Game 4 Post-Game Thread

by Josh Tucker on Apr 25, 2009 8:50 PM PDT in Game Threads

As expected (I know, I know, I should take these bold predictions to Wall Street), Kobe came out on a tear tonight. He shot 16-24 from the field, including 14-18 through the first three quarters, and scored 38 points, to go along with six rebounds and a pair of steals. He also scored the Lakers' first 11 points, and 13 of their first 15.

Overall, the team bounced back on the offensive end, and showed occasional flashes on the defensive end (though there is still much improvement yet to be made). Though the score shows a 14-point Lakers win, the game was over and garbage time had begun once the Lakers took a 21-point lead with five minutes left in the game.

Give us your post-game thoughts, analysis, stats and fun facts, and look for a detailed recap first thing in the morning.

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Kobe: 21 for 48 overall 0.4375 percent

by Fundefined on Apr 25, 2009 8:52 PM PDT reply actions

The tale of two 24s, literally.

by Fundefined on Apr 25, 2009 8:52 PM PDT up reply actions

by intuitive on Apr 25, 2009 8:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Should've moved just one of the missed shots to tonight, and one of the made ones to last night

Then LA could have won both games 3 and 4

by Gils_Keloids on Apr 25, 2009 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Or if Pau had a clue on defense.

by wondahbap on Apr 25, 2009 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions

Bynum only got 7 minutes…

by intuitive on Apr 25, 2009 8:57 PM PDT reply actions

Don't worry about that.....

I posted this on FB & G:

I think Phil is doing the right thing with Bynum. the way the Jazz are allowed to play in Utah will only stifle and frustrate Andrew. this is his 1st real Playoffs experience as a major contributor. Our offense is out of sorts with him in the starting unit, and a frustrated Andrew only hurts the team.

This way, Phil is relieving the pressure off of Bynum and allowing the team to gain momentum and strengthen cohesion.

I fully expect more from Drew next game, and next series.

by wondahbap on Apr 25, 2009 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm glad the Lakers stepped on the gas when they had to but

Pau is worrying me on defense. Big time.

by wondahbap on Apr 25, 2009 9:05 PM PDT reply actions

If I was a poor sport I would post all the Jazz fan's predictions here

But I’m not.

I’ll just say this: That was a playoff performance from Kobe for the ages. That’s going to be shown on NBA Classic like, next year.

by Gils_Keloids on Apr 25, 2009 9:06 PM PDT reply actions

Don't bother, I read them.

Typical Jazz babble. F-Kobe this, F-the refs that, etc. I thought they were a bit harsh on the announcers though. Must be some kind of SLC inferiority complex.

"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley

by pslakerfan on Apr 25, 2009 9:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Well, they're just wrong

But hey we’re all wrong sometimes, right?

The worst is something along the lines of “They won’t beat the Cavs. Lebron knows he has teammates”. Huh? Just because Kobes scores doesn’t mean he ignores his teammates. He was passing it waaay out if he got doubled instead of forcing up a shot, it was almost comical.

by Gils_Keloids on Apr 25, 2009 9:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Actually my favorite one was something like this...

“There is no way this Laker team can beat the Nuggets”. LOL

"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley

by pslakerfan on Apr 25, 2009 9:33 PM PDT up reply actions

Don't forget

The guy who claimed Kobe would have had 10 less points if he didn’t get “all those phantom foul shots”. Kobe shot 5 FT’s tonight…

by grimmz on Apr 25, 2009 9:44 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah I saw that one too.

Seriously I looked back at thursdays game thread here. I don’t see the same level of hostility here when we are losing. I just don’t get it.

"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley

by pslakerfan on Apr 25, 2009 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah I don't get it either

The Haters come out when we lose but disappear when we win, that’s why I give up trying to talk to them or understand them.

by BrittneyM on Apr 25, 2009 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Utah fan are just irrational and bitter.

I’ve never seen an angrier, nastier set of fans.

The only reason they were good at home this year (but terrible on the road) is because the refs and NBA placate the fans and let the Jazz get away with a lot of reach ins and pushes. To the point where you expect it, and can’t complain (unless you’re a Celtics fan.)

So, I’ll credit the fans for that. They’re rabid enough to keep their team in games at home, but everyone from reporters to bloggers (except Ross Siler) seem to be a bunch of juvenile, name calling, venom spewing, jealous fanatics.

by wondahbap on Apr 26, 2009 5:20 AM PDT up reply actions

Like I said earlier...

the same traits people mistake for flaws, are the same traits that allow Kobe to come out and dominate this game. He put the Lakers on his back to start the game, and when the rest of the team caught up to speed, it got to a 20+ lead.

5-24 last game wasn’t selfish. It was just Kobe missing his shots.

by wondahbap on Apr 25, 2009 9:13 PM PDT reply actions

What's funny is both sides of the hot hand issue will see it as evidence for their side

On the one hand, Kobe was on fire.

On the other (non) hand, Kobe just brought his shooting % back up to normal after an unlucky random streak of misses. It’s math.

by Gils_Keloids on Apr 25, 2009 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Kobe Is Dead Serious

Game Three woke him up.

Case in point: Kobe grabbed the rebound with about 40 seconds left in the game with Gasol on one side and Odom on the other. They started walking slowly up the court when Kobe barked out an order and waived them away. All of the sudden, in a 15 point game with less than a minute left, Gasol and Odom sprinted (not ran-Sprinted) down the court and into position.

Kobe understands that this team’s mentality about closing games needs to change, and I don’t think that we will see him crack a smile until the second week of June

by Sideout11 on Apr 25, 2009 9:14 PM PDT reply actions

Lakers 3-1

This was a great bounce back game after Game 3. Kobe was amazing tonight and the Defense and rebounding was great in the second half! Now let’s finish this on Monday and get some rest for the second round.

by LAKERJK on Apr 25, 2009 9:18 PM PDT reply actions

I also like this kind of game

Because it really shows the masses how much Kobe means to the team, which can get lost when people see Pau and Bynum dominating, and start to think the Bigs are the engine of the team. I’ve seen some of those types of posts from opponent’s fans especially, in an attempt to trivialize Kobe’s significance to the team.

by Gils_Keloids on Apr 25, 2009 9:30 PM PDT reply actions

People love to make sure Kobe’s significance to the team is always downgraded. They are absolutely wrong though. He’s the one that allows for others to be wide open for shots because he draws so many defenders. Today was a prime example. But I’ve come to terms that some people never will accept how good he is, and that’s a little sad because they’re really missing out on a great player.

by intuitive on Apr 25, 2009 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions

I just realized Kobe took the same shots he took in Game 3 for this game, the only difference was he actually made them.

by intuitive on Apr 25, 2009 9:35 PM PDT reply actions

Totally totally

If Kobe was missing, it would be “chucking”.

Horror of horrors, Kobe shot 20+ shots tonight!

And on the same thought, do you see why Kobe keeps taking those shots? When he’s missing, everyone wants him to stop, or drive to the hoop!

by Gils_Keloids on Apr 25, 2009 9:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Well Kobe has more miles on those legs so I dont want him to drive the hoop as often as people would like.

But yeah I get it. After a bad shooting night its hard to say that Kobe was taking good shots. I hate that “If Kobe shoots 20 or more shots the record is blah blah blah” People rely too heavily on stats, especially now a days. Sometimes you just have to watch the game.

by intuitive on Apr 25, 2009 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions

Awesome game

and that is the Kobe we know. Boy did he come out pissed and on a mission. Got a little lazy in the last few minutes and I was glad to see Phil say something about it. Now we come out firing on Monday and close this one out.

GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!

Lakers lead Utah 2-1

by weazel on Apr 25, 2009 9:58 PM PDT reply actions

As I expected also

A total and complete game, put on by the Lakers, they do that Monday and no way does Utah steal a game.

by BrittneyM on Apr 25, 2009 10:19 PM PDT reply actions

A look at my favorite stat: FG% (in terms of defense)

Jazz Lakers
Game 1 39.1% 55.6%
Game 2 49.4% 60.0%
Game 3 44.0% 36.8%
Game 4 44.2% 51.9%
Series 44.0% 50.5%

The Lakers gave up 49.4% to the Jazz in the 3 regular season games, and they gave up 44.5% to all other opponents in the regular season.

So it would appear the the Lakers are playing good defense, relative to their regular season performance. So why does it seem like they are giving up so many layups to backdoor cuts and inside dishes?

by Gils_Keloids on Apr 25, 2009 10:25 PM PDT reply actions

Salt Lake Tribune

They took in the full impact of both bits, falling behind in their first-round playoff series with the Lakers, 3-1, by the count of 108-94. Another fact: Kobe went berserk.

And the best thing about it for the Lakers — and the worst for the Jazz — was that he did it without being a pig, without taking his teammates out of the game, or leaving them behind.

Full article here

by Gils_Keloids on Apr 25, 2009 10:46 PM PDT reply actions

Nothing new

I have been reading articles like this about Kobe for years. That sort of stuff does not surprise me. Reporters are supposed to do sports commentary and give a break down of games and issues revolving sports. However, they use their creative abilities to somehow insert their own personal feelings towards players, teams or anyone who they might dislike. Example, Bill Simmons, who by the way recently proclaimed that the Cavs were going to win the title. What happened to the Celtics? Did he already Jump ship?

by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Apr 25, 2009 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions

What worries me...

I have no doubt that the Lakers will make it to the Finals. Mainly because Lakers are that much better than all the Western Conference playoff teams. Any team that might represent a challenge in the west (Nuggets) is too inexperienced. But there are some similarities to last year’s team that worries me. Defense and their toughness on the boards. That is what happened last year. They were able to get past the West and all the way to the Finals. But, they cannot do that this year. Even though the Cavs do not have an inside defensive presence in the middle like KG that is going to be where the Championship is won on the boards and keeping the Cavs out of the paint. That being said, I can honestly not see how players like Boozer can out rebound Gasol and Bynum. That is why Bynum HAS TO! be a better defensive presence by the time the Finals roll around.

by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Apr 25, 2009 10:58 PM PDT reply actions

Comparing the Lakers and Cavs…

…at this point is hard to do. The Lakers are playing a much better team than the Cavs are in the 1st round. Is there anyone on here who doesn’t think the Jazz would beat the Pistons in at least 6 if they were playing each other right now?

The Pistons are a sub .500 joke right now that looked like they had given up on that entire series in the 1st half of the first game.

The Jazz, as Kobe says, is not your typical 8 seed. I can guarantee you that the Cavs would not have swept Utah either.

I think the distance between last year’s Lakers and last year’s Celtics was much greater than this year’s Lakers and this year’s Cavs who quite honestly look pretty even to me. This year’s Lakers are a lot tougher mentally than last year as well.

0 = The number of Super Bowls the Eagles have won.

by gee-roj on Apr 27, 2009 6:47 AM PDT up reply actions

Lebron who?

Kobe was in his Mamba mode this evening. His typical pre-game pleasantries were nowhere to be found, and his on-court demeanor was strictly all business. Ronnie Brewer played solid defense on Bryant, pushing him out of his comfort zone and keeping a hand in his face. But the MVP was not the least bit fazed, as he left the Utah fans gasping in disbelief with one incredible shot after another.

by dEDGE on Apr 25, 2009 11:12 PM PDT reply actions

Shannon in interviews loves to repeatedly say “yknow”

by intuitive on Apr 25, 2009 11:13 PM PDT reply actions

He's not very polished in media relations

by Gils_Keloids on Apr 25, 2009 11:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Pop Quiz, who are the "two guys" Jerry Sloan is talking about?

“Don’t ever think that a player of Kobe Bryant’s ability will not fight back,” Sloan said. “I had two of those guys on this team at one time. And if they had a bad game, they came back and gave everything they’ve got. …I never said that we stopped Kobe Bryant. I knew better.”

by Gils_Keloids on Apr 25, 2009 11:19 PM PDT reply actions

Stockton and Malone

Who of course were thwarted by MJ

by Sideout11 on Apr 26, 2009 12:11 AM PDT up reply actions

I’m surprised Odom hasn’t faded away so far in this season. Usually he plays a couple games really well and then the next couple games you dont even notice hes on the floor. This whole season (especially after Bynum went down) he’s made his presence felt and really just done the little things to help the team succeed. I really think that Odom’s having one of his better seasons and hopefully he can keep it up all the way through June.

by intuitive on Apr 25, 2009 11:22 PM PDT reply actions

Shaw said it best

Moments into the game, everyone knew, with Bryant scoring the Lakers’ first 11 points. Just in case anyone forgot, at the start the second half he scored 10 of their first 12 points.

By then, a group of Jazz players who had once been stalking and pumping their fists were now trudging and shaking their heads.

“He was probably trying to prove a point,” said Utah’s Kyle Korver.

Bryant’s teammates got it, feeding off his intensity to such a degree that four of them scored in double figures, and the Lakers had a 46-39 edge in rebounds.

“We needed that type of performance from him tonight,” said Derek Fisher. “When your best player is leading you, I think everyone gets excited, the shooting gets contagious.”

Assistant coach Brian Shaw put it more bluntly.

“It’s like when somebody is bullying you, and your big brother shows up,” he said.

by intuitive on Apr 25, 2009 11:35 PM PDT reply actions

I love that

Now Kobe is the big brother. Stop taking Gasol’s lunch money!

by Gils_Keloids on Apr 25, 2009 11:38 PM PDT up reply actions

and this

I think everyone can now trust that Bryant knows this. After all, this is a guy who now listens.

“It’s important for me to stay aggressive,” he said. “At the same time, I want to pull the guys along with me.”

heres the whole article if anyones interested:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-plaschke-lakers26-2009apr26,0,4007001.column?page=1

by intuitive on Apr 25, 2009 11:36 PM PDT reply actions

couldn't have asked...

for a better game.

It was great.

I predicted 60% from the field. I think he beat that number by a bit. Props to Walton for having a solid game as well as fisher for making some big, albeit ill advised shots.

I think these tough trying games in hostile environments are good for the team and can only strengthen our chances at a title.

by Justin N. on Apr 26, 2009 3:56 AM PDT reply actions