Lakers 89, Rockets 70: Well, that wasn't such a chore, now was it?
That breeze you feel isn't the wind or an overzealous air conditioning unit, but the collective sigh of the Laker Nation. Those hooves? Not from a TV replay of yesterday's Preakness, but from the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse galloping back to the heavens. All because the Lakers came out Sunday afternoon at Staples in Game 7 of their Western Conference Semifinals against the Houston Rockets, took care of business, and avoided a monumental upset. Final score: 89-70, in a game the Lakers dominated from start to finish. Today's game was all about defense (see below). LA held the Rockets scoreless until the 6:53 mark of the first quarter and allowed only 31 points at halftime. Overall, it was the sort of focused, concentrated effort that would have ended this series a couple games earlier had the Lakers delivered.
So what now?
While I do feel there's some value for the Lakers in having been tested by a must-win Game 7, experience that could come in handy down the road, I won't say they benefit from putting themselves in this spot. No question it would have been better to finish Houston on Thursday in Texas. The Lakers are through to the Western Conference Finals. It's a blank slate, a fresh start. Spotty play against the Rockets doesn't make them less likely to beat Denver, nor does "being tested" make them better prepared. I'm not much for carry over.
Bottom line, the Lakers still have the potential to advance to the Finals. They should, and I think they will. But they'll have to play better against the Nuggets to make it happen. One thing we have seen, though, is that as challenges become larger (be they big regular season games against Boston and Cleveland, or today's do-or-die), the Lakers tend to get better. That's a pattern Lakers fans will hang on heading forward. Great win today.
Breakdown below.
BK
Three Good
- Defense: A complete defensive showing on boatload of fronts. The Rockets managed just 37% shooting, that dry outing's tone set during the first quarter, when a mere quintet of the enemy's twenty shots connected. The Lakers kicked off that frame on an 8-0 and more than half of the quarter elapsed before Chuck Hayes notched the first Rocket field goal. The Lakers forged a relentless, successful effort to maintain distance between Houston and their interior (only thirty points in the paint, a third during fourth quarter garbage time).
And during those occasions a Rocket did work his way into the paint, he rarely encountered sledding easy or uncontested. After aGame 6 left to run unfettered, Luis Scola enjoyed just 11 points on 4-12 shooting. Thursday's partner-in-crime, Aaron Brooks, also found life less than pleasant, canning just as few shots while taking one additional attempt. A 3-10 stinker from Ron Artest (whose lust for dribbling brought many a Rockets possession to a standstill) completed the ring when it came corralling to Houston's Big Three.
But as mentioned, the defensive success wasn't limited simply to the lockdown. Houston missing that many shots means the opportunity for rebounds and second chance points. Well, it theoretically means such chances, just not this afternoon. The Lakers absolutely dominated the glass, pulling down 55 boards to Houston's 33. In particular, Pau Gasol channeled his "inner- Rodman." Not just in the way he snared eighteen boards by his damn self (although that certainly wasn't anything to sneeze at), but with an aggressive nose for putbacks. His six offensive boards bested Houston's entire tally by one and accounted for nine of his 21 points. On both sides of the ball, quite the redemptive effort for El Spaniard, reversing his fortunes after a lethargic Game 6 thoroughly outplayed by Scola.If that weren't enough, fifteen turnovers were forced, five from Brooks alone. The Lakers swatted ten shots, and save lil' 6'1" Derek Fisher, every starter not only hosted the block party, they all had at least two apiece.
Despite executing a much better offensive brand of basketball- rim attacked, size mismatches abused, ball moved- the Lakers didn't meet with the same prolific results as typically encountered after that approach. But when they play such "hair on fire" D, they can get by when their own bucket proves stubborn. - Andrew Bynum: No Laker has taken more postseason heat than Andrew Bynum, touted by many as the team's missing piece after 2008's stalled Finals run. Instead, we've seen Bynum's production, alertness and energy ebb and flow to wildly inconsistent (and mostly ineffective) degrees. This was perfectly exemplified by Game 5's move to the starting lineup (5-6 FG, 14 points, 6 rebounds) and the Game 6 encore, his third goose egg effort of the series. I don't disagree with some fans that Phil Jackson has occasionally put Bynum on a leash too short (in particular, I thought he should have played more during Game 6), but that criticism comes while acknowledging an undeniable truth: Bynum's court time has often resembled a lost puppy that wandered into freeway traffic. More often than not, such scenarios result in road kill.
As a result, nobody had a clue what to expect from Drew this afternoon, but as far as surprises go, this one fell under the category of "more than pleasant." Bynum set this tone from the jump, anchoring the Lakers' paint and acting as the postseason force envisioned. Blocking a layup fromHayes. Literally vacuuming a layup from Brooks, creating a new Laker possession concluded by a Trevor Ariza three-ball. Standing his ground during a Scola drive to force a bad shot, effort rewarded with a trip to the line after Luke Walton played Peyton Manning and caught AB17 on the run in transition.
Drew was good on both charity stripe tries, and as a 6-7 shooting performance reflects, good from just about everywhere he hoisted. Bynum accumulated fourteen points through composed, overpowering putbacks (as opposed to Thursday's rush jobs), going glass after spins around defenders, and doing most anything but dunking. (Editor's note: There actually was one dunk off a small lob from Ariza.). Success (largely) flush-free only further demonstrates how much comfortably Drew operated this afternoon, a hopeful sign of good things to come against the Nuggets. Between Nene, Chris Anderson and Kenyon Martin, Denver's inside presence isn't lacking. Big contributions from Drew may not make or break hopes for advancement. But the goal does become considerably more difficult. - Kobe Bryant: Another contest against Houston where Kobe's shots and the net weren't simpatico
, and during this 4-12/14 point effort, I read some live blog comments along the lines of "Kobe having a terrible game." I couldn't disagree more, and think that's a very narrow way of judging his production. For starters, you'd be overlooking the complete nature of his stat line, which includes seven boards, five assists (against just one turnover), three steals and a pair of blocks, one absolutely spectacular coming from the weak side to compliment Gasol sticking Scola during a drive.
But beyond that, I really enjoyed the way Kobe didn't allow whatever frustration felt over it not being his afternoon (shot-wise) to result in a series of forced, bad shots. There was no effort to "put his stamp" on the game (a cliche some writers use to express "scored a bazillion points"), and such discipline was plenty instrumental in the Lakers sticking to a game plan, abusing Houston with their strengths and not walking away from possessions unnecessarily empty-handed.
As the anti-drunk driving campaigns remind us, sometimes you gotta know when to say when. Kobe used similar good judgment, a call that played a sizable role in controlling the Lakers' action.
Zero Bad
- If you wanna pick apart a win by nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nineteen... nineteen, you and Paul Hardcastle have at it. Personally, I don't roll like that.
FYI: Youtube issues are preventing a video post, but we'll have those up ASAP.
AK
Well Done Lakers!
8 down 8 to go.
Posted by: Lakers Fan 24 | May 17, 2009 at 06:15 PM
I am a laker fan, but i must say some of the laker fans on here get really negative when the lakers lose...they say all kind of terrible things about the team...i've never panicked the whole series...i even said if rockets beat the lakers in a 7-game series, i would quit watching basketball...it's not because i took anything away from the rockets because they are really good team...but i just knew from the start that L.A was the better team...L.A has been underestimating teams the whole year...so going against this banged-up houston team makes them realize that you can't take anything for granted...
I think as fans, we need to trust our team no matter what...again success doesn't come easy guys...don't expect the lakers to sweep or beat teams by 4-1...maybe, there are two games 7 waiting for us before we raise that trophy...but when L.A loses, just relax...it's part of it...playoffs is all about making adjustments and match-ups...none of the 5 teams left as of right now match well with the lakers...maybe orlando is, but whether they will be there is a big question mark...houston prepares us for more adversity...that's pretty good for us...
anyway, let's go L.A
as good as denver has been playing...this s*** is not gonna happen in our house...not with kobe and PJ as the leaders of this team...noooooo...never........
BELIEVE
Posted by: junior | May 17, 2009 at 06:18 PM
After that rollercoaster ride we needed the 7 games to makes us tougher and just maybe this series was a blessing in disguise.
That is the Andrew Bynum we need.
Ariza Great Game!
Gasol went from limp noodle to STUD overnight.
Glad I can start breathing again.
BD
Posted by: BD | May 17, 2009 at 06:20 PM
Since we're all in a good mood, make sure you check the Kobe-Lebron Championship Rings commercial...
I laugh every single time...Every time!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MP-p9i85sNc&NR=1
Posted by: Korey | May 17, 2009 at 06:21 PM
LAKERS PLAY BEASTBALL…
It was a testament to the Lakers strength that the 4 players with the highest +/- scores from today’s Western Conference Semi-Finals Game 7 were Kobe Bryant and the Beasts, the Lakers vaunted front court trio of Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Lamar Odom. Kobe basically played facilitator and stat-filler posting 14 points, 7 boards, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks in just 22 minutes, leaving the heavy lifting for the Lakers Three Beasts.
Pau Gasol rebounded from a terrible Game 6 to produce his best performance yet in this year’s playoffs with a team-high 21 points on 10-19 shooting, 18 boards including 6 on the offensive glass, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 3 blocked shots. More importantly, Pau came out very aggressive on offense and on the boards. And after getting embarrassed defensively in the first half, Pau really picked it up in the second half and played better defense. Aside from his 1st half defense and 5 turnovers, Pau was great and Player of the Game.
Andrew Bynum set the tone from the start for the Lakers defensively as LA jumped out a big lead. Any blogger who doubts Drew’s importance to this team’s defense just had to watch the first half of this game. When Drew was in the game, there were literally zero
baskets made by the Rockets in the paint. As soon as Drew went out, the Rockets posted up Scola who once again took Pau to school, making two quick layups off post up moves. Bottom line, Drew’s presence and play on court are the keys to the Lakers defense.
Drew also played superbly on offensive, scoring 14 points on 6-7 shooting, with 6 boards, 1 steal, 2 blocked shots, and only 1 turnover and 2 fouls in 22 minutes. The only negative about Drew’s performance was Phil once again taking him out right after a foul as if to save him for later, but then not even giving him any chance to play in the 4th quarter, while Pau racked up 12 minutes more than any player and twice the playing time as Drew. Phil needs to give Drew some minutes in the 4th quarter as we will need his defense then.
Lamar also had a superb game for the Lakers even though he only scored 6 points, with 7 boards, 3 assists, and 1 blocked shot in 24 minutes. Throw in a fine night by Trevor Ariza with 15 points on 5-7 shooting, 5 boards, 1 assist, and 2 blocked shots and contributions across the board from Derek Fisher, who played better defense and hit a couple shots, Jordan Farmar, who also played good defense and played under control, and Sasha Vujacic, who finally showed signs of breaking out of his prolonged shooting slump.
Finally, kudos to Phil Jackson for continuing to play power inside-out basketball and for the Lakers as a team for going out and executing the game plan on the court. All told, the Lakers front court trio of beasts scored 41 points on 18-31 shooting, grabbed 31 boards, dished 4 assists, made 2 steals, and blocked 6 shots. The final result was the Lakers outshooting the Rockets from the field 47-37%, from beyond the arc 33-28%, and from the foul line 78-64%, dominating them on the boards 55-33 and blocked shots 10-3.
Hats off also to Kobe Bryant for realizing that the best and smartest thing for this team to do is to focus their offense on getting the ball in the hands of Pau, Drew, and Lamar in the paint and playing inside-out basketball. That is the key to us winning the championship. We got a glimpse during this game of where this team is headed and how Kobe’s role will be changing as Drew continues to emerge and Pau learns how to play more aggressively. Beastball is going to develop this and future Lakers teams’ primary weapon.
Bring on the Nuggets. 8 more wins to the championship. Release the Beasts.
Enjoy the troll-and-Fakerholic-free Sunday. Lakers – 2009 NBA Champions!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 17, 2009 at 06:32 PM
Sweet, sweet victory!
Now we need to flush it & move on.
8 more to go before this camper will be completely happy.
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!! WE GOT THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 17, 2009 at 06:33 PM
BTW - AK - I couldn't agree more regarding Kobe's game. He was well-rounded in his approach, doing what needed to be done but not forcing anything. He plays like that & we are unstoppable.
Also loved the resurgeance of Socks. I'm looking forward to Laker Tom's posts!!
GO SHOW!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 17, 2009 at 06:35 PM
Pau reminds me of C-Webb, albeit a taller, less athletic version. Both are excellent passers, mid-range shooters, can use both hands around the rim, good jump-hooks, and are finesse players. Not bad at all. Although Pau didn't dominate the way I expected him to in this series, his play was critical for us winning the series.
In the next series, I expect Drew to come out and dominate Nene and Birdman. That'll be the key matchup against Denver. Drew will only continue to get stronger and more confident as the playoffs progress.
Posted by: EJK | May 17, 2009 at 06:38 PM
Nice Post K Bros
I agree, I thought Kobe had a great game, esp since he didn't take a lot of bad shots like he did in game 6. I thought his shot selection was key today.
Lets see how they play Tuesday.
Posted by: Mark | May 17, 2009 at 06:40 PM
Hey, we had our feet put to the fire and beat a team we should have beaten.
The ONLY thing I can complain about is I think we lost some offensive focus during the fourth quarter.
Otherwise, an overall well-played game at the right energy.
This team, when they play at the level that they should play at, is absolutely fricken awesome.
I'm hoping this gut check will keep the moutains higher and the valleys not so deep.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 17, 2009 at 06:48 PM
Ill admit I worried over whether that would be the last game of the year. I sweated over the K bros.' point that Kobe's star would be forever tarnished. But I ALWAYS KNEW THEY HAD IT IN THEM.
So glad to see a small flash of what Drew is capable of. It makes the story perfect that he just started to come back from his injury on the 7th game. If he continues to accelerate, we'll be unbeatable. Look for Jordan and Sasha to start to improve as well.
GOOoooOO LAKERS! GOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | May 17, 2009 at 06:49 PM
BLOG CRUE
Now we can start talking Western Conference Championship and the Nuggets. I give credit to the Rockets and the lessons they taught us. Hopefully we remember the heart and determination and benefit from it.
I'm make a great effort to support the purple and gold next week up in the mile high city.
COLORADO LOVES THE LAKERS!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | May 17, 2009 at 06:51 PM
STRANGE
It was strange sitting in an arena where it felt like a third of the fans were upset at having to be there for a game 7.
This should have been over? As Kobe said, there are fans, and then there are Laker fans.
Laker fans look ahead, where Denver is dominating and Cleveland has yet to drop a game.
This was a strange 7 game series. I'd say it was a good test and all that, but the games weren't close enough to learn much from them. It's not like we had to clutch out wins like the Celtics have had to.
We were that good, and that bad. Just a strange series, possibly because of our youth?
No worries, they've got a few days to grow up.
Posted by: VMan | May 17, 2009 at 06:53 PM
At least i'll be able to get a good nights sleep tonight!
Great game from the start.
This game was over in the 1st quarter
now... STICK IT TO DENVER!!
GO LAKESHOW!!
LIGHTS OUT!!!
Posted by: keifo | May 17, 2009 at 07:03 PM
Hugo - I KNOW you're going to a Laker game in Denver, right? LOL! Make sure you're LOUD & REPRESENT the P&G!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love this team!
GO LAKERS!!!! WE GOT THIS!!!!!!!
ok - send in the trolls.....
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 17, 2009 at 07:04 PM
I for one, never thought the Rockets would roll over and allow the Lakers to just take the series. They are pros just like the Lakers, and they also wanted to win. I give them their respect for the challenge they handed the Lakers.
It is not a badge of honor that a team should steam roll their opponent. It is called the playoffs, and the best team in the end is the champion. The Lakers are no different than any other team in the playoffs as far as a desire to win. I congratulate the Rockets, but on the other hand, I believe, contrary to some naysayers, the Lakers are not going to just hand the Nuggets the series, no matter how good the Nuggets are playing. I just don't believe you have to wear your emotions (killer instinct) on your sleeve to prove you have the heart of a champion.
Posted by: coachD | May 17, 2009 at 07:06 PM
Anyone watching the other Game 7?
Magic up 17 on the weeners with 7 1/2 left in the 4th.
Do you smell an upset??? I'm thinking I do!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 17, 2009 at 07:18 PM
Lakers in 7. I honestly don't trust them to stay focused enough to do it in 5 or 6.
In other news.
1 AND DONE!
CLAP-CLAP-CLAP-CLAP-CLAP!!!
1 AND DONE!
CLAP-CLAP-CLAP-CLAP-CLAP!!!
1 AND DONE!
CLAP-CLAP-CLAP-CLAP-CLAP!!!
1 AND DONE!
CLAP-CLAP-CLAP-CLAP-CLAP!!!
And in your house, Red. Po Mr. 131!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | May 17, 2009 at 07:19 PM
LakerTom,
Brother, Thuggets Trolls will storm the joint tomorrow.
I'm ready.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 17, 2009 at 07:20 PM
Great win. Hats off to the Rockets, they played great playoff D without resorting to hacking, and they have tons of heart. I really couldn't hate anything by this opponent. The Nuggets are next: expect the Lakers to not take them lightly, and expect some ejections.
Btw, wheres that Celtics troll right now hmmmm? I hope he doesn't stop posting after his team's...you know. I hope he posts here again so we can offer him some consolation and encouragement.
Posted by: buddy monk | May 17, 2009 at 07:24 PM
I will enjoy beating the Thuggets more than Rockets.
The Rockets did show heart.
The Thuggets just show tattoos.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 17, 2009 at 07:24 PM
LOL utz!!
I'm waiting to hear how this will be a weener moral victory or some other nonsense.
1 and done - HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
C'mon 131 - tell us how this is a GOOD thing!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 17, 2009 at 07:25 PM
Jon K - locked & loaded.
Bring on the trolls - we are sooooo ready.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 17, 2009 at 07:25 PM
The Magic are serving the Celtics a second round exit. Oh well, bearing a miracle they are done.
Posted by: coachD | May 17, 2009 at 07:26 PM
CALM, COOL LAKERS BRING EASE TO LA-LA LAND
by Ramona Shelburne for CBSSports.com
http://tinyurl.com/q327zg
Great quotes from Phil Jackson about why he was not worried about the Lakers playing a seventh game. Something a lot of Fakerholics and doubters on the blog should consider.
Something about believing in your team. Here is the excerpt:
>>>
On Sunday morning, one prominent local columnist raised the idea that Jackson had lost touch with this team and should take the blame if they had succumbed to the Rockets.
Considering the way the Lakers dominated the Rockets in Game 7, leading by 20 points or more for most of the game, it's now fair to say Jackson and his team probably knew something no one else did the whole time.
"You see your team play and you know that they can play at a better level than they're playing -- you believe that because they've been able to do it so many times," Jackson said, when asked how he had remained so calm throughout the hard-fought series.
"During the course of the season, we just weren't taken out of ball games. That was one of the things that was the mark of this team. There were only a handful of games where we didn't have an opportunity to win; regardless of whether we won or lost, we still were there to have a chance.
"That becomes a belief factor, and you have to believe if you're going to be at this level of the game. You have to believe as a player, and you have to believe in your players as a coach."
>>>
And you have to believe in your team as a fan. Thanks, Phil.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 17, 2009 at 07:26 PM
Lakers advance, Celtics are toast. Great day in Laker nation.
Lakers need to remain focused and really hand it to the Nuggets. I think the Lakers match up much better with the Nuggets then they do with the Rockets.
Sasha will need to step up and be a real pest to JR Smith. JR is a ltitle better than our buddy Von Wafer. I also like the Fisher-Billups matchup better as well. Lamar can stay with Melo and Bynum and Pau should have a field day on Nene.
Nuggets have a good offense but we have a better one. I would really like Luke and the rest of our role players to get in a real good groove going in to the Finals.
Can't wait to go to the game on Tuesday, just bummed its a stupid 6pm start, doesn't the NBA know people work, screw the east coast.
Lamar = Finals MVP
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | May 17, 2009 at 07:32 PM
I have dual residence in LA and Houston. When I go back next week, it's going to be so sweet knowing I'll be watching the Lakers in the next round vs. the Rockets. I don't think I'll chance wearing my Laker gear though. That's only because of the female thing.
Posted by: coachD | May 17, 2009 at 07:35 PM
The Green Weenies are Goners!
Without having the disturbance calls today, the Lakers played very good. I do agree that this should have been a learned lesson and we all as Laker fans need to thank Houston for given us that reality.
This Laker team is great, but this team needs to respect the league on this level of play.
Nice job team! Lets move on now to the Western Conference Finals and take it a game at a time.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: RazdizzlefoShizzle | May 17, 2009 at 07:36 PM
Dear Red, Mr. 131 & Let's Go C's
Now you know what Game 6 felt like. Don't feel good, does it?
FORMER NBA Champions. I'll say it again... FORMER NBA Champions. Get used to it. You'll be hearing that for the next 20 years.
Love,
The Fans Of The Los Angeles Lakers...who have an NBA game to play on Tuesday.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | May 17, 2009 at 07:36 PM
Effective immediately, You Know Who's new name is 101-82.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | May 17, 2009 at 07:38 PM
131-92 (and Red's Bastard Child),
Your team disappointed me tonight. I was actually hoping they
could gut it out and get back to the finals to give the Lakers a
chance to avenge last year's finals loss.
It's ironic that the two game 7's came down to the Lakers playing
stifling defense (Houston shot 37%) and Boston's defense
wasn't there (Orlando shot 51%).
Better luck next year.
Posted by: 101-82 | May 17, 2009 at 07:39 PM
Jon,
>>> Brother, Thuggets Trolls will storm the joint tomorrow.
You have to give the KamBros credit for smart marketing. Linking the blog up to other team’s blogs may have added some irritating bothersome traffic for most of us to scroll by but it definitely has expanded the blog’s reach and jacked up the hits. It’s what it is and you’re right, AK and BK will probably roll out the virtual red carpet for the Thuggets Trolls with tomorrow’s post with co-hosted live chats or play days or whatever. LOL!
Anyway, I forgot to thank you for that splurge of heartfelt pre-game drive-away-the-trolls posts. I love your enthusiasm and love of the Lakers. We’re going to ride it to the title. Keep it coming, Jon. That’s what we play for. Only 8 more wins to Nirvana and Dynasty. Bring on the Thuggets. Melo will melt. Birdman will be clipped. Chauncey will choke. George will hang his head. Kobe and the Beasts will prevail in no more than 5 games.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 17, 2009 at 07:40 PM
Hi AK:
I have been an A.H. in my invisible comments. I got to tell you, your denial that the LA LK are not a great team bugged me alot. It caused punk as___ commments.
Especially from a transplant. A transpant! Well so am I, as are most here in paradise. My wife a So CALIc girl is oblivious to our passion for our teams and its history.
Today, was a great OK keep it going while my Son keep saying Dad they are crushing them. Why so serious?
Good win, journery, a campaign to follow. I am probably not a mouth piece. Big Surpirise? Passionate YESSSS!
Team game, pressure DF win's games. Denver is a whole new deal in less than two days. They match up well.
More smack talk to you is a no. I am not angry anymore. Their desinty is in their hands, and an old man like me will live with it.
You are a great blogger, have faith, and enjoy the story.
No more negative BS from me.
mHS
Posted by: mHS | May 17, 2009 at 07:41 PM
Perhaps a certain Boston troll should change his name to...
101-82.
Or how about just 1? It's short for 1 and Done. Or the 1 Hit Wonders.
2009 Boston Celtics = 2007 Miami Heat.
Posted by: EJK | May 17, 2009 at 07:41 PM
LOL again utz!!
Man - you are cold LOL!
But seriously folks - ummm I mean TROLLS - see ya in 20 years. Been nice knowing you (NOT). Don't let the screen door hit you in the ass on your way out to pasture. Or was it fishing?
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 17, 2009 at 07:42 PM
....AND THE WINDOW CLOSES.
No repeats since 1969!!! No championships in 22 years. A core that's over 30 and looks every bit that old....and a bunch of talent-less "hardworkers". Other than Rajon, there is no future in the Celtics. As always, they will only be known for their past, but the Lakers will be known as the present and the future.
Posted by: #4 | May 17, 2009 at 07:44 PM
never thought it possible...
Boston gets their asses kicked at home!!!
They did look very old out there!!!!
Posted by: keifo | May 17, 2009 at 07:45 PM
Let's take a moment to congratulate the Boston Celtics on their One-Peat.
Sincerely,
101-82
Posted by: Jman449 | May 17, 2009 at 07:48 PM
Speaking of chores, the Magic just took out the trash.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 17, 2009 at 07:48 PM
Top 10 Excuses From Celtic Fans
10. Big Baby never should have cut his hair into a mohawk.
9. Rondo gets fouled every time he touches the ball and the Refs don't call it. Darn Refs!
8. Kendrick Perkins should have sucker punched Dwight Howard in the jaw in the 3rd Quarter.
7. Paul Pierce's steroid dealer missed his train to the Garden. Friggin Public Transit!
6. We missed a payment to Stu & David.
5. Somebody chopped the head off our Umbutu statue.
4. They lost on purpose so they wouldn't have to play the Lakers
3. Some idiotic Orlando fan kept holding up a fishing pole in the stands everytime Pierce & Ray took a shot.
2. We never should have signed Stephon Marbury
1. Without KG, we're nothing.
Have a nice summer, FORMER NBA CHAMPS!
BOSTON SUCKS!!!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | May 17, 2009 at 07:50 PM
Celtics Lose!!! Ding dong the witch is dead! I just love seeing the sullen faces of those band wagon Celtics fans like that joke of an actor Ben Afflick. Loved it!!!
Posted by: DT | May 17, 2009 at 07:51 PM
MHS -
Hey. I appreciate the nice words. I'm not quite sure how or why I rubbed you the wrong way to begin with, but no worries. Water under the bridge. And I certainly haven't been trying to talk negatively about the Lakers, but rather give my honest assessment of things good and bad. I really do try to call it like I see it.
Also, just so you know, I may be a transplant, but I moved to L.A. in 1990 and have now lived here longer than the city I grew up in. This is where I consider home. Also, the Lakers were the first pro basketball team I ever rooted for. And I still root for them like a fan (even though I cover them for a job).
Not sure how much that means to you (nor does it really matter if it does), but just to provide a little back story.
Hope you enjoy the blog and the rest fo the playoffs.
AK
Posted by: Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky | May 17, 2009 at 07:51 PM
Lakers show talent in Game 7 but need more heart
by Mark Kriegel for FoxSports.com
http://tinyurl.com/oduqoj
Excellent column by Mark Kriegel discussing Phil Jackson’s handling of Andrew Bynum and what Bynum means to the Lakers. Here is excerpt:
>>>
In fact, Gasol is among of the best weak side big men in the world. He might be a 7-footer, but he's not a center, true or otherwise. That job belongs to Andrew Bynum. And more than anything, it's the resurgent Bynum that should give the "bi-polar" Lakers — Kobe's term, not mine — confidence against their next opponent, the well-rested Denver Nuggets.
The 21-year-old Bynum scored 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting, with six rebounds and a pair of blocked shots. Bigger than those numbers, however, was the way he played defense. He made the correct rotations and was especially, and justifiably, proud that "I cut off the baseline." In other words, he didn't give his coach any reason to sit him.
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It's definitely easier to play when you play more," said Bynum.
I wonder if there's a more Zen way of saying that.
Maybe something like: I like it when the coach doesn't jerk me around.
After looking at the final stat sheet, Phil Jackson said of Bynum: "We'd like him to have more touches than he had." The coach issued an addendum, of course. "The reality is he's a cleanup guy."
Translation: Bynum's main concerns are the boards and the basket, especially as it pertains to impeding the path of those who are driving to it.
"The thing we want him to grasp is how active his defense has to be to for him to become the player we want him to be, the player who can change who we are defensively," said Jackson.
I get it, though I'm not sure Bynum always does. Even after a game like this, you talk to him and he gives you the impression of a kid who's still trying to memorize the right answers.
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Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 17, 2009 at 07:55 PM
What a humiliating beatdown, on the Cs homecourt no less.
As our green trolls would say:
NEVER OVERESTIMATE THE HEART OF A CELTIC!
Posted by: Prove You Are A Champion | May 17, 2009 at 08:01 PM
This turned out to be one of the best week-ends EVER!
Lakers go to the WCF.
Celtics go fishing.
HAHAHAHAHA!!!
Seriously - this is absolutely delicious! I will savor this until Tuesday, and then it's back to business.
8 more - LET'S GO LAKERS!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 17, 2009 at 08:04 PM
Too bad about the Celtics.
{Wild uncontrolled manical laughter.}
Man, I hate the Celtics.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 17, 2009 at 08:05 PM
Did y'all see Bill's post-game comments on TNT? Dude is NUTS!!!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | May 17, 2009 at 08:10 PM
Glad Celtics lost. Now let's go fry us some nuggets.
Posted by: Cactus Berry | May 17, 2009 at 08:18 PM
KAREEM ABDUL-TWITTER…
From Dave McMenamin’s NBA Blog:
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Bynum asserted himself on defense in the first, collecting five rebounds and two blocks, the second was about offense causing Lakers special assistant coach Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to tweet from his Twitter account @kaj33: “Bynum is getting it done tonight” in the middle of the game from his seat on the sidelines.
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Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 17, 2009 at 08:18 PM
Listening to Barkley and his sidekicks is sickening. How can someone that has never won a championship possibly know what it means to win games with a sense of urgency. That's amazing....He is so green with envy, he's pathetic. Besides the Lakers don't need his support anyway. I remember him saying the same thing about Denver and Lakers last year. He was wrong then, just like he is wrong about a lot of things he says. Hatred makes you blind, and say stupid things.
Posted by: coachD | May 17, 2009 at 08:22 PM