Still perfect: Lakers 106, Clippers 88
The Lakers entered Wednesday night's game against the Clippers with a +21.6 point differential through their first three games, easily the NBA's best. Through four games the Clippers were -23 per night, by far the worst mark in the Association.
It was a game where nothing had to give... and it didn't. Using a 22-0 run over seven-plus minutes in the fourth quarter, the Lakers ran away with what was a close game early, winning 106-88. The LAC actually held a four point lead at halftime, but whether it was an inspired speech from Phil Jackson, a particularly refreshing batch of Gatorade, or the simple realization that, at least right now, the Clippers aren't that good, LAL came out with fire to start the third, erasing a four point deficit and setting the tone for a strong final two quarters. Had they been able to hit the broad side of a barn with their shots- it wasn't until the fourth quarter that the Lakers shot better than 40%- the purple and gold would have put this one on ice a lot faster.
Kobe led the way with 27 points, bolstered by 15 from Lamar Odom and 13 from Derek Fisher. Click below for the breakdown.
The Good:
- Andrew Bynum: Given the number of guys on the team who can put the ball in the bucket, it's going to be tough for Bynum to be a big scorer night in and night out. Wednesday, Drew chipped in with nine points on 4-9 from the field. Not bad. But it's the rest of his line that lands him here. 17 boards, including five on the offensive end, a pair of assists, four blocked shots and probably twice as many altered. Plus, he came to Derek Fisher's defense early in the third after the Lakers PG was run over by Chris Kaman on LAL's end of the floor. He was, in sum, a presence, which is exactly what the Lakers need him to be.
- Lamar Odom: A Swiss Army game. 29+ minutes, 15 points (4-8 from the floor), nine boards (three offensive), three steals, two blocks, and a partridge in a pear tree. He played hard, helped push pace, and was aggressive, hitting the floor more than once in pursuit of loose balls or steals. This is exactly the sort of game the Lakers need from him, whether he remains a sixth man or eventually starts. A little offense, a lot of rebounding, and some D.
- Trevor Ariza: 4-8 from the floor, six boards, a dime, and two steals in 21:29 of run. Once again, Ariza showed how valuable he can be, whether finishing at the rack with a dunk (reward for moving well without the ball) or jumping passing lanes to set up points on the other end.
- Fourth Quarter: Things turned around in the third for the Lakers, who held the Clippers to 31.8% from the floor, outscoring the "visitors" 25-17 to take a 72-68 lead heading into the final twelve minutes. But man alive, did they put the pedal to the metal late. They forced six turnovers, held the Clips to 8-23 from the floor, and turned a relatively close game into a blowout. How bad was it for the red, white, and blue? At the 8:15 mark, Cuttino Mobley gave them an 81-79 lead with a layup on the break. Two minutes later, the Clippers still had 81 points. Two more minutes? Still 81. The three minute mark? 81. Two minutes? 81. Finally, Al Thornton hit a triple with 1:06 to go, ending over seven minutes of nothin'. Meanwhile, the Lakers were off to the races, scoring 22 points over that span to turn the game into a laugher. As coaches will tell you, 22-0 runs are like, really cool.
- Defense, Generally Speaking: The Clippers were effective moving the ball early, finding soft spots and making some effective skip passes over the Lakers' traps and zones. Combined with some ineffectual recovery work from LAL, it helped the Clipper ship stay afloat in the first half. Over the final 24, though, the Lakers clamped down hard, forcing more tough shots and holding LAC to 33.3% from the field. One big difference? The Clippers were 3-13 from downtown in the second half, after making it rain in the first with a 5-10 effort from beyond the arc. Another solid stat for the Lakers: A +10 rebounding differential, 54-44.
The Bad:
- Bunnies: Quite frankly, both teams missed a bunch of easy looks, but the Lakers were especially bad around the rim, missing a ton of shots from NBA-gimme range. Overall, they were a sluggish 38.8% from the floor, with those fluffy little bunnies doing some nasty work on shooting percentages. Kobe, 8-21. Pau, 2-7. Fish, 4-12. Bynum, 4-9. Only Odom and Trevor Ariza were able to hit the 50% mark.
- Sasha Vujacic: Another tough night. Three points on 1-5 shooting. Overall, it's pretty clear that Sasha is still rounding into form after missing virtually all of training camp with a bum ankle. PJ thinks that's the big problem, and Sasha admitted before the game that rhythm has been tough to find in the early going. This is a tough game, and to try to play at game speed without having a chance to fully participate in the exhibition season is no easy task. The good news? Vujacic's ankle is improving to the point that he can go with a tape job rather than a brace. Time ought to solve this problem.
BK
AUDIO:
- Phil Jackson: Download phil_jackson_11.5.08 LAC.mp3
- Lamar Odom, Part I: Download lamar_odom_1_11.5.08 LAC.mp3
- Lamar Odom, Part II: Download lamar_odom_2_11.5.08 LAC.mp3
- Jordan Farmar: Download jordan_farmar_11.5.08 LAC.mp3
- Kobe Bryant: Download kobe_bryant_11.5.08 LAC.mp3
did anyone see or hear the comment made farmar made while being interviewed post game in the locker room about luke's 3 minutes in the game.. it was pretty ridiculous. i cant imagine luke wasnt pissed.
Posted by: Kelly | November 06, 2008 at 12:23 AM
they better come up with 4 quarters of hustle for the Rockets.
I'll take 17 boards and 4 swats over 20 pts from Socks any day.
a win's a win.
next.
Posted by: sixonezero | November 06, 2008 at 12:29 AM
Did anyone else think KWAME when that Clipper was all alone under the basket and blew a dunk?
Posted by: OT | November 06, 2008 at 12:47 AM
Nice win over the clips.
As an NBA fan, I enjoy watching games that feature a few highlights. Every once in a while, something amazing takes place that makes you never forget it.
Amare might have been the best playa in the world tonight. 45 pts 11 reb 5 stls 2 blocks 6 assts 15/15 FT and 17/21 FG.
Black Jesus' posterizing dunk on Foster is the most vicious dunk you've seen since Shack was a laker.
Posted by: BUTLER | November 06, 2008 at 12:50 AM
finally!!! bynum is doing what he was paid to do to rebound and defend 17 reb and 4 blks the points he will be making are just icing on the cake this game is a test to us and i'm looking forward to the houston rockets as a test bigger than this so i'm looking forward to pau stepping it up and odom to do the same and bryant to be bryant MVP style
LET HELL BE RAISE LAKERS!!!
4-0 78 TO GO!!!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: hellraiser(certified mamba fan) | November 06, 2008 at 03:52 AM
amares 53 points while outstanding today, will be well forgotten by april,when the suns get trounced again in the first round.... and i heard his contract is gonna expire soon , im pretty sure this ego maniac and attention hungry forward wants to play whre hell get a bigger media attention ... hey he fired many a agent , coz to him hes not getting that much endorsements ,lol . Dont be surprise if amares gonna leave phoenix...
Posted by: grand canyon | November 06, 2008 at 04:09 AM
Kelly,
What did farmar say about luke?
Posted by: Taliq | November 06, 2008 at 04:18 AM
Good morning Folks!!!!
Nice win again.
Good to see the Spurs strugling a lot. Even considering that Manu is out, they are plays much worse thna expected.
Only negative note: Vujacic so far is playing awfully so far.
I just hope it doesn't turno out to be Luke Walton's story all over again:
Terrible season after signing a new contract due to ankle problems...
Posted by: Allan - Brazil | November 06, 2008 at 04:36 AM
Forgot to mention:
4 down, 63 to go.
I've been kind of away from the blog lately.
Is there a 67-win bandwagon going on?
If so, please put me in there.
Mamba 24, don't forget me in the roll call, please.
Good day, everybody.
Posted by: Allan - Brazil | November 06, 2008 at 04:41 AM
"those fluffy little bunnies"
Last night they were more along the lines of 'Holy Grail' killer rabbits.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 06, 2008 at 05:14 AM
Kelly, What Did Farmar say about Luke??
Posted by: LakersWorld | November 06, 2008 at 05:39 AM
Should Laker fans be worried about the health of their HOF coach? Throughout PJ's post-game news conference, he was audibly gasping for air between words. As we all know, Phil Jackson's health has been fragile for years.
The coach's labored breathing appeared to be more symptomatic of emphysema, rather than a cold or allergy.
As this could be the season that Phil could achieve the long-coveted tenth ring, one has to ask whether he can finish out the season.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | November 06, 2008 at 05:40 AM
great fourth quarter today but great four quarters this sunday vs rockets
Posted by: chuahugo | November 06, 2008 at 06:36 AM
The Clippers will be a good team starting around the eighth, ninth or tenth game of the year. By then the starters will be in shape and a team dynamic will be established. Unfortunately, it ruins their chances of getting in the playoffs this year and Mike Dunleavy's erratic substitutions won't make things any easier in establishing a team dynamic.
The way that guy rotates players makes no sense to me.
Regarding the Lakers... I knew the game was never in doubt. The Clippers are better than they are given credit for, but this Laker team isn't going to beat itself. It's going to figure out a way to pull out a victory in a level-headed fashion.
I honestly don't think a 72+ win season is unrealistic for the Lakers and they may start out the season 12-0.
Each game we get better and we're already pretty damned good.
Right now this team is playing at around 70% of their realistic capacity (60% of their unrealistic/overly idealistic capacity). That means there's a lot of room for growth and that's scary (if you're not a Lakers fan).
The only thing that really bothered me last night was that in garbage time Kobe and Pau Gasol were still on the floor. What the hell? The game's in the bag! Why is Phil wearing out the legs of Pau and Kobe after they spent a summer playing in the Olympics? It's just plain stupid. It's a long season and these guys still need their hops in April.
Go Clippers!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 06, 2008 at 07:25 AM
OT,
I did not think of Kwame when Brian Skinner missed the uncontested dunk, but I will now forever associate Brian Skinner's face and his stupid goatee on steroids with Kwame Brown.
Thank you.
Go Clippers!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 06, 2008 at 07:27 AM
BUTLER,
"Nice win over the clips."
That's right.
And soon it will be "Nice win over the Suns".
Resistance is futile.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 06, 2008 at 07:28 AM
Was it to boring without our resident-clown? WELCOME BACK, BUTLER!!!
Posted by: LAL_Fan | November 06, 2008 at 07:29 AM
Butler,
Watched that game. Shaq couldn't get any elevation in his jump, and it looked like someone greased his hands up before the game from all the fumbles. Also, I heard the PHO announcer say that he was supposed to not play last night given the fact that it was the second of a back to back. Excuse me, but I thought if you were on the team and you were "healthy" then you should play. I remember Jordan playing with the flu. I remember Kobe playing with the flu, with a sprained ankle, with a pinky torn away from the bone - and never, ever claiming fatigue.
I'm just sayin'.
Meanwhile, Lakers pull out an ugly one. I hate these huge gaps between games. And I'm ready for HOU!!!!!!
Cue the music:
"I LOVE LA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"WE LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | November 06, 2008 at 07:49 AM
BUTLER,
>>>Amare might have been the best playa in the world
>>>tonight. 45 pts 11 reb 5 stls...
Don't sell him short... Amare got fourty NINE points.
Nice game for Amare. he had to. Shaq absolutely sucked -
3 points, 6 rebounds from a starting center? pretty weak.
Not to mention Steve Nash - 7 points, 6 assists. also weak. Your aging stars are looking older by the day.
In a way the Suns are looking like the Lakers of a few years
ago, where Kobe had to score at least 30 for them to even have
a chance to win. I wonder how the Suns will fare against the
Lakers, when they hold Amare to 15 points and repeatedly
show how bad his defense is by blowing by him for layups and
dunks.
Oh. And by the way, Amare wasn't the leading scorer in the
league last night. That distinction would go to Tony Parker,
who scored 55.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 06, 2008 at 08:01 AM
Did I or did I not call the game perfectly quarter by quarter yesterday?
Did I not?
I did.
Thank you.
I'll be here all week.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 06, 2008 at 08:07 AM
First of all, Butler, I protest for using the name 'Black Jesus', our Lord God in vain. You may regard this as a joke but not pleasant to hear for other believers. You can make fun of players but don't get into religious mockery, PLEASE!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 06, 2008 at 08:07 AM
BK,
That "Mister Rogers" sweater and collared shirt look totally lacks panache.
Why not try the cape? Why not?
Ask Lamar Odom if you can borrow some of his clothes. Lamar's got panache. I'm sure he wouldn't mind spreading a bit of the panache around.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 06, 2008 at 08:09 AM
>>>Black Jesus' posterizing dunk on Foster is the most >>>vicious dunk you've seen since Shack was a laker.
oh yeah? how bout ariza over hill? heres a reminder
http://tinyurl.com/67a3ho
or how bout this one?
http://tinyurl.com/5e5wet
what a joke
Posted by: LAKERDAWG | November 06, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Good morning Laker fam. What a game last night. I thought I'd be able to watch a nice blowout win and head to bed at half time (midnight for me) but I had to stay up and watch. The 4th quarter was typical Laker hustle basketball. We had a poor shooting night and we still managed to get the win.
And BUTLER, we didn't need anyone to score 45 points to win either.
I've gotta give props to LO and Ariza. They picked up the slack and the pace a couple of times last night which helped us get back on track. Kobe is Kobe...what more can u say? Big Bynum did well. I don't really care about the points but his 17 boards were great for us.
I want to know what Farmar said about Luke too.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | November 06, 2008 at 08:32 AM
Mamba 24,
I understand your urge to respond, but we can't put that comment through (after realizing it was briefly live, I pulled it), because then it becomes all about "the last word" and it never ends. We declared these debates off limits for the blog and have to enforce it.
If you and Eric M want to continue the discussion, by all means, meet up on a political blog or email each other. BK and I will happily coordinate the latter means. But we can't have it on the forum. I hope you can understand, frustrating as that may be.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | November 06, 2008 at 08:33 AM
Jon K,
As far as the blog is concerned, it's squashed. If they want to continue it on their own, that's their choice.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | November 06, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Butler, I was all ready to be congratulatory to Amare and concilatory to you. Amare is proving that he is the asset the Suns should build around. I mean 49 points is great. Its awesome.....
.....until that nightly record got put into Tony "Finals MVP" Parker's pipe and got SMOKED. Now I'll have what he's smokin!!! Its time to trade Stephen John Nash before he gets ran over by Tony Parker again. I mean, he'd probably score 70 on Stephan John.
Nash is tradeable NOW. Do it before you don't get anything. That's the Lakers way. THE WINNING WAY. Steve Kerr knows it, we all know it.
He's got 2 years on his contract at a pretty reasonable 12mil. There are a number of teams that would take him for that much. You won't win with him.
Posted by: Chicken Little | November 06, 2008 at 08:42 AM
I'm holding you back Mamba24...don't do it baby, don't do it. Sometimes the best response is no response at all.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | November 06, 2008 at 08:44 AM
Edwin-
I believe the Black Jesus thing is in reference to a tat that Amare has. It's a pretty common nickname for him, used by more people than just Butler.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 06, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Mamba24
Take it Easy.........Don't hurt em like that. lol
Posted by: Pfunk36 | November 06, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Mamba24,
A very good morning to you, my friend. Although your post has vanished into the ether, it will remain at the forefront of my mind. I appreciate the energy you bring to the blog, and the roll call is an inspired creation.
Another semi-ugly win last night. But 22-0 runs sure are fun to watch. I think we'll be watching a lot of them this season. When this team starts firing on all cylinders, both defensively and offensively, the game is pure enjoyment!
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | November 06, 2008 at 08:48 AM
Edwin Gueco,
Yeah, I thought the "black Jesus" comment was a bit out of bounds.
I think we both know that a loving, all-knowing God would never allow his son to play for the Phoenix Suns.
Blasphemy!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 06, 2008 at 08:51 AM
KAMBROTHERS I DEEPLY APOLOGIZE FOR MY REPREHENSIBLE BEHAVIOR.
Thanks for the leniancy you have given me on the blog and I don't by any means
want you or ny one in Laker Nation think that I am taking advantage to you.
Brother Eric a wise man once said the Public is always right and so if
I offended you in any way I humbly apologize. If you would like to
contact me privately The Kambrothers have my Email address and
I release them from any liability and authorize them to give it to you.
again KAMBROTHERS I DEEPLY APOLOGIZE TO YOU AND THE
ENTIRE LAKER NATION. Peace
Larry(Mamba24)
Posted by: mamba24 | November 06, 2008 at 08:56 AM
Leave it for our little Suns pup to piss on our shoes, then run away when we raise our hand.
Unless Butler wants to prove us wrong, he won't be back today. That's what happens when you get B-slapped with the facts.
55 pts > 49 pts
Spurs > Suns, for eternity
3 Titles this decade > No Finals
Losing in Finals > No Finals
Amare > Nash (so trade him, NOW)
and of course:
Lakers, David Stern's best franchise > Everyone else, esp. the Suns
Posted by: Chicken LIttle | November 06, 2008 at 08:57 AM
Mamba24
After that last exchange you had with that Eric guy it reminded of this scene in the Nutty professor.
Go to the 1:44 minute mark..........You are Jerry Lewis and Eric is the "Bar room Brawler" LOL
http://tinyurl.com/5wzpd6
Posted by: Pfunk36 | November 06, 2008 at 09:00 AM
Mamba24,
I appreciate the apology, but it's not necessary. We didn't think you were trying to "pull" anything. You reacted and I understand why. We just can't post the response out of practicality and blog aesthetics/rules.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | November 06, 2008 at 09:01 AM
>>>Amare might have been the best playa in the world
>>>tonight. 45 pts 11 reb 5 stls...
Just add another 30+ points and you have Kobe's 81. HaHa
Posted by: frank1rizzo | November 06, 2008 at 09:02 AM
Rick Friedman,
Are you MD? Even if you are it'll be pretty big stretch to come up with correct diagnosis or gauge Phil's health from TV interview, don't you think so?
Posted by: LAL_Fan | November 06, 2008 at 09:02 AM
I'm holding you back Mamba24...don't do it baby, don't do it. Sometimes the best response
is no response at all. Posted by: EastCoastJessie | November 06, 2008 at 08:44 AM
Mamba24 Take it Easy.........Don't hurt em like that. Lol
Posted by: Pfunk36 | November 06, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Mamba24, A very good morning to you, my friend. Although your post has vanished
into the ether, it will remain at the forefront of my mind. I appreciate the energy you
bring to the blog, and the roll call is an inspired creation.
Posted by: The Outlaw | November 06, 2008 at 08:48 AM
In the words of a great American, “ MY FRIENDS” Thanks Morning Cru for having my
back. It’s really much ado about nothing. I broke the rules and said some crap I should
not have said And put The Kambrothers in a bad situation for which I apologize.
Things like that keep one from Getting a big head. Though East Coast will slap
me upside mine and correct me if I get out of order. O.K. I must now get back to
composing another lousy poem. Thanks guys, I’ll be back with My new creation in a few.
Larry(Mamba24)
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 06, 2008 at 09:06 AM
Maybe Amare needs to put numbers like this every night in order for FUNS have any chance to win. Obviously because some starting center having such good game. Yes, kind of reminding me Lakers circa 2005-2006, when Kobe needs to score 40-50 points each night...
Posted by: LAL_Fan | November 06, 2008 at 09:06 AM
BK,
If someone concocted that title to describe himself, I don't think someone has to condone it by repeating such disrepectful remarks for the sake of those who believe in Him. It is not being traditional or be attuned with modernity but there are some things done appropriately. That remark is against the 2nd Commandment for us believers, if some people don't agree, you may do at your own freewill but not in our presence in this blog. Just a small request of plain respect for the religious beliefs of others, that is all what I ask from fellow bloggers.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 06, 2008 at 09:11 AM
oh noes,
>>>Rumor: Pau Gasol to New York/Chicago !!!! for >>>Marbury/Nohah + Nocioni
The manure is flying again today.
You might want to check your salary numbers before proposing
something that ridiculous. That trade would be 15 million salary going
out from the Lakers and 32 million coming in. Who are the Lakers
including in that magic trade to make the numbers work? Kobe?
I'm not sure whether you're a Laker fan who thinks Pau is "soft"
and wants to get rid of him, or whether you're a Knicks fan who
would like your team to have at least one all-star quality player, or
what. But if you're going to propose trade scenarios, try to make them
at least a tiny bit plausible.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 06, 2008 at 09:12 AM
For saying what you feel and apologizing afterwards, I salute Mamba24 all the way. You're the man....
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 06, 2008 at 09:14 AM
>>>Amare might have been the best playa in the world
>>>tonight. 45 pts 11 reb 5 stls...
Just add another 30+ points and you have Kobe's 81. HaHa
Posted by: frank1rizzo
Huh, 30 + 45 = 75 rizzo. Even I can do that math lol
Posted by: Magia32 | November 06, 2008 at 09:14 AM
Never slap Mamba24...a gentle pat would do. No worries my friend, you are the ruler of this blog baby and without you, your poems, roll calls, and infinite words of wisdon, we wouldn't keep coming back.
Now get to work my dear...our days doesn't start here until your roll call.
Much love!
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | November 06, 2008 at 09:14 AM
Mamba24,
Thanks for the note, and I too apologize for my sensitivity. You are a good guy, and I only used your post to make a point to stop the politics. It had NOTHING to do with you.
I respect you, and the happiness I know you are feeling now. I felt the same way when Ronald Reagan was elected. It's what makes our country great. Peaceful transition of power.
sincere regards,
Posted by: Eric M. | November 06, 2008 at 09:14 AM
Q: What's the difference between Amare Stoudemire and Tony Parker ?
A: One proclaims to be the Son of God, and the other IS the Sun's god.
=)
Posted by: Chicken Little | November 06, 2008 at 09:14 AM
I agree that a great four quarters, not fourth quarter, are going to be needed in order to beat Houston this Sunday. I'm not encouraged by the fact that the team has looked sluggish coming off of numerous practice days twice now. I watched the post-game interviews and the guys are saying all the right things - defense is the mantra. However, I think the notion of having a defensive system versus preparing different gameplans for each team has its positives and negatives. Establishing a system is great (if the system works) because its something you can get comfortable executing without constantly having to try and learn new philosophies. But, not every team is the same and there's something to be said for really looking at what teams like to do.
Where I hope the Lakers get to is the ability to make their opponents uncomfortable the entire game. Take away their favorite things to do. Their goto moves. Really disrupt the flow of their offense and constantly put them in scramble or one on one mode. Frankly, that's what Boston has already established they can do night in and night out. The Lakers have a whole season to get there but I don't know if that's even a goal of theirs.
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 06, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Mamba24,
There's no need to apologize. We're all brothers here at Laker Nation.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 06, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Morning all... morning Mamba!!
Very ugly win last night, but I'll take it as always.
Free throws... free throws... free throws!!
We are not going to win anything without making those gimmies!!
If we made our FT's last night, we win by 31
They will be our big downfall if we don't make at least 90%.
Next stop... Huston for our 5th in a row
Posted by: keifo | November 06, 2008 at 09:23 AM