LAKERS ADVANCE: Game 7 Post-Game Thread
by Sideout11 on May 17, 2009 3:21 PM PDT
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PrintThat sound you heard? That was the collective sigh of relief of every Lakers fan watching today. Just like Game 5, the Lakers came out and jumped all over what at this point has to be an emotionally drained Houston Rocket's team. The Lakers are like an avalanche: once they get going, they just get stronger and stronger and are impossible to stop. Here is the recap and box score form today's game.
Also, a huge congratulations to the Houston Rockets and their fans. They were everything that the Lakers were not in this series. They played with heart and guts, and gave it their all each and every game, despite losing their star center. in the end the Lakers talent and homecourt advantage was too much, but hopefully the Lakers will learn valuable lessons from this Rockets team and the way they played. Should the Lakers win the championship, they will probably owe a huge thank you for scaring them straight.
Now it's on to Denver, and the Lakers will have to bring it like they never have this season (with the exception of the Celtics and Cavs games) if they hope to survive. All I can say is I'm glad that we have homecourt advantage. See you Tuesday night.
Go Purple & Gold!
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I like that BOOM BOOM PAU
It must have worked!
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
The Kobe Vigourous Head Tousle
Takes at least 48 hours to take effect
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 17, 2009 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
funny thing is that the Rockets fans all said he was picking on Pau and not being a good teammate.
perspectives………..hmmmmmmmmmmm
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
That didn’t seem all that friendly to me, truth be told… :)
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Not friendly
But not condescending or humiliating as some have implied
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 17, 2009 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Major props to Houston
A ridiculously gritty team, and classy.
Now we move on to Denver. I hope Phil isn’t slow to adapt once again. I’m afraid because of Farmar’s play this series he’ll give more PT to Farmar in the WCF. No, Phil. No. He needs a very quick hook with Farmar, who just doesn’t match up physically with the Nugs. I want to see a lot of Brown on Billups.
How dare you say the Lakers will lose game 1!
In response to Snoopy, gotta throw out a cliche “Whatever doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger”. We can only hope the Rockets made the Lakers stronger".
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 17, 2009 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions
I think they did
The Rockets are the only team out West who play top-level defense like the Cavs or old Celts in the East. I think seeing this type of D this early will help.
Even today, our offense started out very stagnant. This team, while great, can’t run its offense to perfection against top-level defenses. So hopefully we’ve learned a bit in this series.
Birdman will be an X-factor
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 17, 2009 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions
First of all
That WaveOcean guy above is a Cavs fan…and I hate that bird-boy freak. I think of him as the eXcrement factor.
Cavs fans are welcome here
Just not trollies.
Birdman helps out a lot, but I think the Lakers should tell their bigs to give him a pump fake, he goes for every blocked shot.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 17, 2009 6:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Didn’t mean to imply he’s not welcome. Just pointing out why he might not think much of our game 1 chances.
And re: birdbrain, I think the Lakers best chances are to establish the inside game and paste a few fouls on Nene, Kenyon & birdman. (Seems like that’s always the key.)
Well we’ll see what happens. Hope the Lakers are ready.
Yeah, he really is the Nuggets’ wild card.
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There's a good chance it will happen!
The Nuggets are rested and confident, having dominated their previous opponents. You guys are tired, and this series has definitely knocked some swagger out of the Lakers.
Honestly, I think the Rockets were stupendous considering they lost three key players. How unlucky is it to lose your backup center, and then your star center?
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Like I said before the game, the questions about the Lakers have not been answered
And won’t be answered until the very end.
It’s like when Lamar would have two or three amazing games in a row, and people would say “He’s figured it out”. And I would think, let’s wait a second here, being inconsistent means being great sometimes and very bad sometimes. So the same goes with this Lakers team.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
I've been wondering if
LA sometimes plays to the level of their competition; they play harder when the opponent is harder or when the game is more important, but they slack off otherwise.
Even today they played dominant only when they needed to be. They were goofing around a lot in that 2nd half after going up by 20 because Houston couldn’t score anything. They can’t do that against Denver, certainly not against Cleveland. Will they turn it up for four quarters or keep on oscillating between talent and effort?
Bork bork bork!
by Avinash Kunnath on May 17, 2009 3:28 PM PDT reply actions
They will definitely turn it on against Cleveland
It may take them 1 game to figure out Denver, since they use a high-powered offense and not the same suffocating defense as Houston.
If that's true
It’s would almost have been better to play Houston after the Nuggets.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 17, 2009 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions
that better not be true for the Cavs.........lol
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
I always thought that “play down to the competition” thing was a cliche. The team is just unable to focus, and fans keep waiting for it to “get serious”, to no avail. We’ll see.
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Fishy Fish
Made some shots that I call “NO!! ….ok” shots. My confidence in Fish is very low. I hope he can bounce back with his outside shooting against the Nuggets.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Billups is a better matchup for Fisher
Certainly a more conventional, old-school matchup than Speedy Brooks. Still a huge advantage for Chauncey though.
Bork bork bork!
by Avinash Kunnath on May 17, 2009 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions
In the first quarter
I saw him hit two long shots for 5 points. Right there, I saw the writing on the wall.
Kobe and Pau post-game ABC right now
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Kobe just said he learned that we're "Bi-polar"
Very good medical description, Schizophrenia is a very different thing.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 17, 2009 3:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Kobe hit the nail on the head
when talking about how he’d rather take some punches early then breeze into the finals and get taken to school like last year against the Celtics
So should we hope that the next series goes seven?
I don’t think I can take it.
The media sure does get a lot of mileage off these long series though.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 17, 2009 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Early points on Denver
-Denver is coming in with some serious swagger, courtesy of Billups. We need to put the fear of God in them right off the bat.
-The Lakers struggle on a week of rest, we always come out flat. Hopefully this’ll be a blessing, we’ll be loose and ready and hopefully not too fatigued.
-No Farmar. He played great, but he just can’t match up physically with Denver. Lots of Shannon, and some Fish.
-Who will guard Kobe? I’m guessing Jones, Smith, and Melo will take turns. Will we also see Martin on Kobe like last year?
-Bench play will be critical. We have to at least play them to a draw. Their bench is like Houston’s – not individually talented (aside from Smith), but hustle players that know their roles and play well together.
-It’ll be fun to watch the physicality of this series. K-Mart is one of the dirtiest, most physical players out there. Will Kobe’s barking get under the Nuggets’ skin, or do they have a different composure with Billups?
Hopefully Denver will be the team that is rusty
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 17, 2009 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions
I also think that Denver is not as poised or resilient as Houston
So the first two are doubly important to crack their psyche.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 17, 2009 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Billups
has been a part of the last bajillion conference finals (or 7 IIRC), so that’s pretty impressive and obviously says a lot about his leadership.
I agree about Farmar and Billups, but I still want to see him play, but put him in with Odom and Ariza when Denver’s bench is in and just let the young guns run. When we’re breaking, no team in the league can hang with us
Who’s going to stop Chauncey? He’s playing great basketball, and Fisher can’t.
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Thats the thing what will Denver do against Kobe they have no Battier or Artest
-Who will guard Kobe? I’m guessing Jones, Smith, and Melo will take turns. Will we also see Martin on Kobe like last year?
Kobe has killed Martin, Smith and Jones, this matchup is key, if Kobe does and gets whatever he wants Lakers win
Just peeked at Pickaxe and Roll
There are Blazer fans and Rockets fans on it right now. I’m guessing the entire Western Conference is rooting against you guys. Does that make you feel special, or what?
Doesn't really affect me one way or another
We get the rap for being classless, and yet I guarantee you’ll see a myriad of “rapist” and other classless posts from the collective anti-Laker troops throughout the next series, more than any personal attacks you’ll see on here or on FB&G. It’s a bit hypocritical.
Other than that, it doesn’t bother me. I like the Rockets and will continue to root for them.
I don't honestly know why, but...............
I see about 1/10th of the whining, bitching, and name calling on this site that I see on other teams sites. Immediately after the game ended the Dream Shake started with bitching about Joey Crawford, calling Vujacic (vulvacic), etc….. I don’t get it. It seems so childish to me.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
Don't forget
Boston with the Vujabitch last year (I kind of liked that one). The Blazers’ L*kers shtick has really gotten old. The Fakers is always a good one for those lacking in creativity or inspiration.
yeah I know we are all tired of it..............
Kinda like the kid in 6th grade that just keeps on saying “I’m not touching you, I’m not touching you” with his hand right in your face….Everyone knows he is an idiot except the guy doing it.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
Vulvacic? Hah, I hadn’t heard that one before. C’mon, it’s funny…
Remember “Pavlobrick”? :)
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You sir, are obviously a fan of basketball
I like it
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 17, 2009 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions
BTW..........What is with the name?
I know what Gils means and also what Keloids are, but what is the correlation?
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
hehe
Look it up on google ("gilbert arenas keloids) it is may be gross for me to describe
Gilbert Arenas was doing some blogging a while back around the time I joined SB nation, and he made me laugh like crazy, which made me anoint him my second favorite player because of his outrageous personality, as well as the fact that he was a major underdog from birth.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 17, 2009 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions
The Rockets fans seem to have a sense of humor
The blazer fans are pretty funny. They’re all so excited about their young little team that they don’t want the season to end.
I have a feeling that both Houston & Portland have enough talent that they’ll contend next year. I will say that I hope Portland does what New Orleans did this year and crumble.
Some blazer fans are OK and just honest b-ball fans. But the rabid haters fans forgot it is “win or go home” and refuse to do either.
Battier just said the Lakers are the favorite
He doesn’t think Denver has been tested at this point, basically saying they haven’t played anyone
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Not the Hornets, but the Mavs pushed them. Game 4 could’ve gone either way.
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The Nugs are for real
Let’s not forget how many people dismissed the Rockets before this series. Most had the Lakers in 5.
Let’s give the Nugs proper respect. They’ve showed some killer tenacity. If we had played the Maverics or Hornets, we’d probably have had a number of lazy let-downs by this point.
Any team with Billups at the helm will execute calmly under pressure, and with the talent of Melo/Smith and energy and skills of Martin/Anderson/Nene, that is a very dangerous team.
I didn't say it, Battier did
At this point I would respect the Clippers and Thunder if they were to play the Lakers in a series.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 17, 2009 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions
I agree
Walton’s had success bodying him up. But if Melo blows by Luke, I think Odom physically is a great matchup.
Let’s hope Odom gets back to 100% soon.
No. Stop. Freeze.
Under no circumstances do I want to see Walton in against the Nuggets. He and Mbenga can grab some nice, comfy seats down at the end, find a towel to wave, and enjoy watching the rest of the team run the Lake show (nothing against Mbenga; he just doesn’t get PT anyways)
I can't believe the Lakers got away with Walton and Radmanovic guarding Melo last year
I hope the Lakers don’t push their luck again this year with Walton on Melo.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 17, 2009 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't know how many of you get NBA TV............
but Rick Kamla just mocked the Lakers by pretending to turn a light switch off and then on and then off again, etc…. Kinda funny. Then he says “hey here’s an idea, how about flipping it on and keeping it there”. LOL
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
Bynum IS the Lakers switch
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 17, 2009 4:14 PM PDT up reply actions
As strange as that is...
Of course at this point he only seems comfortable at home. Plus Nene is a very physical guy
DJ Mbenga was -12 in 3 minutes of playing time.......
way to go DJ…..we still love you though.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
great win from a houston fan
you guys put up one of the most entertaining series in recent years. we were bound to lose sooner or later. just hoped it was later =]
I'll snap yo neck like a twig if you sass me again. . .
Here's a shot at those who tried to paint this as a "legacy" game for Kobe
Notice how it’s a no-win for Kobe? If he loses, it’s a taint on his “legacy”. When the Lakers win, there is no effect, right?
This should prove to all Kobe just wants to win. He is not concerned about silencing his critics or making statements, unless it’s in the name of winning.
I will say that the only thing he ever wanted was to win a title as the main guy, so he isn’t unconditionally about winning, but I really don’t blame him for wanting that challenge, as it isn’t beyond his abilities.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
The ideas is that to "prove" he is a top 10 player of all time Kobe needs to win a title as the best player/on his own
Even as a non-Lakers fan I don’t really subscribe to this theory. Simmons pretty much argued on his latest podcast that Kobe merely fills the time between the MJ era and the LeBron era (which hasn’t started yet, getting crushed in the finals by the Spurs the first time with a team and coach that was overmatched).
Of course it would help Kobe’s all-time standing if he wins at least 1 additional title, but just like those other great players he will always need to have a supporting cast. Shaq doesn’t win a title without Kobe and Wade (and refs) either. MJ doesn’t win so many titles without Pippen and decent to very good role players.
LeBron has just as much to prove to let the LeBron era begin.
P.S.: I did enjoy the Kobe vs. LeBron TrueHoop discussion SSR was involved in.
That's absurd
(Not your post, but the Simmons idea of Kobe bridging the gap). Why doesn’t he make the same point about Duncan? Simmons is a fool.
Simmons might be a fool
But Jeff Van Gundy is not. Listen to what JVG had to say on Simmons’ podcast here.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 17, 2009 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions
So if LeBron wins the championship with Mo Williams as a second banana… then he’s the GOAT? Nah.
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This should prove to all Kobe just wants to win. He is not concerned about silencing his critics or making statements, unless it’s in the name of winning.
You see, when people make comments like that one I immediately compare the player in question to Tim Duncan, who in my mind epitomizes the “I just want to win, nothing else matters” mentality. Sorry, I just don’t see it… I believe Kobe cares about the “respect” he gets. The big balls dance, the trash talk…
But I guess fans are all biased, myself included.
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The schedule for the Western Conference Finals.
Game 1 – Tuesday, May 19 | Nuggets at Lakers | 6:00PM | ESPN
Game 2 – Thursday, May 21 | Nuggets at Lakers | 6:00PM | ESPN
Game 3 – Saturday, May 23 | Lakers at Nuggets | 5:30PM | ABC
Game 4 – Monday, May 25 | Lakers at Nuggets | 6:00PM | ESPN
Game 5* – Wednesday, May 27 | Nuggets at Lakers | 6:00PM | ESPN
Game 6* – Friday, May 29 | Lakers at Nuggets | 6:00PM | ESPN
Game 7* – Sunday, May 31 | Nuggets at Lakers | 5:30PM | ABC
- = if necessary
Thanks
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 17, 2009 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm worried about those 6 pm starts
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 17, 2009 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Nuggets fan here
I’m really looking forward to the series. I’m pretty sure the Nugs and most of us serious fans knew it was going to take a universe-ending collapse for LA to give this game away, and have been preparing for us to meet. Our team is so different from last years thrashing it’s hard to believe that was only 12 months ago.
I think the discussion and trash talk with real Nuggets fan will be respectful and sportsmanlike. I’m sure there will be some idiots and cross traffic from other fans, but I look forward to the games and the discussion on this site and back at pickaxe.
Cheers
Thanks...........
looking forward to a good spirited discussion with Nuggets fans here and at PAandR. If you get a troll over there you can bet he, or she, is not from here. Remember just cause some guy signs up at SB Nation and joins SSandR that doesn’t mean he is from here. Hopefully we will get the same from you guys.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
The best part is NOT that the celtics lost...
…but that I think the Cavs will have tougher time beating the Magic then they would have beating the Celtics.
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 17, 2009 7:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Grrrrrr
I certainly would have preferred to face Boston. But that’s cool! Orlando does has some shortcomings as well. And if we beat Orlando, we’ll finally shut everyone up who says we haven’t been legitimately challenged.
I'm actually hoping that you guys
handle Orlando in like 4 or 5 games. We wouldn’t want the Cavs becoming humble and learning how to play from behind before they face us, now would we? :)
I vote to put Ariza or Kobe on Chauncey
Speaking of the Guards position C. Billups is the biggest threat. D. Jones the 2 guard is hardly a scoring threat compared to Billups. The only threat at the 2 guard position is JR Smith. So I would put Fisher on. Dahntey Jones. Either way Chauncy will eat up Fisher.
But I also think that unlike the Lakers, the Nuggets have not been tested this post season and I don’t buy the idea that all of a sudden coach Karl is a defensive guru. The addition of Billups and his defensive presence has made everyone think that Karl has turned this team into a good defensive team. That is not the case.
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 17, 2009 7:37 PM PDT reply actions
Yeah I don't buy it either
I don’t feel Denver is such a great defensive team, they struggle just like the Lakers, I feel Denver has no one to guard Kobe. Also Pau and Bynum have shown they can handle Nene and birdman. If the Lakers handle their business from day one and don’t slack off they should win in 6.
entire tnt crew going for nuggets in the wcf, cause they dont like the jekyll/ hyde nature of the current lakers, i guess based on the up and down personality of this series with the rockets alone. guess we will c if lakers can prove them wrong and show that they can win after hopefully learning from this series.
but I understand the tnt crew and respect there opinion
but really things happen in a game that you just can’t control, Lakers need to be dominate every game, it starts with Bynum and Gasol being dominate on both ends when that happens Lakers play better D and O but when they act soft and dissappear we lose.
Funny how no one said the Celtics
didn’t deserve the title last year after they struggled with a 39 win Hawks team last year. I think these guys forget how young this Laker team is and sometimes you have to ride through rough patches. But if they can beat a quality Nuggets team, I don’t think we’ll hear too much more about how they don’t deserve it.
course they said orlando will beat the cavs too, so guess theyre not planning on the kobe lebron matchup like everyone else, lol.
Wasn't last Year's Champion a Jekyl and Hyde team also?
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 17, 2009 8:46 PM PDT reply actions
Charles Barkely
TNT crew is hilarious. Barkely at times makes some good points. But he is there for his humor. I watch the show for his jokes and Kenny Smith’s analysis. I can only take Smith’s comments about basketball serious because he was won titles now if we were talking about DUI’s and bar room brawls then I would listen at Barkeley.
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 17, 2009 8:55 PM PDT reply actions
in the end noone knows for sure, so the team that steps up and perseveres will win the whole shebang, that’s y they play the games right? i certainly thought the celtics would step up and hold serve on their floor, but the magic dominated on the road, and turkoglu and howard stepped up big time, but esp. turkoglu. the magic shot 13-21 or sumthing like that with some crazy 65% fg percentage from 3 point land. if they did that every night and controlled the paint, i’m sure they would be the champions. but we know in terms of shooting, that isn’t gonna happen due to the law of avgs, so thats y they play the games.
they can still play better...
hopefully the lakers learned a something from this series
honestly i think they just got by on their talent
but the rockets played with real heart and passion without yao ming
and the lakers showed little respect for them in this series
they really do get away with a lot of crap
they should be happy they won but they should have learned they could have given a better effort in this series and respect the fact there are other teams who would die for the talent that they have
lets hope they learn and show a better effort against denver…
Nuggets fan here
Will be droppin in from time to time here if thats cool haha, cannot wait for the series to start, should be a great battle between the two best teams in the west!
by herewereyouwish on May 18, 2009 9:25 AM PDT reply actions
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