Lakers defeat Suns: If the game's dynamic could be summed up in three words...
In this particular case, the Lakers were decidedly General Zod and the Phoenix Suns were a U.S. Government not yet in contact with Superman, who eventually discovered how to reverse the Kryptonian super-villains powers through some trickery inside the Fortress of Solitude. Do the Lakers have any weaknesses? Sure, just like every team in the league. But as demonstrated on Thursday evening, when focused on pushing strengths, it's gonna take an awful lot of a certain neon green substance to bring the purple and gold to its knees.
The 121-102 win over Phoenix was a triumph of pushing advantage, a topic elaborated upon heavily by BK during yesterday's postgame summary. Namely, the Lakers are a rather large squad, an advantage they decided to illustrate while pushing the Suns into two-loss territory. The teams met last night as the reigning Western Conference Kahunas, but as ESPN's J.A. Adande notes, that differential in mass made it difficult to debate which squad's actually the toppest of dogs.
To watch the Los Angeles Lakers play the Phoenix Suns
over the past two-plus seasons is to see why NBA general managers value
size over quickness, why you never hear 40-yard dash times discussed at
draft time but you do hear vague terms such as "length." Big beat little Thursday night and it wasn't even close. Neither has
the series been lately. The Lakers have won seven of their past nine
games against the Suns, from the Mike D'Antoni days to the Terry Porter and Shaquille O'Neal slow waltz and back to the running under Alvin Gentry.
For someone who does all that Artest does, expecting him to create off the dribble, handle the ball through crowds, nail contested jumpers or have tremendous court vision might just too much to ask. Apparently, it's also too much to ask that he just not do those things. He's not very good at them, and if you don't believe me, I invite you to get out your pencil and paper. Chart Ron Artest creating in isolation, and how many points per possession the Lakers end up with. So far this season, it's about as inefficient as that team gets.
And bear in mind, the Lakers have been able to take ownership of an opponent's paint without the services of Pau Gasol, whose hamstring injury has an open-ended time line for a return. BK and I have said on many, many, MANY occasions that hammys are tricky, which is why this slow recovery isn't necessarily shocking. But whether because fans are panicky by nature or, well, the K Brothers are kinda disreputable, nobody really listens to us. But if you hear it from the mouth of Basketball Prospectus injury expert Will Carroll, guest of our most recent 710 ESPN Lakers PodKast, you might start taking our word for this.
Last night's win was more than just a triumph of bullying. Steve Nash is nothing if not a whiz at creating for himself and others, typically able to manufacture rallies for his Suns. Last night, not so much, thanks so a defense smartly prepared to slow his roll. Everyone worked cut off lanes and deny him the rock upon giving it up, and the lion's share of the credit should go to Derek Fisher. As he talks about in the video below, the key to battling Nash, capable of beating folks with his shot, dribble and vision, is often out-thinking him.
Another component for success was the generally strong showing from the Laker bench. But given their inconsistent start to the season, a few quality games in a row isn't likely to keep fans off the pine's back.
NBA NEWS
-Byron Scott's dismissal opens up a plethora of questions marks down in the Big (not so) Easy. In the meantime, the timing of events threw Phil Jackson for a loop.
-Earl Boykins is back, this time with the Wizards.
-Another day, another Warrior fussin' with Nellie. On the bright side, between Monta, Anthony Randolph and Stephen Jackson, Don Nelson's Christmas shopping will be a breeze this season.
-Chris Kaman has been separated from the team for virus-y reasons, not Tinsley-y reasons.
-The Cavs are assuming they'll be without Delonte West for the immediate future. If a task is needed to take the team's mind of West, they can help LeBron James with his quest to retire #23.
-Spurs rook DeJuan Blair has made a young career out of overcoming obstacles.
-Apparently, it's against the law to owe $822,500 in gambling debts. Who knew?
-Carl Landry gives a one-fingered salute to a recently retired Rocket.
-James Harden could push Russell Westbrook for OKC point guard minutes.
-Brandon Roy has added a new asset to an already considerable list: Flexibility.
-Dime Mag interviews the Hawks' Josh Smith.
AK
more thoughts seemingly or so...
I forgot to mention the putred free throwing last night---I think the Lakers will lose a couple games this year due to just simply having a bad game, ALL the rest that they lose will be due to missing free throws...
Is there some League mandate that dictates the Lakers shoot poorly from the line as a handicap?
PRACTICE CONCENTRATE repeat as needed (like all the frickin' time)
Troy really needs to stop slaming that black tar H, especially when he combines it with some 4 way window pane, and an once or two of shrooms...
Troy, Pau is the second best player on this team (in my lame opinion anyway, which I will stand by even in the face of a penil fracture)...trading Pau = trading Dynasty
I was real disappointed in not getting tacos, and I wasn't even at the game---come on it's the season of tacos (every frickin' night this year, we want 'em and we want 'em crunchy)...
that Dudely should get a wider headband---like about 12" wider...
great news that we don't have to look at Kenyon Martin tonight and try to keep our dinners down--talk about one ugly mo fo---that dude is like three ugly mo fo's...
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | November 13, 2009 at 11:24 AM
great news that we don't have to look at Kenyon Martin tonight and try to keep our dinners down--talk about one ugly mo fo---that dude is like three ugly mo fo's...
Posted by: Floyd | November 13, 2009 at 11:24 AM
OH THE HUMANITY! HIDE THE WOMAN AND CHILDREN KENYON IS ON THE LOSE!! HAHHAHAHAHA!!! As always and forever it's good reading a post from Floyd!!!
Mamba24
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 13, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Repost
Although I love the 81-1 concept, I'm still owner of the 70 win bandwagon, and that thing is parked out front. I just polished the chrome wheels, it looks damn nice. I'm going to cruise Auraria Blvd and swing by Pepsi Center bumping Randy Newman on quad 15" woofers...
Who' with me?
Oh, that's right, the entire bandwagon...
Nuggombies can piss off because Randy will get them all irate
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | November 13, 2009 at 11:39 AM
MAMBA24,
KG and Paul both want to know...What will it take for you to join us, and make the change to either MAMBA05 or MAMBA34?
Posted by: RED`S LOVE CHILD | November 13, 2009 at 11:59 AM
I am really awaiting the games we have down the road with teams like the Celtics, Spurs, and Cavs to get a better gauge on where this team is ...I still feel we have a couple of non contributors on our bench, and if we can pick up a servicable bench player by the deadline, that would be great!! BTW, Bros K, I posted a few comments during last nights chat that never made it, does questioning why Pau Gasol hasn't returned yet have anything to do with it. lol.
Posted by: JohnnyP | November 13, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Floyd,
I agree that Pau Gasol is our second best player, though Bynum, Thriller, and Lamar aren't far behind.
Deep talent, yo!
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 13, 2009 at 12:05 PM
I think Simmons published that book because most guys won’t take their computer into the can.
Floyd- ‘Kissed his ass in the biblical sense?’ I can't count how many ways that is wrong.
Posted by: phred | November 13, 2009 at 12:14 PM
The way Bynum ended his interview with Sheryl Miller at the end of the game was pretty funny. " Yup" and ran off.
Posted by: Magia32 | November 13, 2009 at 12:23 PM
REPOST
Jon K,
Ahhhh, yes, forgive me sir. I forgot that we have the ultimate example of Heisenberg's uncertainty principle.
I forgot that we have a man so manly that he doesn't need a host of tattoos to show how crazy he is. He just is.
I forgot that we have a man so confident, he took on the entire city of Detroit and the Sith Lord Darth Stern!
Even with Rasheeds famous proclamation, I heard somewhere that a ball lied for Ron once.
Tru Warier.
The Rogue.
The Nuclear option.
The good, the bad, and the ugly, all in one.
Thriller.
Ron Artest. No one tougher, no one crazier.
Alright, I'll relent a bit. We COULD win tonight with One Flew Over the Cuckoos nest.....
Posted by: #4 | Nov 13, 2009 12:21:34 PM
Posted by: #4 | November 13, 2009 at 12:24 PM
I just want to know were all my Bynum haters are at? Or what happen to the start DJ banwagon? Young fella took a proven Allstar to school last night, and I am sure you can find something to complain about!!
Posted by: Marco | November 13, 2009 at 12:26 PM
ANDREW BYNUM IS A BEAST…
by Kurt Helin for NBC Los Angeles
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http://tinyurl.com/ylnwwyu
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The wait is over. Andrew Bynum is here.
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This is the Andrew Bynum everyone has been waiting for.
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For years the buzz about the young Lakers center has been, basically, “Watch out if he ever figures it out.” Well, he figured it out — he is playing like the All Star he wants to be. And he is the main reason the Lakers are 7-1 heading into a big test in Denver Friday night. (Well, I guess that Kobe guy should get some credit, too.)
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Bynum is averaging 21 points and 11 rebounds a game so far this season. That is seven more points per game than he averaged last year — in part because he is getting more minutes (almost 40 a game) and five more shots per game with Pau Gasol out, but he is also shooting 58.4%, the highest percentage of his career.
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However, it’s more than numbers, it’s an air of confidence that is different this year. Last night the Lakers were counting on Bynum to go at the very athletic but smaller Amar’e Stoudemire, and Bynum did and dominated him. Bynum scored in the paint seemingly at will and finished with 26 points, while Stoudemire was 2 of 15 shooting. Bynum is protecting the rim so that the other team’s speedy little guards are not racing in for uncontested lay-ups. He is rebounding as well as he ever has.
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Now Bynum is healthy, and it is all coming together. Combine Bynum with Kobe’s newfound post game, and suddenly the Lakers are an unstoppable force in close to the basket — Bynum leads the NBA in points in the paint, Kobe is second. And all of this without Gasol yet.
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Andrew Bynum has become the special player that the Lakers have been waiting for. And that could make this year’s Lakers team even more special.
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Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | November 13, 2009 at 12:40 PM
WTF is that James statement of "I feel like no NBA player should wear 23. I'm starting a petition, and I've got to get everyone in the NBA to sign it. Now, if I'm not going to wear No. 23, then nobody else should be able to wear it."
If he cant wear #23, then no one else should be wear?? So by paying "homage", he is just trying to beat his own drums by telling "no one can wear if I cant wear".... Such a loser.
Also, I believe #6 is the jersey of Bill Russell. Is it ok to emulate the great (well, he's a Celtic, still he's a great) Bill Russell? Shouldn't Bill Russell's, Wilt's, Kareem's all these players' jerseys should be retired.
The best number for James to wear: Number zero. - The number of Championships and NBA finals games he has won. That would suit him the most!!
Posted by: Kobefan in Cupertino | November 13, 2009 at 12:53 PM
Superman's Zod character was played by a friend of mine, actor Terence Stamp, and was fortunate enough to get a bit part in the classic., Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. I played an attendant at the Alice Springs hotel scene.
Posted by: Marco | November 13, 2009 at 12:59 PM
Bill Simmons just wrote a fantastic article about what it means to be a fan, and by extension, what it means to be a blogger:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmonsnflpicks/091113
He speaks of how important to a true fan to have irrational player/teams to hate. For me, as everyone here knows, it's the Boston Celtics (Simmons' favorite team, it turns out).
He gets it.
It is for those reason -- and others -- that I actually like it when Boston fans come to our blog and spit venom. Its part of the whole experience (as long as nothing personal or hurtful is said, of course).
Just thought I'd add that.
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | November 13, 2009 at 01:00 PM
2009-10 EFFICIENCY LEADERS : Efficiency Per Game
1. Chris Paul.......31.4
2. Chris Bosh.......30.8
3. Lebron James.....30.2
4. Kobe Bryant......26.6
5. Dirk Nowitzki....26.6
6. Andrew Bynum.....26.3
Not bad for a 22 year old kid coming off 2 major injuries in the last 2 years.
Oh yea....This KID is SPECIAL!!
BD
Posted by: BD | November 13, 2009 at 01:01 PM
- As of now, how is Kobe not the front runner for MVP? He is the best player on the team with the best record, and is playing out of his mind. Not to mention that Gasol has been out, as well as Bynum for a couple games. I wonder how many excuses BSPN will have for putting Lebron ahead in the MVP discussion?
-Kobe almost made JRich cry last night. That's one thing that Shaq still has over Kobe. Shaq made Sabonis cry, and Kobe has yet to match him in this regard, although he's been close many times.
- Bynum was simply toying with the Suns. He looked like a father messing around with his children out there. He didn't even have to jump for some of his shots and blocks. Watching Mbenga's focus on rebounding and defense from the sidelines might have inspired Bynum to do the same. He was actually trying to steal away rebounds from his teammates.
- Who else but Luke has the unique ability to take an open 3 foot shot, and miss it 2 feet left and 2 feet high?
- If Fish plays this type of defense against Nash the next time around, should he be referred to as the Nash Stopper?
- Artest will be much better than Ariza at guarding Carmelo, but he's still going to need some help. Carmelo is beginning to reach unstoppable status.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | November 13, 2009 at 01:11 PM
From the last thread posted by hobbitmage:
"Let's end this now. You PAY Kobe WHATEVER HE WANTS! Consider
it to be protection $$ to the mob if it helps you sleep better. You do NOT
let the most ruthless, the most fundamentally sound, the most competitive
player in the NBA walk away. And by the way, you do realize that he has
the only non-trade clause and he can opt out at the end of this season don't
you?"
Amen, brother, amen. LakerTom also had a nice post in the last thread but it was too big with too many things I said, "Right on!", too. This team isn't playing anywhere near as efficiently as we saw in the NBA Finals, and they're still opening cans of Whup-Ass all over the leagues face. That Dallas game looks more and more like a wake-up call.
I'm not worried about Artest, he's too good and has shifted his attitude deep into 'Team First' mode that he won't have an impact. JA Adande seems to think otherwise, and he may well have a better feel for this than me, but I truly think Artest doesn't really mind his lack of statistical imprints on the games. He's playing hard, making the team better when he's out there and not flying off the handle even when he gets hit in the face like he did by Dudley last night.
The Pau, Bynum, Odom conundrum will be an interesting one. I feel that if all three aren't on the floor at the end of meaningful 4th quarters we'll hear some barking from somebody. I don't think Phil will be able to blame it on 'Drew's defense anymore, either, it sounds like Andrew took all the criticism from the summer and the Playoffs, put it in his workout locker and set out to make the coach play him. That's the kind of work ethic I love to see. Don't whine about how you're not being used correctly, fix the deficiency and put the onus on the one doling out minutes. Smart kid.
Bynum also just looks more involved, even in the interview from yesterday, it just seems like his focus is more in the now than last year. He's still growing as an adult, but this is very nice to see coming from our future franchise player.
Gotta love Derek Fisher's old man yellow sweater. I'm sure he enjoyed a steaming cup of cocoa whilst reading to the grand kids. Old Man Fiiiisherrrrr (sung to the tune of Old Man River, it's what I do when he is on his game and schooling some young buck). It's nice to see the bench playing up to par.
I'd like to see the team start a campaign to get Shannon Brown in the Slam Dunk competition in this years All-Star game. Yes he's a little played reserve on an amazing team, but homie got hopzzzzzz. I mean he can jump really high. Really, really, really high. Like Timothy Leary high without the acid. Besides, the last Laker in the Dunk Comp was Kobe, right? Like prior to the turn of the freaking century? C'mon Laker Brass, make it happen!
Free throws are something that could be worked on today at shoot around, guys.
and AK, thank you O so much for the 'Kneel before Zod' clip. It's the best of the Superman movies and that's the best line. I think he says it a million times, but maybe I just use it in my day-to-day so much I've transplanted myself into the movie. Kneel, kneel before Sweet!
Ahhhhh to have a day off. Now to take care of those Nugs.
And to play Denver.
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | November 13, 2009 at 01:30 PM
LAKERTRUTH
- Who else but Luke has the unique ability to take an open 3 foot shot, and miss it 2 feet left and 2 feet high?
But it's the way he misses it high and wide that makes me such a fan! Did you notice that Luke picked it up right after that? He realized, "Hey man, you're the hope of drive way ballers the world over, make it happen, dude." And he did. My man Luke Walton.
MVP! MVP! MVP!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | November 13, 2009 at 01:40 PM
Kobefan,
Lebron James is a donkey's behind, and his talent and athleticism can't change that. The over the top ESPN and NBA coverage has truly gone to the prim-a-donna's head. There are at least two Lebron non-basketball related stories on ESPN and NBA.com daily.
There's a method to his madness. How else is he going to overcome Kobe's #1 jersey status all over the world except by changing his number, thereby increasing his jersey sales. This is just his attempt to look magnanimous doing it.
Please..... As you said then not only should Michael Jordan's number be retired from the league, Russell, Big O, Wilt, Kareem, Bird and Magic's jersey should be retired.
Posted by: Fan of the Mamba | November 13, 2009 at 01:45 PM
Mamba24 (Larry),
as always, as ever, thanks my friend
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | November 13, 2009 at 01:46 PM
After last night Kobe is shooting exactly .500 for the season 99-198 and has made a grand total of 3 three pointers, while averaging 33pts per game. That is absolutely FREAKTASTICAL!
Anyone got an over-under on whether he will finish the season better than .500. I just couldn't imagine it in previous years, but if he stays in the post I think he could do it. If anything, as he has started to get comfortable there his percentages have been well over .500. Still though it's a small sample and I hate to drink the kool-aid.
~Thomas
Posted by: Thomas | November 13, 2009 at 01:53 PM
According to ESPN, the Pau Gasol injury has taken a new turn, with something called a Muscle Bundle, simply put, it's a hole in the muscle, causing sever pain and feeling like a hamstring pull. There is to be another exam on Monday, to see if a surgery is needed. Stay tuned.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 13, 2009 at 02:05 PM
I got little to add to all the great posts today, except this - that I love it when our starters beat the other team's starters, love it more when our bench beats the other team's starters and love it most when the other team's starters sit down with blank, numb expressions.
Re: the Hornets situation, there could be an interesting season ahead of them. GM Jeff Bower doesn't have any head coach experience but he was an assistant under Tim Floyd and now Floyd's coming back to be Bower's assistant. The same Tim Floyd that was the Bulls' head coach after Jackson, was mentored by Tex, was head coach for the Hornets, Iowa State and of course, USC.
Posted by: dave m | November 13, 2009 at 02:20 PM
Who the h*** does Lebron James think he is? "If I’m not going to wear No. 23, then nobody else should be able to wear it.”
http://bit.ly/1WJB2v
Sure, Michael Jordan is worthy of tribute. But seriously, who the h*** is Lebron to have the audacity to make such a suggestion? With no championships to his credit, this guy has such a swelled head, I'm surprised there's room for paying spectators in any arena the guy plays in.
Becoming David Stern's "anointed one" at this stage of his career is simply too much, too soon, for Lebron. The implication is obvious: the NBA retires Jordan's #23 so that some day the NBA could retire Lebron's #6.
Sorry. Not so fast. With so much adulation throughout his young life, Lebron is a guy who wouldn't know humility if it smacked him in the head. He doesn't shake hands after a humiliating loss. He snuffs the video of a young player humiliating him on the court. And at this stage of his career, he wants to manage Michael Jordan's legacy -- as if Michael Jordan needed any help from Lebron James in managing his legacy. Puh-leeeze!
Lebron James makes me nauseous. I get irritated just seeing or hearing his name. Eat some humble pie, Lebron. Grow up. Earn not one championship, but many. Become the great so many people say you are and you think you are. Maybe then I'll want to hear what you think. Until then, just shut up.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | November 13, 2009 at 02:40 PM
Lebron James is the King of Hoops, and just suggesting all teams honour the greatest player of all time should not meet with such nonsensical comments. If he were saying the same thing about Kobe, wouldn't we listen!!
Posted by: phred | November 13, 2009 at 03:03 PM
lets not forget the suns just got off a very hot 5 game road trip. Had one day off then a home game then off to the lakers BACK TO BACK at 3 am to play at 7 pm. The LAKERS had 5 DAYS off. No one in this leage could beat the lakers at home with the lakers on five day rest. Dont get me wrong the lakers are stacked and should be far better than the suns. Dont HATE on the suns. They are one big trade away this season for giving the western teams a big run in the playoffs. BOOZER to the suns and lakers fans need to start to worry. You know bynum will be injured in about 20 games.
Posted by: SUNS FAN | November 13, 2009 at 03:07 PM
I'm excited about the Laker and McNugget game tonite. It's going to be fun watching the game and counting all of the tatoos. With Kmart sitting out tonite, I am going to miss those luscious red lips on the side of his neck. Oh well, a win tonite will more than compensate. Let's go Lakers.
Posted by: coachD | November 13, 2009 at 03:30 PM
Mamba24 - what's this??? Was it on the net or the tube? I've been searching... have espn on right now. I was in such a good mood and now I'm feeling very worried.
Posted by: dave m | November 13, 2009 at 03:36 PM
Bynum played well last night, defensively and rebounding wise..and of course scoring. I hoped he consistently play defense and rebounding like last night, we will be the best team in the league, watch out when Pau gets back! Go Lakers!
Posted by: hyacinth | November 13, 2009 at 03:49 PM
"Lebron James is the King of Hoops, and just suggesting all teams honour the greatest player of all time should not meet with such nonsensical comments. If he were saying the same thing about Kobe, wouldn't we listen!!
Posted by: phred | November 13, 2009 at 03:03 PM
-Again, i'm flattered, but nope. hmm, and again I wonder who i might have irritated lately?
K bros- I thought we had a policy of one name/one person?
Oh well, i guess i'll just have to start by re insulting everybody that I have insulted lately to be sure to cover all possibilities.
Posted by: phred | November 13, 2009 at 03:57 PM
SUNS FAN - I don't think it's really such a matter of us hating on the Suns, just loving our own team. Absolutely, credit due to your guys for starting the season well. Don't be predicting injuries though, cause that will definitely start some hating coming your way. Not cool.
Posted by: dave m | November 13, 2009 at 04:16 PM
phred,
Don't take this the wrong way, but all your good posts were written by Gary Trudeau.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 13, 2009 at 05:32 PM
lol phred - I KNEW that wasn't you!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | November 13, 2009 at 05:53 PM
phred - know what? I could also tell that it was the imposter. It's kind of funny because quite some time back somebody posted as Dave M but it wasn't an imposter, it was just some other guy with same name and he used to post on the Dodgers blog as well. Still, I didn't like it. And then, there was somebody who blogged as Dave W I, think and some other dave and it would kind of bug me. HOWEVER - your sitation is really different... it's somebody deliberately using a very identifiable nickname and it's just odd. Still, your writing style is very much your own (in a good way) and the differences in posts are noticeable
So, to the phony phred - use your own handle and keep blogging - the stuff you're writing isn't bad but it's no phred.
Posted by: dave m | November 13, 2009 at 07:06 PM