Game II was an ideal game for Lakers fans. While I was watching the game, drinking my 99cent can of Mango Madness Arizona, I had to keep looking at my arms to make sure I wasn’t actually dreaming (in my dreams I have dolphin flippers. My psychologist says it’s an evolutionary message from my dolphin twin with human arms). In any event, last night’s game had everything a fan could want: A high score, great plays, a quick start, a close 4th quarter, lots of blocks, primetime players on both squads. And to top it all off, the Lakers won for their sixth playoff game in a row.
The evening started off with the re-presentation of the MVP trophy to Kobe, this time by Commissioner David Stern. Kobe made sure to get his teammates and family in on the fun, which did help to make the repeat presentation less awkward. Fans at Staples Center were given yellow MVP shirts to wear for the game, but I’d say about 14% of the fans even bothered to put ‘em on. I guess that’s kind of expected since everything in L.A is a fashion show, especially if cameras are going to be there. Don’t get me wrong, L.A. fans LOVE Kobe Bryant. I’m just sayin’ they love them some them, too.
The game started out like a track meet, with both teams exploding out the blocks and on fire from the field. The Lakers were the first team to turn up the defense, which allowed them to build a solid lead through most of the first half. They completely shut out Jazz stars Chris Boozer and Deron Williams in the early going, and the rest of the Jazz couldn’t quite pick up the slack. The Lakers got a lot of help from Derek Fisher this game, who ended up with 22 points against his former team. Fisher made a handful of big shots in the first half, which foreshadowed his customary late-game heroics. Lamar Odom also contributed bigtime—with 19 points and 16 rebounds, Lamar got my vote for player of the game.
One person who doesn’t really show up on the stat sheet, but makes a huge impact is Ronny Turiaf. He only had 2 points and 2 rebounds last night, but he fights for every rebound, he challenges every shot, sets great screens, and he plays every minute like it’s overtime. When Turiaf’s in, he’s like a physical manifestation of the Lakers wanting it more than the other team. (BTW-I met Ronny Turiaf on SuperBowl Sunday, and he called me ‘Fam’)
It wasn’t all roses and kittens for the Lakers though. Deron Williams came alive in the second half and led the Jazz storming back into the game. There’s no point guard in the league that’s better or more aggressive at getting to the rim and making plays up there. Kyle Korver also came alive in the second. Even though he looks just like Ashton Kutcher, I gotta say that cat can ball. Paul Millsap had a big game too, converting at least three conventional 3-point plays and causing all kinds of problems for Odom down low.
But it was too little, too late for the Jazz.
There would be no storybook ending to this game. No miraculous finish. The Lakers dictated the game from the start and held Utah at bay like Lennox Lewis jabbing at Mike Tyson. Time is runnin’ out and it’s gonna be difficult for Utah to get back in this series if they don’t make serious strategic changes.
Los Angeles Lakers: Undefeated in the 2008 Playoffs.
http://www.nba.com/games/20080507/UTALAL/boxscore.html
The evening started off with the re-presentation of the MVP trophy to Kobe, this time by Commissioner David Stern. Kobe made sure to get his teammates and family in on the fun, which did help to make the repeat presentation less awkward. Fans at Staples Center were given yellow MVP shirts to wear for the game, but I’d say about 14% of the fans even bothered to put ‘em on. I guess that’s kind of expected since everything in L.A is a fashion show, especially if cameras are going to be there. Don’t get me wrong, L.A. fans LOVE Kobe Bryant. I’m just sayin’ they love them some them, too.
The game started out like a track meet, with both teams exploding out the blocks and on fire from the field. The Lakers were the first team to turn up the defense, which allowed them to build a solid lead through most of the first half. They completely shut out Jazz stars Chris Boozer and Deron Williams in the early going, and the rest of the Jazz couldn’t quite pick up the slack. The Lakers got a lot of help from Derek Fisher this game, who ended up with 22 points against his former team. Fisher made a handful of big shots in the first half, which foreshadowed his customary late-game heroics. Lamar Odom also contributed bigtime—with 19 points and 16 rebounds, Lamar got my vote for player of the game.
One person who doesn’t really show up on the stat sheet, but makes a huge impact is Ronny Turiaf. He only had 2 points and 2 rebounds last night, but he fights for every rebound, he challenges every shot, sets great screens, and he plays every minute like it’s overtime. When Turiaf’s in, he’s like a physical manifestation of the Lakers wanting it more than the other team. (BTW-I met Ronny Turiaf on SuperBowl Sunday, and he called me ‘Fam’)
It wasn’t all roses and kittens for the Lakers though. Deron Williams came alive in the second half and led the Jazz storming back into the game. There’s no point guard in the league that’s better or more aggressive at getting to the rim and making plays up there. Kyle Korver also came alive in the second. Even though he looks just like Ashton Kutcher, I gotta say that cat can ball. Paul Millsap had a big game too, converting at least three conventional 3-point plays and causing all kinds of problems for Odom down low.
But it was too little, too late for the Jazz.
There would be no storybook ending to this game. No miraculous finish. The Lakers dictated the game from the start and held Utah at bay like Lennox Lewis jabbing at Mike Tyson. Time is runnin’ out and it’s gonna be difficult for Utah to get back in this series if they don’t make serious strategic changes.
Los Angeles Lakers: Undefeated in the 2008 Playoffs.
http://www.nba.com/games/20080507/UTALAL/boxscore.html
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