Still breathing
The Lakers, faced with a Sunday night elimination game on a home floor that they have defended well throughout the playoffs, pushed back against the Celtics in Game 5 of the NBA Finals with a hard-fought slugfest of a 103-98 win, forcing a Game 6 in Beantown on Tuesday night. It wasn't easy, and it certainly wasn't pretty, but the Lakers did what they needed to do, putting the champagne back on ice and forcing the Larry O to hop aboard a plane (or be carried on, we presume). It took a balanced effort to get there. Kobe Bryant again struggled with his shot after a red-hot first quarter, but the Lakers were the beneficiaries of big nights from Pau Gasol (19/13/6/2) and Lamar Odom (20/11/2/4), who took advantage of foul trouble with Kevin Garnett and PJ Brown, plus the absence of Kendrick Perkins in the middle, to play a strong game in the post. Both were big throughout, with Gasol setting the tone early with strong, physical play against KG.
There was a little deja vu, as well, when L.A. built another big first-quarter lead - this time 17 points - and lost it, then another in the fourth as large as 14 ... and lost that too. But a big steal from Kobe on Paul Pierce (who, with 38 points, six boards and eight dimes, was absolutely unbelievable) helped ice the game for the Lakers. Finally, they punched back when Boston tried to take the game away from them.
With the win, the Lakers are still in a large mathematical hole, but the odds of a series win did inch up a little more. It's a mistake to count them out until they are, in fact, out. As for Boston, they'll go back home with two cracks at a title, but no question, they had a crack at it on Sunday, and let it get away.
Save a very productive game from Jordan Farmar, it was another tough night for the L.A. bench. Phil Jackson tried a few different combinations, even dusting off Chris Mihm for a couple minutes at the start of the second quarter. The Lakers will definitely need more from the reserves in Boston if they're going to pull the upset.
The Celtics will want more from KG, who beyond his foul trouble Sunday missed key free throws and a late tip. He certainly wasn't pleased with how he played. There's also the worry that the Lakers may have taken Rajon Rondo out of the series. (No worries - Sam Cassell says he's ready and rarin' to go in Game 6, if need be.) There's certainly confidence in Celtics Nation for a strong game on Tuesday.
BDL takes a look at the game. Ian Thomson of SI.com sees success in Lakers balance. That might explain some of these high marks. They'll have to continue holding up effectively to Boston's swarming D and physical play to have a chance. It's a huge test, no question.
something to note:
the lakers rebounding margin in game 5 should have an asterisk:
garnett was in foul trouble and only played 33 minutes.
i think garnett had something like 16 boards for the game in those minutes, so imagine how many he would have had if he played his usual 40+ minutes. likely 20+ which would've given them the edge on the boards. so we need to get better on the boards in boston, especially since perkins will be playing again.
as great as pierce and allen have been playing, and how great their team defense is, the reason the celtics keep forcing kobe and us into tough perimeter jumpshots and closiing the lane is due to garnett. as dominant an offensive player he is, he is even better on defense and he singlehandedly makes their interior defense incredible, and his amazing screens get their shooters open. not to mention his rebounding/tapbacks. he just elevates higher than everybody and gets to every loose ball. note how the lakers dominated early game 4 and early game 5 when garnett was sitting with fouls.
so what to do in game 6? attack garnett (how about some upfakes on offense lamar/pau?), forcing the officials to eventually call a foul on him. trying to get garnett into foul trouble may be our best strategy for having a chance in boston. and any time he is on the bench kobe/lamar/fish/sasha should attack the rim even more.
note:
for about ten years the nba changed their scheduling method and has been scheduling the finals for nbc, then abc, well in advance of the conclusion of the conference finals, when before they used to make the finals schedule only after the conference finals were over. my guess is the nba wanted to placate its billion dollar funders/the networks who have an easier time getting commericals/ad revenue when they know in advance when the finals will begin.
it may have cost the utah jazz in 1998 -- they had ten days off after sweeping the conference finals while the bulls won their conference finals in 7. after the bulls won the 98 finals utah coach jerry sloan was asked what hurt utah the most. sloan's response: having ten days off. they never got back their timing back.
that's a case of too much rest. it seems like boston got just the right amount of rest this year before the finals, but had the nba been following past years' scheduling methods the celtics would've had only a day or two after the conference finals.
the time off is great in that it gives players with injuries on both teams time to heal so both teams can be at full strength, which improves quality of play and makes for a better series.
but didn't the team that played better earlier in the playoffs earn the additional rest that comes by winning a playoff series earlier than the other team?
the celtics played 20 games in the first three rounds (to the lakers 15`), so boston's players had logged more minutes and as a result needed the rest a lot more.
and it seems that no player needed that time off more than ray allen.
why did boston struggle with atlanta and cleveland but not the lakers? ray allen had time to heal in those 6 days off before the finals, giving them a healthy big 3 that they did not have in the first three rounds
ray allen's 20 per game in the finals and his improved play on defense no doubt came about after having the staggering 6 days off to rest his injured ankles (the reason for his play in the first two rounds). a rested ray allen has been playing his best ball in the finals.
so that celtics win on the road in game 6 at detroit, which prevented them from playing a game 7 and having only 3 days rest instead of the 6 they got, was key for ray allen, and as a result their play as a team. it may be the reason boston wins the finals.
in the past before the finals was scheduled in advance, the team that closed out a series first earned an advantage -- they got more time to rest before the next round.
but in today's world, when the finals is scheduled well in advance, the lakers stellar play in the first three rounds (an advantage they earned over boston with their play) was negated, and the lakers ended up with only one more rest day than boston.
the network's scheduling hurt utah in 1998 by giving them too much rest.
the network's scheduling this season gave boston an advantage by not punishing them for struggling in the early rounds as the scheduling had done in the past, and as a result has cost the lakers by having to play a fresh, rested boston team.
6 days off is like a month off for nba players. any fatigue from the first three rounds was gone by the start of the finals on june 5th. and that may be, in part, the reason the lakers lose this series.
things need to go your way and the scheduling was just a little thing that helped boston immeasurably.
Posted by: jon | June 16, 2008 at 11:42 AM
ariza and walton need to sharp with their aggression. they both start fouling like crazy near the perimeter for no reason. they need to settle down, not pick up fouls. if ariza can be in control, while playing aggressive d when it matters, he can definitely help neutralize pierce. gasol is doing a better and better job on garnett. as the series progresses, there's a chance that allen, cassell, posey might wear down a bit and that might play to our advantage a little. one game at a time. it can be done.
Posted by: luke | June 16, 2008 at 11:47 AM
We had a lead. They came back. We held fast. We won.
Unity wins Game Six.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 16, 2008 at 11:48 AM
3) Don't Dream It's Over - Crowded House
16...15...14...13...12...11...10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...
Posted by: Amazing_Happens
How about Labi Siffre? My Song
http://tinyurl.com/63lgkz
The Kanye West Version: I Wonder. (For you young ones)
http://tinyurl.com/5oefrv
Posted by: Charles | June 16, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Sonny,
All Love!
Posted by: Charles | June 16, 2008 at 11:51 AM
So,
Is this what's its like when Pau and Odom play well for the whole game? I can get to like that. I wonder if we see that type of effort at the Garden?
I was kinda right about Kobe having to take over for us to win. I thought he would have to take over for the whole game. Turns out, he only had to take over for the first quarter offensively and the 4th quarter defensively.
So, I can admit when I'm wrong.
But, remember way back when I said that we weren't going to win all three home games? I'm not real happy about being correct about that one, though.
Also, I don't remember Kobe ever missing a wide open shot before. At least not this year. He missed those two in the fourth. Painful!
But, he didn't stop fighting. He never gave up. He was hawking the ball like he was a sub or something. He was everywhere! He just didn't give up. I think it might finally be rubbing off on his team mates.
Also, If KG shows up in the second half of these games, they would have swept us away already. Some MVP candidate.
Vlad play pseudo-defense. Dang!
We're gonna get game 6!
--Fearless
F the F'ing Celtics!
Posted by: Fearless | June 16, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Sonny,
Glad to hear you and your family are OK.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 16, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Tim-4-Show,
I can see it.
16..15...14...13..12...11..10...9..8..7...6...5...4...3...
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | June 16, 2008 at 11:58 AM
It's not over.
I just can't see the gang green having a party. I keep seeing Fish in his glorious road uniform causing the Celtics all kinds of problems.
I will continue to believe until someone wins 4 games. I BELIEVE!
Let's go, Lakers!
Posted by: hoping | June 16, 2008 at 11:58 AM
This (3-2 deficit) isn't Kobe's fault. And this certainly is no longer 2002.
It mystifies why PJax continues to approach the Celtics *exactly* as (Boston) planned.
For Rivers/Thibodeaux, it's as simple as collapsing on Kobe, choking all tri-angles, defending every break.
Whereas, Gasol + LO should've been the focus of LA's offense from the series' start -- with BOTH averaging 25/10s in a concerted (double-post?), attack on BOS's obvious lack of interior depth. Who specifically to attack, outman and outscore? Who else.
KG is averaging LESS fouls (2.8) and MORE boards (12.8) in the Finals than he has throughout the entire postseason. He is doing it against 2 of the most active, offensively skilled bigs in the playoffs. Bigs who are NOT being used in ways to maximize Laker chances to win.
LA's familiar, predictable outside-in, inside-out sequence of dumps, posts and reposts to Pau is a blueprint for scoring difficulties against a defense designed to cutoff angles and Kobe.
Thus, why not start each possession by planting Odom *and* Gasol in/around the paint using assorted double-high, high-low, elbow-elbow, post-post combinations for close-contact 2-man give and go? Offball Lakers would also screen, curl and cut for givego/layup opportunities but the Celts could no longer anticipate every Laker dump/pass sequence and while Pau/LO make a "point" of attacking Garnett at every opportunity.
KG is the key to Boston's defense. Handcuff KG with fouls -- especially in the 2nd half -- watch Kobe go while the Lakers flow.
Posted by: latopia | June 16, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Anybody (Liz?) who is complaining about the refs being homers yesterday should look at the box score. Identical number of free throws for both teams - 31
Posted by: Mob Wagoneer | June 16, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Am I still....hum...still restricted?
Nice win for the Kob and the Lakers.
Posted by: KL | June 16, 2008 at 12:08 PM
SOME QUESTIONS TO TEACH AND REMIND…
Do you really think that Doc Rivers and the Celtics aren’t worried that Kobe Bryant, the most dangerous offensive player in the game today, has still not yet had one of his typical superstar scoring games in this series?
Do you really think the Los Angeles Lakers, the best offensive team in the NBA all season long, will go the entire NBA Finals without playing at least one complete game of Lakers Basketball with multiple players contributing?
Has everybody forgotten that the Lakers have the best road record in the playoffs and that in every series they have improved each game on the road until finally breaking through to win the last game on the road against every team they played?
Did anybody else notice how much more Pau Gasol hustled in last night’s game after being chewed out by Kobe for not going hard to the rim on a pick and roll where Bryant had thrown the pass right where Pau should have been?
Do you think there is any doubt whatsoever in Kobe Bryant’s mind that the Lakers are a capable enough team to be able to win two games in a row against any team in the NBA regardless of whether the game is at home or on the road?
Anybody still think that Kevin Garnett is a clutch player after he again disappeared at crunch time other than to choke 3 straight free throws to kill a late Celtics rally and was outplayed by known softie Pau Gasol?
Did anybody else think that the shot of Rajon Rondo sulking at the end of the bench after Phil Jackson had taken him completely out of this series by having Kobe ignore him and play free safety on defense was reminiscent of Smush Parker?
Does everybody realize that the Lakers could just have easily been up 3-2 in this series right now rather than facing elimination had the basketball had a couple of different bounces or the refs had made a couple of different calls?
Have you noticed that there is still a large contingent of the local and national sports media out there that has still not written off the Lakers even though they supposedly have zero chance to comeback in this series based on history?
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 16, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Hubbit: you seem to be forgetting that Gasol will move over and LO will become our SF. Vlad and Ariza will probably duke out starting position next year and I imagine Trevor will win. So Vlad goes back to bench where he might just be more productive.
We don't need Artest's salary and he'd have to come off the bench. Additionally, PJ likes height - Artest is shorter than Vlad and Walton.
And besides - we have much better things to worry about right now like WINNING GAME!!! We can talk about roster after June 19.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | June 16, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Sonny
Glas to hear all is well with you and yours. I've been "evacuated" twice, and I know what you've been through.
Posted by: toad | June 16, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Lakers need to try a zone defense! Something they didn't try yet in this series! Maybe the secret formula to stop Paul Pierce penetration! But I think Phil Jackson is to stubborn to do that!
Posted by: JERMAINE THE KOBE FAN | June 16, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Tim,
Not only can we see it, but Kobe and the Lakers see it too.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 16, 2008 at 12:24 PM
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS!
I STILL BELIEVE – BANDWAGON – Never say Die
*_________________________________________*
(01) CHARLES - I WILL FOREVER BELIEVE!!
(02) LAKER_TRUTH - "In a season of the improbable, the impossible WILL happen"
Keep hope alive.
(03) LAKERTOM - WILL FIGHT TO THE END
(04) EASTCOASTJESSIE - JUST MADE HER STRONGER. LAKERS DON’T GIVE UP!!
(05) LAKERFAN24 - Just will make victory sweeter - I STILL BELIEVE
(06) JOHNNY - LAKERS FOREVERr!
(07) KOBE_BEST - YES HE IIS!.
(08) MAMBA – GO OUT WITH YOUR GUNS BLAZZING KOBE!!!
(09) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - NEVER GIVE UP!
(10) MAGICMAN - NEVER SAY DIE!
(11) JANAYA - NOTHING & NO ONE CAN BREAK MY BELIEF
(12) TOAD – I STILL BELIEVE, DO YOU?
(13) TIM-4-SHOW - We have 1 weapon, they have 3. IT'S TIME FOR 81!
(14) AMAZING HAPPENS - LETS ROLL!
(15) EMMOS – I’LL NEVER GIVE UP
(16) JOHN_IN_HOUSTON – NEVER! EVER GIVE UP!
(17) HOPE – HOPE & FAITH!!
(18) DPK – BELIEVE!!!! ONE GAME A T A TIME
(19) BOZZ - No way I, nor our Lakers and their TRUE fans, will roll over, no matter what.!!!!
(20) MAMBA24FAN4LIFE – LAKER FOR LIFE!!!
(21) #4 - WE’RE STILL STANDING, I ALWAYS BELIEVED
(22) DO_YOU_SEE_WHAT_I_SEE – YOU MUST HATE IN ORDER TO WIN, CLASS MY @SS!!
(23) BOCALAKERGIRL – HARD PILL TO SWALLOW BUT I STILL BELIEVE!
(24) LARRY OF LA - GREAT SEASON NO MATTER WHAT
(25) FEARLESS - GO DOWN WITH BEST WEAPON
(26) ETERNAL_OPTIMIST - LAKERS WILL STAGE EVEN GREATER COMEBACK
(27) JON K - LET THE DYNASTY BEGIN - DON'T FEED THE TROLLS
(28) FIRE32 - WE MUST GO ON Laker colors STILL -FLYING HIGH OUTSIDE MY HOUSE.
I don't know, but for some strange reason I still feel like it's going to 7 games.
(29) KOREY - until that final curtain call, I wont give up on my team. It's really just time
to unleash Kobe.
(29) BAYWOOD - It's hard to do but we all know that these are Our Lakers. We love them
and they do bring us a lot of joy and life lessons (good and bad as always)
(30) RICHTOWN - I love the lakers. Always have always will - but the only way they live this
down is to win the whole thing in boston
(31) HMRHED - I don't know if they can pull it out -- likely the answer is no, but if they lose it
Will hurt like '84. It won't hurt like '04. In '84 you knew the Lakers were just starting. But in '04
You knew it was ending. This is just starting --- enjoy the precess of the making of a dynasty.
(32) CBUCK - RALLY THE POSSE AND GET READY FOR A FIGHT
(33) ZEN - No matter what happens, it's been a successful year for the Lakers.
(34) THE OUTLAW - I HAVE BEEN BELIEVING ALL SEASON
(35) LAKERS UNSTOPPABLE - Come on, we can make a difference! Celtics just got
lucky man! IT AINT OVER
(36) BILLY IN SLO - I FEEL BETTER ALREADY
(37) SOUNDWAVE - PROUD CITIZEN OF LAKER NATION
(38) LAKERFA ZE - Ready to give it our all on Sunday.
(39) MRBARNEYDANGLES - LAKERS YESERDAY, LAKERS TODAY, LAKERS
TOMORROW, LAKERS ALWAYS
(40) LAKER_SMR - Lakers, we can do this! It is possible and we have the pieces to do it.
The first quarter showed it with defense and offense. All together now!
(41) TRULY_BELIEVE - Have faith in PJ and his pupils.. The series is not over yet so
STOP feeling that it is... MARK MY WORD: Lakers will create NEW HISTORY by winning
This series. We have to win on Sunday, one game at a time. LAKER WILL MAKE YET
ANOTHER HISTORY AND IT WILL READ: THE BIGGEST COMEBACK EVER
(42) utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER - We thank You for answered prayer and we thank
You for all of Your blessings. For we know You turn GREAT FAILURES into GREAT
WINNERS in the end...
(43) PC - I will always root for the Lakers, but I'm finding it harder and harder
to root for a bunch of tissue-paper soft millionaires.
(44) LAKERBANDIT - Count down to Bloody Sunday.... boston will bleed.
(45) HOPING - It is literally not over. If we win on Sunday, anything can happen.
As for Kobe, it's time to walk the talk. These are your brothers, remember? Keep
the brotherhood going in these difficult times and lead them out of this hole. I still
believe. I will believe until the last game necessary has been played.
(46) SHEKOBE - I STILL BELIEVE IF WE LEARNT FROM THOSE MISTAKES OF
THE LAST 4 GAMES, WE STILL CAN DO IT. SUNDAY GAME IS THE LAST GAME,
THE LAST BATTLE: WIN OR STAY HOME! PHIL WILL HAVE THE ANSWER
(46) SAMLL - As sure as the sun rises in the East and sets in the West, there is
always hope. The series is not over. There are still 3 games left to play. Who's to
say the Lakers won't be the first team to come back from a 3-1 deficit to win the title?
As I always say, the ball is round... it can bounce wherever you want it to go.
Remember 4 the hard way?
(47) Faith – Never Give UP NEVER SURRENDER. Have FAITH!
(48) FATTY – DITTO – NEVER GIVE UP NEVER SURRENDER
(49) cdub0512 – WE GOTTA HAVE FAITH. I BELIEVE!!! We'll be fine.. Now.
Next years & many more to come..
(50) EDWIN GUECO - Go Lakers, get them 3 in a row we believe!
(51) PSYCHED_LAKER_GIRL – I have believed since last year..I STILL BELIEVE
(52) LA_MENTAL - If their is a Father's Day loss it is going to sting Kobe, especially if
his daughter's are at the game. I really hope Kobe gets the win for Father's Day.
Hope for the best Lakernation...but prepare for the end..
(53) SPOKANLAKERFAN – We all BELIEVE
(54) MELOS - Last night after the game I was berated by my boyfriend for being "too
positive" I told him not to get ran over by the bandwagon on the way down. Yes, I am
disappointed. Yes, I am upset but I am a Laker fan and this series isn't over until the Celtics
win 4 games and last time I checked they have only won 3. It will be a difficult road but if the
Lakers pull it off we will make history! Si Se Puede!!! Lets Go Lakers!!!
(55) TULLY MOXNESS - I'm with the rest of you in feeling down but never hopeless. Go Lakers!
(56) STEVE HARTMAN – CBUCK MADE HIM BELIEVE!
(57) DODGERBLUEBALLS – WE STILL BELIEVE!
(58) JANDRO - This baby ain't over yet. I don't know about you all but I got my boys back til the end.
(59) Doc4DaLakeShow - I will be able to TALK SH+T for YEARS if we pull this off!!
(60) BROWNMAMBA24 - The LAKERS are going to WIN BIG Time in GAME 6 @ BOSTON!
(61) BENJAMIN - We're young enough and dumb enough to be able to do this.” The time is
now. Send this thing to game 7 & unleash the mamba!
(62) GUGY - Come on guys, let's believe. I know it;s hard. FAITH!
(63) lakersNZ - REMEMBER THIS WE WILL ALWAYS BE BY YOUR SIDE, WIN OR LOSE,
JUST PLAY YOUR HEARTS OUT. NEVER GIVE UP UNTIL THE LAST SECOND.
(64) BZAR - NEVER LET UP! NEVER GIVE UP!
(65) PA_LAKERS_FAN – BELIEVE!
(66) CALIPHILOSOPHER - We need to show the team heart that we did against the Kings in game 7
of the 2002 WCF - nothing less than that will push us to a game 7 with Boston
(67) WASABI - I feel we are have a fighting chance. We've proved that we can run with Boston, hav
e as much Heart as KG, and we can BEAT this team!! ONE GAME AT A TIME! -Go Lakers.
(68) ANONYMOUS - We should never stop believing...
(69) GOKOBEGO I know it wasn't the prettiest of wins last night, but that's all we needed. Why are
people acting like it's over?
(70) LARRY OF LA - yes there will be a Game 7!
(71) TP - we goin to take this from the boston globe JUST THINK FINAL FOUR!
(72) JustALakerFan - Use the bench properly and this series is still winnable even with the bets.
(73) XODUS – I BELIEVE!
(74) LAKERS_JUSTICE – LAKERS VICTORY OR DIE TRYING!!
Posted by: mAMBA24 | June 16, 2008 at 12:28 PM
was away from the internet yesterday, so i caught up on some blog reading over lunch...
I was flabergasted not to see any comments about ronny's towel throwing with rudy garciduenas (sp?) during the game during celt's free throws.
totally hilarious and i love ronny for it, but i would bet he gets a talking to from the ref's before game 6 for it.
didn't see it? check out free throws during the second half and watch ronny and rudy strategically exchanging towels every time the C's shoot.
BACK TO BACK WINS? NO PROBLEM! LAKERS IN 7.
Posted by: chick penberthy | June 16, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Double Pierce when he comes off the pick and roll with Gasol. When Pierce kicks it to the open Garnett do not help. Let Gasol recover towards the paint and not give up the layup. Let Garnett shoot and contest the shot.
Please do not play Walton Phil. Luke is worthless when he is on the floor. Give Ariza a chance and tell him to not body Pierce up. Horrible way to play defense.
Posted by: Tom | June 16, 2008 at 12:31 PM
here's a video of the first time ronny threw the towel...he did it about 3 more times in the fourth. later both him and rudy would throw it simultaneously in exchange.
love the bench mob! Ronny wants to win!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Cny5ihajKWc
Posted by: chick penberthy | June 16, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Tim-4-Show,
And can you see the Celtics crowd moaning in disgust and misery as Kobe holds up the Championship Trophy wearing a 2008 NBA Champion hat with a HUGE, ear to ear grin upon his face, his team clapping and shouting behind him, all wearing 2008 NBA Champion hats.
Can you see it?
I can see it.
I believe.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 16, 2008 at 12:37 PM
"All songs produced by Queen used in sporting events are Laker oriented.
I Will Forever Believe in the Lakers! Love it or leave it alone!
"
Posted by: Charles | June 16, 2008 at 10:08 AM
According to wikipedia, Freddie Mercury wrote it for Football (Soccer) fans -
Queen about the song
“ Certainly it's a relationship that could be, but I was thinking about football [soccer] when I wrote it. I wanted a participation song, something that the fans could latch on to.
Posted by: KavJack | June 16, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Mamba24- I believe, I believe , I believe! Put me on that bandwagon! It aint' over till the fat lady sings!
Posted by: Jeff | June 16, 2008 at 12:42 PM
ALSO, Kbros...
could you not have the embedded video's start automatically? kind of annoying. good breakdown however, i'd just prefer to get it on demand.
cheers,
chick penberthy
Posted by: chick penberthy | June 16, 2008 at 12:42 PM
According to today's Long Beach Press Telegram http://www.presstelegram.com/lakers/ci_9597972
Phil Jackson drew inspiration from Avram Grant, the former Chelsea F.C. manager "Coach Phil Jackson found a sympathetic ear in former Chelsea soccer coach Avram Grant. They talked at some length after the Lakers' practice Saturday. " Why was this not mentioned in the Los Angeles Times' website or did I just miss it ?
Posted by: KavJack | June 16, 2008 at 12:43 PM
ALSO, Kbros,
could you not have the embedded videos start automatically? Kind of annoying. Great breakdown however, i'd just prefer to get it on demand.
cheers,
Chick Penberthy
Posted by: chick penberthy | June 16, 2008 at 12:44 PM
Two things that stood out in last night game. (1) As Kendrick Perkins was injured freeing up Lamar Odom, Phil continued to use two of the worst Lakers, Vlad and Luke, to guard the best Celtic, Paul Pierce, knowing full well that it would not work. Why not switch Lamar and Kobe on Pierce? What did that say about Phil? He could not make quick adjustment. (2) Phil did not use Ariza or Mihm in the first game to tryout his reserves. Then, all in the sudden, he called Mihm to the floor. Can Mihm be effective? What did that say about Phil? When he decided to make changes, it was too little too late. Newble is supposed to be great in defense. Because Phil has not used him in the regular season, he is useless in the playoff. Let me make a suggestion here, if Phil played Ariza and Newble for all the minutes that Luke played, I bet they could defend better than Luke now. If you don't use it, you lose it!
I am not sure about previous meltdowns, but the 2nd quarter meltdown last night was the direct result of Phil's rotation. Fortunately, it was the 2nd quarter and not the 3rd quarter, we had time to recover. Although it is difficult to win game 6, but our chance is pretty good if Perkins still injured. It is like God evening up the placing field, Perkins for Bynum. Celtic will not have the size advantage over us. The paint will be opened for Pau and Odom. The final question for Phil is who will be guarding Pierce. I think it should be Odom, Ariza and then Kobe in that order.
I have to open an old wound again because we are building a new dynasty now. Last time, Phil had 4 hall-of-famers and a group of championship-caliber role players - he had more toys to play with than Doc Rivers today. Yet, he failed to win a championship. Next season, we will have Kobe, Bynum, Gasol and Odom, the Fab Fours, to go for a title, can we rely on the old b*tch to show us new tricks?
Posted by: PJ Doubter | June 16, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Still Breathin'!
Just think about it. We win one game and we're playing for
the championship!
Go Lakers!
Go Kobe!
Posted by: hobbitmage | June 16, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Chick: I saw the towel throwing but didn't see the slow mo so I thought it was a player that just sat and was doing that at just the right time - love the distraction attempt and that Ronny was doing it - hope he doesn't get in trouble....is it against any rules or just unwritten rules?
GO LAKERS
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | June 16, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Edwin Gueco,
I can understand why we're not favored to win, but what annoys me most is how they're saying that we got lucky. We've earned both wins that we've gotten in this series. Just as Boston has earned theirs. And if they're gonna say that we're lucky to have won, then they should say the same about Boston, because all 3 games that they won could have easily gone the Lakers way. So I don't understand how we are any "luckier" to still be alive than they are. The talking heads make it sound like Boston is the far superior team, which is just not true.
That being said, I completely agree that we need to play harder. It hasn't necessarily been the better team that's been winning. The team that comes out and plays with passion heart and energy has been the one winning in this series. So if we want to win, that's the key.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: gokobego | June 16, 2008 at 12:51 PM
*_________________________________________*
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS!
I STILL BELIEVE – BANDWAGON – Never say Die
*_________________________________________*
(01) CHARLES - I WILL FOREVER BELIEVE!!
(02) LAKER_TRUTH - "In a season of the improbable, the impossible WILL happen"
Keep hope alive.
(03) LAKERTOM - WILL FIGHT TO THE END
(04) EASTCOASTJESSIE - JUST MADE HER STRONGER. LAKERS DON’T GIVE UP!!
(05) LAKERFAN24 - Just will make victory sweeter - I STILL BELIEVE
(06) JOHNNY - LAKERS FOREVERr!
(07) KOBE_BEST - YES HE IIS!.
(08) MAMBA – GO OUT WITH YOUR GUNS BLAZZING KOBE!!!
(09) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - NEVER GIVE UP!
(10) MAGICMAN - NEVER SAY DIE!
(11) JANAYA - NOTHING & NO ONE CAN BREAK MY BELIEF
(12) TOAD – I STILL BELIEVE, DO YOU?
(13) TIM-4-SHOW - We have 1 weapon, they have 3. IT'S TIME FOR 81!
(14) AMAZING HAPPENS - LETS ROLL!
(15) EMMOS – I’LL NEVER GIVE UP
(16) JOHN_IN_HOUSTON – NEVER! EVER GIVE UP!
(17) HOPE – HOPE & FAITH!!
(18) DPK – BELIEVE!!!! ONE GAME A T A TIME
(19) BOZZ - No way I, nor our Lakers and their TRUE fans, will roll over, no matter what.!!!!
(20) MAMBA24FAN4LIFE – LAKER FOR LIFE!!!
(21) #4 - WE’RE STILL STANDING, I ALWAYS BELIEVED
(22) DO_YOU_SEE_WHAT_I_SEE – YOU MUST HATE IN ORDER TO WIN, CLASS MY @SS!!
(23) BOCALAKERGIRL – HARD PILL TO SWALLOW BUT I STILL BELIEVE!
(24) LARRY OF LA - GREAT SEASON NO MATTER WHAT
(25) FEARLESS - GO DOWN WITH BEST WEAPON
(26) ETERNAL_OPTIMIST - LAKERS WILL STAGE EVEN GREATER COMEBACK
(27) JON K - LET THE DYNASTY BEGIN - DON'T FEED THE TROLLS
(28) FIRE32 - WE MUST GO ON Laker colors STILL -FLYING HIGH OUTSIDE MY HOUSE.
I don't know, but for some strange reason I still feel like it's going to 7 games.
(29) KOREY - until that final curtain call, I wont give up on my team. It's really just time
to unleash Kobe.
(29) BAYWOOD - It's hard to do but we all know that these are Our Lakers. We love them
and they do bring us a lot of joy and life lessons (good and bad as always)
(30) RICHTOWN - I love the lakers. Always have always will - but the only way they live this
down is to win the whole thing in boston
(31) HMRHED - I don't know if they can pull it out -- likely the answer is no, but if they lose it
Will hurt like '84. It won't hurt like '04. In '84 you knew the Lakers were just starting. But in '04
You knew it was ending. This is just starting --- enjoy the precess of the making of a dynasty.
(32) CBUCK - RALLY THE POSSE AND GET READY FOR A FIGHT
(33) ZEN - No matter what happens, it's been a successful year for the Lakers.
(34) THE OUTLAW - I HAVE BEEN BELIEVING ALL SEASON
(35) LAKERS UNSTOPPABLE - Come on, we can make a difference! Celtics just got
lucky man! IT AINT OVER
(36) BILLY IN SLO - I FEEL BETTER ALREADY
(37) SOUNDWAVE - PROUD CITIZEN OF LAKER NATION
(38) LAKERFA ZE - Ready to give it our all on Sunday.
(39) MRBARNEYDANGLES - LAKERS YESERDAY, LAKERS TODAY, LAKERS
TOMORROW, LAKERS ALWAYS
(40) LAKER_SMR - Lakers, we can do this! It is possible and we have the pieces to do it.
The first quarter showed it with defense and offense. All together now!
(41) TRULY_BELIEVE - Have faith in PJ and his pupils.. The series is not over yet so
STOP feeling that it is... MARK MY WORD: Lakers will create NEW HISTORY by winning
This series. We have to win on Sunday, one game at a time. LAKER WILL MAKE YET
ANOTHER HISTORY AND IT WILL READ: THE BIGGEST COMEBACK EVER
(42) utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER - We thank You for answered prayer and we thank
You for all of Your blessings. For we know You turn GREAT FAILURES into GREAT
WINNERS in the end...
(43) PC - I will always root for the Lakers, but I'm finding it harder and harder
to root for a bunch of tissue-paper soft millionaires.
(44) LAKERBANDIT - Count down to Bloody Sunday.... boston will bleed.
(45) HOPING - It is literally not over. If we win on Sunday, anything can happen.
As for Kobe, it's time to walk the talk. These are your brothers, remember? Keep
the brotherhood going in these difficult times and lead them out of this hole. I still
believe. I will believe until the last game necessary has been played.
(46) SHEKOBE - I STILL BELIEVE IF WE LEARNT FROM THOSE MISTAKES OF
THE LAST 4 GAMES, WE STILL CAN DO IT. SUNDAY GAME IS THE LAST GAME,
THE LAST BATTLE: WIN OR STAY HOME! PHIL WILL HAVE THE ANSWER
(46) SAMLL - As sure as the sun rises in the East and sets in the West, there is
always hope. The series is not over. There are still 3 games left to play. Who's to
say the Lakers won't be the first team to come back from a 3-1 deficit to win the title?
As I always say, the ball is round... it can bounce wherever you want it to go.
Remember 4 the hard way?
(47) Faith – Never Give UP NEVER SURRENDER. Have FAITH!
(48) FATTY – DITTO – NEVER GIVE UP NEVER SURRENDER
(49) cdub0512 – WE GOTTA HAVE FAITH. I BELIEVE!!! We'll be fine.. Now.
Next years & many more to come..
(50) EDWIN GUECO - Go Lakers, get them 3 in a row we believe!
(51) PSYCHED_LAKER_GIRL – I have believed since last year..I STILL BELIEVE
(52) LA_MENTAL - If their is a Father's Day loss it is going to sting Kobe, especially if
his daughter's are at the game. I really hope Kobe gets the win for Father's Day.
Hope for the best Lakernation...but prepare for the end..
(53) SPOKANLAKERFAN – We all BELIEVE
(54) MELOS - Last night after the game I was berated by my boyfriend for being "too
positive" I told him not to get ran over by the bandwagon on the way down. Yes, I am
disappointed. Yes, I am upset but I am a Laker fan and this series isn't over until the Celtics
win 4 games and last time I checked they have only won 3. It will be a difficult road but if the
Lakers pull it off we will make history! Si Se Puede!!! Lets Go Lakers!!!
(55) TULLY MOXNESS - I'm with the rest of you in feeling down but never hopeless. Go Lakers!
(56) STEVE HARTMAN – CBUCK MADE HIM BELIEVE!
(57) DODGERBLUEBALLS – WE STILL BELIEVE!
(58) JANDRO - This baby ain't over yet. I don't know about you all but I got my boys back til the end.
(59) Doc4DaLakeShow - I will be able to TALK SH+T for YEARS if we pull this off!!
(60) BROWNMAMBA24 - The LAKERS are going to WIN BIG Time in GAME 6 @ BOSTON!
(61) BENJAMIN - We're young enough and dumb enough to be able to do this.” The time is
now. Send this thing to game 7 & unleash the mamba!
(62) GUGY - Come on guys, let's believe. I know it;s hard. FAITH!
(63) lakersNZ - REMEMBER THIS WE WILL ALWAYS BE BY YOUR SIDE, WIN OR LOSE,
JUST PLAY YOUR HEARTS OUT. NEVER GIVE UP UNTIL THE LAST SECOND.
(64) BZAR - NEVER LET UP! NEVER GIVE UP!
(65) PA_LAKERS_FAN – BELIEVE!
(66) CALIPHILOSOPHER - We need to show the team heart that we did against the Kings in
game 7 of the 2002 WCF - nothing less than that will push us to a game 7 with Boston
(67) WASABI - I feel we are have a fighting chance. We've proved that we can run with Boston
have as much Heart as KG, and we can BEAT this team!! ONE GAME AT A TIME! -Go Lakers.
(68) ANONYMOUS - We should never stop believing...
(69) GOKOBEGO I know it wasn't the prettiest of wins last night, but that's all we needed.
Why are people acting like it's over?
(70) LARRY OF LA - yes there will be a Game 7!
(71) TP - we goin to take this from the boston globe JUST THINK FINAL FOUR!
(72) JustALakerFan - Use the bench properly and this series is still winnable even with the bets.
(73) XODUS – I BELIEVE!
(74) LAKERS_JUSTICE – LAKERS VICTORY OR DIE TRYING!!
(75) JEFF - believe, I believe , I believe!
(76) HOBBITMAGE - Just think about it. We win one game and we're playing for
the championship!
Posted by: | June 16, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Why are Paul Pierce and Ray Allen able to put in 48 minutes per game while PJ insists on "Resting" Kobe? Can't Kobe hang!? In Game 6 and 7, Kobe should be in there for the entirety! This is the FINALS. I cringe every time the Lakers have 5 bench players on the floor at the same time.
I commend Kobe last night for not forcing it and taking bad shots in the 4th quarter. A true sign of maturity.
I am getting really tired of the ref complaining and trade suggestions people are throwing around. This is OUR LAKER team, SUPPORT them!! This is not your little fantasy league team where you can trade and interchange players based on statistics alone.
On the same token, one thing that can be addressed and is quite an important issue is how Phil will distribute PT for the last 2 games. The Lakers should shift their strategy and show us more of Kobe at the SF spot, giving Farmar and Sasha more minutes at SG.
Posted by: Lakafo0 | June 16, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Believe! Yeah! Fruits.
Posted by: PM | June 16, 2008 at 12:56 PM
"CAN YOU SEE IT?
IF YOU CAN SEE IT, THEN YOU CAN BELIEVE IT...
IF YOU CAN BELIEVE IT, THEN YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT"
(Posted by: Tim-4-Show | June 16, 2008 at 10:44 AM )
Tim-4-Show,
I can see it. I definetely can see it! I can even see Sasha jumping onto the back of Pau after being shoved aside from Kobe!!
Posted by: | June 16, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Is anyone else getting really annoyed at the fact that we are getting no credit for this win? Everyone's saying that we are lucky to have survived and that it's not gonna last, etc etc.
Posted by: gokobego
HECK YAH I'M SICK OF IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hate everything green. I can barely stand looking at the great outdoors - LOL! But seriously, I wish the reporting was more even-handed, but if we're going to get counted out before it's all said and done, it will be that much sweeter when we win & make all the idiots eat their words. (Although, with the east coast bias I'm sure they'll come up with something to discredit us again). Either way, the parade on Figueroa will make up for it!
YAH! THAT'S RIGHT! I'm still hoping for that parade. I BELIEVE!!!!!!!!!! WHO's WITH ME???????!!!!!!!!!!! LOL!
I'd rather be a Laker homer than any other team's homer, and so far I haven't heard any freakin' singing.
2 to O'Brien.........
PS - Sonny - glad you are all ok......
Posted by: justanothermambafan | June 16, 2008 at 01:07 PM
Kobe needs to stop throwing his hands up in the air everytime his teammates makes a mistake and every time he thinks the refs are wrong...He looked disinterested the whole second half and didnt get back on D a few times.He is not a great closer or teammate. Magic was a better player...Other than scoring(taking alot of shots to do)Kobe is ave. at best...
Posted by: neil | June 16, 2008 at 01:15 PM
LakerTom,
I haven't forgotten.
I am aware.
I can see it.
I believe.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 16, 2008 at 01:18 PM
has any laker taken a charge this series? PJ is not impressing this series.
Posted by: Gx | June 16, 2008 at 01:19 PM
KavJack ,
According to wikipedia... You know those Wikipedia guys. Thanks, but it is the show time the Lakers who popularized in the Urban Sports genre. I never mentioned it was written By Fred for the Lakers. We just made it more relevant. What happened to your tripod link? Prepping the Wikipedia info on it?
Go Wikidpedia!
Posted by: Charles | June 16, 2008 at 01:24 PM
What a win. Here are some random observations that I hope you blog brothers can shed some light on:
1) Why isn't Phil Jackson using Odom more on Pierce? The small stretch of time Odom was on Pierce he did not score. I think this was during the tail end of the 3rd qtr. Odom MUST be on Pierce when Posey is playing PF for the celtics. Let Vlad or Walton or whoever else is playing SF for the lakers at the time guard Posey.
2) Why the hell isn't Phil Jackson punishing the celtics for going small? I think I have seen Odom post up 1 time in game 4 and 1 time in game 5 when Posey is guarding him. What the hell? You must punish the celtics for going small. There is no way in hell Posey can handle Odom in the block. Odom scored well inside in Game 5 but it wasn't the result of direct posting.
3) What in the world are the Lakers doing against the Pierce/kg pick n roll? Pierce is literally almost at half-court when garnett sets a screen. Why are the lakers defenders harrassing Pierce all the way near half court? Lay off of him and pick him up at the 3 point line, make the screener set the pick lower and the lane gets more congested and Pierce doesn't gain a full head of steam going towards the basket.
4) Lastly I am a big time Kobe fan. Have followed the guy since he came into the league. I was screaming in the 4th qtr yesterday. For the first time in my life I see fear in Kobe. During that 4th qtr he was trying to get the ball into Gasol and staying away from the rock. I damn near had a heart attack. Is he tired? I don't see the killer in him. It's almost as if he is about to realize his dream and stake claim as one of the best ever and even further threaten Jordan's legacy, but now that he is so close to it, he seems scared for the first time. Maybe he is saving something special for games 6 and 7. I don't know but time is running out. I am not asking him to shoot 60 times but he needs to demand the ball and be aggressive in either creating a shot for himself or one of his teammates.
Posted by: kobemania | June 16, 2008 at 01:31 PM
if we're going to win games 6 & 7, SOMEBODY has to stand in front of Paul Pierce and guard him. I don't understand how we are playing him at all. We're overcrowding him, I guess??? the theory is we're trying to guide him into an area where we can swarm him with defenders but... that ain't happening... so... why not just go back to basics, lay off him a little and dare him to take jumpshots?
Otherwise, maybe we could put Chris Mihm on him, dude's got 6 fouls to use, I say Pierce goes right, Mihm clocks him with a right cross, the next time, Pierce goes left, Mihm gives him an uppercut in the ribs, the next time Mihm jumps up on a headfake on purpose then comes down with an elbow to Pierce's neck. Finally, Mihm lets Pierce drive around him and then kicks Pierce in the balls while pretending to go for the blocked shot. Don't worry about fines, I saw Bruce Bowen do this all during the San Antonio series, the league loves this stuff...
Posted by: TaosHum | June 16, 2008 at 01:37 PM
Mamba24,
Please add me to the I Believe bandwagon! In fact I have never stopped believing.
Tiki
Posted by: Tiki | June 16, 2008 at 01:39 PM
justanothermambafan,
The guys from ESPN (Scott VP's fill in) and AM 570 here in cali were saying that the ABC announcers were Laker Haters and/or Non Believers. Steve Hartman (On Air Host for the Loose Cannons is always ripping on the Lakers d. Though he keeps is in the Tough Love sense.)
I say, if the greens were that good and should have swept; why didn't they? A win is a win. A win hard way!
Posted by: Charles | June 16, 2008 at 01:42 PM
Justanothermambafan,
I agree with you the national media is not giving any credit to the Lakers for the win. It was the same with game 3 when the Lakers won it was because Pierce and KG had horrible games and they still lost by six points.
The Lakers have had the lead at halftime in the 4 out of the 5 games. They have started well in 4 straight games. In game 2 they had a seven point lead before Kobe picked two quick fouls before they lost the momemtum. They had an 11 point lead in the first half in game 3, 24 in game 4, and 19 in game 5. If the Celtics are so much better how come they have faced three straight games of double digit deficits.
Posted by: RTLAKERFAN | June 16, 2008 at 01:49 PM
Mamba24-
What happened to roll call?
Is the I Still Believe Bandwagon taking its place?
If so, I've been on you just didn't see me, since I listen more than speak...
P.S. - was that really KL?
hubbit
Posted by: hubbit | June 16, 2008 at 01:51 PM
" Why isn't Phil Jackson using Odom more on Pierce? "
To everyone who wonders about this, including Jeff van Gundy:
Lamar would be in foul trouble in about 2 minutes trying to guard Pierce. Pierce is too good at drawing fouls.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 16, 2008 at 01:57 PM
I will give credit where credit is due, Kobe Bryant has done an outstanding job this year...win or lose in the finals.
AK/BK, you guys slipping?
Posted by: KL | June 16, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Danny & Others,
Do you want to know why Paul Pierce is getting any shot he wants? It's because that is the game plan!
The game plan is to not let the others get involved and try to tire out Pierce..I think the Lakers can guard him a lot better, but they are letting him just drive to the lane. Who cares if he scores 38 and the Lakers win?
Then they are hoping he will have tired legs in Game 6.
Sounds like a good plan to me.
Posted by: zen | June 16, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Lakafo0,
It doesn't matter whether he rested Kobe or not. The fact is they won the game.. Now Pierce and Allen will be more tired for the next game..Phil is thinking for game 6 and 7 while Boston was not.
Posted by: zen | June 16, 2008 at 02:33 PM