Lakers 130, Warriors 97: Everything's Golden
Clearly, the message took.
The 130-97 win featured a dose of everything that makes the Lakers the Lakers and most squads feeling like highly compensated fans. You had Pau Gasol nearly perfect from the field, missing just two of his eleven tries while snagging a dozen boards in the process. You had Kobe Bryant also looking to exploit his height advantage, in this case over Monta Ellis. The speedy guard did a commendable enough job of keeping Bryant from going off, but that didn't prevent Bryant from creating for mates, particularly when the double team approached. That often left Ron Artest open to do business, but really, as five starters- plus Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown- in double figures reflects, the pie was shared and widely enjoyed.
In the meantime, Mamba enjoyed just as much success making life miserable for Monta on the offensive side of the ball. Ellis is typically the Golden State's engine, so with his pistons failing to fire, the Warriors' entire output followed suit. 39% from the field. Just 24% from behind the arc. Eight of their shots swatted. In other words, hella domination by the guests.
Realizing and capitalizing on obvious assets remain a theme this evening at Staples against the New Jersey Nets, who remain completely defeated in their first sixteen games. Frankly, that's not very good and could mean the end of Lawrence Frank's coaching career in Jersey. Those using Rod Thorn's words as tea leaves for Frank won't find definitive answers. But it can't fare well for the coach that Devin Harris and Courtney Lee have returned, but the losses keep piling up.
About the only area of immediate concern for the Lake Show would be Lamar Odom, whose energy since returning to the bench hasn't entirely pleased PJ. It's not a matter of scoring, mind you. Just maintaining his statline-stuffing flow in an active manner.
-Various members of the Blazers and Wizards are not operating off the same script at the moment.
-New team, same disappointing results for Darko Milicic.
-The Raptors roster could use a team-wide overhaul in the toughness department.
-Delonte West, always in need for positives in life, had a nice game in Cleveland's victory over Dallas.
-Dwight Howard's lack of offensive development has folks talking.
-Conversations about "AI: Part II" continue in Philly.
-A family illness could prompt Jermaine O'Neal to miss some games for the Heat.
-In addition to gambling debts, Antoine Walker is in some hot water over living conditions in buildings he owns.
THE 79-3 BANDWAGON…
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I guess the rules were a little different for this version of the Goons vs. the Fairies. Someone forgot to tell the Lakers big men that they were not allowed to post up the smaller Warriors. The result was a 61-38 advantage in points in the paint, a 54% to 39% edge in shooting percentage, and a brutal 130-97 lesson in why inside-out low-post power basketball triumphs over jump-shooting small ball. I was sorry that Warriors coach Don Nelson could not make it tonight to bask in the limelight of defeat.
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The Lakers now have posted 5 straight double-digit wins while holding their opponent below 100 points, appearing invincible since the return of Pau Gasol, who scored a game-high 22 points on 9-10 from the field to go with 12 boards, 3 assists, and 3 blocked shots in a superb performance. With 7 Lakers in double figures, the real star of the game was the Lakers defense, which shut down the W’s. There were moments in the game when the Warriors basically could not get a single good shot.
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Led by Kobe’s man-to-man harassment of Monta Ellis, who was held to 18 points after averaging 37 ppg the last 3 games, the Lakers height, length, and athleticism kept the Warriors off kilter the entire game, as the Lakers blocked 8 Golden State shots, enjoyed a 21-6 edge in points off steals, and even matched the run-and-gun Warrior’s 15 fast break points. Kobe set the tone on defense tonight, being Content to score only 5 points the 1st half and take only 20 shots all game. He was the Doberman.
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I thought that the Lakers centers – Bynum and Gasol – did a great job defending the pick-and-rolls run by Monta Ellis and Mikki Moore. It was obvious that the Warriors primary offensive strategy was to try and open the middle by pulling Lakers centers out running pick-and-rolls at the top of the key, something that has become a staple for opposing teams to run. Both Drew and Pau did a great job showing strongly and then scurrying back to pick up their man. No team has 2 more active big men.
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Everything was coming up purple and gold tonight as the starters played great and the bench built rather than lost a lead. With 44 points from the bench, the game was never in doubt after a big 17-6 run in the 3rd quarter sealed the win. Farmar and Brown were again the dynamic duo, with Shannon dropping a season-high 17 points on 6-8 shooting plus 2 boards, 1 assist, and 0 turnovers. Likewise, Farmar scored 10 points on 4-7 shooting to go with 1 board, 3 great dimes, and 0 turnovers.
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It was good to see the Lakers running on all cylinders tonight, both offensively as well as defensively. The talent and skill and chemistry was just oozing out there on the court tonight. This team just has too many weapons for anybody to defend. They already rank at or near the top in almost every key defensive category and they are getting better every game. At 12-3, the Lakers now trail the Suns for the best record in the league by a half game and guess who is coming to town a week from tomorrow.
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We’re getting better every game. Who says we can’t finish 79-3. It’s the NBA. Anything’s possible.
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Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | November 29, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Team fires coach alert game...Warning...Warning...Warning...
Posted by: Thirty2 | November 29, 2009 at 12:09 PM
LAKER ROSTER AND THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAYERS IN QUEST FOR THE TITLE:
ABSOLUTE MUST: Kobe and Pau, if either of one we lose then no title..
KEY PLAYERS NEEDED: Fish, Lamar, Artist, Farmar and Shannon
Can win without: Drew (done it), Shasha and the rest. Although having Drew is icing on the cake and for future..
Posted by: father guido sarducci | November 29, 2009 at 12:57 PM
LakerTom,
I noticed that every time the Lakers wins, a post about overflowing glass, full of optimism is well documented . When they lose a game, it takes two or three threads before a short defensive post appears in late afternoon.
In LakerTom's world, Gasol will never make it without Drew. (: (
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 29, 2009 at 01:07 PM
Add Me to the 79-3 bandwagon. oh and the shannon brown allstar dunk bandwagin too lol
Posted by: Mamba0824 | November 29, 2009 at 01:34 PM
This is what i mean about Basketball is a team sport and the Lakers are showing it beautifully. It means it does not matter who is the #1 or #2 option out there as long as the team wins! Last night, it was pretty obvious that Pau was outstanding! I think 1 or 2 games ago it was Bynum or Kobe. I don't care if it is Morrison or Mbenga who scores the most points or playing out of his mind as long as the team wins. No need to separate players capabilities and talents as long as the Lakers are racking up wins!!!.......do you agree with me Laker fans? I don't root for one player, i root for all Lakers! So should you! Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: hyacinth | November 29, 2009 at 01:38 PM
ABSOLUTE MUST: Kobe and Pau, if either of one we lose then no title..
KEY PLAYERS NEEDED: Fish, Lamar, Artist, Farmar and Shannon
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LOL,
How could Farmer belongs to "KEY PLAYERS NEEDED:"?????
That is such a joke.
Posted by: dara | November 29, 2009 at 01:42 PM
ABOUT BUILDING TEAMS…
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Wes made some excellent points about how the Lakers roster has been built with a goal of continuing the team’s brilliance even after Kobe Bryant starts to slow down and reach the end of his great career. That is one of the reasons why I have always felt Mitch Kupchak did not receive enough credit for the great job he has done as the Lakers general manager. Whether it is the balance between youth and experience or the cycle of expiring contracts of the role players, the Lakers roster is designed to last.
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While Phil seems to be getting on Lamar’s back lately for his lack of productivity off the bench, what really jumps out at me is how effective our front court is because we can cover all 144 minutes a game for the center, power forward, and small forward position with Lamar and the 3 starters, much like we covered the center and power forward positions last year with Lamar and the 2 starters. That basically gives the Lakers elite starters at all 3 front court positions for every contending minute of every game.
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Last night was another example of how Drew and Pau together on the floor are a virtually unstoppable combination. Most teams have at least one low post player who can guard one of the Lakers 7-footers but nobody has except the Celtics have two defenders who can matchup with Drew and Pau. That is the reality of big men in the NBA today. It is also why the Lakers and Celtics are destined to meet again in the NBA Finals. They are the 2 teams that have the size and depth to play inside-out.
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I have been also thrilled with the play of Pau Gasol so far this young season. You can see his maturity and experience and playmaking ability really igniting the Lakers offense. More importantly, I thought his help defense last night was among the best he has shown. If we get 5 blocked shots from our duo of 7-footers every game, the Lakers defense is going to very tough for other teams to handle inside. We have just too much height, length, and athleticism for most NBA teams to be able to overcome.
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I took heat last year when I said that Drew was going to develop into a better NBA center than Dwight Howard because he is taller, longer, and has better footwork and softer hands and shooting touch. So far this season, Drew has played much better than Dwight, who seems to have not improved at all since his rookie year. Shooting free throws around 50%, teams are now looking to Hack-a-Howard as a viable strategy when playing the Magic. More and more, Dwight is looking like a limited player while Drew is emerging as the best overall young center in the league – on defense and offense.
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Finally, the talk about Kobe playing selfishly against the Warriors is so ridiculous I almost don’t want to respond. Here is a guy content to just score 5 points in the first half as he focused on shutting down the Warrior’s electric Monta Ellis who had averaged 37 points per game the last 3 games. Kobe took a reasonable 20 shots, hitting 8 of them plus 3-3 from the line, 6 boards, 5 dimes, and 5 steals. Make no mistake, this is still Kobe Bryant’s team no matter how great Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum play.
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Finally, I have to laugh at stupid, blind comments made by posters like this guido fool who claims that Fisher, Odom, Farmar, and Brown are all more indispensible than Andrew Bynum to a championship. Just as idiotic was Edwin’s unappreciated comment that “In LakerTom's world, Gasol will never make it without Drew.” If you don’t have something accurate or intelligent to say, why not just shut up. You may think you’re funny but you just show how little you really know about basketball and the Lakers.
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Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | November 29, 2009 at 03:02 PM
LakerTom said:
"Finally, I have to laugh at stupid, blind comments made by posters like this guido fool who claims that Fisher, Odom, Farmar, and Brown are all more indispensible than Andrew Bynum to a championship. Just as idiotic was Edwin’s unappreciated comment that “In LakerTom's world, Gasol will never make it without Drew.” If you don’t have something accurate or intelligent to say, why not just shut up. You may think you’re funny but you just show how little you really know about basketball and the Lakers."
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Tom
LakerTom,
I may not agree with all that you say, but you are definitely right on this one. I won't even address the fool whose name is not worth mentioning on here because I don't think he's a true Lakers fan and I'll give Edwin the benefit of the doubt because he may have misinterpreted your posts. That other idiot you referred to is just talkin' out the side of his you know what.
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | November 29, 2009 at 03:35 PM
I hope everyone had an absolutely lovely Thanksgiving.
You can also add me to the 79-3 bandwagon; not because I think it is highly realistic that it will happen and I certainly don’t think it should be a goal for the team, but because it’s a fun rallying cry for the Laker faithful. It’s part of the pleasure and privilege of being a Laker fan. While 79-3 is not likely, it could be possible and very few fans of other teams can even indulge in that fantasy. So, sign me up.
It is truly exciting to watch the Lakers and it’s getting more so each game. Jon K. noted from my Forum Memories that I stood for almost the entire game. Aw hell honey, I stand in my own living room. (By the way Jon, any news about your return to this fair and golden land?)
Another P.S. to Zaira: if you’re so inclined, let me know when you come for your next visit to LA. I work for a fine arts museum and if you are interested I can set you up with a pass.
A dopo, Lass
Posted by: LakerLass | November 29, 2009 at 03:37 PM
Laker Lass,
"(By the way Jon, any news about your return to this fair and golden land?)"
Well, I'm submitting my final materials for my applications to UC Riverside and UC Santa Barbara tomorrow. God willing, I'll be back by September to start my work on my doctorate.
Otherwise, I'm in negotiation for a job helping out an old business partner with major festival production. If that works out, I could be back by February... AND THAT WOULD BE FRICKEN AWESOME!!!!
NEVER underestimate the value of the choice of "Hmmm.... should I go surfing or should I go skiing today?" Where else can you have that choice? Northern Spain maybe? Chile maybe?
Anyhow, California isn't a perfect place and people DO have a tendency to be over-sensitive there, but it beats the heck out of most other places on the planet. It would be good to come back home, if only to be able to watch each and every Lakers game on local TV.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 29, 2009 at 04:08 PM
Did anyone else think that one fan behind Joel and Stu was hilarious? Some of my favorite heckles were..
Whenever Curry touched the ball,
"You realize you've got teammates, right? PASS THE BALL!"
"You want they autographs too? You guys are NBA players too! Stop playing like ya'll want they autographs!"
"Oh, so Maggette is the only one that wants to play tonight, huh?!"
"This looks like an AAU squad vs the Lakers!"
"Coach, call a damn timeout! Call a timeout! At least a 20 or something!"
I turned the volume way up after I realized this fan was gonna go all night. Even the TV guys began laughing..
Posted by: Gary | November 29, 2009 at 04:44 PM
Posted by Gary: “Did anyone else think that one fan behind Joel and Stu was hilarious?”
I heard him and turned up the volume too! He was hysterical. Joel called him the fourth member of their broadcast team.
When he was begging for that time out the Lakers actually called one and he said, “Thank you, Phil!”
I normally don’t care for that sort of thing, but since he was “critiquing” his own team it was actually quite entertaining.
Lass
Posted by: LakerLass | November 29, 2009 at 05:16 PM
Haha, LakerTom, we enjoy when the old man gets grumpy and seriously taken aback during blog holidays.
Idiotic it may sound but finally you listened to what you 've been saying. In your desire to seek attention on a hyperbole bandwagon 79-3, perhaps you need an equal idiotic hyperbole statement. Well, I hope you don't get mad at your fellow old nemesis, I'm just kiddin' in lieu of what Mike T. could have said.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 29, 2009 at 06:02 PM
Gary,
I missed that. I wish I could have seen that. It sounds hilarious.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 29, 2009 at 06:31 PM
and when Edwin and LakerTom fall out, things fall apart, the center cannot hold, and the walton does not heed the walton criticizer. And there is some kind of gyre going on. What the heck do I know?
THE LOVE THINKS; DAMN LITTLE, FOR ALL OF THE JIBBER JABBER ABOUT LONG-DISREGARDED CULTURAL MEMES.
THE LOVE ALSO WIELDS META-COGNITION LIKE A DEVICE WHICH IS MIGHTIER THAN THE PEN WHICH IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD.
"LOOK, TREBEK, LETS CUT TO IT. DOES THIS 'PEN IS MIGHTIER REALLY WORK? CAUSE I'M INTERESTED. TREBEK, YOU ARE SITTING ON A GOLD MINE HERE, TREBEK.
IT IS ALL ABOUT SOMETHING. I DO NOT REALLY REMEMBER.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: phred | November 29, 2009 at 11:38 PM
@LakerLass :) :) :)
That's so cute from you :)
I'll definitely ask for that when it's time to: your graciousness is really sweet.
Posted by: ZairaAmaterasu | November 30, 2009 at 02:36 AM