Caught in the Web: Reactions to Lakers' 96-85 victory over Utah Jazz
Game stories
-- The Times' Broderick Turner credited the Lakers rallying for a 96-85 victory Friday over the Utah Jazz.
-- The Orange County Register's Kevin Ding details the Lakers' dominance.
-- The Salt Lake Tribune's Brian T. Smith focuses on the Jazz's dashed playoff hopes.
-- The Daily News' Elliott Teaford highlights the Lakers' second-half improvement against Utah.
Notebooks
-- The Times' Turner reports Lakers forward Matt Barnes sounded contrite over his one-game suspension.
-- The Orange County Register's Ding highlights Bryant's zingers on Kyrylo Fesenko.
-- The Daily News' Teaford details Barnes' suspension.
Columns
-- The Salt Lake Tribune's Kurt Kragthorpe mentions the Lakers' habit of ending Utah's seasons.
-- The Salt Lake Tribune's Gordon Monson argues the Jazz should draft Jimmer Fredette.
Blogs
-- ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin breaks down the Lakers' victory over Utah.
-- Lakers.com's Mike Trudell details the Lakers' game in a running diary.
-- Silver Screen and Roll's C.A. Clark calls the Lakers' effort "impressively mundane."
Tweet of the Day: "Man. This is crazy what the lakers r doing. 17-1 since all star break. 9 game winning streak. Wow. Spurs lead over lakers down to 1.5 games" -- BA_Turner (The Times' Lakers beat reporter Brad Turner)
Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: "I love that PJ's getting the second unit primed for the playoffs by giving them more minutes, while at the same time resting the starters more but not disturbing the rotations. I also like that Barnes got to rest his knee and hopefully he'll make up for the lost day's pay with tee-shirt sales!" -- KobeMVP888
-- Mark Medina
E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com.
Photo: Lakers guard Kobe Bryant applauds the effort of his teammates from the bench during the second half Friday night in Utah. Credit: Steve C. Wilson / Associated Press
Message to Spurs from the Lakers: Objects in the rearview mirror are closer than they appear.
Posted by: The Snake | April 02, 2011 at 08:07 AM
Another great LA sports morning!!!
Come from behind wins for both Blue and Lakers - way to go!
KobeMVP888 - congrats and well said. We knew eventually the bench would come around. And since most of them are new to the triangle system, it takes awhile. Just like when Artest arrived, it took him until the playoffs - so here we are.
The team is really rolling and working so well together right now. And if we can maybe sneak in a WC #1 seed ahead of the Spurs - oh my.
GO LAKERS!!!
Cheers all - PLG
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 02, 2011 at 08:09 AM
Congrats KobeMVP888 for the Friedman award.
Was that not a boring game last night, Jazz started with a bang and ended up with a whimper without semblance of competition. Getting closer to Spurs while pulling away against the leprechauns. Celtic fans must be gnashing their teeth nowadays for what has gone wild after the All Star break. They are really putting all their chips on the two O'Neals as their savior for the season.
With regards to the Bulls, I have one question supposing our two teams ended-up w/ a tie and meet them in the Finals, who gets the HCA, we had 1-1 record during the season.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 02, 2011 at 08:31 AM
@MVP - congrats on the Friedman. My three favorite plays were assists by the bench. Blake's lob to Pau for the dunk, Luke's oop to Shannon and Blake's dish to Drew for another dunk. Yep, Blake is on an uptick.
Posted by: LRob | April 02, 2011 at 08:33 AM
When the team is playing like this it's a peace of mind.
Lately I don't need to come here so often to vent the frustration.
I think right now there isn't much to say, all the pieces are fitting.
The last time I remember a situation like this was the 2000-01 team, I hope the same outcome.
I also would like to note the unity between the team. The situations of toughness are a result of the unity of the team, all the players are defending their "brothers".
Posted by: TidalWave | April 02, 2011 at 08:33 AM
We all know Kobe brings it every night, and the game seemed to turn once Bynum got some energy into his legs, but credit also has to go to the bench crew. This was one of those games where they needed a boost from their bench, and got it. LO gutted it out after throwing up from stomach flu (reminds me of Kobe when they got that win in Cleveland in 2009). I also thought that Blake did a great job.
When the guards not named Kobe play good-to-great, this team's unbeatable.
Posted by: Scott | April 02, 2011 at 08:39 AM
Practice Season Police fails to report the latest convictions in NBA: (He should get a furlough 0f 15% during playoffs for sleeping on your job.)
*Jalen Rose suspended by ESPN after getting DUI arrest.
*Allen Iverson's car a Lamborghini was impounded at the airport because of an expired license. Maybe, he bought this car in Turkey
*Matt Barnes was warned by PJ not to be a hommie during the playoffs, don't get involve on melee because it also hurts the team.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 02, 2011 at 08:40 AM
The Lakers are "Foaming at the Mouth" to quote Rick Fox after the Dallas game.
Although there may be some truth to the adage that "styles make fights," this Lakers' team seems to not care (at least publicly) who they meet in the playoffs.
They may face 'better' match-ups if they stay where they are, but I respect and admire the mind-set of the Lakers, who DO want to chase down the Spurs and claim the Number 1 seed, as the post-season approaches.
THAT is the Attitude and Heart of a Champion on full display.
As the saying goes: Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude!
The Lakers are not thinking in terms of 'defending' their past titles, they are thinking in terms of GOING AFTER their next championship (NBA World Championship # 17) this summer!
Big difference.
P & G R
Posted by: Purple & Gold Reign | April 02, 2011 at 08:42 AM
No Mamba24? Say it isn't so...
That was a tough game. Drew was getting handled in the first half by that big Russian. The whole team came out with no energy. The Utah team is sort of thrown together with most of their good players hurt or gone, but they were on a mission. We eliminated them from the playoffs. They fought hard.
The fight footage is really funny. The Dallas coach trying to wrap up Matt as he is walking away and back to his bench is priceless. Matt is like, "What is this guy doing? Leave me the *&%# alone!" Matt is hot headed. This is what Kobe wanted. If another team wants to throw around cheap shots, they will have to answer for it. We got your soft right here! It is OK if Matt gets thrown out of a few games here and there. We have Luke… ;-)
SA losing to Huston puts us one loss out of first place. We play each other, so if we both win all of our other games, that will be key. We will end up with the same record by beating them. Since we will have split games this season, it will come down to who has the best conference record. In that scenario, we would win because they have 12 losses against Western Conference teams and we have only 11. Of course, if SA keeps losing, this will be mute... ;-)
Sunday will be tough - the white uniforms, the 3rd game in 4 days, and against a hot young Denver team that has won 5 in a row and has been very, very good post Melo/Big Shot. Nene is a tough match-up for Drew. Nene was 12 and 12 with 6 assists in their game against Sacremento. They played 11 players and their bench had 45 points. The B’s will have to step up. Which reminds me... After all three got tossed out of the game (Shannon was not going to be left out), I will officially start using the word “killer” again.
Go Killer B’s!
Go Lakers!
I am a Lakerholic.
Posted by: Lakerholic | April 02, 2011 at 08:43 AM
MM thank you for recognizing my post and thanks PLG, Edwin and LRob (and others who may chime in, too, of course) for the congratulatories.
One thing I would like to add to those observations from last night's game is that once again, when the team needed him to step up and provide a calming effect, Derek Fisher was there for his teammates. Clearly, they were playing with tired legs after getting into Utah in the wee hours of the morning and playing in that altitude in the first half, so our superbly conditioned 36 year old lead guard did his Sam Jones imitation in the first half (bank shot from the right block) with the Lakers way down and scored 15 efficient points in the game on 4-6 shooting (including 2-3 from downtown). When we need him the most, whether it's a big playoff game or a game like last night when everyone else was trying to get their legs under them, Derek Fisher shows up.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | April 02, 2011 at 08:54 AM
@Lew – Thanks for posting article on Phil and Kobe snub.
@RSP – Enjoyed your thoughts on Bill Walton.
@GDUB – I’m a fan of Lupe. He’s definitely should get more props.
@Snake – good one!
Posted by: LRob | April 02, 2011 at 08:59 AM
>>>Message to Spurs from the Lakers: Objects in the rearview mirror are closer than they appear.
Damn. 8:07 in the morning, and The Snake had already made the comment of the day.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | April 02, 2011 at 08:59 AM
>>>With regards to the Bulls, I have one question supposing our two teams
>>>ended-up w/ a tie and meet them in the Finals, who gets the HCA, we had 1-1
>>>record during the season.
Edwin,
I'm confused about that one as well (and usually, I'm the one who tracks down the esoteric detail stuff like this).
If I read it right, according to nba.com (The NBA's official web site), the order of tiebreakers is:
a. Two Teams Tied
(1) Better winning percentage in games against each other.
(2) Better winning percentage against teams in own division (only if tied teams are in same division).
(3) Better winning percentage against teams in own conference.
See for example, this page:
http://www.nba.com/statistics/playoff_picture.html
Based on that...
(1) - tied, as you pointed out.
(2) - they're not in the same division - if they were, Chicago's record is better.
(3) - Chicago is 33-13 vs the East, Lakers are 34-11 vs the West.
So based on that, I believe Lakers currently hold the tiebreaker.
But a couple of recent articles on ESPN.com (I think including one by John "Laker Hater" Hollinger) seemed to indicate that Chicago owns the tiebreaker.
I hope my assessment is right, and that Hollinger and others just missed the fact that division only counts if the tied teams are in the same division.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | April 02, 2011 at 09:08 AM
Oh, and by the way...
thank you Raja Bell, you weak-ass punk for signing with Utah instead of the Lakers in the off-season. Matt Barnes has played rings around you this season and will be much better in the playoffs. Enjoy watching the playoffs, ding-dong.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | April 02, 2011 at 09:15 AM
Yep, in Hollinger's article about tiebreakers that might come into play, he specifically writes this:
>>>2. The Lakers aren't the only team gunning for the Spurs. It's now very
>>>possible for Chicago to claim the league's top overall seed. The Bulls have
>>>the same record as the Lakers but own the tiebreaker for Finals home-court
>>>advantage.
I think he's wrong, but there could be something I'm misinterpreting and I'm wrong. Not sure.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | April 02, 2011 at 09:23 AM
888 with the Friedman!
Only time I'll comment: it wasn't an April Fool joke. It was serious. Mamba24 needs to be sincere, show his contrition and not come back. He knows what happened.
As for last night's game: that's the way, uh-uh, uh-uh, I like it!
Posted by: 63 Footer | April 02, 2011 at 09:23 AM
The Lakers clearly need to break up this team. It's just unfair to the rest of the league.
I wonder if the Jazz would trade Fesenko for Bynum.
(JK, in case you're wondering)
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | April 02, 2011 at 09:40 AM
Congrats 888!
63,
Thanks for the response. No further question.
LAKERS ALL DAY!!!
Posted by: JovBATZ24 | April 02, 2011 at 09:44 AM
I believe the tie breaker between the different conferences is based on the record against the "other" conferences. Chicago has the better record against the Western than the Lakers against the East so Chicago wins the tie breaker.
Posted by: LakerPeace | April 02, 2011 at 09:45 AM
Guys. I need to address recent comments on Mamba24. He's a valued member of our blog and he's decided to take a temporary absence until the playoffs start. There appears to be some comments suggesting they don't want him to return. I find it inappropriate for people to comment that way and those are the kind of comments I would deem "personal."
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 02, 2011 at 09:46 AM
@ KobeMVP888
Excellent points about the veteran leadership, clutch performance, and numerous "intangibles" provided by our own...Derek Fisher.
What Derek Fisher brings to the team (both on and off the court) oftentimes goes unappreciated and even largely unrecognized. Most of those who truly understand his contributions, are also those whose opinions ultimately matter most to Derek: his coaches and fellow teammates.
Local residents, and visitors to Staples Center, have the privilege of seeing remarkable bronze statues honoring several sports legends in the courtyard of the main building.
If, on some glorious day in the future, the Lakers organization could find a way to create their own special "Hall of Fame" to remember and honor those who proudly represented the Lakers Family, someone like Derek Fisher should be at the top of the list.
So let it be written. So let it be done.
P & G R
Posted by: Purple & Gold Reign | April 02, 2011 at 09:48 AM
Purple & Gold Reign
Now THAT was poetic! I would like to dedicate my Friedman to you for that masterpiece.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | April 02, 2011 at 09:56 AM
From RealGM.com
Former Detroit Pistons Dennis Rodman has been elected into the Basketball Hall of Fame, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
The official announcement will be made Monday at the Final Four in Houston.
====
It's about time.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | April 02, 2011 at 09:57 AM
Sunday's game against Denver would have been really intriguing if Bynum had been traded to Denver for Melo...Bynum vs Gasol. Who would you like on that match up??
Posted by: LakerPeace | April 02, 2011 at 10:04 AM
A Dodger win, a Lakers win, just a perfect start to a So Cal weekend.
Posted by: JD | April 02, 2011 at 10:04 AM
Good win. Drew had a difficult first half and Kobe was not at his best. LO was sick and playing at half speed. No Barnes. Lakers are playing a back-to-back after an emotional game and three ejections. They get down by 17.
Yeah, it's a shell of a Jazz team. But the Lakers pulled together with a, what was it, a 32-5 run? Fish held them close. The defense stepped up. Everybody made a few shots. It could have gotten away but it didn't. Back home for Denver.
Posted by: Tom Daniels | April 02, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Any Dodgers/Lakers fan favors Mark Cuban owns the Dodgers instead of McCourt???
Posted by: LakerPeace | April 02, 2011 at 10:07 AM
Phil Jackson on Matt Barnes:
"He's definitely going to have to check that stuff at the door when it comes to the playoffs," Jackson said. "You don't want to play short-handed in the playoffs. Third-partying is not a way to step things in the right direction."
This is what I have been saying, though of course PJ said it better. It has to be about winning games, not about standing up for teammates. As soon as you get involved in this stuff, you are the mercy of the NBA .
Posted by: Tom Daniels | April 02, 2011 at 10:08 AM
What a difference a fraction of a second can make. Remember the game against the Spurs on Feb. 3? The Lakers had come from behind to lead 88-87. With two seconds left, Duncan hoisted a jump shot. It bounced around the rim, the Lakers forgot to box out, and, with a tenth-of-a-second left, McDyess tipped in the ball, giving San Antonio an 89-88 victory.
Had that shot gone in but a tenth-of-a-second later (or if the Lakers HAD boxed out), the Spurs’ record today would be 56 & 20 . . . and the Lakers’ record would be 56 & 19, a half-game ahead in first place.
Posted by: Allnet | April 02, 2011 at 10:10 AM
Barnes and Blake will be very HUNGRY when the playoffs begins. These veterans know they will have the best opportunities to win their FIRST rings!!!!!!
Posted by: LakerPeace | April 02, 2011 at 10:13 AM
LakerPeace - ANYTHING is better than McCourt... but that being said, Cuban's like trading Beelzebub for Mephistopheles. Isn't there SOMEONE who's actually a good owner who could take the Dodgers?
Posted by: 63 Footer | April 02, 2011 at 10:14 AM
63 Footer,
You got a point! LOL
Go Dodgers!!
Posted by: LakerPeace | April 02, 2011 at 10:16 AM
From RealGM.com
Former Detroit Pistons Dennis Rodman has been elected into the Basketball Hall of Fame, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
The official announcement will be made Monday at the Final Four in Houston.
====
It's about time.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | April 02, 2011 at 09:57 AM
-------------------
I agree. Great defender and even better rebounder. I guess I'll forgive him for that stunt on the Lakers in 99. And since the Worm's game was soooo funky......
Ohio Players - Funky Worm (#1 R&B 1973...brilliance of Junie Morrison)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrOnHOpgNng&feature=related
Posted by: LRob | April 02, 2011 at 10:33 AM
Re: McCourt:
Let's see? Hmmm, Ahmdenijad and Assad are kinda busy, can't rely on Kadaffy, and Saddam didn't hang around, so how about Fidel Castro? He's just perfect, and he loves good baseball and good Cuban food and helping the working man. So, give me a World Series winner, delicious pressed Cuban sandwiches and Dodger Dogs, and overthrow the vile McCourt Regime. Sorry, must be the weed...
Posted by: JD | April 02, 2011 at 10:40 AM
McCourt did his best - a businessman from the East Coast and you get what you get from that. He is hardly a devil, just not what we want or need.
Lakes killing - keep rolling.
Someone doesn't want Mamba24 back? Kidding me? It's his blog.
Posted by: Otis | April 02, 2011 at 11:08 AM
I wish the Miller Family would seriously contemplate selling the Jazz....I so tired of being embarrassed...maybe if they even just change the team name, like, perhaps...the LOZERZZ ?
Posted by: Jim Platt | April 02, 2011 at 11:21 AM
>>>I believe the tie breaker between the different conferences is based on the
>>>record against the "other" conferences.
Okay, maybe. can you give us a link to something that states that?
Is it posted somewhere on NBA.com?
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | April 02, 2011 at 12:05 PM
LongtimeLakerFan,
I really dont recall exactly where I read it, but I think it was from one of the ESPN NBA analyst twitters.
Posted by: LakerPeace | April 02, 2011 at 01:08 PM
Rodman - Great Defender, better Rebounder?
While Rodman was an amazing rebounder - he was also the beneficiary of a defense designed for him to be the primary rebounder while the bigs slugged it out underneath for position. Not taking a thing away from his rebounding prowess - anyone who gets 15 - 18 rebounds a night, has it going on the boards.
What I would say however, and I believe this gets lost in the publicity Rodman received for rebounding with the Bulls...... Rodman may be the single greatest defensive player - ever. See his time with the Pistons.
Course I put Coop up there - but give Rodman the nod, because he was a more versatile defender. I've seen him shut down Patrick Ewing in the post and take Magic out of his game turning him into a back the ball up the court player.
Rodman was an effective defender at all positions and could change any game taking the oppositions best player out of his game. Rodman's athletic ability (in his prime the fastest player in the league), combination of speed, quickness, strength, plus his size and unique defensive skills made him a fearsome defender.
Posted by: dkwsfo | April 02, 2011 at 01:16 PM
I found one from OC Register website:
http://lakers.ocregister.com/2011/03/23/lakers-own-tiebreaker-vs-celtics-likely-not-bulls/51343/
Here's an article from Mar. 23
"The Bulls (51-19) are a half-game ahead of the Celtics (50-19) and Lakers (51-20). Because the Lakers split the regular-season series with both Chicago and Boston, the next tiebreaker for NBA Finals home-court advantage is each team’s record against the opposing conference."
Posted by: LakerPeace | April 02, 2011 at 01:20 PM
Sunday's game against Denver would have been really intriguing if Bynum had been traded to Denver for Melo...Bynum vs Gasol. Who would you like on that match up??
Posted by: LakerPeace | April 02, 2011 at 10:04 AM
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In an NBA game, Drew takes it. I think he'd put Gasol in foul trouble. Gasol would probably do more damage points wise but Gasol would be limited because of the fouls.
Posted by: alekesam | April 02, 2011 at 03:31 PM