Game 5 Post-Game Thread
by Josh Tucker on Apr 27, 2009 10:32 PM PDT
in Game Recaps
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PrintAnd the first round is over! The Lakers should have several days of rest, which they might want to use to figure out why they keep giving up large leads late in games, and how it can be fixed.
Once again, the Lakers took a 20+ point lead into the fourth quarter, and once again, they gave most of it up before bearing down and pushing it back to double-digits again. As Lakers fans, this is getting annoying at best — and at worst, disturbing and even frightening.
Some are becoming more and more convinced that the Lakers are not a championship team. Others aren't phased by it, pointing out that the Lakers do their best work against the best teams, and they won't be this careless against the Cavs.
For my part, I think it's worth noticing when these lapses occur, and who is on the court at that point in the game.
Here is your Post-Game Thread. Sound off in the comments with your post-game analysis, as well as your overall series analysis. Fun facts, keys to the games, and advanced statistics are always welcome!
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Well, Laker fans, you suck and always will suck, but nice series.
-I hate Sloan. I can see why Price didn’t play all season and series now.
-Millsap turns into a beast when Price is on the floor. Good riddance, Boozer.
-Odom and Ariza kicked our butts.
-Who knew the Jazz dominate with D-Will out?
-Kobe is still a d-bag. I’ll always treasure Game 3’s 5-24. (I didn’t go to Game 4’s debacle) :)
-Steve Javie is a tool. The refs (yeah I said it) took the wind out of the sails in the last couple minutes. Lakers probably would have won anyway.
-I hate Sloan. Brevin Knight is “Oooooo, sucky….very sucky!” (Elf)
-Fisher is a manipulative whiner. And he was when he played for Golden State and Utah.
-I hate Sasha Vujacic. He would be a great fit in the WNBA.
-The Bucket List is a crappy movie.
-The Jazz would have won this series with a healthy Okur, and if Sloan had a stroke before the series.) Price=good, Knight=bad, therefore Sloan=bad.
-The. Lakers. Suck.
-Go Houston/Nuggets/Crappy East team!
Go Away
If you want to congratulate us on a good series, do so without the pot shots. If you want to rant and moan about your team and ours, go here (although I have a suspicion that they wouldn’t like what you have to say either). Bottom line is that the crap you wrote above is not welcome and if it continues neither are you.
PS-The Jazz would not have won this series with a healthy Okur, it just would have been closer.
PSS-Do NOT wish ill will, especially something as serious as a stroke, on anyone, least of all a class-act like Jerry Sloan. He got more out of this injury ravaged team than anyone could have hoped for, and never once complained.
His post was relatively harmless
Unnecessary, but harmless
by Gils_Keloids on Apr 27, 2009 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Give me a break, my team just got eliminated in the 1st round to the hated Lakers.
Holy cow, of course I don’t want Sloan to have a stroke. That’s why there’s a little parentheses indicating an admittedly sub-par attempt at humor. (And best wishes to Tex Winter bty)
I would just like Sloan to retire. Sloan’s system and tendencies seem to keep the Jazz afloat in the regular season, but come playoff-time, it just doesn’t work. He’s a deserved Hall of Famer, but I don’t think he’s capable a la Mr. Nine Rings, to win a title.
The Lakers are a championship caliber team, provided they maintain their leads, and kudos for taking out Utah in only five games. That said, I hope LA miraculously gets swept by Houston, and I’m sorry that I caused you any consternation.
Why Couldn't You Just Say It Like That In The First Place?
Conversation like what you just posted above is more than welcome. I understand that you are frustrated, but when you come here with comments like “Lakers fans, you suck and always will suck” and “Kobe is still a d-bag,” you are just saying things we have heard a million times, even if they were meant as a joke. This the the consternation, the tiring and unoriginal jokes and insults. We can take it, we are just tired of hearing it. We prefer intelligent and insightful comments like yours above because we can respond and actually have a conversation about a sports topic. That can’t be done with stuff like “I hate Sloan”
And thanks for the wishes for Tex. It’s much appreciated.
He's got a point
You see, you may be well-intending, but tone is nearly impossible to discern in text comments. Given that, it’s smartest to steer very clear of the cliché comments used so often by actual trolls, because there will be no way for us to discern between trolling and an attempt at humor.
I said the same to Sabonis4Ever, who dropped by to say “Lakers suck,” and that was it. Turned out he was joking — but how are we to know, unless you spell it out for us? And meanwhile, there are plenty of people who drop by to make those kinds of comments who aren’t joking, who are serious, and whose only intent is to troll.
If you insist on making what I personally think are very unwise attempts at humor — why would you even want to use the same comments in humor that classless, witless trolls use in seriousness? — the only smart thing for you to do is start or finish with a disclaimer. Say, “I’m not serious about [x, y, and z], just being humorous.”
So if you’re going to make comments like “you suck and always will suck”, “Kobe is still a d-bag”, “Fisher is a manipulative whiner”, and “The. Lakers. Suck” — either finish it with “I’m just joking, you don’t suck, Kobe isn’t a d-bag, and Fisher isn’t a whiner”… or expect to be torn a new one by the fans and probably warned by me.
Makes sense, right? We’ve gotta have a way of dealing with the trolls, so unless you give us a way of distinguishing you from an actual troll, act like one and you’ll be treated like one.
Strength & Honor
another tool
dont be mad buddy u guys lost just go home cry about how we beat u guys to ur mom and sit and watch as the Lakers go and win a ring. Go Lakers!
by 49ersAllTheWay on Apr 27, 2009 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions
I am not phased
This is who they are, they build big leads, and let em down. But they keep winning.
The majority said Lakers in 5. And so it was. There was no disrespect to the Jazz, they were rated correctly.
It is............ interesting.
Usually great, killer, championship teams are murderers in the SECOND half.
Not in game 1, game 2, or game 5…
What does it all mean?
Maybe nothing, maybe everything.
Next round will be a MUCH tougher opponent. Then we shall see.
Pontiff of the Pryz for Prez Posse...
By the by
My post below wasn’t in response to you, Timbo. You are a lot more objective and open about your opinions than some.
by Gils_Keloids on Apr 27, 2009 10:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Not necessirally true
Last year’s Celtics were the exact same type of team as this year’s Laker team. Considering that last year the East was even weaker and the Celtics round one and two went to game sevens and the conference finals went to a game six if i’m not mistaken. Last year’s Celtics team were so inconsistent in the playoffs and they won the title. That being said I don’t think that championship teams are murderers in the SECOND half. Some are and some are not. The Celtics last year were just good enough on the defensive end to win a title. This Laker team needs to learn to do that.
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Apr 27, 2009 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions
And what's with all the "this is not a championship team" prognostications?
How about we take this one game at a time?
Quit trying to predict the future.
I so much more enjoy analyzing in hindsight, than trying to figure out what’s going to happen. You can use the past to correct your mistakes.
But don’t try to tell me what’s going to happen, they’re going to play the games and we’ll all find out. Try to enjoy the journey instead of looking for the destination.
I am happy tonight.
Excellent Point Regarding WHO Is In
when the leads are blown. I was going to say the same thing in my analysis. PJ needs to shorten the rotation and not be afraid to leave the starters in until the final 3 minutes or so.
I'm disappointed in Bynum's performance
You can see the big lug wants to score, but the Lakers only need defense and rebounding from him. Quit bringing the ball down, big man, keep it high!
Hasn't this team learned?
Game 4 and 6 of last year’s Finals must not of taught this team anything. Have they already forgotten what happened last year? How in the world does Pau get a rebound and have Milsap literally rip it from his hands and dunk it. There is no reason why the Lakers should be outrebounded by any Utah player when Bynum and Gasol are in there. Ironically, Odom was the one who showed the most heart out there besides Kobe. Luckily this team does not have the type of inside precense that Houston has. What do you think Yao is going to do to this team? I don’t want to hear this be positive the Lakers will be fine mentality. I had that mentality last year and well we know what happened. This is not a question of execution or plays this is a question of heart, of having a chip on your shoulder. But this Laker team plays like a team that has been told all year long how amazing it is and thinks that it’s going to coast to a title. It’s not happening if they keep repeating the same thing over and over of letting teams back in the game. Every player on this team remembers what it feels like to loose in the Finals with the exception of S. Brown. Yet he plays with more heart on defense than half of the bench. Let’s hope that at some point someone hits them in the face and wakes them up because at this point all these games in the first round seem like similar re-runs of game 4 of the Finals last year.
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Apr 27, 2009 10:47 PM PDT reply actions
I don’t know. Yao may end up burning is on the boards, but outside of Yao the Rocket’s are lacking height. Now they have other guys who can board and give us problems in many of the same ways Milsap did, but maybe the Lakers will learn from this series that just being taller isn’t the only thing needed to grab a rebound. They seemed to be getting that message more and more as the series went on and I can only hope that it continues against Houston (or Portland).
by klofslofski on Apr 27, 2009 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Pau needs to be much more aggressive on the boards. Take a page out of LO’s book because right now hes missing a lot of rebounds that he should be getting. And hes getting out-muscled, time for him to hit the weight room again.
Pau was virtually invisible this game
It’s almost like he shrinks. What gives?
by Gils_Keloids on Apr 27, 2009 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Pau needs Bynum....
Bynum allows Pau to roam and get 2nd opportunity shots and tip-ins. Believe me, I believe 100% this is a Championship caliber team and they will get past the West but they cannot win a title playing this soft. I mean there was a play when the Jazz were making a run and Pau had rebounding position and Ronny Brewer who is like 5 feet nothing compared to Gasol and then he dunks it right in front of him and Pau just looks at him. As you said earlier, Bynum’s performance is dissapointing but his precense defensively is missing.
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Apr 27, 2009 11:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Just pointing this out:
Without those 17 points (and 11 boards) the Lakers lose Game 5.
My name isn't really Iggy.
The big difference
with having to guard Yao is that he commands a double team. I can see if Bynum was at least being a factor defensively then I wouldn’t think twice about this matchup. But it is going to take for Bynum to guard Yao one on one for the Lakers to beat this team with ease. But are right, let’s hope they get the message.
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Apr 27, 2009 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions
I really don't see Yao killing it on the boards
The Lakers are usually a very strong rebounding team, and they were in this game too, 4th quarter not withstanding. They outrebounded the Jazz by 7 over the course of the game. What gave the Lakers problems with rebounding was activity and athleticism, two things Yao doesn’t exactly have in spades. Not bagging on Yao at all, but if the Lakers get killed on the offensive boards against Houston, it’ll be Scola and Landry who are more likely to do it.
Don't count on playing the Rockets for certain...
Remember the Rockets still have to win one more game
Definitely
The team just looks lifeless out there when they get big leads. To be honest, it’s a little alarming to see that Lamar and Kobe seem to be the only ones that REALLY want it out there on the court. I want to see 110% effort for full 48 minutes but at this point I’m willing to accept the fact that we’re not going to get that and just try to focus on playing defense better as a unit.
And Pau is really frustrating me. I know it’s not his fault that he’s not a physical-type of a player but he really needs to grow a pair of balls and be more of a force in the paint.
by chrisbeomsuh on Apr 28, 2009 3:53 AM PDT up reply actions
He scores consistently, rebounds consistently...
and he added 15+ wins to our season. Both last year and this year.
I’m sick of all the hate for Pau! Let’s give him a little respect, he’s not Shaq (or even Bynum) so don’t expect him to be what he’s not. He does what he does, and as a direct result of that, this Lakers team simply wins.
My name isn't really Iggy.
Not hate
I think Pau can make more of an impact, besides showing up in the box score.
You know, make his presence felt, like he did in that one game against New Jersey.
I wouldn’t direct this at Lamar, because we know who Lamar is, he’s inconsistent.
But during the regular season, Pau was the most consistent Laker, so I just want that guy to show up for the playoffs consistently.
by Gils_Keloids on Apr 28, 2009 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Not only that
but Pau played with much more fire during the Olympics. I know he’s capable of playing more physical and that’s all I want to see.
by chrisbeomsuh on Apr 28, 2009 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions
What prescient mind said this?
I’m the only “negative” vote?
Well it didn’t quite fit, but I do think the Lakers will get the win, but still have some bad stretches – not due to overconfidence, just a lack of execution. But we can’t all be perfect!
by Gils_Keloids on Apr 27, 2009 2:18 PM PDT reply reply actions actions 0 recs
Well I can't say I am surprised by the way the game ended.
As GK says above this is what the Lakers have been known to do. I am just glad they ended the series so they can rest up for the next series, which looks like it will be Houston unless they collapse.
GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!
Lakers lead Utah 2-1
Arizas' Health
The best part of this series ending early is that Ariza will have time to rest his ankle and the Rockets and Blazer get to beat each other up. Let’s hope it goes to game seven or at least until Ariza is as close to 100% as possible.
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Apr 27, 2009 11:01 PM PDT reply actions
Anyone notice at one point
Sasha drew a triple team? They were all grabbing at the ball, but that was ridiculous!
Kobe may take a pay cut
Kobe Bryant – Los Angeles Lakers: It would take a massive injury or total collapse for Kobe’s stock to fall and the Lakers have been preparing themselves for the inevitable. Kobe is going to opt out this summer and the Lakers will have to back up the other Brink’s truck to his house and there is little that is going to effect that. Sources close to Bryant say that while Kobe is eligible for a deal in the $24 million per year range he may help the Lakers out if it means keeping Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom in town, so expect Kobe’s next deal to be slightly less than most are projecting, a deal that averages $18 to $20 million seems like where things are headed, and Kobe opting out means almost nothing in the grand scheme.
I suspect it will be a long term contract that is back heavy.
In other words 20 million now, 28-30 on the back end. That is fair to everyone.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
No way he would do that
Kobe is selfish, a horrible person, and a horrible teammate. Even if he did do something like that, it’s probably because he wants everyone to think he’s a great person and keep up his fake image. His teammates hate him, he’s not Michael Jordan, he’s not Lebron James, and he has the most help out of any superstar. He just a simple gunner, and if you look he has all this help. Lamar Odom is the MVP of this team, and if he isn’t then it’s Pau Gasol, and if you look at the stats Andrew Bynum was more productive than Kobe, in fact this writer of that story is probably a Kobe lover and just wants access to Kobe, so he writes nice things about him, when in reality Kobe probably goes home to his dungeon and kills as many living creatures in the night as he can, and then when it’s bright he goes to sleep in his coffin. Kobe can’t do anything right, and if he did, he’s just doing it for selfish reasons, because he will throw his teammates under the bus at the first opportunity.
Oh man, it’s late, I’m channeling angry fans! Good night!
by Gils_Keloids on Apr 28, 2009 12:46 AM PDT up reply actions
next round please
I’m glad it’s over Utah was pretty tough and I not too mad about the Lakers blown lead tonight because Jazz couldn’t over come it and Jazz still lose. Yes I would like for the Lakers to keep leads but as long as they win the game then I’m cool other then that bring on Houston.
Hmm don't count on getting to play Houston just yet
Remember Houston still has to win a game, and 3-1 defecits can be overcome for Portland Trailblazers.
Disagree
Call me a fool, but right now, I’m gonna go ahead and say that a 3-1 deficit actually is impossible for the Portland Trail Blazers to overcome.
What’s the stat, only something like 8 teams have done it in history? And what do you think it takes to pull off a series comeback like that, winning three straight games in a row? It takes a mental fortitude, confidence level, calmness, and execution that are characteristic of experienced teams — or at the very least, teams led by several experienced players. Inexperienced teams like the Blazers simply don’t have the tools necessary to accomplish this feat.
Add to that the fact that Portland is quite bad on the road, and the odds go way down. Then, consider that these next three games are in Portland, then Houston, then Portland again — that’s a lot of traveling, and that makes three wins in a row that much harder for either team.
It’s just not going to happen. I hope they extend this series as far as possible, but the Blazers are on their way out.
Strength & Honor
I agree with that
In fact, now that Houston knows the Lakers are waiting for them, it’s in their best interest to come out with the highest focus and execution as possible in order to win. If they don’t, they possibly lose their ability to be competitive against LA in the next series.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Congratulations to the Lakers
But they pretty much did what they were supposed to do. Nothing learned, nothing gained, and nothing lost.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
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