Lastly, criticize if you will but back up those criticisms with sound recommendations that can be implemented on Sunday or in future games. Example, If you say: trade a player, can we do that on Sunday? Fire a coach, can we do that on the first game playing on the road? Lose faith on the team, what will be the good effects or message are we coveying our players?
Thank goodness, our team is playing in the Finals, is that not a blessing? Yes, they lost the first game but still, they achieved a lot to reach this stage in comparison to their performance in the past. In a nutshell, let's temper our expectations and contribute more quality to our posts.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 06, 2008 at 09:49 AM
Paul Pierce is the new Michael Jordan, at least for one night.
That was a performance on par with the greatest Finals performances in NBA history.
Sometimes, it's not the stats that matter (are you paying attention, kobee?) - it's your heart.
And the Celtics showed more heart tonight, none more so than Paul Pierce, who honored the great Celtic teams of the past and Kevin McHale especially with his courageous performance.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 09:50 AM
Paul Pierce made an incredible comeback........
Escorted by his teammate then on the wheelchair....
THEN POOF!!!! pierce was running at the court like he was treated by danny ainge inspirational word...
PP grew in hollywood.... makes sense
The Drama
Posted by: TinidorS | June 06, 2008 at 09:50 AM
Korey,
>>>I will be unleashing the full list of FAKE LAKER FANS
>>>who hate on their own team but will act as if it was all
>>>good when the parade starts.
Big brutha Korey is watching you.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | June 06, 2008 at 09:54 AM
Hey All,
I would have to agree with most. We looked a bit rusty out there from the long break. With the home crowd behind them, the Celts only did what they are supposed to do. Win at home.
But they BARELY did that! If our shots would have dropped, pressure may have derailed this team. I feel good about our chances and I know we will prevail on Sunday.
Also, this Butler KID needs to watch more ball. I know that I should starve the TROLL, but man, this guy is terrible at his observations.
We all know that FLAWS are exposed over a 7 game series. 9 Rings will adjust. Kobe will not shoot that bad again.
janaya
Posted by: janaya | June 06, 2008 at 09:59 AM
That "performance" last night by Paul Pierce made me sick..It's actually typical Boston, believe it or not.. They took advantage of the situation to make it look worse and then they have him come out to fire up the crowd with the Rocky theme song? They carry him off the floor and then use a wheel chair? Give me a break! What a wimp!
Sure he got hurt..But it was obviously highly exaggerated to pump up the home crowd..Paul Pierce should be embarrassed for using a wheel chair and then playing 3 minutes later.
Posted by: zen | June 06, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Fam,
It is a best out of 7 series! We still have that opportunity to make it happen. It is all on how the team and coaching staff responds. The Coaching Staff needs to show their Total Ring Experience and Comeback!
As far as this blog, it comes with both half sides. I honestly feel that we should just move on to the next game. We have a couple of days and await for a Dog Fight. Perkins is hurt and someone needs to go at Pierce
It's never easy.
Four the Hard Way.
Posted by: Charles | June 06, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Let me say that DEFENSE DOES not matter against the great triangle offense. The goal is to be a little above average defensively and really good offensively and you will win more titles than anyone..Just ask Phil Jackson.
Posted by: zen | June 06, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Lakers lost this game no excuses, but there were many signs that the lakers are fine. First off, these 2 games in Boston are must wins for Celtics, they did what they were supposed to do. And perhaps the if it weren't for the wannabe willis reed moment by Pierce, Lakers could have easily stolen game 1. I've never seen a player get off the court like that and come back without a limp and put up numbers like Pierce. We all know how much home court plays in the NBA and all of sports in general. When you watch that game, you get a sense that Lakers have a plan, they're more methodical, while the Celtics are sporadic and play on emotions. Well, Pierce coming back was the boost they needed from an already crazy Boston crowd. For all of you fellow Laker fans that think the sky is falling down, just relax. From what I saw, there's no way Celitcs beat us in LA. We just need to be tougher down low and Kobe needs to make his shots. So many in and outs for Kobe, and inconsistent calls were just sick. Game was so physical for 3 quarters then the refs decided ticky tack fouls were necessary in the 4th mostly on the Lakers. Let them Boston fans celebrate like they already won the title. They still need to beat us 3 more times, and they know in their hearts, it's a huge mountain they know they can't climb. Playoffs are about adjusting. We took the first blow, but it's only the first blow, let Phil and the Lakers show them, Laker dominance is here now and for the next 5 to 6 years. GO LAKERSSSSSSS!
Posted by: Bo Lee | June 06, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Jon k. -- it was a fluke go..go back to the chair for game 2 and have faith in it and it will deliver
same for our lake show...they need to keep the faith go back to what works and keep it up each possesion and we win.
it is the finals...it is hard...we can and we will step up.
Lakers baby!!!
Posted by: KobeRocks! | June 06, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Also, I wouldn't worry about KG. The guy misses like 10 shots in a row and then hits a couple dunks..BIG DEAL He can get around a lot of big guys in this league but we don't need to worry about him offensively. He floats to the outside because he's a wimp and doesn't like the ball in crunch time.
Sure he talks a lot of trash, but when it comes down to it, he is a good 3rd option.
Posted by: zen | June 06, 2008 at 10:06 AM