Ain't No Cooking Like Some Home Cooking: Game 5 Post-Game Thread

by Sideout11 on May 12, 2009 10:41 PM PDT Comment 48 comments

Welcome back Andrew Bynum. And Lamar Odom. And Trevor Ariza. And Pau Gasol. And the rest of the Lakers for that matter. Today was the response that all of LakerNation needed to see out of this team, serving the Rockets a taste of their own medicine with a punishing 40 point victory.

Now, if you're wondering what was a bigger statement, the Rockets victory in Game 4 or the Lakers in Game 5, the answer is Houston hands down. The Lakers aren't expected to win this big, but they should be beating the Yao-less Rockets by a comfortable margin. That's why I don't see this as a statement game so much as a flexing of their muscles. We all know that the Lakers can pour it on after a loss or during a big game, but the question of can they do it without the extra motivation remains. Game 6 will provide an opportnity to answer this and can serve as the true statement game heading into the Conference FInals.

Finally, some food for thought. It's always said that good defense will lead to good offense, but as Doug Collins (correctly) pointed out during the broadcast:

"The Lakers defense seems to be fueled by their offense. When they are making baskets, they take that energy to the defensive end and are much more active and get in the passing lanes."

I think that this is a perfect explanation for why the Lakers have so much trouble fighting back when the other team jumps out to a large lead like Houston did in Game 4. Defense isn't streaky, but offense is, and the Lakers are an offense first team.

But enough of that. More on tonight's wonderful victory. Here's the box score and recap.

Go Purple & Gold!

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This was a TEAM effort in every way

That quote by Collins you have in there is absolutly right on the button. I am very happy to see all the players finally play well, especially the bench. They finally were given a lead that they held on to. The aggresiveness was constant for the whole game which is what I like to see. None of this cruise control stuff. Now we need to repeat this on Thursday so we can wrap this series up

Odom get the gameball for me because of the performance he gave when it looked like he might not have played. Gutsy performance to say the least.

GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!

Lakers lead series 3-2

by weazel on May 12, 2009 10:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Not the least bit surprised at how this game played out

The Rockets got the Lakers attention, and we know what that can provide. The defensive rotations were crisp (as opposed to non-existant). I actually think the Lakers will win Game 6 comfortably. Not tonight comfortable, but it’ll end up double digits I’m betting. They’ll want to prove they can do it after game 4.

It was nice to see Bynum doing exactly what he should be and abusing a front line that is 4 inches shorter than him at best.

by C.A. Clark on May 12, 2009 10:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

i posted this in the 2nd half thread

obligatory video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jwSjgEWp78

good game today. fryingdutchman i think its safe to say this game was for you. ask and you shall receive.

by intuitive on May 12, 2009 11:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That's pretty funny

by Sideout11 on May 12, 2009 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If only it were that simple

I’m afraid one game does not turn it around. We all know the Lakers are capable of a game like this, and frankly I would have been surprised if tonight’s game wasn’t a blowout. What I’m looking for is consistent effort and hunger, regardless of location, who the other team is, or how successful we are at shooting the ball that night.

by C.A. Clark on May 13, 2009 1:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're right, they can't let the offense feed the defense as Collins accurately point out

They need to keep that level of defense even when the offense is stalling, and know that the defense will hold you over when the offensive drought inevitably comes.

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on May 13, 2009 1:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gils,

Email me. I’d like to ask you something. wondahbap@aol.com

The Lakers are now 6-2 against the Rockets this season.

by wondahbap on May 13, 2009 6:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gee I don't know

I wonder if Mbenga is ok with this comparison

by Jello Is Jiggling on May 13, 2009 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Welcome back Andrew Bynum. And Lamar Odom. And Trevor Ariza. And Pau Gasol. And the rest of the Lakers for that matter.

Still waiting on Sasha’s return….

by intuitive on May 12, 2009 11:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I've been holding my breath on that one all season long

I let it out a couple games ago, finally coming to the realization that last year’s Sasha was an aberration. This is who Sasha is, and has been for most of his career.

(fingers crossed please prove me wrong Sasha!)

by Snoopy2006 on May 12, 2009 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sigh, Phil says Sasha is almost “neurotic” about his shot. I wonder what’s wrong with him

by intuitive on May 12, 2009 11:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not sure

Remember how pure his shot was last year? He used to put up those ridiculous 1-man runs and blow the game wide open.

My only thought is that his release is far, far too quick. He hit shots like that last year, but maybe he needs to slow it down this year. He’s missing everything, even when his feet are set and fairly uncontested.

by Snoopy2006 on May 12, 2009 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Even when he’s wide open his shots are BRICKS. I hope he figures out why soon because we need him to get going and start making those shots. Otherwise he’s basically useless besides for picking up quick quick fouls.

by intuitive on May 12, 2009 11:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

from a houston fan

great win tonight guys! good ball movement with plenty of transition offence

I'll snap yo neck like a twig if you sass me again. . .

by Duhoh on May 12, 2009 11:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks!

Looking forward to a fun Game 6, good luck.

by Snoopy2006 on May 12, 2009 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lakers should bottle up the attitude

they had in this game and keep it for the rest of the playoffs. If they play like they can play, they are the favorites.

Good to see Bynum get right. Watching him throughout the playoffs, I thought all he needed was more time to get comfy and he got it. 14 points in 20 minutes. He would’ve got 20-30 if he played more. There will be games where he gets too much early fouls, but when he plays well the team is that much better. Good to see Phil say postgame that he’d like to continue this lineup.

by Turbo Jackson on May 12, 2009 11:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Won't happen

lol I hate to sound like a pessimist, but it just won’t. We’ve seen this team all year long.

The good news? Hopefully now the Lakers are seen as the underdogs in any future rounds. I think that label will suit them well. Their status as being the favorites for 2 straight playoffs has resulted in them playing with a sense of entitlement. I want to see more edge, and maybe we’ll get that if Denver and Cleveland are seen as huge favorites.

by Snoopy2006 on May 12, 2009 11:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

sigh You're right.

We’ll see the “Ferrari in the slow lane” Lakers again before the playoffs are over, unfortunately. If they play to their potential every night, though, I can’t see the Nuggets and Cavs having answers for them.

But before that, these Rockets gained my respect in this series and game six in Houston will probably be a close one.

by Turbo Jackson on May 12, 2009 11:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

hope fisher and sasha can get start hitting shots in rhythm again

by kumquatsrus on May 12, 2009 11:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I think Bynum should have gotten more minutes. He played well

by intuitive on May 12, 2009 11:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah im sure he will since phil will keep him in the starting lineup. didnt really need to keep him in most of the game since it was pretty much a blowout by halftime.

by kumquatsrus on May 12, 2009 11:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Farmar had 6 assists, nice

by intuitive on May 12, 2009 11:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

When Lamars free throws are a pretty good indication of how the game will go for him. When he makes them you know he’ll play solid and his jump shot will be pretty smooth (usually)
When he isn’t making his free throws thats when you know hes having a tough time and his mind isn’t really “into the game”

by intuitive on May 12, 2009 11:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

a reaction on ClutchFans dot net

http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showpost.php?p=4512888&postcount=23
posted by YugoRocketsFan:
“Someone needs to go to Kobe’s hotel during Game 6 and break his leg while hes sleeping.

Rockets 2009 Champions."

I’ll add that someone needs to report this fan to the Houston Police… that sounds like inciting violence to me

by BigGame on May 12, 2009 11:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

A MUST READ if you haven't already

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=keown/090512&sportCat=nba

I just can’t believe the nerves of this guy to even say such crap, I know people don’t like Kobe but damn is it that serious….Once ya’ll read the article ya’ll will understand.

by BrittneyM on May 12, 2009 11:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

People either love or hate Kobe

by intuitive on May 12, 2009 11:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

but this one article is just ridiculous why not name others, why just Kobe?

Sometimes you want to talk to these people who write such crap and ask them what were they thinking and what did Kobe do to them?

by BrittneyM on May 13, 2009 12:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It attracts the viewers and incites the audience. I’ve read so much Kobe hate over the past few years (especially during the whole shaq feud) and I came to the realization that those who don’t like Kobe and wont respect him never will.

by intuitive on May 13, 2009 12:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

People love a villain. If there isn't one, they create one.

You’re right, the article is pretty ridiculous. Aschburner (or something) from SI ripped Kobe for celebrating after his end-of-3rd-quarter killer 3, by standing in the middle of the court and staring down the crowd. He also praised Lebron, and didn’t mention that Lebron had a very similar reaction to Kobe when Lebron hit his end-of-half 3.

Lebron postures as much as Kobe. Kobe is naturally more aggressive, so he does it with more edge and more cursing, whereas Lebron’s personality is just goofier. So the media likes him better. It’s why the media liked Shaq, too. I’ll take Kobe the assassin. over both of them anyway.

by Snoopy2006 on May 13, 2009 12:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes exactly, Kobe has reached icon status in some circles

Where he’s not even a human being, he’s just a villain, and any action he takes is viewed in the most negative light, with some sinister reason for doing what he does

He’s a stand-in for that selfish colleague at work, that punk kid at the playground, the guy who thinks he’s better than everyone – when in fact, he’s probably nothing like those people the haters associate him with.

OOh, his teammates must hate him, he’s not respected, blah blah blah

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on May 13, 2009 1:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I guess

they want Kobe to be cool, relaxed and laid back but that’s just not Kobe, when I watch Kobe it’s like Killer mode all day and I feel the same way as you, give me Kobe.

by BrittneyM on May 13, 2009 1:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But besides that...

Good guy for the Lakers and I want to repeat this same game on the road and close this series strong. Everyone showed up and Everyone played great.

by BrittneyM on May 12, 2009 11:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Someone wanted to know what the crowd was chanting. Here's your answer

"We Want Mbenga" chant to erupt in the fourth quarter as the bashful backup center hid his face behind a towel on the bench.

by intuitive on May 13, 2009 12:13 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

lol really?

That’s funny. I didn’t hear the chants, but I did see the crowd doing the wave. I think Luke promptly dribbled the ball off his foot, he was so shocked to see the Lakers crowd actually standing for once.

by Snoopy2006 on May 13, 2009 12:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just want to say

I have no problem rooting for this Lakers team. Win or lose.

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on May 13, 2009 12:26 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Let me expand

These guys have all had their personal struggles and issues (think Fisher and his daughter, Lamar and his son, Kobe and the court of public opinion as well as the court of law, DJ Mbenga sentenced to die in the Congo …) and I would like to see them all succeed.

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on May 13, 2009 12:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

+ Sasha, and having to deal with the hatred of all of humanity...

by Snoopy2006 on May 13, 2009 12:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And Luke, dealing with the unlimited hatred of a segment of Lakers fans

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on May 13, 2009 12:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You forgot Farmar being written off by a lot of the Laker fans (saying he was too cocky etc)
Pau being called “soft” and not tough enough to win the Finals

I guess you could pick something out for all the guys really.

by intuitive on May 13, 2009 12:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Off-topic...

But I just read this Kobe: Deliberately Arrogant article, and I must say Josh, that’s excellent work.

I can understand if opposing fans dislike Kobe’s arrogance, I probably would too. I just hate the double standard – Jordan and Garnett (until this year) are revered for similar arrogance and trash-talking (in most cases, Kobe’s is milder).

Anyway, this is not the thread to get into that, but just read that article and wanted to give props for a well written piece.

by Snoopy2006 on May 13, 2009 12:44 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, Garnett went a little bit over the line

With his sweater vest and corduroy suit antics

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on May 13, 2009 12:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Los Angeles Lakers have been swept up in this practice lately, too. Apparently they are advocates of what could be described as Basketball On Demand, which allows them to choose which games they feel like playing, and which ones they’d rather blow off. In Game 4 on Sunday, they decided to chill, opting instead for Game 5 on Tuesday night.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30714536/

by intuitive on May 13, 2009 12:55 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

But with this Lakers’ team, it’s an oddsmaker’s nightmare to try and predict if that will happen from night to night. Remember, the Lakers had swept this team during the regular season. Then along came the playoffs. The Rockets surprised everyone but themselves by stealing Game 1, and did the same in Game 4, when Prognostication Nation assumed the Lakers would clamp down and finish this series in five so they wouldn’t have to fly back to Texas again.

by intuitive on May 13, 2009 12:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs