Lakers - The Evil Empire (2006-07 Season)
by ShivaSquad on Wed Jan 12, 2005 4:31 am
that brought a tear to my eye.... lol well said well said
Posts keep posters happy. Happy posters mean good posts. 
-
ShivaSquad - Posts: 566
- Joined: Wed Sep 08, 2004 1:36 pm
by selwyth on Sat Jan 15, 2005 1:24 pm
Lakers Mid-season Analysis
3/23/2006 - The trade deadline is past, and what you see on the current Lakers team is what you have got for the rest of the season. Is it good enough to repeat last year's phenomenal success? Will this finally be the season that fans all over the world can refer to as the start of yet another Lakers dynasty?
What can be confirmed though, at this point, is that the Lakers are locked into the post-season. With just 5 games to go in the regular season and the Lakers sitting pretty on a 17-7 record, there is no doubt that the Lakers will be looking to mount yet another run in May and hopefully June. The question, though, is where they will be found on the playoff tree.
In last year's championship run, the Sacramento Kings ran away with the Pacific Division crown, and the result was that the Lakers, seeded 4th in the playoff bracket, barely got out of a first-round meeting with the San Antonio Spurs. They required a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Kobe Bryant to send a penultimate Game 3 into overtime, before barely outlasting the Spurs. The importance of winning the Pacific Division and attaining home-court advantage is firmly established in the Lakers' locker room. Players and management know that it is a key ingredient to a championship repeat.
That is why the Lakers' next match, tomorrow at Arco Arena against the 13-6 Sacramento Kings, is vital to the success of this season. It is extremely likely that the winner of the match will win the division. For the Lakers, the Kings also represent the last challenging opponent for them to match up against and spar with before the real deal, the playoffs, arrive. The Lakers play Indiana, Chicago, Toronto and Cleveland to round off the season.
Does this Laker squad have the goods to beat Sacramento and go all the way once again? A look at the players:
Chris Kaman - Acquired from the Clippers mid-season for Luke Walton, "The Big White Dope", as GM Selwyth dubs him, has put up tremendous scoring, rebounding and blocking numbers, providing an inside presence that had been sorely lacking since somebody left town. His pet trick, a hook shot near the top of the key, is virtually impossible to defend, providing another scoring outlet for the Lakers. He does, however, have 5-point, 5-rebound nights, and those have to be weeded out if he is to help the Lakers to another championship and become an essential, permanent member of the team. His proneness to injury might also come back to haunt the Lakers.
Kaman wore a protective eyepiece to protect his broken nose for a few games.
Lamar Odom - Odom regularly ranks among the top 15 in points scored this season, and this increased output has tremendously lifted the Lakers. Despite being out-muscled at the power forward position, he has his own unique bag of tricks, and is a handful to defend on the offensive end. He has been finding the net with improved consistency, and keeps moving defensively to compensate for his weaknesses against the big men of the west. His continued improvement is key to the Lakers' championship hopes.
Devean George - His stats have slipped, but George is still an integral part of the team. He runs well in the open court, and, surprisingly, is the Lakers' top threat at the 3-point arc this season. His penchant for knocking down the open 3 has proved crucial in games. Almost no plays are called for George. He simply lies low, and chips in a point here, a rebound there, and the unlooked-for nifty pass, doing the little things required to keep the team afloat. His new 5-year contract attests to that.
Kobe Bryant - Bryant is better than last year, and that is a scary fact to swallow for other teams. His scoring and passing have both improved, none more so evidenced than his 41-point, 13-assist, 90%-shooting outing against the New Orleans Hornets 2 weeks ago. He remains spectacular on the fast break and drives down the lane, and is increasingly capable of shooting over defenders. Recently, he appears to also have re-found his 3-point shooting touch, and that can only spell doom for his defenders.
Bryant rejects 6'11" Kevin Garnett.
TJ Ford - Ford's assist numbers have fallen dramatically this season, and he rarely takes more than 5 shots a game. The former can be explained by Bryant's increased ballhandling. As for the latter, quality matters more than quantity for Ford. He usually only goes up for the uncontested lay-ups on the fast break, and thus is among the league leaders in field-goal percentage with 58.3%, remarkable for a guard. Ford is pesky on defense, also ranking highly in steals, and generates many fast-break opportunities. A successful season, however, relies on Ford playing a larger role in the team, especially with the emergence of rookie back-up Cordell Bowie.
Brian Cook - Undeniably, the most improved player on the Lakers this year is Cook. His ability to bag long jumpers and grab rebounds has given the Lakers what they sorely lacked last season: a sixth man. He is often the go-to man when Bryant and Odom are on the bench, and, like Odom, he brings versatility to the power forward position. He does, however, have to improve his shooting percentage, which lingers in the mid 40s, by improving his post plays and scoring inside. He has to prove there is more to him than just a streaky shooter.
Cook channels Kevin Garnett with the shoulder shake and spin toward the baseline.
Brian Grant - Curiously, Grant has only started one game for the Lakers. When Kaman is hurt, Mihm is usually activated from the inactive list to start, almost always leaving Grant on the bench no matter the situation. Coach Rudy Tomjanovich explains, "Grant is a little under-sized for a starter." GM Selwyth further elaborates, "We don't want other teams to look at the shorty who's starting for us and get all pumped up about it." Whatever the case, Grant excels from the bench, pulling boards, scoring in the post, and bringing lots of hustle to the team.
Jumaine Jones - Was given the mandate to step up after the Luke Walton trade made him the main backup small forward. Jones was quiet in the role initially, but recent improvements forebode well. He is athletic and has a good outside shot, but don't be surprised if the Lakers shop around in the summer for a small forward, arguably their weakest position at the moment.
Cordell Bowie - Bowie has shown great promise and potential in his rookie season. Drafted late in the 2nd round by the Lakers, he is increasingly proving to be a steal in the 2005 draft with his tangible contributions to the team. He has worked his way up from the reserves to first-choice backup combo guard, and is an important part of the Laker offense with his quickness off the dribble, successful forays into the paint and accurate passes. His outside shot remains suspect, but he has compensated for it by driving to the hoop and running the open court. As a result, he makes over 60% of his shots, an impressive feat for a rookie guard. If he can improve his jump shot, the future for the Lakers looks bright.
Bowie rejects Paul Pierce.
Bowie makes a difficult shot under the vigilance of Andrei Kirilenko.
Kareem Rush - His disagreements with Laker management from last season appear to have carried over. Rush barely played in the Lakers' games before the All-Star break, and has only recently been reworked into the rotation. "He thinks he's Kobe, but he's not. He plays behind Kobe," grumbles Selwyth. Rush's shooting has been extremely erratic, but his passing has improved. Nevertheless, it is a surprise that he is still wearing a Laker jersey after the trade deadline. But with his contract expiring at the end of the season, don't be surprised to see no love lost between him and the team.
Mitch Dickerson - The Lakers' first-round draft pick in the 1st round, Dickerson's average performance so far might not look so bad if he had not been completely overshadowed by Bowie. Dickerson has had a hard time fighting his way into the rotation, with Odom and Cook providing depth at the power forward position. In his limited minutes, though, he has shown good timing when blocking shots, and has the ability to tear up the boards. His 215lb frame is a problem though, especially considering how Odom and Cook are also undersized. There is very little that he can bring that the other 2 forwards do not already do on a daily basis.
Chucky Atkins - Atkins' second season as a Laker is, at best, a disappointment. Crowned 3-point Shootout Champion last year, he has experienced a complete reversal in his fortunes, failing to make a single 3-pointer this season. Brought in as a starter last season, and gradually relegated to the bench, he is now the 3rd-stringer, and his value continues to plummet. With his contract up by the end of the season and the Lakers' trio of young point guards ready to take over the future, the ageing journeyman might find himself on another team again come next season.
Chris Mihm - The spotlight was on Mihm at the start of the season to rise up to the occasion and fill the void at starting center left by Vlade Divac's retirement. And he did, averaging career highs in blocks and rebounds, but just as he was approaching the peak of his form, in came Chris Kaman, and Mihm did not even manage to find a place on the bench. He has played in only two games since Kaman's arrival, starting both when Kaman was out with a broken nose, and just as abruptly, inexplicably returned to the reserve list. "Mihm is a starter, not a bench player. He just plays different off the bench," explains coach Rudy Tomjanovich. Selwyth draws an analogy, "It's like those crap baseball starters. You still use them as starters anyway when all your other starters need rest, and don't stick them in the bullpen. A bullpen is a bullpen; a bench is a bench. Mihm is our very own Derek Lowe. Not that I want to be associated with Podesta's crap Dodgers. We're the only L.A. team right now that gives the L.A. people what they want: wins."
Slava Medvedenko - It is hard to be a power forward in the West these days, especially on the Lakers. The Ukranian is into his contract year, but has not played in a single game due to the depth at the position. Medvedenko has not had an opportunity to show why he should stay with the Lakers, and appears headed out of the organization. Tomjanovich, however, promises that "Slava will play" in the last few games to try and impress management should the Lakers sew up the Pacific Division title early.
Damian Beranek - The rookie acquired from free-agency has not played a single game either. Laker management has maintained all along that Beranek was signed with the Lakers' long-term success in mind. Time will tell.
3/23/2006 - The trade deadline is past, and what you see on the current Lakers team is what you have got for the rest of the season. Is it good enough to repeat last year's phenomenal success? Will this finally be the season that fans all over the world can refer to as the start of yet another Lakers dynasty?
What can be confirmed though, at this point, is that the Lakers are locked into the post-season. With just 5 games to go in the regular season and the Lakers sitting pretty on a 17-7 record, there is no doubt that the Lakers will be looking to mount yet another run in May and hopefully June. The question, though, is where they will be found on the playoff tree.
In last year's championship run, the Sacramento Kings ran away with the Pacific Division crown, and the result was that the Lakers, seeded 4th in the playoff bracket, barely got out of a first-round meeting with the San Antonio Spurs. They required a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Kobe Bryant to send a penultimate Game 3 into overtime, before barely outlasting the Spurs. The importance of winning the Pacific Division and attaining home-court advantage is firmly established in the Lakers' locker room. Players and management know that it is a key ingredient to a championship repeat.
That is why the Lakers' next match, tomorrow at Arco Arena against the 13-6 Sacramento Kings, is vital to the success of this season. It is extremely likely that the winner of the match will win the division. For the Lakers, the Kings also represent the last challenging opponent for them to match up against and spar with before the real deal, the playoffs, arrive. The Lakers play Indiana, Chicago, Toronto and Cleveland to round off the season.
Does this Laker squad have the goods to beat Sacramento and go all the way once again? A look at the players:
Chris Kaman - Acquired from the Clippers mid-season for Luke Walton, "The Big White Dope", as GM Selwyth dubs him, has put up tremendous scoring, rebounding and blocking numbers, providing an inside presence that had been sorely lacking since somebody left town. His pet trick, a hook shot near the top of the key, is virtually impossible to defend, providing another scoring outlet for the Lakers. He does, however, have 5-point, 5-rebound nights, and those have to be weeded out if he is to help the Lakers to another championship and become an essential, permanent member of the team. His proneness to injury might also come back to haunt the Lakers.
Kaman wore a protective eyepiece to protect his broken nose for a few games.
Lamar Odom - Odom regularly ranks among the top 15 in points scored this season, and this increased output has tremendously lifted the Lakers. Despite being out-muscled at the power forward position, he has his own unique bag of tricks, and is a handful to defend on the offensive end. He has been finding the net with improved consistency, and keeps moving defensively to compensate for his weaknesses against the big men of the west. His continued improvement is key to the Lakers' championship hopes.
Devean George - His stats have slipped, but George is still an integral part of the team. He runs well in the open court, and, surprisingly, is the Lakers' top threat at the 3-point arc this season. His penchant for knocking down the open 3 has proved crucial in games. Almost no plays are called for George. He simply lies low, and chips in a point here, a rebound there, and the unlooked-for nifty pass, doing the little things required to keep the team afloat. His new 5-year contract attests to that.
Kobe Bryant - Bryant is better than last year, and that is a scary fact to swallow for other teams. His scoring and passing have both improved, none more so evidenced than his 41-point, 13-assist, 90%-shooting outing against the New Orleans Hornets 2 weeks ago. He remains spectacular on the fast break and drives down the lane, and is increasingly capable of shooting over defenders. Recently, he appears to also have re-found his 3-point shooting touch, and that can only spell doom for his defenders.
Bryant rejects 6'11" Kevin Garnett.
TJ Ford - Ford's assist numbers have fallen dramatically this season, and he rarely takes more than 5 shots a game. The former can be explained by Bryant's increased ballhandling. As for the latter, quality matters more than quantity for Ford. He usually only goes up for the uncontested lay-ups on the fast break, and thus is among the league leaders in field-goal percentage with 58.3%, remarkable for a guard. Ford is pesky on defense, also ranking highly in steals, and generates many fast-break opportunities. A successful season, however, relies on Ford playing a larger role in the team, especially with the emergence of rookie back-up Cordell Bowie.
Brian Cook - Undeniably, the most improved player on the Lakers this year is Cook. His ability to bag long jumpers and grab rebounds has given the Lakers what they sorely lacked last season: a sixth man. He is often the go-to man when Bryant and Odom are on the bench, and, like Odom, he brings versatility to the power forward position. He does, however, have to improve his shooting percentage, which lingers in the mid 40s, by improving his post plays and scoring inside. He has to prove there is more to him than just a streaky shooter.
Cook channels Kevin Garnett with the shoulder shake and spin toward the baseline.
Brian Grant - Curiously, Grant has only started one game for the Lakers. When Kaman is hurt, Mihm is usually activated from the inactive list to start, almost always leaving Grant on the bench no matter the situation. Coach Rudy Tomjanovich explains, "Grant is a little under-sized for a starter." GM Selwyth further elaborates, "We don't want other teams to look at the shorty who's starting for us and get all pumped up about it." Whatever the case, Grant excels from the bench, pulling boards, scoring in the post, and bringing lots of hustle to the team.
Jumaine Jones - Was given the mandate to step up after the Luke Walton trade made him the main backup small forward. Jones was quiet in the role initially, but recent improvements forebode well. He is athletic and has a good outside shot, but don't be surprised if the Lakers shop around in the summer for a small forward, arguably their weakest position at the moment.
Cordell Bowie - Bowie has shown great promise and potential in his rookie season. Drafted late in the 2nd round by the Lakers, he is increasingly proving to be a steal in the 2005 draft with his tangible contributions to the team. He has worked his way up from the reserves to first-choice backup combo guard, and is an important part of the Laker offense with his quickness off the dribble, successful forays into the paint and accurate passes. His outside shot remains suspect, but he has compensated for it by driving to the hoop and running the open court. As a result, he makes over 60% of his shots, an impressive feat for a rookie guard. If he can improve his jump shot, the future for the Lakers looks bright.
Bowie rejects Paul Pierce.
Bowie makes a difficult shot under the vigilance of Andrei Kirilenko.
Kareem Rush - His disagreements with Laker management from last season appear to have carried over. Rush barely played in the Lakers' games before the All-Star break, and has only recently been reworked into the rotation. "He thinks he's Kobe, but he's not. He plays behind Kobe," grumbles Selwyth. Rush's shooting has been extremely erratic, but his passing has improved. Nevertheless, it is a surprise that he is still wearing a Laker jersey after the trade deadline. But with his contract expiring at the end of the season, don't be surprised to see no love lost between him and the team.
Mitch Dickerson - The Lakers' first-round draft pick in the 1st round, Dickerson's average performance so far might not look so bad if he had not been completely overshadowed by Bowie. Dickerson has had a hard time fighting his way into the rotation, with Odom and Cook providing depth at the power forward position. In his limited minutes, though, he has shown good timing when blocking shots, and has the ability to tear up the boards. His 215lb frame is a problem though, especially considering how Odom and Cook are also undersized. There is very little that he can bring that the other 2 forwards do not already do on a daily basis.
Chucky Atkins - Atkins' second season as a Laker is, at best, a disappointment. Crowned 3-point Shootout Champion last year, he has experienced a complete reversal in his fortunes, failing to make a single 3-pointer this season. Brought in as a starter last season, and gradually relegated to the bench, he is now the 3rd-stringer, and his value continues to plummet. With his contract up by the end of the season and the Lakers' trio of young point guards ready to take over the future, the ageing journeyman might find himself on another team again come next season.
Chris Mihm - The spotlight was on Mihm at the start of the season to rise up to the occasion and fill the void at starting center left by Vlade Divac's retirement. And he did, averaging career highs in blocks and rebounds, but just as he was approaching the peak of his form, in came Chris Kaman, and Mihm did not even manage to find a place on the bench. He has played in only two games since Kaman's arrival, starting both when Kaman was out with a broken nose, and just as abruptly, inexplicably returned to the reserve list. "Mihm is a starter, not a bench player. He just plays different off the bench," explains coach Rudy Tomjanovich. Selwyth draws an analogy, "It's like those crap baseball starters. You still use them as starters anyway when all your other starters need rest, and don't stick them in the bullpen. A bullpen is a bullpen; a bench is a bench. Mihm is our very own Derek Lowe. Not that I want to be associated with Podesta's crap Dodgers. We're the only L.A. team right now that gives the L.A. people what they want: wins."
Slava Medvedenko - It is hard to be a power forward in the West these days, especially on the Lakers. The Ukranian is into his contract year, but has not played in a single game due to the depth at the position. Medvedenko has not had an opportunity to show why he should stay with the Lakers, and appears headed out of the organization. Tomjanovich, however, promises that "Slava will play" in the last few games to try and impress management should the Lakers sew up the Pacific Division title early.
Damian Beranek - The rookie acquired from free-agency has not played a single game either. Laker management has maintained all along that Beranek was signed with the Lakers' long-term success in mind. Time will tell.
- selwyth
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2004 4:12 pm
- Location: CA
by kibaxx7 on Sat Jan 15, 2005 2:17 pm
Good analysis 
Keep it up!!!
(Waiting for the playoffs)
Keep it up!!!
(Waiting for the playoffs)
× Watched: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025), Deadly Circuit (1983), For Sama (2019) ×
-
kibaxx7 - キバレンジャー
- Posts: 12673
- Joined: Fri Oct 08, 2004 11:34 am
- Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
by selwyth on Sun Jan 16, 2005 7:36 pm
Sorry, but I have been experiencing some serious Internet connection problems of late. I am already way into the playoffs, but have been unable to keep pace with the updates due to the problems. A quick recap on what else happened in the regular-season:
@ L.A. Clippers, 116-98, W
- Kaman scores 20+ points and pulls 10+ rebounds.
@ Sacramento, 103-100, W
- Very close game. Ford comes up huge in the clutch, making a driving layup, and retrieving a loose ball after Bryant was stripped by a double-team.
vs Indiana, 94-106, W
@ Chicago, 111-108, W
- Close game. Ben Gordon scored 33. Heavily outrebounded.
vs Toronto, 75-94, W
- Simmed, as I didn't feel like playing Carter-era Toronto.
vs Cleveland, 87-90, W
- LeBron shot 10/29.
@ L.A. Clippers, 116-98, W
- Kaman scores 20+ points and pulls 10+ rebounds.
@ Sacramento, 103-100, W
- Very close game. Ford comes up huge in the clutch, making a driving layup, and retrieving a loose ball after Bryant was stripped by a double-team.
vs Indiana, 94-106, W
@ Chicago, 111-108, W
- Close game. Ben Gordon scored 33. Heavily outrebounded.
vs Toronto, 75-94, W
- Simmed, as I didn't feel like playing Carter-era Toronto.
vs Cleveland, 87-90, W
- LeBron shot 10/29.
- selwyth
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2004 4:12 pm
- Location: CA
by selwyth on Sun Jan 16, 2005 7:37 pm
Playoffs Round 1 Game 1
Sonics 84
Lakers 98
Stifling Defense Slows Down the Sonics
It was a game of two halves that ended in the Lakers' favor. The Lakers started on a wrong note, but rallied to catch the fast-paced Sonics and ground their running game in the second half, en route to an important victory in Game 1 of the playoff series. The victory looked easy in the end, but was all but.
"I wasn't feeling it at first, so nobody felt it," Kobe Bryant noted. "But I felt it later, so everybody woke up and felt it."
The Sonics started well, taking a 32-26 lead at the end of the 1st quarter, with Nick Collison making a desperate half-court 3-pointer at the buzzer to decimate the Lakers.
"They can jack up threes however they want," said Lamar Odom. "But in the end, they're just gonna make one like that once in a while. I know that. I learned probability in high school. Really."
The Sonics carried a 55-47 lead into the half, despite a stretch in which they missed 10 shots in a row. Bryant looked out of it, scoring only 6 points by the half and missing nearly all of his shots, including all 6 of his 3-pointers. He would eventually wind up with 41.7% shooting from the field, including 1 for 9 from three-point territory.
Other players stepped up, however. Chris Kaman scored 18 points and grabbed 17 rebounds, Odom posted 17 and 13, and Devean George scored 18. Midway in the 3rd quarter, rookie Cordell Bowie passed to Bryant for an emphatic dunk that gave the Lakers' their first lead of the game at 68-66, and after Bowie racked up another assist, this time to George for an open 3, for a 71-68 lead, the Sonics looked out of it. The Lakers never lost the lead.
The Sonics only managed to hit 37% of their shots in the second half, scoring 13 points in the 3rd quarter and 16 in the 4th.
"Defense won it for us," observed a beaming Tomjanovich. "We prevented them from running away with the lead while Kobe and the other players searched for their offensive touch, and once they got going, we ran away with it."
Rashard Lewis and Ray Allen both led the Sonics with 20 points apiece. Allen was particularly disappointed with the loss.
"It was really ours for the taking," he said. "We'll level the series in Seattle though. You guys all saw how I shut Kobe down tonight for an entire half. I can outplay him easily, and don't understand all this hype surrounding him. He's too selfish, and doesn't have the skills to back it up."
Sonics 84
Lakers 98
Stifling Defense Slows Down the Sonics
It was a game of two halves that ended in the Lakers' favor. The Lakers started on a wrong note, but rallied to catch the fast-paced Sonics and ground their running game in the second half, en route to an important victory in Game 1 of the playoff series. The victory looked easy in the end, but was all but.
"I wasn't feeling it at first, so nobody felt it," Kobe Bryant noted. "But I felt it later, so everybody woke up and felt it."
The Sonics started well, taking a 32-26 lead at the end of the 1st quarter, with Nick Collison making a desperate half-court 3-pointer at the buzzer to decimate the Lakers.
"They can jack up threes however they want," said Lamar Odom. "But in the end, they're just gonna make one like that once in a while. I know that. I learned probability in high school. Really."
The Sonics carried a 55-47 lead into the half, despite a stretch in which they missed 10 shots in a row. Bryant looked out of it, scoring only 6 points by the half and missing nearly all of his shots, including all 6 of his 3-pointers. He would eventually wind up with 41.7% shooting from the field, including 1 for 9 from three-point territory.
Other players stepped up, however. Chris Kaman scored 18 points and grabbed 17 rebounds, Odom posted 17 and 13, and Devean George scored 18. Midway in the 3rd quarter, rookie Cordell Bowie passed to Bryant for an emphatic dunk that gave the Lakers' their first lead of the game at 68-66, and after Bowie racked up another assist, this time to George for an open 3, for a 71-68 lead, the Sonics looked out of it. The Lakers never lost the lead.
The Sonics only managed to hit 37% of their shots in the second half, scoring 13 points in the 3rd quarter and 16 in the 4th.
"Defense won it for us," observed a beaming Tomjanovich. "We prevented them from running away with the lead while Kobe and the other players searched for their offensive touch, and once they got going, we ran away with it."
Rashard Lewis and Ray Allen both led the Sonics with 20 points apiece. Allen was particularly disappointed with the loss.
"It was really ours for the taking," he said. "We'll level the series in Seattle though. You guys all saw how I shut Kobe down tonight for an entire half. I can outplay him easily, and don't understand all this hype surrounding him. He's too selfish, and doesn't have the skills to back it up."
- selwyth
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2004 4:12 pm
- Location: CA
by selwyth on Sun Jan 16, 2005 7:38 pm
Playoffs Round 1 Game 2
Lakers 89
Sonics 107
Sonics Level Series
Rashard Lewis led the Sonics with 38 points, and Ray Allen scored 27 while subduing Kobe Bryant offensively, as the Seattle Supersonics blew the Lakers away at home, levelling the series at 1-1. The penultimate Game 3 will be played in two days in Los Angeles.
The Sonics led from start to finish, and unlike in the previous game, the Lakers never managed to slow their offensive prowess. They led 30-17 after the 1st quarter, 51-35 at the half and 81-64 by the third-quarter intermission.
"We are better than the Lakers," said Sonics coach Nate McMilan with confidence. "We are too much for the Lakers to handle at the moment, and we can definitely go back to Staples Center and pick up a deciding win there."
Kobe Bryant had a miserable night, scoring 21 points but shooting just 32% from the field.
"I told you I have his number," said Allen, who had insinuated that he was better than Bryant and that Bryant was "selfish" a few days ago. "I totally outplayed him, and with the one-dimensional Lakers, all you need to do is destroy Kobe, and they fall apart. And on this night, I butchered him."
There appears to be no doubt as to who has the upper hand in the series now.
"He's [Kobe] afraid of me," Allen said simply. "For the first time in a year, the Lakers know fear, and it is me."
Bryant, however, scoffed at Allen's taunts.
"I'm just a little off at the moment," Bryant said. "Everybody has those, just that I have them like once every 2 years. Ray has them like once every 2 games. And I believe me: in front of the thousands at Staples Center, I will exploit his weaknesses. The Sonics better drink more Starbucks, 'cause we're about to put them to sleep forever."
Chris Kaman had 16 points and 16 rebounds for the Lakers, Lamar Odom had 22 points and 10 rebounds, and TJ Ford had a season-high 15 points and 5 assists.
Lakers 89
Sonics 107
Sonics Level Series
Rashard Lewis led the Sonics with 38 points, and Ray Allen scored 27 while subduing Kobe Bryant offensively, as the Seattle Supersonics blew the Lakers away at home, levelling the series at 1-1. The penultimate Game 3 will be played in two days in Los Angeles.
The Sonics led from start to finish, and unlike in the previous game, the Lakers never managed to slow their offensive prowess. They led 30-17 after the 1st quarter, 51-35 at the half and 81-64 by the third-quarter intermission.
"We are better than the Lakers," said Sonics coach Nate McMilan with confidence. "We are too much for the Lakers to handle at the moment, and we can definitely go back to Staples Center and pick up a deciding win there."
Kobe Bryant had a miserable night, scoring 21 points but shooting just 32% from the field.
"I told you I have his number," said Allen, who had insinuated that he was better than Bryant and that Bryant was "selfish" a few days ago. "I totally outplayed him, and with the one-dimensional Lakers, all you need to do is destroy Kobe, and they fall apart. And on this night, I butchered him."
There appears to be no doubt as to who has the upper hand in the series now.
"He's [Kobe] afraid of me," Allen said simply. "For the first time in a year, the Lakers know fear, and it is me."
Bryant, however, scoffed at Allen's taunts.
"I'm just a little off at the moment," Bryant said. "Everybody has those, just that I have them like once every 2 years. Ray has them like once every 2 games. And I believe me: in front of the thousands at Staples Center, I will exploit his weaknesses. The Sonics better drink more Starbucks, 'cause we're about to put them to sleep forever."
Chris Kaman had 16 points and 16 rebounds for the Lakers, Lamar Odom had 22 points and 10 rebounds, and TJ Ford had a season-high 15 points and 5 assists.
- selwyth
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2004 4:12 pm
- Location: CA
by selwyth on Sun Jan 16, 2005 7:40 pm
Playoffs Round 1 Game 3
Sonics 107
Lakers 118
Shootout Leaves Seattle Dead
Kobe Bryant could barely contain Ray Allen's hot shooting, but that proved immaterial in the end. The Lakers found an answer to Seattle's blistering offense: going basket for basket against the Sonics. In the end, the Lakers shot an impressive 64.6% from the field, compared to the Sonics' 56.2%, en route to booking their place in the Conference semi-finals.
Bryant, for the third game in a row, failed to outplay Allen, who scored 38 points on 70% shooting. He contributed, however, scoring 27 points to lead the Lakers and dishing out 6 assists.
"And Ray calls me selfish?" Bryant demanded during a post-game interview. "Look at him: he drops 38 and his team still loses. Ballhog? Hello? He was just being himself: rayfish and ray-ped by my team."
The Lakers, once again, started out slow, trailing 30-31 at the end of the 1st quarter, and falling as far as 14 points behind during the 2nd quarter. A strong 8-0 run to close out the half did much to cut the deficit to 56-60 and bring the Lakers back into contention. At the start of the second half, the Lakers' strong play continued, with a Bryant dunk putting the Lakers up 64-62, as they led through most of the 3rd quarter. But the Sonics recovered and took an 82-81 lead into the final period.
Then started yet another of those vaunted Laker 4th quarters when the team takes complete control of the game. Once TJ Ford, who posted 15 points and 5 assists, made a breakaway lay-up, then passed to Devean George on the next possession for a huge 3-pointer to open up a 9-point lead, the Lakers cruised to victory.
Chris Kaman had yet another outstanding game, recording 20 points and 14 rebounds for his third consecutive double-double in as many games in the postseason. Odom also just missed out on that distinction, scoring 17 and pulling down 9. Kaman and Odom's efforts on the boards were crucial as the Lakers heavily out-rebounded the Sonics in all 3 games, helping trigger their running game.
But the difference came from an unexpected place: the Laker bench. Sixth men Brian Cook and Brian Grant, ineffective for most of the previous two games, bounced back with devastating outings. Both made all of their shots - Cook was 6 for 6, and Grant was 7 for 7 - and both finished with 14 points each.
"Look at the Sonics; they're strictly an outside team," said GM Selwyth after the match. "We, on the other hand, have outside and inside presence. They get lucky on the outside, we simply go inside with Kaman, Odom, Cook and Grant. That's why we're winning the championship and those pretenders are going home crying."
With the win, the Lakers go on to face the Memphis Grizzlies in their bid for a championship repeat. The Lakers lost their only regular-season meeting, and will be eager to avenge the loss. The Grizzlies had blown the Denver Nuggets out of the playoffs with two easy victories, including a 105-65 win on the road.
"Are we afraid? I cannot lie," said Selwyth. "Of course we aren't. We're the champions, we're the best. We have nothing to prove, and certainly not against Gasol and who-the-hell friends. In fact, I feel sorry that we're going to have to blow them out too before we get another championship. Actually, I'm not, never mind."
Sonics 107
Lakers 118
Shootout Leaves Seattle Dead
Kobe Bryant could barely contain Ray Allen's hot shooting, but that proved immaterial in the end. The Lakers found an answer to Seattle's blistering offense: going basket for basket against the Sonics. In the end, the Lakers shot an impressive 64.6% from the field, compared to the Sonics' 56.2%, en route to booking their place in the Conference semi-finals.
Bryant, for the third game in a row, failed to outplay Allen, who scored 38 points on 70% shooting. He contributed, however, scoring 27 points to lead the Lakers and dishing out 6 assists.
"And Ray calls me selfish?" Bryant demanded during a post-game interview. "Look at him: he drops 38 and his team still loses. Ballhog? Hello? He was just being himself: rayfish and ray-ped by my team."
The Lakers, once again, started out slow, trailing 30-31 at the end of the 1st quarter, and falling as far as 14 points behind during the 2nd quarter. A strong 8-0 run to close out the half did much to cut the deficit to 56-60 and bring the Lakers back into contention. At the start of the second half, the Lakers' strong play continued, with a Bryant dunk putting the Lakers up 64-62, as they led through most of the 3rd quarter. But the Sonics recovered and took an 82-81 lead into the final period.
Then started yet another of those vaunted Laker 4th quarters when the team takes complete control of the game. Once TJ Ford, who posted 15 points and 5 assists, made a breakaway lay-up, then passed to Devean George on the next possession for a huge 3-pointer to open up a 9-point lead, the Lakers cruised to victory.
Chris Kaman had yet another outstanding game, recording 20 points and 14 rebounds for his third consecutive double-double in as many games in the postseason. Odom also just missed out on that distinction, scoring 17 and pulling down 9. Kaman and Odom's efforts on the boards were crucial as the Lakers heavily out-rebounded the Sonics in all 3 games, helping trigger their running game.
But the difference came from an unexpected place: the Laker bench. Sixth men Brian Cook and Brian Grant, ineffective for most of the previous two games, bounced back with devastating outings. Both made all of their shots - Cook was 6 for 6, and Grant was 7 for 7 - and both finished with 14 points each.
"Look at the Sonics; they're strictly an outside team," said GM Selwyth after the match. "We, on the other hand, have outside and inside presence. They get lucky on the outside, we simply go inside with Kaman, Odom, Cook and Grant. That's why we're winning the championship and those pretenders are going home crying."
With the win, the Lakers go on to face the Memphis Grizzlies in their bid for a championship repeat. The Lakers lost their only regular-season meeting, and will be eager to avenge the loss. The Grizzlies had blown the Denver Nuggets out of the playoffs with two easy victories, including a 105-65 win on the road.
"Are we afraid? I cannot lie," said Selwyth. "Of course we aren't. We're the champions, we're the best. We have nothing to prove, and certainly not against Gasol and who-the-hell friends. In fact, I feel sorry that we're going to have to blow them out too before we get another championship. Actually, I'm not, never mind."
- selwyth
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2004 4:12 pm
- Location: CA
by selwyth on Sun Jan 16, 2005 7:40 pm
End-of-season Player Awards Announced; Cook Wins
Brian Cook of the Los Angeles Lakers was awarded the 2006 Sixth Man of the Year trophy last night.
Cook, a 3rd-year forward, has surprised fans this season with his vast improvement. Playing behind Lamar Odom, he comes off the bench to consistently score in double figures, showing a lethal outside touch in his offensive game. His noteworthy performances have made the Lakers look more impressive than last season and added depth to the Lakers' frontcourt.
"Cook might be a headache in the future," noted coach Rudy Tomjanovich. "A pleasant one. We would definitely like to give him a larger part in the rotation, maybe even start a few games. George has not been earning his keep, and has to step his game up to keep his starting position. Both he and Odom will have to look over their backs in the near future."
Right now, however, Cook wants to be play an important role in the playoffs. Two years ago, he was sidelined for most of the season because of an injury and did not get significant minutes in the postseason. Last year, he broke his wrist in the Conference Finals against Sacramento, and was unable to participate in the NBA Finals.
According to GM Selwyth, Cook has already shown himself to be an important part of the team in this playoff run.
"Didn't you see Cook in Game 3? V-Rad was B-Cooked!"
Other player awards:
Most Valuable Player
Kevin Garnett, MIN - After last season's disappointment, in which the Timberwolves missed out on a playoff berth, Garnett raised his game in the summer, and marshalled them behind him once more. His numbers have all picked up, and that has led Minnesota to the best record in the West this season. For his efforts, he picks up his second MVP award.
22.0 ppg, .492 FG%, .389 3P%, .814FT%, 3.1 orpg, 9.6 drpg, 12.6 rpg, 2.48 bpg, 1.69 spg, 4.4 apg
Most Improved Player
Ben Gordon, CHI - Chicago's crop of talented youngsters is on the rise, and it appears that the Bulls have finally rebuilt into something. This season represents the first time the Bulls are playing in May without Jordan on their roster. Though they have already been eliminated, they took a game from the seemingly unstoppable Pistons, and look well-poised to challenge in the future. Gordon has been instrumental in the Bulls' rebirth, leading the team in scoring and greatly improving from his average rookie year. Together with 1st-time All-Star Kirk Hinrich, they form the backcourt of the future.
19.8 ppg, .440 FG%, .353 3P%, .779 FT%, 2.1 orpg, 2.1 drpg, 4.2 rpg, 0.34 bpg, 1.17 spg, 3.6 apg
Defensive Player of the Year
Ben Wallace, DET - The Pistons had a disappointing year last season, scrapping to make the playoffs and getting eliminated in the first round. This year, the Pistons are back with the same defensive intensity that won them the NBA Championship 2 years ago, and Big Ben is as immovable as ever in the paint. His rock-solid defense sees him winning the award a third time, and the statement is clear: the 2004 Pistons are back.
12.1 ppg, .488 FG%, .000 3P%, .486 FT%, 3.9 orpg, 8.1 drpg, 12.0 rpg, 2.45 bpg, 2.00 spg, 1.9 apg
Rookie of the Year
Takashi Mah, CHA - The Bobcats already had Okafor. Now, they have Mah on the wings, and over time, this has the potential to grow into a lethal inside-outside combination. Mah's rookie performance has even overshadowed Okafor's sophomore season, and has shown an increasing ability to perform in the clutch. The Bobcats, impressively, made the playoffs this season, and much of the credit belongs to Mah. With Mah, Okafor and Dalembert to build on in the future, Stoudamire's veteran leadership and lessons learned from a hard-earned playoff berth and subsequent first-round exit, the Bobcats look like a legitimate contender in the near future.
21.0 ppg, .407 FG%, .360 3PG, .762 FT%, 1.5 orpg, 1.9 drpg, 3.4 rpg, 0.64 bpg, 1.50 spg, 5.5 apg
Sixth Man of the Year
Brian Cook, LAL
11.3 ppg, .426 FG%, .368 3P%, .722 FT%, 1.8 orpg, 3.9 drpg, 5.7 rpg, 0.93 bpg, 0.45 spg, 0.8 apg
Brian Cook of the Los Angeles Lakers was awarded the 2006 Sixth Man of the Year trophy last night.
Cook, a 3rd-year forward, has surprised fans this season with his vast improvement. Playing behind Lamar Odom, he comes off the bench to consistently score in double figures, showing a lethal outside touch in his offensive game. His noteworthy performances have made the Lakers look more impressive than last season and added depth to the Lakers' frontcourt.
"Cook might be a headache in the future," noted coach Rudy Tomjanovich. "A pleasant one. We would definitely like to give him a larger part in the rotation, maybe even start a few games. George has not been earning his keep, and has to step his game up to keep his starting position. Both he and Odom will have to look over their backs in the near future."
Right now, however, Cook wants to be play an important role in the playoffs. Two years ago, he was sidelined for most of the season because of an injury and did not get significant minutes in the postseason. Last year, he broke his wrist in the Conference Finals against Sacramento, and was unable to participate in the NBA Finals.
According to GM Selwyth, Cook has already shown himself to be an important part of the team in this playoff run.
"Didn't you see Cook in Game 3? V-Rad was B-Cooked!"
Other player awards:
Most Valuable Player
Kevin Garnett, MIN - After last season's disappointment, in which the Timberwolves missed out on a playoff berth, Garnett raised his game in the summer, and marshalled them behind him once more. His numbers have all picked up, and that has led Minnesota to the best record in the West this season. For his efforts, he picks up his second MVP award.
22.0 ppg, .492 FG%, .389 3P%, .814FT%, 3.1 orpg, 9.6 drpg, 12.6 rpg, 2.48 bpg, 1.69 spg, 4.4 apg
Most Improved Player
Ben Gordon, CHI - Chicago's crop of talented youngsters is on the rise, and it appears that the Bulls have finally rebuilt into something. This season represents the first time the Bulls are playing in May without Jordan on their roster. Though they have already been eliminated, they took a game from the seemingly unstoppable Pistons, and look well-poised to challenge in the future. Gordon has been instrumental in the Bulls' rebirth, leading the team in scoring and greatly improving from his average rookie year. Together with 1st-time All-Star Kirk Hinrich, they form the backcourt of the future.
19.8 ppg, .440 FG%, .353 3P%, .779 FT%, 2.1 orpg, 2.1 drpg, 4.2 rpg, 0.34 bpg, 1.17 spg, 3.6 apg
Defensive Player of the Year
Ben Wallace, DET - The Pistons had a disappointing year last season, scrapping to make the playoffs and getting eliminated in the first round. This year, the Pistons are back with the same defensive intensity that won them the NBA Championship 2 years ago, and Big Ben is as immovable as ever in the paint. His rock-solid defense sees him winning the award a third time, and the statement is clear: the 2004 Pistons are back.
12.1 ppg, .488 FG%, .000 3P%, .486 FT%, 3.9 orpg, 8.1 drpg, 12.0 rpg, 2.45 bpg, 2.00 spg, 1.9 apg
Rookie of the Year
Takashi Mah, CHA - The Bobcats already had Okafor. Now, they have Mah on the wings, and over time, this has the potential to grow into a lethal inside-outside combination. Mah's rookie performance has even overshadowed Okafor's sophomore season, and has shown an increasing ability to perform in the clutch. The Bobcats, impressively, made the playoffs this season, and much of the credit belongs to Mah. With Mah, Okafor and Dalembert to build on in the future, Stoudamire's veteran leadership and lessons learned from a hard-earned playoff berth and subsequent first-round exit, the Bobcats look like a legitimate contender in the near future.
21.0 ppg, .407 FG%, .360 3PG, .762 FT%, 1.5 orpg, 1.9 drpg, 3.4 rpg, 0.64 bpg, 1.50 spg, 5.5 apg
Sixth Man of the Year
Brian Cook, LAL
11.3 ppg, .426 FG%, .368 3P%, .722 FT%, 1.8 orpg, 3.9 drpg, 5.7 rpg, 0.93 bpg, 0.45 spg, 0.8 apg
- selwyth
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2004 4:12 pm
- Location: CA
by selwyth on Sun Jan 16, 2005 7:41 pm
End-of-season Team Awards Announced
Kobe Bryant of the Lakers was named to All-NBA and All-Defensive Team 1 honors once again.
All-NBA Team 1
C Shaquille O'Neal, MIA (23.7 ppg, 2.5 apg, 12.8 rpg, 2.21 bpg, 1.17 spg)
PF Kevin Garnett, MIN (22.0 ppg, 4.4 apg, 12.6 rpg, 2.48 bpg, 1.69 spg)
SF Richard Jefferson, NJ (22.3 ppg, 5.8 apg, 9.1 rpg, 0.86 bpg, 1.29 spg)
SG Kobe Bryant, LAL (27.2 ppg, 6.2 apg, 3.0 rpg, 0.79 bpg, 2.31 spg)
PG Jason Kidd, NJ (21.7 ppg, 7.4 apg, 6.4 rpg, 0.17 bpg, 1.79 spg)
All-NBA Team 2
C Yao Ming, HOU (20.0 ppg, 2.2 apg, 10.4 rpg, 2.17 bpg, 0.48 spg)
PF Tim Duncan, SA (23.5 ppg, 2.6 apg, 13.0 rpg, 1.93 bpg, 1.69 spg)
SF Vince Carter, TOR (19.3 ppg, 4.8 apg, 8.7 rpg, 1.55 bpg, 1.62 spg)
SG Ray Allen, SEA (24.4 ppg, 4.4 apg, 5.1 rpg, 0.45 bpg, 1.86 spg)
PG Allen Iverson, PHI (20.3 ppg, 6.3 apg, 5.1 rpg, 0.31 bpg, 2.10 spg)
All-Defensive Team 1
C Ben Wallace, DET (12.1 ppg, 1.9 apg, 12.0 rpg, 2.45 bpg, 2.00 spg)
PF Kevin Garnett, MIN (22.0 ppg, 4.4 apg, 12.6 rpg, 2.48 bpg, 1.69 spg)
SF Ron Artest, IND (20.1 ppg, 3.2 apg, 7.6 rpg, 1.24 bpg, 2.28 spg)
SG Kobe Bryant, LAL (27.2 ppg, 6.2 apg, 3.0 rpg, 0.79 bpg, 2.31 spg)
PG Dwayne Wade, MIA (17.3 ppg, 5.3 apg, 5.0 rpg, 0.59 bpg, 1.72 spg)
All-Defensive Team 2
C Marcus Camby, DEN (10.9 ppg, 1.8 apg, 9.0 rpg, 1.97 bpg, 1.69 spg)
PF Tim Duncan, SA (23.5 ppg, 2.6 apg, 13.0 rpg, 1.93 bpg, 1.69 spg)
SF Andrei Kirilenko, UTA (16.1 ppg, 3.8 apg, 10.1 rpg, 1.93 bpg, 1.52 spg)
SG Cuttino Mobley, ORL (20.3 ppg, 3.1 apg, 4.0 rpg, 0.72 bpg, 1.72 spg)
PG Allen Iverson, PHI (20.3 ppg, 6.3 apg, 5.1 rpg, 0.31 bpg, 2.10 spg)
All-Rookie Team 1
C Sadiku Choi, LAC (10.4 ppg, 2.3 apg, 9.3 rpg, 1.52 bpg, 0.72 spg)
PF Alex Nelson, GS (15.3 ppg, 2.2 apg, 7.8 rpg, 1.59 bpg, 1.41 spg)
SF Kebu Benjamin, ORL (15.8 ppg, 2.2 apg, 7.6 rpg, 1.76 bpg, 1.31 spg)
SG Kim Wong, PHI (17.7 ppg, 3.4 apg, 4.7 rpg, 0.38 bpg, 1.83 spg)
PG Takashi Mah, CHA (21.0 ppg, 5.5 apg, 3.4 rpg, 0.64 bpg, 1.50 spg)
All-Rookie Team 2
C Peter John Ramos, WAS (9.7 ppg, 2.7 apg, 9.3 rpg, 1.52 bpg, 0.55 spg)
PF Anfernee Mack, NJ (8.6 ppg, 1.9 apg, 7.7 rpg, 1.79 bpg, 1.17 spg)
SF Fred Galan, SEA (4.3 ppg, 1.8 apg, 4.8 rpg, 0.55 bpg, 0.52 spg)
SG Howard Robertsson, DEN (11.5 ppg, 3.2 apg, 3.9 rpg, 1.41 bpg, 0.86 spg)
PG D
Kobe Bryant of the Lakers was named to All-NBA and All-Defensive Team 1 honors once again.
All-NBA Team 1
C Shaquille O'Neal, MIA (23.7 ppg, 2.5 apg, 12.8 rpg, 2.21 bpg, 1.17 spg)
PF Kevin Garnett, MIN (22.0 ppg, 4.4 apg, 12.6 rpg, 2.48 bpg, 1.69 spg)
SF Richard Jefferson, NJ (22.3 ppg, 5.8 apg, 9.1 rpg, 0.86 bpg, 1.29 spg)
SG Kobe Bryant, LAL (27.2 ppg, 6.2 apg, 3.0 rpg, 0.79 bpg, 2.31 spg)
PG Jason Kidd, NJ (21.7 ppg, 7.4 apg, 6.4 rpg, 0.17 bpg, 1.79 spg)
All-NBA Team 2
C Yao Ming, HOU (20.0 ppg, 2.2 apg, 10.4 rpg, 2.17 bpg, 0.48 spg)
PF Tim Duncan, SA (23.5 ppg, 2.6 apg, 13.0 rpg, 1.93 bpg, 1.69 spg)
SF Vince Carter, TOR (19.3 ppg, 4.8 apg, 8.7 rpg, 1.55 bpg, 1.62 spg)
SG Ray Allen, SEA (24.4 ppg, 4.4 apg, 5.1 rpg, 0.45 bpg, 1.86 spg)
PG Allen Iverson, PHI (20.3 ppg, 6.3 apg, 5.1 rpg, 0.31 bpg, 2.10 spg)
All-Defensive Team 1
C Ben Wallace, DET (12.1 ppg, 1.9 apg, 12.0 rpg, 2.45 bpg, 2.00 spg)
PF Kevin Garnett, MIN (22.0 ppg, 4.4 apg, 12.6 rpg, 2.48 bpg, 1.69 spg)
SF Ron Artest, IND (20.1 ppg, 3.2 apg, 7.6 rpg, 1.24 bpg, 2.28 spg)
SG Kobe Bryant, LAL (27.2 ppg, 6.2 apg, 3.0 rpg, 0.79 bpg, 2.31 spg)
PG Dwayne Wade, MIA (17.3 ppg, 5.3 apg, 5.0 rpg, 0.59 bpg, 1.72 spg)
All-Defensive Team 2
C Marcus Camby, DEN (10.9 ppg, 1.8 apg, 9.0 rpg, 1.97 bpg, 1.69 spg)
PF Tim Duncan, SA (23.5 ppg, 2.6 apg, 13.0 rpg, 1.93 bpg, 1.69 spg)
SF Andrei Kirilenko, UTA (16.1 ppg, 3.8 apg, 10.1 rpg, 1.93 bpg, 1.52 spg)
SG Cuttino Mobley, ORL (20.3 ppg, 3.1 apg, 4.0 rpg, 0.72 bpg, 1.72 spg)
PG Allen Iverson, PHI (20.3 ppg, 6.3 apg, 5.1 rpg, 0.31 bpg, 2.10 spg)
All-Rookie Team 1
C Sadiku Choi, LAC (10.4 ppg, 2.3 apg, 9.3 rpg, 1.52 bpg, 0.72 spg)
PF Alex Nelson, GS (15.3 ppg, 2.2 apg, 7.8 rpg, 1.59 bpg, 1.41 spg)
SF Kebu Benjamin, ORL (15.8 ppg, 2.2 apg, 7.6 rpg, 1.76 bpg, 1.31 spg)
SG Kim Wong, PHI (17.7 ppg, 3.4 apg, 4.7 rpg, 0.38 bpg, 1.83 spg)
PG Takashi Mah, CHA (21.0 ppg, 5.5 apg, 3.4 rpg, 0.64 bpg, 1.50 spg)
All-Rookie Team 2
C Peter John Ramos, WAS (9.7 ppg, 2.7 apg, 9.3 rpg, 1.52 bpg, 0.55 spg)
PF Anfernee Mack, NJ (8.6 ppg, 1.9 apg, 7.7 rpg, 1.79 bpg, 1.17 spg)
SF Fred Galan, SEA (4.3 ppg, 1.8 apg, 4.8 rpg, 0.55 bpg, 0.52 spg)
SG Howard Robertsson, DEN (11.5 ppg, 3.2 apg, 3.9 rpg, 1.41 bpg, 0.86 spg)
PG D
- selwyth
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2004 4:12 pm
- Location: CA
by selwyth on Sun Jan 16, 2005 7:41 pm
Western Conference Semi-finals Game 1
Grizzlies 98
Lakers 100
Last-second Shot Seals Win
The Lakers narrowly missed losing homecourt advantage, but drew upon the energy of the home crowd to rally and hold on, right to the last second, before narrowly squeezing out a win against the Memphis Grizzlies to lead the series 1-0.
Trailing 71-74 at the start of the 4th quarter, the Lakers turned to Kobe Bryant, who caught fire. He made his first 4 shots of the period, fuelling a personal 12-3 run that put the Lakers in control. He scored 16 of his 33 points in the 4th quarter. The Grizzlies never went away, however, and came within 2 points in the final minute. Then, guard TJ Ford penetrated into the paint and hit a brick wall in Pau Gasol, who rejected his layup. The ball flew down the court and Jason Williams converted on the fast break to knot the score at 98-98 with less than 40 seconds left to play.
On the ensuing possession, Ford fired off a nifty pass to Devean George in the paint and waited for a likely 10th assist for him in the game. It did not happen, however, as George missed the layup with James Posey bothering the shot. The Grizzlies brought the ball up the court with 15 seconds left in the game, and a chance to win it.
But in came Bryant once more. As Mike Miller handled the ball near the baseline, he lunged and stole the ball, quickly calling a timeout with 4.5 seconds left.
"I knew we were winning it, once I swiped that ball away," Bryant said of the game-turning moment. "I felt it from the crowd."
George inbounded the ball to Bryant, who struggled to find open space as he was immediately double-teamed. In desperation, he managed to get the ball to Lamar Odom on the right of the key, who found a millisecond of daylight. He jumped and fired the clutch shot over Gasol at the buzzer, clinching the win for the Lakers and bringing the home supporters to their feet.
"I showed confidence in Odom to come through," noted Bryant of the game-winning play. "I knew the Grizzlies would try and zero in on me, since I'm always taking those clutch shots, but I figured I'd ham it up and give them something unexpected. But of course, I could have made that shot over the double-team, but I wanted to give the spotlight to Odom for once."
Odom was appreciative of Bryant's assist, his 4th of the game.
"All I can say is: thank you, Kobe," he said during a post-game interview. " All the props go to him. He created the opening, and he gave me the will, the strength in my arm, the extra spring in my wrist to make the shot. Heck, I think he used Jedi mind tricks on the ball and guided it to the hoop or something. He's that good. Don't laugh. Jedis do exist, and Kobe is a Master. Young padawans like me still have much to learn from him."
Odom posted a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Chris Kaman continued his fine play in the postseason, scoring 18 and pulling down 8 boards. The Grizzlies had a much more balanced attack, with 6 players in double figures, but were unable to press their advantage.
"Of course we are disappointed," said Jason Williams. "But the series is not over. We're gonna show them what teamwork is once we get back to FedEx Forum, we'll come back here, and we'll show them that win was a fluke. We have better depth, better plays and a more potent fast break, and they will realize it."
GM Selwyth, on the other hand, is also counting his unhatched eggs.
"You know, I really don't know if we'd rather play the Timberwolves or Kings in the Conference Finals. But we beat them both easily, and...what? Of course I know we're not in the Finals. Yet. It's just a matter of time. It's not official, but we are already preparing our master plans for derailing the Kings and the Wolves."
Grizzlies 98
Lakers 100
Last-second Shot Seals Win
The Lakers narrowly missed losing homecourt advantage, but drew upon the energy of the home crowd to rally and hold on, right to the last second, before narrowly squeezing out a win against the Memphis Grizzlies to lead the series 1-0.
Trailing 71-74 at the start of the 4th quarter, the Lakers turned to Kobe Bryant, who caught fire. He made his first 4 shots of the period, fuelling a personal 12-3 run that put the Lakers in control. He scored 16 of his 33 points in the 4th quarter. The Grizzlies never went away, however, and came within 2 points in the final minute. Then, guard TJ Ford penetrated into the paint and hit a brick wall in Pau Gasol, who rejected his layup. The ball flew down the court and Jason Williams converted on the fast break to knot the score at 98-98 with less than 40 seconds left to play.
On the ensuing possession, Ford fired off a nifty pass to Devean George in the paint and waited for a likely 10th assist for him in the game. It did not happen, however, as George missed the layup with James Posey bothering the shot. The Grizzlies brought the ball up the court with 15 seconds left in the game, and a chance to win it.
But in came Bryant once more. As Mike Miller handled the ball near the baseline, he lunged and stole the ball, quickly calling a timeout with 4.5 seconds left.
"I knew we were winning it, once I swiped that ball away," Bryant said of the game-turning moment. "I felt it from the crowd."
George inbounded the ball to Bryant, who struggled to find open space as he was immediately double-teamed. In desperation, he managed to get the ball to Lamar Odom on the right of the key, who found a millisecond of daylight. He jumped and fired the clutch shot over Gasol at the buzzer, clinching the win for the Lakers and bringing the home supporters to their feet.
"I showed confidence in Odom to come through," noted Bryant of the game-winning play. "I knew the Grizzlies would try and zero in on me, since I'm always taking those clutch shots, but I figured I'd ham it up and give them something unexpected. But of course, I could have made that shot over the double-team, but I wanted to give the spotlight to Odom for once."
Odom was appreciative of Bryant's assist, his 4th of the game.
"All I can say is: thank you, Kobe," he said during a post-game interview. " All the props go to him. He created the opening, and he gave me the will, the strength in my arm, the extra spring in my wrist to make the shot. Heck, I think he used Jedi mind tricks on the ball and guided it to the hoop or something. He's that good. Don't laugh. Jedis do exist, and Kobe is a Master. Young padawans like me still have much to learn from him."
Odom posted a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Chris Kaman continued his fine play in the postseason, scoring 18 and pulling down 8 boards. The Grizzlies had a much more balanced attack, with 6 players in double figures, but were unable to press their advantage.
"Of course we are disappointed," said Jason Williams. "But the series is not over. We're gonna show them what teamwork is once we get back to FedEx Forum, we'll come back here, and we'll show them that win was a fluke. We have better depth, better plays and a more potent fast break, and they will realize it."
GM Selwyth, on the other hand, is also counting his unhatched eggs.
"You know, I really don't know if we'd rather play the Timberwolves or Kings in the Conference Finals. But we beat them both easily, and...what? Of course I know we're not in the Finals. Yet. It's just a matter of time. It's not official, but we are already preparing our master plans for derailing the Kings and the Wolves."
- selwyth
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2004 4:12 pm
- Location: CA
by selwyth on Mon Jan 17, 2005 9:31 am
Western Conference Semi-finals Game 2
Lakers 105
Grizzlies 92
Lakers Oust Grizzlies, Enter Conference Finals
Quality defense once again helped the Lakers shoot down a streaky, running team, as the Lakers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies and moved on to the Conference Finals, their 6th in 7 years and 3rd in a row.
The turning point came in the second quarter, when the Grizzlies were held to only 24% shooting (6 for 25) from the floor. The Lakers outscored the Grizzlies 26-13 in the period to take a 45-36 lead into the halftime break, and never looked in danger of collapse for the rest of the game. The Grizzlies did get within 56-53 midway in the third quarter, but a 14-2 Laker run left the Lakers in cruise control once more.
Lamar Odom scored 28 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Lakers, while opposing number Pau Gasol posted 20 and 9. Kobe Bryant scored 23, Chris Kaman scored 14 and pulled 11 rebounds, and TJ Ford recorded 11 assists. 5 Grizzlies finished in double figures.
“We won because of our versatility,” explained GM Selwyth. “We can run, we can convert on our plays and we can play lockdown defense. All Memphis can do is run, and they ran themselves out of the playoffs. We don’t run like blind mice, and that’s why we’re getting another championship.”
The Lakers suffered a scare when Bryant landed hard on his right foot after going up for a layup with 2:32 left in the fourth quarter. He had rolled his ankle, but further examination showed that it was not serious and should heal by the start of the Conference Finals. The Lakers will play either Minnesota or Sacramento.
Lakers 105
Grizzlies 92
Lakers Oust Grizzlies, Enter Conference Finals
Quality defense once again helped the Lakers shoot down a streaky, running team, as the Lakers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies and moved on to the Conference Finals, their 6th in 7 years and 3rd in a row.
The turning point came in the second quarter, when the Grizzlies were held to only 24% shooting (6 for 25) from the floor. The Lakers outscored the Grizzlies 26-13 in the period to take a 45-36 lead into the halftime break, and never looked in danger of collapse for the rest of the game. The Grizzlies did get within 56-53 midway in the third quarter, but a 14-2 Laker run left the Lakers in cruise control once more.
Lamar Odom scored 28 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Lakers, while opposing number Pau Gasol posted 20 and 9. Kobe Bryant scored 23, Chris Kaman scored 14 and pulled 11 rebounds, and TJ Ford recorded 11 assists. 5 Grizzlies finished in double figures.
“We won because of our versatility,” explained GM Selwyth. “We can run, we can convert on our plays and we can play lockdown defense. All Memphis can do is run, and they ran themselves out of the playoffs. We don’t run like blind mice, and that’s why we’re getting another championship.”
The Lakers suffered a scare when Bryant landed hard on his right foot after going up for a layup with 2:32 left in the fourth quarter. He had rolled his ankle, but further examination showed that it was not serious and should heal by the start of the Conference Finals. The Lakers will play either Minnesota or Sacramento.
- selwyth
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2004 4:12 pm
- Location: CA
by selwyth on Tue Jan 18, 2005 8:32 am
Western Conference Finals Game 1
Lakers 100
Timberwolves 105
Lakers Fire Blanks
In a performance which he would most likely prefer to forget in a hurry, Kobe Bryant went 2 for 20 from beyond the arc, and 9 for 36 overall from the field. He did score 23 points, but his horrible shooting could not save the Lakers from plummeting to an away loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the series.
“As a shooter, you just have to believe that the next one will go in,” said Bryant. “And I’m a believer. I believe that I can suck it up. I believe that I can take 40 shots on Tuesday and make 20. I believe that I can drop 50 on Minnesota and repeat our championship success.”
Chris Kaman had 21 points and 11 rebounds, and Lamar Odom had 17 points for the Lakers. The Laker trio was no match for the Timberwolves’ triple threat. Latrell Sprewell led all scorers with 29 points, Sam Cassell had 25, and reigning MVP Kevin Garnett had 20. Wally Sczcerbiak also contributed 16 points to the effort.
“I think this is the year,” said a confident Garnett. “We totally shut Kobe down, and showed the Lakers what team ball is all about. We lost to them 2 years ago, but we’re definitely ready now to take the next step. We all want to win, and our desire gives us the edge.”
Lakers 100
Timberwolves 105
Lakers Fire Blanks
In a performance which he would most likely prefer to forget in a hurry, Kobe Bryant went 2 for 20 from beyond the arc, and 9 for 36 overall from the field. He did score 23 points, but his horrible shooting could not save the Lakers from plummeting to an away loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the series.
“As a shooter, you just have to believe that the next one will go in,” said Bryant. “And I’m a believer. I believe that I can suck it up. I believe that I can take 40 shots on Tuesday and make 20. I believe that I can drop 50 on Minnesota and repeat our championship success.”
Chris Kaman had 21 points and 11 rebounds, and Lamar Odom had 17 points for the Lakers. The Laker trio was no match for the Timberwolves’ triple threat. Latrell Sprewell led all scorers with 29 points, Sam Cassell had 25, and reigning MVP Kevin Garnett had 20. Wally Sczcerbiak also contributed 16 points to the effort.
“I think this is the year,” said a confident Garnett. “We totally shut Kobe down, and showed the Lakers what team ball is all about. We lost to them 2 years ago, but we’re definitely ready now to take the next step. We all want to win, and our desire gives us the edge.”
- selwyth
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2004 4:12 pm
- Location: CA
by kibaxx7 on Tue Jan 18, 2005 9:12 am
Good recaps Take Bryant to a individual training 
Take Bryant to a individual training × Watched: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025), Deadly Circuit (1983), For Sama (2019) ×
-
kibaxx7 - キバレンジャー
- Posts: 12673
- Joined: Fri Oct 08, 2004 11:34 am
- Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
by selwyth on Tue Jan 18, 2005 5:35 pm
Western Conference Finals Game 2
Timberwolves 91
Lakers 98
LOS ANGELES, Cali. - Kobe Bryant did not “drop 50 on Minnesota” as he had promised, but he did score 26 points on 38.5% shooting to lead the Lakers past the Timberwolves to force a decisive Game 3 in the Western Conference Finals. Lamar Odom also scored 17 points, Chris Kaman racked up another double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, and Sixth Man of the Year Brian Cook came off the bench to score 11.
“Everybody wrote me off after the loss,” said Bryant after the game. “But I came in here, shot okay, and did a stellar job shutting Spree down. Nobody writes me off. I’m leading the Lakers to another championship.”
Latrell Sprewell had an off-night, getting into foul trouble early on and scoring only 6 points. Sam Cassell led the Timberwolves with 24 points, and Kevin Garnett scored 22.
Controversy ensued late in the 1st quarter when GM Selwyth got off the bench to yell at Laker Kareem Rush. Rush had been fouled on a 3-point attempt, and astonishingly missed all three throws, then immediately after, he picked up his own unnecessary foul against Fred Hoiberg when he elevated for a 3-pointer. Hoiberg sank all three shots from the charity stripe. On the next possession, Hoiberg drained another 3-pointer with Rush nowhere to be found. Rush shouted back at Selwyth, and flipped him off as he was substituted. He was immediately seized by two men in black and dragged from the court. He did not return to the game, with rookie Cordell Bowie taking up his minutes.
“Rush demonstrated something important,” noted Selwyth. “You give your 100% to this team, and 110% in the postseason. Rush didn’t, so I got a couple of my cronies to teach him a good lesson in the parking lot.”
Rush was unavailable for comment after the game.
“He can not come back to the team, for all we care,” said Bryant. “He’s a prissy, arrogant little b****, and some time in the doghouse will do him some good. It’s not like his absence will stop us from winning anyway. We’re still winning the NBA Finals, and we’ll have one extra ring this time. Heck, I should get it, since I’m the heart and soul of this team. I should get two rings; I’ve earned them.”
Timberwolves 91
Lakers 98
LOS ANGELES, Cali. - Kobe Bryant did not “drop 50 on Minnesota” as he had promised, but he did score 26 points on 38.5% shooting to lead the Lakers past the Timberwolves to force a decisive Game 3 in the Western Conference Finals. Lamar Odom also scored 17 points, Chris Kaman racked up another double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, and Sixth Man of the Year Brian Cook came off the bench to score 11.
“Everybody wrote me off after the loss,” said Bryant after the game. “But I came in here, shot okay, and did a stellar job shutting Spree down. Nobody writes me off. I’m leading the Lakers to another championship.”
Latrell Sprewell had an off-night, getting into foul trouble early on and scoring only 6 points. Sam Cassell led the Timberwolves with 24 points, and Kevin Garnett scored 22.
Controversy ensued late in the 1st quarter when GM Selwyth got off the bench to yell at Laker Kareem Rush. Rush had been fouled on a 3-point attempt, and astonishingly missed all three throws, then immediately after, he picked up his own unnecessary foul against Fred Hoiberg when he elevated for a 3-pointer. Hoiberg sank all three shots from the charity stripe. On the next possession, Hoiberg drained another 3-pointer with Rush nowhere to be found. Rush shouted back at Selwyth, and flipped him off as he was substituted. He was immediately seized by two men in black and dragged from the court. He did not return to the game, with rookie Cordell Bowie taking up his minutes.
“Rush demonstrated something important,” noted Selwyth. “You give your 100% to this team, and 110% in the postseason. Rush didn’t, so I got a couple of my cronies to teach him a good lesson in the parking lot.”
Rush was unavailable for comment after the game.
“He can not come back to the team, for all we care,” said Bryant. “He’s a prissy, arrogant little b****, and some time in the doghouse will do him some good. It’s not like his absence will stop us from winning anyway. We’re still winning the NBA Finals, and we’ll have one extra ring this time. Heck, I should get it, since I’m the heart and soul of this team. I should get two rings; I’ve earned them.”
- selwyth
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2004 4:12 pm
- Location: CA
by selwyth on Tue Jan 18, 2005 5:36 pm
Western Conference Finals Game 3
Lakers 91
Timberwolves 83
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Stellar defense down the stretch once again guaranteed the Lakers a berth in the 2006NBA Finals, as they outlasted the Minnesota Timberwolves 91-83 at Target Center.
The Lakers limited Minnesota’s triple threat of Kevin Garnett, Latrell Sprewell and Sam Cassell to 12, 13 and 12 points respectively. The latter two shot only 40% and 28.7% from the field. Early in the game, it appeared that Wally Sczcerbiak would pick up the slack. He scored 16 of his 23 points in the 1st quarter, including going 4 for 4 from three-point territory. But by the 2nd quarter, the Laker defense had zoned in on him, and limited his contribution until late in the 4th quarter, when he had to leave the game from an arm injury.
“Best offense, best defense in the West, and by association, in the league,” noted GM Selwyth. “Can anybody spell ‘championship’?”
Kobe Bryant scored 24 points to lead the Lakers, and Lamar Odom had 16 points and 12 rebounds. Chris Kaman had 8 points, 8 rebounds and 7 blocks. Chris Mihm was reinserted into the Laker bench to share Brian Grant’s minutes. Grant had injured his elbow in Game 2 and was not at 100%. Mihm did not show any rust form lack of playing time, scoring 6 points and grabbing 3 rebounds in limited minutes.
Much of the attention was not focused on Mihm, however, but the person he replaced on the bench. Kareem Rush did not suit up for the game and, if rumors are to be believed, did not even board the team charter to Minneapolis. Rush had been feuding with Laker management for over a year, and matters came to a head in Game 2 when Rush and Selwyth traded insults with each other on the court.
“If he wants to be a loner, be that way,” said Bryant of Rush. “We don’t need him. I’ve got a talented rookie in Bowie with lots of heart and hustle to back me up.
“Rush wasn’t in the building?” said a disbelieving Odom. “I dunno. I just concentrated on my own game and made my shots. I dunno about him. I dunno anything. We didn’t seem to play any different without him anyway.”
The Lakers go on to face the Detroit Pistons in a rematch of the 2004 NBA Finals. The series begins in Auburn Hills, Michigan in June, giving ample time for Grant and Devean George, who suffered a sore shoulder in tonight’s game, to recover from their respective injuries. The game holds symbolic meaning for Bryant, who was one of the few members of the Laker team that was on the losing end of that series.
“It is important,” said Bryant. “Because if, I mean when, we beat them, the rumors will be put to rest once and for all. I don’t need Shaq or the Mailman or the Glove. I can do better with just a bunch of roleplayers and Lamar, my man. The whole world will see that Kobe is the true leader of the Lakers franchise, and that wherever Kobe goes, Kobe gets a championship.”
Lakers 91
Timberwolves 83
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Stellar defense down the stretch once again guaranteed the Lakers a berth in the 2006NBA Finals, as they outlasted the Minnesota Timberwolves 91-83 at Target Center.
The Lakers limited Minnesota’s triple threat of Kevin Garnett, Latrell Sprewell and Sam Cassell to 12, 13 and 12 points respectively. The latter two shot only 40% and 28.7% from the field. Early in the game, it appeared that Wally Sczcerbiak would pick up the slack. He scored 16 of his 23 points in the 1st quarter, including going 4 for 4 from three-point territory. But by the 2nd quarter, the Laker defense had zoned in on him, and limited his contribution until late in the 4th quarter, when he had to leave the game from an arm injury.
“Best offense, best defense in the West, and by association, in the league,” noted GM Selwyth. “Can anybody spell ‘championship’?”
Kobe Bryant scored 24 points to lead the Lakers, and Lamar Odom had 16 points and 12 rebounds. Chris Kaman had 8 points, 8 rebounds and 7 blocks. Chris Mihm was reinserted into the Laker bench to share Brian Grant’s minutes. Grant had injured his elbow in Game 2 and was not at 100%. Mihm did not show any rust form lack of playing time, scoring 6 points and grabbing 3 rebounds in limited minutes.
Much of the attention was not focused on Mihm, however, but the person he replaced on the bench. Kareem Rush did not suit up for the game and, if rumors are to be believed, did not even board the team charter to Minneapolis. Rush had been feuding with Laker management for over a year, and matters came to a head in Game 2 when Rush and Selwyth traded insults with each other on the court.
“If he wants to be a loner, be that way,” said Bryant of Rush. “We don’t need him. I’ve got a talented rookie in Bowie with lots of heart and hustle to back me up.
“Rush wasn’t in the building?” said a disbelieving Odom. “I dunno. I just concentrated on my own game and made my shots. I dunno about him. I dunno anything. We didn’t seem to play any different without him anyway.”
The Lakers go on to face the Detroit Pistons in a rematch of the 2004 NBA Finals. The series begins in Auburn Hills, Michigan in June, giving ample time for Grant and Devean George, who suffered a sore shoulder in tonight’s game, to recover from their respective injuries. The game holds symbolic meaning for Bryant, who was one of the few members of the Laker team that was on the losing end of that series.
“It is important,” said Bryant. “Because if, I mean when, we beat them, the rumors will be put to rest once and for all. I don’t need Shaq or the Mailman or the Glove. I can do better with just a bunch of roleplayers and Lamar, my man. The whole world will see that Kobe is the true leader of the Lakers franchise, and that wherever Kobe goes, Kobe gets a championship.”
- selwyth
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2004 4:12 pm
- Location: CA
by selwyth on Tue Jan 18, 2005 5:36 pm
I have devised a new way of playing the playoffs to make it easier for me to lose and faster for me to get through it: I will simulate Game 1. If I win, I get through faster. If I lose, there is an increased likelihood that I can get kicked out of the playoffs. It is very unlikely that I lose 2 in 3 games, so this would help make it easier for me to get eliminated.
So, for the NBA Finals, I simmed Game 1. It was a 111-72 loss. Game 2 coming up.
So, for the NBA Finals, I simmed Game 1. It was a 111-72 loss. Game 2 coming up.
- selwyth
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2004 4:12 pm
- Location: CA
by Mark. on Tue Jan 18, 2005 5:43 pm
Good idea, did you take any stats of the game, oh dang I forgot EA was stupid enough to no include box scores for the playoffs 
Anyway good luck for the finals, I'm loving reading this one- Ususally ijust check the stats and a quick flick over the recaps with most other dynasties, while this one i wanna read it all incase i miss some of the action
Anyway good luck for the finals, I'm loving reading this one- Ususally ijust check the stats and a quick flick over the recaps with most other dynasties, while this one i wanna read it all incase i miss some of the action
"Money is options, not happiness, its what you do with those options that makes your life" - Conrad Bishop
-
Mark. - Sweet Disposition
- Posts: 3846
- Joined: Tue Jan 21, 2003 4:53 pm
- Location: New Zealand
by The X on Tue Jan 18, 2005 7:56 pm
yeah I always like to sim at least half of my games so my CPU team has to step up as well....in my current dynasty I'm playing one game, intervening in 4th quarter in the next game, and simming the next one....and so on....does the job....
good luck, and as always, I hope the Lakers lose Was a fan of the Ced Ceballos, Eddie Jones and Van Exel bringing showtime back....shame they traded them all away, especially Ced 
I also want to see them lose just to see what Kobe's reaction will be....will he:
(a) blame his teammates; or
(b ) blame the refs; or
(c) put down the Pistons and their fans; or
(d) all of the above
good luck, and as always, I hope the Lakers lose
Was a fan of the Ced Ceballos, Eddie Jones and Van Exel bringing showtime back....shame they traded them all away, especially Ced
I also want to see them lose just to see what Kobe's reaction will be....will he:
(a) blame his teammates; or
(b ) blame the refs; or
(c) put down the Pistons and their fans; or
(d) all of the above
-
The X - is
- Posts: 11499
- Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:21 pm
- Location: Brisbane
by selwyth on Sat Jan 22, 2005 7:03 pm
NBA Finals Game 2
Pistons 113
Lakers 118
(overtime)
Los Angeles, Cali. - With seconds left in the game and the score tied at 100-100, Pistons guard Chauncey Billups forced a potential game-winning shot over TJ Ford and the Staples center crowd was hushed as the ball sped toward the basket.
But it caught the rim, did a soft bounce and harmlessly fell away, as Laker fans everywhere breathed a huge sigh of relief. Instead, the Lakers outlasted the Pistons in overtime to tie the NBA Finals series 1-1, setting up a deciding Game 3 in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
The Lakers started strong, dismantling the Pistons defense and leading by the end of the 1st quarter 32-28. However, after Kobe Bryant scored another 2 points to open up the 2nd quarter, the Lakers went 6 minutes without a field goal, and could only watch as the Pistons threatened to blow the game away. A run, sparked by Brian Grant’s offensive rebounds and emphatic putbacks, helped bring the Lakers back into contention, and the Lakers regained the lead 49-48 at the half.
The Pistons came out in the second half looking the stronger of the two teams, as they took the lead and maintained it for most of the 3rd and 4th quarters. They threatened to run away with the game once again with the score at 81-75, but Bryant fuelled a 7-0 run with a 3-pointer, and the teams were never separated by more than 4 points after that.
With just over 40 seconds to go. Bryant found Odom with a pass for a dunk that put the Lakers up 100-97. Laker fans then watched in horror as Chauncey Billups knocked down a 3-pointer to tie the score with 29 seconds left.
Coming off a timeout, TJ Ford dribbled the ball and waited. He soon found George in the low post with the sweetest of passes, but George was unable to find the bucket on his layup with Tayshaun Prince bothering his shot. The Pistons ran back and set up in the half-court. Billups went for the potential game-winner and missed at the buzzer, to the relief of the home fans.
The Pistons scored the first 5 points of overtime to build a 105-100 lead, but the Lakers rallied. Ford, on back-to-back possessions, scored off a layup, and fired off a beautiful pass to Devean George on the fast break that put the Lakers up 113-109 and built a momentum that never subsided until the final whistle. He racked up 3 of his game-high 12 assists in overtime.
Bryant scored 38 points and had 6 assists, Chris Kaman scored 18, and Lamar Odom scored 14. Backup guard Chucky Atkins, who has seen increased playing time with the Kareem Rush debacle, came off the bench to post 9 points, including his 3-pointer of the season, and 5 assists, and rookie guard Cordell Bowie also had a good performance off the bench, recording 6 points and 5 assists. The Pistons had a balanced attack, with 4 of their 5 starters: Rasheed Wallace, Tayshaun Prince, Richard Hamilton and Chauncey Billups all scoring above 20 points. Billups led the Pistons with 25, and the other 3 all scored 22.
“Awesome, just awesome,” commented Laker fan and actor Jack Nicholson. “For a second, as Billups’ shot went up, my confidence wavered, but it is now back in full force. It’s payback time for 2004 for those car mechanics, and what better way than to do it in their own rundown garage.”
The mood was similarly upbeat in the Laker locker room after the game.
“Forget showtime, forget big stiffs who can’t move, yet claim to run the show. We’re the best Laker championship team ever. Yes, you heard me say that,” said Bryant. “We’re pumped and raring to go after this victory and in 3 days, I proclaim the start of another Laker dynasty, the most successful and spectacular of them all.”
Pistons 113
Lakers 118
(overtime)
Los Angeles, Cali. - With seconds left in the game and the score tied at 100-100, Pistons guard Chauncey Billups forced a potential game-winning shot over TJ Ford and the Staples center crowd was hushed as the ball sped toward the basket.
But it caught the rim, did a soft bounce and harmlessly fell away, as Laker fans everywhere breathed a huge sigh of relief. Instead, the Lakers outlasted the Pistons in overtime to tie the NBA Finals series 1-1, setting up a deciding Game 3 in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
The Lakers started strong, dismantling the Pistons defense and leading by the end of the 1st quarter 32-28. However, after Kobe Bryant scored another 2 points to open up the 2nd quarter, the Lakers went 6 minutes without a field goal, and could only watch as the Pistons threatened to blow the game away. A run, sparked by Brian Grant’s offensive rebounds and emphatic putbacks, helped bring the Lakers back into contention, and the Lakers regained the lead 49-48 at the half.
The Pistons came out in the second half looking the stronger of the two teams, as they took the lead and maintained it for most of the 3rd and 4th quarters. They threatened to run away with the game once again with the score at 81-75, but Bryant fuelled a 7-0 run with a 3-pointer, and the teams were never separated by more than 4 points after that.
With just over 40 seconds to go. Bryant found Odom with a pass for a dunk that put the Lakers up 100-97. Laker fans then watched in horror as Chauncey Billups knocked down a 3-pointer to tie the score with 29 seconds left.
Coming off a timeout, TJ Ford dribbled the ball and waited. He soon found George in the low post with the sweetest of passes, but George was unable to find the bucket on his layup with Tayshaun Prince bothering his shot. The Pistons ran back and set up in the half-court. Billups went for the potential game-winner and missed at the buzzer, to the relief of the home fans.
The Pistons scored the first 5 points of overtime to build a 105-100 lead, but the Lakers rallied. Ford, on back-to-back possessions, scored off a layup, and fired off a beautiful pass to Devean George on the fast break that put the Lakers up 113-109 and built a momentum that never subsided until the final whistle. He racked up 3 of his game-high 12 assists in overtime.
Bryant scored 38 points and had 6 assists, Chris Kaman scored 18, and Lamar Odom scored 14. Backup guard Chucky Atkins, who has seen increased playing time with the Kareem Rush debacle, came off the bench to post 9 points, including his 3-pointer of the season, and 5 assists, and rookie guard Cordell Bowie also had a good performance off the bench, recording 6 points and 5 assists. The Pistons had a balanced attack, with 4 of their 5 starters: Rasheed Wallace, Tayshaun Prince, Richard Hamilton and Chauncey Billups all scoring above 20 points. Billups led the Pistons with 25, and the other 3 all scored 22.
“Awesome, just awesome,” commented Laker fan and actor Jack Nicholson. “For a second, as Billups’ shot went up, my confidence wavered, but it is now back in full force. It’s payback time for 2004 for those car mechanics, and what better way than to do it in their own rundown garage.”
The mood was similarly upbeat in the Laker locker room after the game.
“Forget showtime, forget big stiffs who can’t move, yet claim to run the show. We’re the best Laker championship team ever. Yes, you heard me say that,” said Bryant. “We’re pumped and raring to go after this victory and in 3 days, I proclaim the start of another Laker dynasty, the most successful and spectacular of them all.”
- selwyth
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2004 4:12 pm
- Location: CA
pretty good 
by selwyth on Sun Jan 23, 2005 7:14 am
NBA Finals Game 3
Lakers 85
Pistons 91
Auburn Hills, Mich. – After Pistons guard Richard Hamilton scored off a layup to put the Pistons up 88-80 with 2:14 left in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, the Pistons never scored another field goal. They held on, however, to outlast the Lakers 91-85 and claim the 2006 NBA Championship, their second in three years.
“It feels great to win another ring,” said Pistons coach Larry Brown. “Everybody was onto us last year, about how we are unable to repeat and how we supposedly fell apart. We proved them all wrong.”
“The best part of this victory,” said Hamilton, who was named Finals MVP, “is that finally, Selwyth [Lakers GM] can shut his big mouth up. His Lakers are definitely not the best team in the league right now, least to say of all time. We again pulled them down from their high pegs, but that’s just us. We fly under the radar and always hit them where they least expect it.”
After keeping pace with the Pistons having the score tied 49-49 at the half, the Lakers lost steam in the 3rd quarter and fell behind 65-74. They threatened to take the game at the start of the 4th with an 8-0 run, but the Pistons replied with their own 12-5 run to set up the Lakers’ heartbreak.
Selwyth was spotted leaving the arena immediately after the final whistle. He did not speak with the media.
“Of course we are disappointed,” said Lakers guard TJ Ford. “But at least we came close. We fought back from a deficit last year to beat the Heat, and we nearly did it again this year. It was close.”
The game was indeed close at the 40-second mark, with the Lakers down by just 85-88, after Kobe Bryant, who made 7 3-point baskets in Game 2, knocked down a 3-pointer and later drove to the basket on a fast break to make a difficult layup. His clutch play did not persist, however. After the Lakers successfully defended another possession, Bryant failed to make the tying 3-pointer with 8.6 seconds left to play and Hamilton rebounded the ball, the Lakers were forced to foul.
Hamilton made both free throws, and Bryant missed another 3-pointer at the other end to give the Pistons another possession. Ben Wallace went to the free-throw line this time and made 1 of 2, effectively sealing the win for the Pistons with less than 2 seconds left to play. At the final whistle, the Pistons bench erupted, as the Lakers could only shake their heads in dismay.
“It’s tough, but we can take it,” observed coach Rudy Tomjanovich. “We’ll improve over the summer, and hopefully be back in the Finals again next year.”
Tomjanovich came under fire for not letting Devean George take the important shots in the dying moments of the game. George had made 4 of 5 3-point field-goal attempts.
“Kobe went up to Rudy T and said his wife had better watch out if he did not let him take the game-tying shots,” said Laker outcast Kareem Rush, who watched from the spectator stands near the Lakers bench. Rush, who last played for the Lakers in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals against Minnesota, was dressed in civilian clothes and appeared to enjoy himself. He was seen congratulating the Pistons after the game in their locker room.
Tomjanovich denied the allegations. “Kobe told me that he thought he was heating up, and felt he had the occasion under control. Plus he’s a tried and tested clutch player. He found openings to throw up some good shots, and I am as disappointed as any of you that they did not go in.”
It was precisely Tomjanovich’s sticking to the old guns that riled his critics. They argued that Tomjanovich was not confident enough to let George bear the spotlight, instead choosing to revert to the predictable, giving Bryant the ball, as the Pistons had duly expected.
Richard Hamilton led the Pistons with 20 points, Rasheed Wallace added 14 points and 12 rebounds, Chauncey Billups scored 14, and rookie guard Adeleke Zwaal contributed 11 points off the bench. Bryant had 27 points, Lamar Odom had 18, George had 16, Brian Cook had 12 off the bench, and TJ Ford distributed 11 assists.
Lakers 85
Pistons 91
Auburn Hills, Mich. – After Pistons guard Richard Hamilton scored off a layup to put the Pistons up 88-80 with 2:14 left in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, the Pistons never scored another field goal. They held on, however, to outlast the Lakers 91-85 and claim the 2006 NBA Championship, their second in three years.
“It feels great to win another ring,” said Pistons coach Larry Brown. “Everybody was onto us last year, about how we are unable to repeat and how we supposedly fell apart. We proved them all wrong.”
“The best part of this victory,” said Hamilton, who was named Finals MVP, “is that finally, Selwyth [Lakers GM] can shut his big mouth up. His Lakers are definitely not the best team in the league right now, least to say of all time. We again pulled them down from their high pegs, but that’s just us. We fly under the radar and always hit them where they least expect it.”
After keeping pace with the Pistons having the score tied 49-49 at the half, the Lakers lost steam in the 3rd quarter and fell behind 65-74. They threatened to take the game at the start of the 4th with an 8-0 run, but the Pistons replied with their own 12-5 run to set up the Lakers’ heartbreak.
Selwyth was spotted leaving the arena immediately after the final whistle. He did not speak with the media.
“Of course we are disappointed,” said Lakers guard TJ Ford. “But at least we came close. We fought back from a deficit last year to beat the Heat, and we nearly did it again this year. It was close.”
The game was indeed close at the 40-second mark, with the Lakers down by just 85-88, after Kobe Bryant, who made 7 3-point baskets in Game 2, knocked down a 3-pointer and later drove to the basket on a fast break to make a difficult layup. His clutch play did not persist, however. After the Lakers successfully defended another possession, Bryant failed to make the tying 3-pointer with 8.6 seconds left to play and Hamilton rebounded the ball, the Lakers were forced to foul.
Hamilton made both free throws, and Bryant missed another 3-pointer at the other end to give the Pistons another possession. Ben Wallace went to the free-throw line this time and made 1 of 2, effectively sealing the win for the Pistons with less than 2 seconds left to play. At the final whistle, the Pistons bench erupted, as the Lakers could only shake their heads in dismay.
“It’s tough, but we can take it,” observed coach Rudy Tomjanovich. “We’ll improve over the summer, and hopefully be back in the Finals again next year.”
Tomjanovich came under fire for not letting Devean George take the important shots in the dying moments of the game. George had made 4 of 5 3-point field-goal attempts.
“Kobe went up to Rudy T and said his wife had better watch out if he did not let him take the game-tying shots,” said Laker outcast Kareem Rush, who watched from the spectator stands near the Lakers bench. Rush, who last played for the Lakers in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals against Minnesota, was dressed in civilian clothes and appeared to enjoy himself. He was seen congratulating the Pistons after the game in their locker room.
Tomjanovich denied the allegations. “Kobe told me that he thought he was heating up, and felt he had the occasion under control. Plus he’s a tried and tested clutch player. He found openings to throw up some good shots, and I am as disappointed as any of you that they did not go in.”
It was precisely Tomjanovich’s sticking to the old guns that riled his critics. They argued that Tomjanovich was not confident enough to let George bear the spotlight, instead choosing to revert to the predictable, giving Bryant the ball, as the Pistons had duly expected.
Richard Hamilton led the Pistons with 20 points, Rasheed Wallace added 14 points and 12 rebounds, Chauncey Billups scored 14, and rookie guard Adeleke Zwaal contributed 11 points off the bench. Bryant had 27 points, Lamar Odom had 18, George had 16, Brian Cook had 12 off the bench, and TJ Ford distributed 11 assists.
- selwyth
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2004 4:12 pm
- Location: CA
by selwyth on Sun Jan 23, 2005 7:15 am
Off-season News:
The following players retired:
Jon Barry, ATL
Wesley Person, NO
Dale Davis, GS
Antonio Davis, CHI
Toni Kukoc, MIL
Bryon Russell, DEN
Chicago used the extra dollars from Antonio Davis’ retired contract to sign Al Harrington. New Orleans signed Ben Wallace.
The draft depth was average. I took a risk and drafted down for my first-round 28th pick for SG Rasheed Taber (projected 2nd round, good potential, quick, fast, but 6’2”), and it paid off. He was rated 49 immediately after draft and 53 after training camp. For my second-round pick, I drafted SF D Ninimaa (6’8”, excellent potential), who was rated 45 after draft, 49 after training camp.
Jumaine Jones was given a 4-year extension worth about $3.5 million a year. Chucky Atkins was given a $2.5 million 1-year extension. Damian Beranek was given a $385k 1-year extension. Kareem Rush and Slava Medvedenko’s contracts were not renewed.
Ratings updates: Chris Kaman stayed put at 62. Lamar Odom improved from 82 to 85. Devean George stayed put at 72. Kobe Bryant regressed from 96 to 95. TJ Ford improved from 63 to 66. Brian Cook improved from 66 to 69. Brian Grant stayed put at 65. Cordell Bowie improved from 59 to 63. Mitch Dickerson improved from 59 to 61. Jumaine Jones improved from 62 to 63. Damian Beranek improved from 51 to 53. Chucky Atkins stayed put at 58. Chris Mihm stayed put at 57. Kareem Rush improved from 63 to 64. Slava Medvedenko stayed put at 59.
I had originally planned for next season (2007-08) to be monumental, since most of my players’ contracts will be up, and I can probably bring in a superstar from the 2003 draft class. It seems that it might not happen now though. Bryant and Odom’s back-ended contracts will reach over $30 million, Devean George adds $6 million, and Jones’ new contract adds $3.5 million, leaving only around $8 million of cap room for other players. Cook, Kaman TJ Ford will definitely request fat contract extension.
So, should I mix it up in the free-agent market next season or go on with my young, promising team? I lean toward the latter at the moment. If I mix it up, I’ll have to do lots of trading to move the fat contracts and deny good players like Cook, Kaman and Ford contract extensions. My team rating, after the following trade, is 99.
The following players retired:
Jon Barry, ATL
Wesley Person, NO
Dale Davis, GS
Antonio Davis, CHI
Toni Kukoc, MIL
Bryon Russell, DEN
Chicago used the extra dollars from Antonio Davis’ retired contract to sign Al Harrington. New Orleans signed Ben Wallace.
The draft depth was average. I took a risk and drafted down for my first-round 28th pick for SG Rasheed Taber (projected 2nd round, good potential, quick, fast, but 6’2”), and it paid off. He was rated 49 immediately after draft and 53 after training camp. For my second-round pick, I drafted SF D Ninimaa (6’8”, excellent potential), who was rated 45 after draft, 49 after training camp.
Jumaine Jones was given a 4-year extension worth about $3.5 million a year. Chucky Atkins was given a $2.5 million 1-year extension. Damian Beranek was given a $385k 1-year extension. Kareem Rush and Slava Medvedenko’s contracts were not renewed.
Ratings updates: Chris Kaman stayed put at 62. Lamar Odom improved from 82 to 85. Devean George stayed put at 72. Kobe Bryant regressed from 96 to 95. TJ Ford improved from 63 to 66. Brian Cook improved from 66 to 69. Brian Grant stayed put at 65. Cordell Bowie improved from 59 to 63. Mitch Dickerson improved from 59 to 61. Jumaine Jones improved from 62 to 63. Damian Beranek improved from 51 to 53. Chucky Atkins stayed put at 58. Chris Mihm stayed put at 57. Kareem Rush improved from 63 to 64. Slava Medvedenko stayed put at 59.
I had originally planned for next season (2007-08) to be monumental, since most of my players’ contracts will be up, and I can probably bring in a superstar from the 2003 draft class. It seems that it might not happen now though. Bryant and Odom’s back-ended contracts will reach over $30 million, Devean George adds $6 million, and Jones’ new contract adds $3.5 million, leaving only around $8 million of cap room for other players. Cook, Kaman TJ Ford will definitely request fat contract extension.
So, should I mix it up in the free-agent market next season or go on with my young, promising team? I lean toward the latter at the moment. If I mix it up, I’ll have to do lots of trading to move the fat contracts and deny good players like Cook, Kaman and Ford contract extensions. My team rating, after the following trade, is 99.
- selwyth
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2004 4:12 pm
- Location: CA
by selwyth on Sun Jan 23, 2005 7:15 am
Summer Trade Surprises Laker Fans – 8/19/2006
Los Angeles, Cali. – Just a month after giving Chucky Atkins a 1-year contract extensions, Laker management did an about-turn, trading him for Golden State Warriors guard Mickael Pietrus. The deal, which included the Lakers’ 28th draft pick Rasheed Taber, was finalized this morning.
“Aw, too bad for him,” commented Lakers GM Selwyth on the trade. “But suck it up: we want winners, and don’t want losers like Atkins. Let this serve as a warning to other players on the Laker team that a contract extension does not guarantee your security in this franchise.”
“Atkins had his good nights,” explained coach Rudy Tomjanovich. “But ultimately, he doesn’t have enough skills at the point and gives up too much height at the pivot. We wanted a taller shooter who can also play defense, and Pietrus gives us that added dimension. Besides, we have too many point guards at the moment.”
Atkins is expected to start for the Warriors. Pietrus will play behind Kobe Bryant, a role he is not unfamiliar to, having played behind Jason Richardson in Oakland.
“Pietrus gives us the skill and talent [Kareem] Rush took with him, minus the attitude,” said Selwyth. “It’s an ideal package…though he is a Frenchman.”
Rush had not been given a contract extension after a stormy relationship with Laker management over the past two years. He was signed by the Chicago Bulls in the summer.
With the trade, the Lakers are already looking forward to the new season, in which they hope to regain the NBA Championship.
“We’re definitely a better team this season,” said Bryant. “Everybody’s improved, and the Pistons, the only team that could beat us last year, lost Big Ben. We’re the best team in the league now, mark my words on that.”
Los Angeles, Cali. – Just a month after giving Chucky Atkins a 1-year contract extensions, Laker management did an about-turn, trading him for Golden State Warriors guard Mickael Pietrus. The deal, which included the Lakers’ 28th draft pick Rasheed Taber, was finalized this morning.
“Aw, too bad for him,” commented Lakers GM Selwyth on the trade. “But suck it up: we want winners, and don’t want losers like Atkins. Let this serve as a warning to other players on the Laker team that a contract extension does not guarantee your security in this franchise.”
“Atkins had his good nights,” explained coach Rudy Tomjanovich. “But ultimately, he doesn’t have enough skills at the point and gives up too much height at the pivot. We wanted a taller shooter who can also play defense, and Pietrus gives us that added dimension. Besides, we have too many point guards at the moment.”
Atkins is expected to start for the Warriors. Pietrus will play behind Kobe Bryant, a role he is not unfamiliar to, having played behind Jason Richardson in Oakland.
“Pietrus gives us the skill and talent [Kareem] Rush took with him, minus the attitude,” said Selwyth. “It’s an ideal package…though he is a Frenchman.”
Rush had not been given a contract extension after a stormy relationship with Laker management over the past two years. He was signed by the Chicago Bulls in the summer.
With the trade, the Lakers are already looking forward to the new season, in which they hope to regain the NBA Championship.
“We’re definitely a better team this season,” said Bryant. “Everybody’s improved, and the Pistons, the only team that could beat us last year, lost Big Ben. We’re the best team in the league now, mark my words on that.”
- selwyth
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2004 4:12 pm
- Location: CA
by selwyth on Sun Jan 23, 2005 7:17 am
Lakers vs Warriors
Warriors 87
Lakers 84
Los Angeles, Cali. - In the end, the game-winning shot might have come at the buzzer of the end of the third quarter.
After Devean George missed a shot near the end of the period, Warrior and ex-Laker Derek Fish rebounded the ball and threw up a full-court heave that miraculously found the net. His only 3 points of the game gave the Warriors a 76-60 lead at the end of a frenetic period in which the Warriors exploded to outscore the Lakers 35-24.
But the Lakers, who were held to just 10 points in the 1st quarter, were not done with yet. They started the fourth quarter with a 9-0 run, and reduced the deficit to single digits with 2:50 left in the game. With 15 seconds left, Lamar Odom managed to lay the ball into the net to get the Lakers within 2, their smallest deficit since the beginning of the game.
Jason Richardson was intentionally fouled and made only 1 of 2 free throws, giving the Lakers hope as they called a timeout.
Kobe Bryant stepped up to shoot for the tying 3-pointer, but missed. Odom leaped to grab his 20th rebound of the game, however, and the Lakers called another timeout with 3.2 seconds left to try and set up another play.
In the end, Bryant threw up another 3-pointer that hit brick, allowing the Warriors to cling on for the win, as the Lakers sunk to a loss in their home season-opener. He shot 1 for 9 from behind the arc for the game.
"Okay, okay, so we lost to the crappest team in the Western Conference," said GM Selwyth after the game. "But who cares? They won't be there in the playoffs. They can celebrate this win all they want. Not that we would've been happy if we won. We commemorate victories over the T-Wolves and Spurs of the NBA, not some cellar-dweller."
In a meeting of ex-Laker and ex-Warrior, Warrior Chucky Atkins and Laker Mickael Pietrus got the opportunity to show which team had the better of the trade. Atkins had a good night as he showed the Lakers what they were missing, scoring 18 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. Pietrus recorded 0s in every single column in 8 minutes of play.
"He's just got to get into the flow, and that takes time," said coach Rudy Tomjanovich of Pietrus. "We have full confidence he can turn this performance around and start contributing to the team."
Atkins was part of a Warriors starting lineup that had all 5 starters in double figures. Jason Richardson scored 21 points, Brendan Haywood scored 14, Alex Nelson scored 12 and Mike Dunleavy Jr. scored 10 to add to Atkins' triumphant performance. Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 22 points, Chris Kaman added 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Cordell Bowie had a fantastic outing from the bench, scoring a career-high 16 points.
Warriors 87
Lakers 84
Los Angeles, Cali. - In the end, the game-winning shot might have come at the buzzer of the end of the third quarter.
After Devean George missed a shot near the end of the period, Warrior and ex-Laker Derek Fish rebounded the ball and threw up a full-court heave that miraculously found the net. His only 3 points of the game gave the Warriors a 76-60 lead at the end of a frenetic period in which the Warriors exploded to outscore the Lakers 35-24.
But the Lakers, who were held to just 10 points in the 1st quarter, were not done with yet. They started the fourth quarter with a 9-0 run, and reduced the deficit to single digits with 2:50 left in the game. With 15 seconds left, Lamar Odom managed to lay the ball into the net to get the Lakers within 2, their smallest deficit since the beginning of the game.
Jason Richardson was intentionally fouled and made only 1 of 2 free throws, giving the Lakers hope as they called a timeout.
Kobe Bryant stepped up to shoot for the tying 3-pointer, but missed. Odom leaped to grab his 20th rebound of the game, however, and the Lakers called another timeout with 3.2 seconds left to try and set up another play.
In the end, Bryant threw up another 3-pointer that hit brick, allowing the Warriors to cling on for the win, as the Lakers sunk to a loss in their home season-opener. He shot 1 for 9 from behind the arc for the game.
"Okay, okay, so we lost to the crappest team in the Western Conference," said GM Selwyth after the game. "But who cares? They won't be there in the playoffs. They can celebrate this win all they want. Not that we would've been happy if we won. We commemorate victories over the T-Wolves and Spurs of the NBA, not some cellar-dweller."
In a meeting of ex-Laker and ex-Warrior, Warrior Chucky Atkins and Laker Mickael Pietrus got the opportunity to show which team had the better of the trade. Atkins had a good night as he showed the Lakers what they were missing, scoring 18 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. Pietrus recorded 0s in every single column in 8 minutes of play.
"He's just got to get into the flow, and that takes time," said coach Rudy Tomjanovich of Pietrus. "We have full confidence he can turn this performance around and start contributing to the team."
Atkins was part of a Warriors starting lineup that had all 5 starters in double figures. Jason Richardson scored 21 points, Brendan Haywood scored 14, Alex Nelson scored 12 and Mike Dunleavy Jr. scored 10 to add to Atkins' triumphant performance. Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 22 points, Chris Kaman added 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Cordell Bowie had a fantastic outing from the bench, scoring a career-high 16 points.
- selwyth
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2004 4:12 pm
- Location: CA
Return to Stories from the Virtual Hardwood
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 5 guests