Lakers-Nuggets Game 3: Post-Game Thread

by Sideout11 on May 23, 2009 9:07 PM PDT

It's okay Phil, you can look now. And maybe, just maybe, you can wear a new ring on that pinkie next year.

So I just finished sacrificing my sanity to the basketball gods, becuase they were clearly on our side tonight (although the trick's on them, becuase I lost it a long time ago when UCLA played Gonzaga). I'm looking at the box score, and we bettered or tied the Nuggets in every important category except free throw shooting, but you could have fooled me. Were it not for 22 missed 3's. 45 free throw shots, and Anthony fouling out, we probably do not win this game. Yet for the second time in as many wins, the Lakers were outplayed, outhustled, and seemingly outsmarted, but came away with the victory purely thanks to the sheer will of one Mr. Kobe Byrant. They can talk about LeBron James' shot as much as they want, but all he did was stop his team from losing. Kobe went out and won this game for the Lakers, so bias aside you know where my vote lies.

I honestly think that there were more negatives than positives from this game, but a win's a win, and I'm sure all of us would take the lights out play of Kobe and Ariza over a mistake free game any day. I just hope a clearly drained Bryant has enough left in the tank for game four. My guess? After the Lebron-fest that is sure to follow game 3 against the Magic, Kobe will come our and make the world say, "LeBron who?" Even if only for one night. One night is all we ask, and one night is all it takes. Followed by another, and another, and another...

Oh, and here's the recap.

Double oh, because we all say it and everybody knows it, BEST ROAD TEAM IN THE NBA, B-TCHES!!!!

Go Purple & Gold!

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Comments

1st!!

by laker on May 23, 2009 9:09 PM PDT reply actions

just Like a d-bag on Yahoo sports baby

by laker on May 23, 2009 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions

Nevermind I’m wrong _ I could have sworn he was 2nd on the +/- but he is still pretty up there.

http://www.nba.com/statistics/plusminus/plusminus_sort.jsp?pcomb=1&season=42008&split=9&team=

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Aw you didn’t use the suggestion for the title name :P

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:10 PM PDT reply actions

sorry

i just read your response, but I’m adding a little something right now

by Sideout11 on May 23, 2009 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions

I have never seen Kobe that tired. Ever. It's about how I feel emotionally.

I can’t ever remember being this unhappy after such a great win. I’m just emotionally drained, and frustrated. The fans who don’t live on die on each possession, I envy you.

For the love of God, someone knock some sense into Phil Jackson. It was just constant fear on every play Fisher was in the game, the constant frustration that we were fielding a third-stringer.

I’ll stop, because I’m angry and tired and don’t want to get out of line. I cannot remember ever being this sickened from possession to possession in a game, because of the constant feeling our best lineup wasn’t on the court.

by Snoopy2006 on May 23, 2009 9:10 PM PDT reply actions

I think he’s more injured than he let on during that play where he drove and his leg got caught on Nene’s knee.

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions

and I agree with all your points

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:12 PM PDT up reply actions

I forgot about that play

but i think you might be right

by Sideout11 on May 23, 2009 9:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeap, I think a lot of people forgot about it because he brushed it off so quickly but after that possession he was noticeably limping more often

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions

Kobe doesn't care if he's injured. He needs no fake wheelchair.

by hertagnism on May 23, 2009 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions

What's his excuse been for the last 3 months though?

by Snoopy2006 on May 23, 2009 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions

82 games last season. Finals appearance. Gold medal in olympics. 82 games this season again?

by hertagnism on May 23, 2009 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Oh wait. I thought we were talking about Fisher.

by Snoopy2006 on May 23, 2009 9:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Oh I thought we were talking about Kobe based on the responses

by hertagnism on May 23, 2009 9:24 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah sorry I've got Fish on the brain

No criticism of Kobe from here. That guy is a warrior.

by Snoopy2006 on May 23, 2009 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions

We were talking about Kobe. I think Snoopy2006 just got a bit confused

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions

He needs to pull a Luke. Go to Phil, and tell him to reduce his PT. This is ridiculous.

Fish is doing everything that made us angry with Farmar earlier in the year. Horrible decision making, forcing the action, poor defense, and not hitting shots.

by Snoopy2006 on May 23, 2009 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't believe Luke actually said that.

Savvy PR to me.

The Lakers are 12-2 against the Nuggets in the past 2 years.

by wondahbap on May 23, 2009 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Fish....

My problem is that as a veteran, he is supposed to make good decisions right?

It;s one thing to miss shots, it’s another to make questionable choices. We already have Sasha for that.

Speaking of bad decisions. I;d like to thank Chauncey Billups for quite a few stupid shots that missed and kept us within range when the Pepsi center was ready to explode.

The Lakers are 12-2 against the Nuggets in the past 2 years.

by wondahbap on May 23, 2009 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Nearing the end of the game his 3 pointer from about 30 feet that airballed was a horrible shot. Especially with so much time on the clock left.

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions

I’d like to thank him for doing that for the sole reason that it gives JR Smith more incentive to take those long shots.

by hertagnism on May 23, 2009 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions

I know right, but that was a bad decision on Chauncey’s part. That was too much of a “home run play”

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:23 PM PDT up reply actions

He had about 5-6 of those shots. Made one.

The Lakers are 12-2 against the Nuggets in the past 2 years.

by wondahbap on May 23, 2009 9:24 PM PDT up reply actions

I couldnt agree more

It’s phil’s blind devotion in Fish that is holding us back…

But at least he is smart enough to keep trevor on the court as much as possible

Blind devotion.

by ProfessorBigelow on May 23, 2009 9:12 PM PDT up reply actions

Fisher has too long a leash

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:12 PM PDT up reply actions

His public opinion leash

is dental floss thin, and 2 inches long

Blind devotion.

by ProfessorBigelow on May 23, 2009 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions

We held Denver to under 100 points on their home floor no less. For this series Lawler’s law is 3-0

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:12 PM PDT reply actions

Lawler’s Law isn’t special. Teams generally score 100 points late in the game… if you lead late in the game, you are likely to win. Nothing special about breaking 100 by itself.

Fearthesword.com: "There is no doubt that the long layoff, combined with the ease of the first two rounds had the Cavaliers a bit tired in the 4th quarter."

by Cablinasian on May 23, 2009 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Hey captain negative.........

1. We know how it works.
2. Stop saying nay to every yea.

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

by pslakerfan on May 23, 2009 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions

sorry. personal pet peeve.

Fearthesword.com: "There is no doubt that the long layoff, combined with the ease of the first two rounds had the Cavaliers a bit tired in the 4th quarter."

by Cablinasian on May 23, 2009 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions

no problem

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

by pslakerfan on May 23, 2009 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions

I know but Lawlers Law is first to 100 wins not who scores 100 points

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions

yes, my point is that 100 is an arbitrary number reached late in a game. It’s not any more valuable than 99 or 101…

Fearthesword.com: "There is no doubt that the long layoff, combined with the ease of the first two rounds had the Cavaliers a bit tired in the 4th quarter."

by Cablinasian on May 23, 2009 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions

I know. I just wanted to point out the stat.

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Except for lapses here and there (anytime Martin,Andersen, or Jones score)

the defense has been decent.

The Lakers are 12-2 against the Nuggets in the past 2 years.

by wondahbap on May 23, 2009 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions

Let us start by asking the question:

Why is Fisher still on the floor?

After 3 quarters of standing around on defense, selfish offense, we had to rely on our reptile king to gut the win out.

Bynum went MIA again and Brian Shaw tore into him.

Gasol woke up down the stretch.

The entire city of Los Angeles survived a heart attack.

Now almost time to go watch Terminator.

by hertagnism on May 23, 2009 9:13 PM PDT reply actions

Fisher has fallen in love with dribbling and shaving off lots of seconds on the shot clock

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Someone needs to find out if that Kobe dunk and-1 stat is true

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:14 PM PDT reply actions

Lol I just convinced a bunch of people at PickAxe that it was. I hope it is true though.

by laker on May 23, 2009 9:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Me too.

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions

+1

by acm7vu on May 23, 2009 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions

To finish my thought from the previous thread,

Odom’s +/- is high because he plays with Gasol/Kobe and when he isn’t playing, Bynum/Powell/whoever is in, and they’ve been bad by +/-.

Fearthesword.com: "There is no doubt that the long layoff, combined with the ease of the first two rounds had the Cavaliers a bit tired in the 4th quarter."

by Cablinasian on May 23, 2009 9:14 PM PDT reply actions

plus, Odom fits the triangle offense perfectly, as you all know.

Fearthesword.com: "There is no doubt that the long layoff, combined with the ease of the first two rounds had the Cavaliers a bit tired in the 4th quarter."

by Cablinasian on May 23, 2009 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions

Probably the triangle offense benefits him most.

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Disagree.

I think a run and gun system fits him most. Like D’antoni’s or Don Nelson’s system. But then again, they fit most players anyways.

by hertagnism on May 23, 2009 9:19 PM PDT up reply actions

that would inflate his numbers, sure, due to pace… but playing the 4 in the triangle is a terrific place for him.

Fearthesword.com: "There is no doubt that the long layoff, combined with the ease of the first two rounds had the Cavaliers a bit tired in the 4th quarter."

by Cablinasian on May 23, 2009 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeap.

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions

dude, coach karl in the press conference was asked if he trusts his team to execute in game 4 in order to win, or something along that line, and he pauses and grins for like 30 sec. that’s not exactly showing the right kind of confidence for your players, no?

by kumquatsrus on May 23, 2009 9:14 PM PDT reply actions

What in the world………………

And part of it is his fault choosing horrible players to inbound the ball

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Have Fisher and Farmar switched bodies?

That is the most reasonable explanation I can find. He is playing exactly like Farmar was when he was slumping. The difference being we have to suffer much more of Fish.

I can’t even begin to describe my disgust. Fisher completely ruined the game for me tonight. Completely.

by Snoopy2006 on May 23, 2009 9:16 PM PDT reply actions

+6000

Blind devotion.

by ProfessorBigelow on May 23, 2009 9:17 PM PDT up reply actions

What sucks is that when Farmar was playing horribly he got pulled out quickly and grabbed some DNP’s but Fisher even when he makes horrible decisions doesnt get pulled…… Phil just opts to leave him on the floor

When we made our run in the 4th quarter Fisher was on the bench and Shannon was our point guard. After the time out what does he do? Put in Fisher and pull Shannon

Makes no sense. Phils fixation with sticking to his rotations might just come back and bite us in the butt. Maybe it already has (Game2)

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions

Tru dat

Game 2 – Fisher was 1-9. If he had just not taken a shot at all, we would have won the game.

by laker on May 23, 2009 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions

and he wasted a whole bunch of possessions by dribbling around and taking bad shot after bad shot. Shots that weren’t within the triangle offense

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Guys Kobe could be injured. Remember the play when he was driving to the hoop and his leg got caught on Nene?

He might be hurting more than he let on after that possession

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:21 PM PDT reply actions

Kobe is a warrior, the greatest of any kind

He has so much mental toughness its unbelievable.

by laker on May 23, 2009 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions

that wouldnt be good but lets not jump to conclusions unless there is an official word

by kumquatsrus on May 23, 2009 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Kobe can do whatever, ie. he makes himself a decoy and feeds it to Pau

by laker on May 23, 2009 9:23 PM PDT up reply actions

It still seems like Phil is experimenting with lineups.

The Lakers are 12-2 against the Nuggets in the past 2 years.

by wondahbap on May 23, 2009 9:23 PM PDT reply actions

I hope there's an explanation for it ie. he wants the Lakers to play at a disadvantage to train for the finals.

by laker on May 23, 2009 9:24 PM PDT up reply actions

I hate this Pop looking Phil.

Where is the Goatee’d short hair Phil.

He was smarter.

The Lakers are 12-2 against the Nuggets in the past 2 years.

by wondahbap on May 23, 2009 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions

He always is…… He loves to do it when we have a big lead.

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:24 PM PDT up reply actions

Since they beat the topic of Fish in the game on the radios

I wouldn’t put it past Phil to be putting Fish in to spite every Laker fan out there.

Him and his mind games.

by hertagnism on May 23, 2009 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions

He is.

He’s trying to get this team in gear for a ring. I understand that we need 3 point shooting to win a ring, that Fish playing well would be critical. But at this point Phil is jeopardizing our chances of getting there.

by Snoopy2006 on May 23, 2009 9:26 PM PDT up reply actions

yeah i think fisher and sasha are way down on the totem pole of postseason playing greatness thus far. heres to luke farmar and ups continuing to pick up the slack.

by kumquatsrus on May 23, 2009 9:24 PM PDT reply actions

Hi I'm Trevor Ariza and.........

I’m getting paid this summer.

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

by pslakerfan on May 23, 2009 9:25 PM PDT reply actions

Hopefully in purple & gold money

by hertagnism on May 23, 2009 9:26 PM PDT up reply actions

I hope we can keep him

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:26 PM PDT up reply actions

The better he does.........

the more it’s gonna cost us.

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

by pslakerfan on May 23, 2009 9:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Unless we can move some of our unmovable contracts

by hertagnism on May 23, 2009 9:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Like Luke and probably Sasha

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:28 PM PDT up reply actions

I hear the Clippers have a great GM.

by hertagnism on May 23, 2009 9:29 PM PDT up reply actions

If it means we win the championship this year its a price I hope Buss is willing to pay

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Buss will pay up if it means winning titles.

Plus he could just stop playing high stakes poker all the time.

by hertagnism on May 23, 2009 9:30 PM PDT up reply actions

Can we pay you with Sasha's contract?

by Snoopy2006 on May 23, 2009 9:28 PM PDT up reply actions

I know right

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:28 PM PDT up reply actions

What about Luke and Fisher's contracts?

by hertagnism on May 23, 2009 9:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Fish. One more year.

The Lakers are 12-2 against the Nuggets in the past 2 years.

by wondahbap on May 23, 2009 9:30 PM PDT up reply actions

only 61 years left on Luke's contract.

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

by pslakerfan on May 23, 2009 9:30 PM PDT up reply actions

Mike Dunleavy says he's intrigued

by hertagnism on May 23, 2009 9:31 PM PDT up reply actions

I dont know what Mitch was thinking when he signed Luke to such a huge contract.

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Drunk-dialing?

He did call Luke exactly at the midnight on the first night he could sign him. Late night partying, one drink too many, Kupchak making it rain…

by Snoopy2006 on May 23, 2009 9:34 PM PDT up reply actions

The same thing must have happened when he traded away Caron Butler

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Terrible trade. But it did get us Kwame.

(Not that that excuses the original trade, though.)

16...15...14...13...12...11...10...9...8...7...
Strength & Honor

by Josh Tucker on May 23, 2009 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions

Sorry... But it did get us PAU GASOL.

16...15...14...13...12...11...10...9...8...7...
Strength & Honor

by Josh Tucker on May 23, 2009 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions

lol good catch there. I got worried.

by Snoopy2006 on May 23, 2009 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, but the Luke contract still hurts. Takes up a lot of our cap space. I’m really hoping the rumors are true and Kobe will take a pay cut to keep the guys

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Anyone see this? Way to make excuses Ron

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Ron-Artest-has-an-explanation-for-that-horrific-?urn=nba,165379

“… I couldn’t shoot the ball anymore. He hit me right at the point of my collarbone, so, like my whole left side of my neck, and my left chest was so tight. I couldn’t even sleep on it, he hit me that hard and it had been downhill ever since then. It really threw my shot off, you know, I had been shooting the ball well. I shot it well in Game 6 in Portland, in games one, two, and three, I was shooting the ball really well, and then it caught up to me. I’m still in a little bit of discomfort right now …”

(Host: “Did you get it checked out?”)

“No, it’s getting better. It was a bruise.”

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:26 PM PDT reply actions

That's called contract time excuses. "It was me choking and shooting my team out of games. it was me being hurt. Sign me."

The Lakers are 12-2 against the Nuggets in the past 2 years.

by wondahbap on May 23, 2009 9:27 PM PDT up reply actions

See, he got hit right on the point of the collarbone, not the neck!

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

by Gils_Keloids on May 24, 2009 1:32 AM PDT up reply actions

Like we didn't know he was a whiny little BITCH already.

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

by pslakerfan on May 23, 2009 9:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Ron?

go AWAY. at least KG didn’t try to get more attention once the Celtics were officially eliminated.

by WaveOcean on May 23, 2009 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions

Ronis full of crap but he can tel a story

by BrittneyM on May 23, 2009 10:07 PM PDT up reply actions

In the first half we were 1-9 from beyond the arc and we finished 6-19.

I have to say this again:

Thanks Jerry West for Kobe Bryant
Thanks Memphis for Pau Gasol
Thanks Orlando for Trevor Ariza
Thanks Charlotte for Shannon Brown

Anyone else I’m forgetting?

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:32 PM PDT reply actions

Josh???

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

by pslakerfan on May 23, 2009 9:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Thank you Phil Jackson, for 8 minutes of Shannon Brown PT tonight

And for completely ruining any genius Mitch Kupchak pulled on that trade

by Snoopy2006 on May 23, 2009 9:33 PM PDT up reply actions

+1

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

by pslakerfan on May 23, 2009 9:33 PM PDT up reply actions

nba fastbreak on espn

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

by pslakerfan on May 23, 2009 9:34 PM PDT reply actions

thanks for the heads up

i always miss fastbreak

by Snoopy2006 on May 23, 2009 9:37 PM PDT up reply actions

I will attempt to recuperate by watching Terminator

so I will see you guys later.

Good win tonight.

by hertagnism on May 23, 2009 9:37 PM PDT reply actions

peace, tc

by Snoopy2006 on May 23, 2009 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Hey Josh

BEST ROAD TEAM IN THE NBA B-TCHES

The Lakers claimed a 2-1 series lead as they won their seventh straight road playoff game vs. the Nuggets, tying the NBA record for consecutive road playoff wins against a single opponent.

STREAK BUSTERS

The loss snapped Denver’s 16-game home win streak dating back to the regular season, dropping the Nuggets to 6-1 at home in the ’09 playoffs.

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:40 PM PDT reply actions

Nice

Sorry for being out of it here… I’m taking a breath and enjoying this… my wife seems quite addicted to the thread, though… she’s using those keyboard shortcuts like crazy, reading everything.

You know…. I ALMOST made a point of reminding everyone of our streak busting history this season. BOOM! There it is.

And yeah… I think a few people were pretty short sighted about us going to Denver. Yeah, they had won 16 in a row at home… but there are a whole slew of other statistics that favored us. Take your pick!

16...15...14...13...12...11...10...9...8...7...
Strength & Honor

by Josh Tucker on May 23, 2009 9:43 PM PDT up reply actions

BS

We all know what you were really doing.

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

by pslakerfan on May 23, 2009 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions

.. :-)

sorry

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

by pslakerfan on May 23, 2009 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions

Lol

Uhhh… good idea though… later guys…

16...15...14...13...12...11...10...9...8...7...
Strength & Honor

by Josh Tucker on May 23, 2009 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions

if what your thinking

involved me… its not true…

he has been chatting with his dad and floating on cloud nine. i’m reading a book

by Mrs SSandR on May 23, 2009 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions

OK now that's just not cool.....

let the man flex in front of his people for a minute. LOL

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

by pslakerfan on May 23, 2009 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions

lmao +1

Ah well Josh had about 10 seconds of bragging rights

by Snoopy2006 on May 23, 2009 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions

We're out

See y’all later…..

16...15...14...13...12...11...10...9...8...7...
Strength & Honor

by Josh Tucker on May 23, 2009 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Take care man

by Snoopy2006 on May 23, 2009 9:49 PM PDT up reply actions

See ya

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions

its cool

he can brag now….

by Mrs SSandR on May 23, 2009 10:12 PM PDT up reply actions

Damn............now that's a wife.

And 15 minutes+ Good job Josh.

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

by pslakerfan on May 23, 2009 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions

As Gils had said earlier on

During that 16 home win streak how many times did they play the Lakers? :P

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Nicely put!!

16...15...14...13...12...11...10...9...8...7...
Strength & Honor

by Josh Tucker on May 23, 2009 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions

and we stopped Melo’s 5 game scoring streak of 30+ points

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:52 PM PDT up reply actions

Bynum looked okay out there. Much better than he has looked on the road in other playoff games. He had 3 blocked shots but only 4 rebounds.

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:50 PM PDT reply actions

and Kobe only had 1 turnover tonight.

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Kobe in his post game interview said (something along the lines) that he couldn’t feel his legs at all in the last minute of the game. Then when the crowd started chanting obscenities he remembered that he needed to put in all his effort and thats when he drained the 3 with about 1 minute left.

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 9:55 PM PDT reply actions

kobe had a monster game tonight as usual. needed him out there every possible minute. hope he gets a well deserved rest and doesnt have to work so hard in game 4 to try to win. we need everyone to step up big time this next game. this is the time to put a stranglehold on the series. a gm4 win would be huge.

by kumquatsrus on May 23, 2009 9:56 PM PDT reply actions

Good game, Great win now get game 4

by BrittneyM on May 23, 2009 10:09 PM PDT reply actions

I think the first 3 quarters were negative, the fourth quarter was great.

Nice recap, but I think that the first 3 quarters were the downers. Hopefully the energy displayed by Paul and Kobe in the 4th quarter will carry on right into next game. With this win I think the Laker’s confidence will sore.

Sure, they should be confident already, what with the best player in the game and an extremely talented team, but they needed this win immensely. I hope to see fireworks from the Lakers for game four and a win at home on game five!

And finally, the nugs probably won’t shoot that poorly again this series. We’ve already seen Melo’s best during game 1, and we saw what happens when the nugs play well in game 2. Let’s get ready for game four!

by 99bc99 on May 23, 2009 10:16 PM PDT reply actions

I almost mentioned it before the game

Magic, Jon Berry, and Wilbon all made their predictions before the game and they ALL chose Denver. I just saw them on SportsCenter and Stewart Scott mentioned it and I started to bust up laughing. Totally funny.

Awesome gut-wrenching game that stressed us all out and now we get to smile and relax for the moment. Enjoy the win everybody, game 4 will be another one.

Now I hope PJ makes them shoot extra FTs tomorrow because they were pathetic tonight.

MVP goes to Ariza for another game-saving steal. Tonight showed that the fourth quarter is our quarter, well except for game 2.

GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!

Lakers lead series 2-1

by weazel on May 23, 2009 10:18 PM PDT reply actions

game 2

they all chose Lakers and we know how that ended. So I was hopeful that it would go our way tonight since they all chose Denver.

by Mrs SSandR on May 23, 2009 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions

When Stewart Scott mentioned it

Magic slowly put his hand over his face and turned the other way…..classic.

GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!

Lakers lead series 2-1

by weazel on May 23, 2009 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Grew a pair

Finally other players on this team showed up offensively. I am tired of seeing Kobe playing like the post shaq years. Defensively this game was great but who else is going to step up. I understand that Fisher represents the type of composure that Phil likes to see in close games but give me a break. He is too old to keep him in. That is like depending on sam cassell. Phil is an old school coach with an old school mentality and he nned to accept that Fisher is causing more damage. I would love to see Fisher go up to Phil and say, “sit me down and let Farmar play more” but then again didn’t he leave originally because ever since he was a Laker Van excel and Ron Harper were starters and he wanted a bigger part of any offense. But he just cannot cut it anymore.

by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 23, 2009 10:18 PM PDT reply actions

I'd like to see Shannon Brown play more too

by 99bc99 on May 23, 2009 10:22 PM PDT up reply actions

i’d like to see nonstop laker blowouts from now on out, lol.

by kumquatsrus on May 23, 2009 10:30 PM PDT reply actions

That may be to much to ask for these Lakers. Theyre capable of doing it though

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions

Supposedly Ariza’s back has been hurting a lot after that fall in Game 2. What a trooper

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 11:05 PM PDT reply actions

Nike knows

"What makes KOBE BRYANT
AKA the Black Mamba
So UNSTOPPABLE?"

"What makes his Dunk so UNSTOPPABLE?"

"What makes his 3-Pointer so UNSTOPPABLE?"

"What makes his overall UNSTOPPABLENESS unstoppable?"

"Is it possible to stop something that is UNSTOPPABLE?"

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 11:14 PM PDT reply actions

No it isn't possible

but everyone is so quick to crown lebron the Kind of the nba without any rings..

by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 23, 2009 11:35 PM PDT up reply actions

i compare the debate btw kobe v lebron with an analogy using videogame consoles. kobe is like the sony playstation2, battle tested, proven, the most popular, versatile, and dominating console of the past generation but still no slouch, while lebron is the nintendo wii, explosively new and exciting, the big up and comer, gaining lots of ground fast with the potential to dethrone the master, but yet to prove its true staying power. wow, think im gonna go play some games now, lol.

by kumquatsrus on May 24, 2009 12:09 AM PDT up reply actions

lol, those nike commercials are freakin hilarious

by kumquatsrus on May 23, 2009 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeap There’s a 4th one out now.

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 11:48 PM PDT up reply actions

continue

“is the answer to this question, another question?”

“if so, in unknowing, the unknowable is unstoppable!”

lol sorry just thought i’ll put in my favorite part.

LAKERS IN 5. YEAH I SAID IT.

by xMUx on May 24, 2009 2:24 AM PDT up reply actions

I love the whole commercial especially the ending where it says "this message has been brought to you.. "

Those commercials are just too funny

by intuitive on May 24, 2009 2:28 AM PDT up reply actions

For each of these delicious cookies, there were 10,000 that Shaq had in the offseason when he came in out of shape as a Laker

by intuitive on May 23, 2009 11:48 PM PDT reply actions

lmao

by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 24, 2009 12:00 AM PDT up reply actions

HAHAHAHA OWNED!!

by xMUx on May 24, 2009 2:26 AM PDT up reply actions

This is for Doug Collins.

Kobe’s points per shot in the series…….1.57. Nice.

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

by pslakerfan on May 23, 2009 11:54 PM PDT reply actions

Haha

by intuitive on May 24, 2009 12:15 AM PDT up reply actions

Great win

perfect birthday present for me. totally made my day.

by tandur on May 23, 2009 11:58 PM PDT reply actions

Well then

happy birthday Tandur. Sorry that it probably involved a lot of cursing and near heart attacks :)

by Sideout11 on May 24, 2009 12:10 AM PDT up reply actions

Happy Birthday!

by intuitive on May 24, 2009 12:16 AM PDT up reply actions

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

by Gils_Keloids on May 24, 2009 12:02 AM PDT reply actions

Saweeeeeeeeeeet!

I love the look on his face at the end of that clip. It’s like he is saying, “Yeah boy, that’s how it is done.”

GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!

Lakers lead series 2-1

by weazel on May 24, 2009 12:06 AM PDT up reply actions

Amazing

how this man has been doing and making those type of shots for years and he is hated on so much.

by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 24, 2009 12:08 AM PDT up reply actions

When players are on top, you either like 'em or hate 'em

I have seen Kobe make many clutch shot and even though I shouldn’t be surprised, I am still a little bit

GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!

Lakers lead series 2-1

by weazel on May 24, 2009 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions

Personally I think that he's saying

Holy shit I’m tired, but I won’t stop until I’m 6 feet under

by Sideout11 on May 24, 2009 12:11 AM PDT up reply actions

i think hes saying, whew, glad battier isnt here right now with a hand in my face. might distract me from my shot a little.

by kumquatsrus on May 24, 2009 12:16 AM PDT up reply actions

He talked about that play in his post game interview

by intuitive on May 24, 2009 12:17 AM PDT up reply actions

It's his Gary Payton face impression

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

by Gils_Keloids on May 24, 2009 12:35 AM PDT up reply actions

Some more stats:

Kobe Bryant scored 13 points in the fourth quarter and the Lakers out-scored the Nuggets, 32-18, in the final quarter to take a 103-97 decision in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals. Through three games of the series, Bryant has scored 39 fourth-quarter points, shooting 10-of-15 from the floor and 15-of-17 from the foul line.

Phil Jackson has won more road playoff games (72) than any head coach in NBA history, with the most recent coming on Saturday night in a game in which the Lakers trailed at Denver, 79-71, entering the fourth quarter. Prior to Saturday night, Jackson had won only two of those games after his team entered the fourth quarter trailing by at least eight points: a second-round win with the Bulls at Philadelphia in 1990 and a second-round win with the Lakers at San Antonio in 2002.

by intuitive on May 24, 2009 12:15 AM PDT reply actions

free7694

The Nuggets have a completely different gear at home

They were garbage for the first 18-20 minutes of this game. The Lakers should be concerned.

The 2009 Colorado Rockies: Expect the Unexpected

by free7694 on May 21, 2009 9:13 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

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

by Gils_Keloids on May 24, 2009 12:42 AM PDT reply actions

by intuitive on May 24, 2009 12:43 AM PDT up reply actions

One more

And it’s been 2 1/2 months since the Nuggets lost at home. – Free7694

People need to go back and read what they wrote before.

I wrote that the Lakers would lose Game 3 and get Game4. Boy, was I happy to be wrong. I also like to keep myself from being disappointed, so I think the Lakers will lose Game 4. Reverse Psych!

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

by Gils_Keloids on May 24, 2009 12:46 AM PDT up reply actions

I knew we’d get one or the other. No way are we losing 3 games in a row

by intuitive on May 24, 2009 1:14 AM PDT up reply actions

like the way you're thinking

i think i am going to start doing that and tell myself the lakers are going to lose game 4, 5, and 6.

by xMUx on May 24, 2009 2:29 AM PDT up reply actions

Also can anyone explain to me why Melo's foul of Ariza was not a clear path foul?

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

by Gils_Keloids on May 24, 2009 12:55 AM PDT reply actions

I was wondering that too! He passed half court and no one was in front of him. Should have been a clear path foul..

by intuitive on May 24, 2009 1:10 AM PDT up reply actions

we are like blog twins

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

by Gils_Keloids on May 24, 2009 1:12 AM PDT up reply actions

I know right.

Some cut-and-dry calls are being missed.
In Game 1 Chauncey stepping out of bounds then hitting the 3
In Game 2 the jump ball violation
and Game 3 the clear path foul that wasn’t a clear path foul.

I was more shocked at the announcers not even bringing it up..

by intuitive on May 24, 2009 1:13 AM PDT up reply actions

I was thinking maybe it was because it was a loose ball foul

Because Ariza didn’t have possession? That’s the only explanation I can think of right now.

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

by Gils_Keloids on May 24, 2009 1:20 AM PDT up reply actions

The only explanation that would make sense.

How’d you like the game?

by intuitive on May 24, 2009 1:22 AM PDT up reply actions

I try to act cool for the first 42 minutes or so

But I invariably start yelling and pacing with around 6 minutes left in the game.

The series is not over, by the way, so hopefully all this talk of tired Lakers is just about this one game, not for the whole series, because there are still games left to play!

Kobe is clutch. I don’t care about the stats for buzzer beaters, I’m talking about stretches where he bring the Lakers back in the game when they are down 6-8 points with less than 6 minutes left in the game. The Lakers don’t always come away with the win, but I’ve seen Kobe hit big shots more often than not to put the Lakers within striking distance of the win.

Pau was big, big, big, some of those shots I had no idea he had in his repertoire.

They should just sign Fish to be an assistant coach. Like, now. His leadership is needed, but his on court play is killin’ me! Or just play him at the end of the game, when the importance his experience is magnified. Like a true closer, have him come in just for end-of-game situations, and play Brown and Farmar the rest of the time.

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

by Gils_Keloids on May 24, 2009 1:29 AM PDT up reply actions

Fishers fixation with dribbling time off the shot clock kills me. I liked Browns minutes and Farmar had a bit too many turnovers.

I dont buy into the Kobe isn’t clutch because the stats say so. Especially because those stats only track the last 24 seconds of a game when neither team is down by 5. As seen today Kobe made that clutch 3 with 1 minute left, not all “clutch” shots are made in the last seconds of the play.

Did you hear about the speech Fisher gave in our last time-out in order to motivate the guys? His leadership is good but his play on the court has been less than spectacular. Of course the series isn’t over (knowing the Lakers look good one game and horrible the next). I just wish we could transfer our 4th quarter defense and effort into 48 whole minutes

by intuitive on May 24, 2009 1:38 AM PDT up reply actions

last seconds of the game**

by intuitive on May 24, 2009 1:41 AM PDT up reply actions

Love his leadership ... his play? Not so much

I think Fisher brings a lot to the table as a motivator and leader.

Other observations about the game:

The Trevor Ariza spinning fadeway at the start of the game? He looked like Kobe! To paraphrase and steal a line from Major League, “Great shot. Don’t every try it again”.

People wonder if Kobe has lost some explosiveness. Maybe so, but when he wants to, he can summon up some serious hops. Might have been why his legs were so tired. He skyed for one rebound, and he really got up for that alley-oop. So it’s still there, just not as frequent, as he has to save it for crucial moments.

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

by Gils_Keloids on May 24, 2009 1:42 AM PDT up reply actions

And another thing

Dahntay Jones should at least get fined for shoving Kobe in the back with two hands. That is a dangerous play, and he should be punished.

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

by Gils_Keloids on May 24, 2009 1:45 AM PDT up reply actions

Yeah I didn’t like what Jones did either. The two handed push was unnecessary, had Kobe gone down and acted like he was in serious pain Jones would have probably picked up a flagrant 1.

“The Trevor Ariza spinning fadeway at the start of the game? He looked like Kobe! To paraphrase and steal a line from Major League, "Great shot. Don’t every try it again".

I thought this same thing when he made that shot. I just love how Ariza’s really stepped up his game and worked on his jump shots all throughout the offseason and regular season. Kobe gave him his summer work out routine on practicing jumpers which I think has really benefited him.

When Pau his those back to back jumpers I thought I was watching Dirk Nowitizki for a second. I don’t like how in stretches of the game Pau looks to conserve his energy, even though he does do a good job of “pacing” himself I think it’s another reason why we go on such sloppy stretches or “bad games”

Carmelo fell off in the second half and his shooting came back down to earth. I just wonder if it was because we defended him differently or if he just wasn’t hitting shots? The shots he took in the second half looked way off target. If his second half shooting continues onto Game 4 this series just got a lot easier but I’m not counting on it. It will put to rest some of the media members saying he’s better than Wade….. which I think is a perplexing statement or thought.

We’ve also been better at not giving up leads.. Given, we haven’t really had huge leads in these last 2 rounds of the playoffs.

by intuitive on May 24, 2009 1:52 AM PDT up reply actions

Pau is so much better when he’s aggressive, because he know how to stay under control. Some players cross that line, but Pau is one of those guys you have to push to do more, and make something happen, instead of always letting the game come to him.

As far as Carmelo, I felt his shooting would come back down, too, because a lot of the shots he had been hitting were jumpers, and that’s just the nature of shooting jumpers – we’ve seen it with Kobe.

I was just watching the highlights at lakersmedia.com. What’s great about Trevor is that his three point shot looks the same every time. How often does a guy actually work on his shot when he’s as athletic as Ariza? That is a great testament to the guy. It also shows how hitting open threes is essential if you’re on the floor with Kobe.

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

by Gils_Keloids on May 24, 2009 1:59 AM PDT up reply actions

Since Ariza has been working on his jumper it’s really built trust in Kobe to pass to him. Sometimes Kobe’s hesitant to pass to guys he doesnt “trust” to make the shot which probably is because some of the guys dont have as hard of a work ethic. Ariza’s really working for his next contract I just hope we can keep him.

Ariza has anticipation on passes to go for the steals. I remember after the first Utah regular season game at home (think it was that game) he called him the cobra because he has such great anticipation and strikes when you least expect it. I think that nickname is quite fitting for him

I think Kobe knows that Pau needs to be pushed a little more. He’s said numerous times that he has to remind Pau how good he is in order for him to play on another level.

by intuitive on May 24, 2009 2:07 AM PDT up reply actions

And also about Kobe’s last 3 it was even greater because he adjusted while he was in the air.

“That shot – I’d like to say I meant to do it, but it was going short,” Bryant said. “He got me on the arm and I had to put a little extra effort into it.”

by intuitive on May 24, 2009 2:13 AM PDT up reply actions

So we have the Black Mamba and the Cobra

I normally don’t like snakes, but that’s awesome.

by illcowboy on May 24, 2009 8:25 AM PDT up reply actions

2 snakes and a panda : )

by intuitive on May 24, 2009 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions

Pacing with 6 minutes to go. You too?

As the game is winding down I am so nervous and excited at the same time I can’t sit still.

GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!

Lakers lead series 2-1

by weazel on May 24, 2009 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions

I hope we can finish off the Nuggets in less than 7 games and the Orlando-Cleveland series goes 7 games because Kobe really needs some rest as well as Pau.

by intuitive on May 24, 2009 1:12 AM PDT reply actions

All 4 commercials of the Kobe and Lebron puppets

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtzQ0eXVoJo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6znkbMJJTyQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SH16SWQNh8o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azMR-ZYaOnQ

by intuitive on May 24, 2009 1:23 AM PDT reply actions

I love them all, however the UNSTOPABLE one is my favorite.

GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!

Lakers lead series 2-1

by weazel on May 24, 2009 5:57 PM PDT up reply actions

"I think Kobe is much more focused than LeBron, much quieter," said an NBA executive who knows both well. "He doesn’t party. He doesn’t hang out. It isn’t that LeBron doesn’t approach the game in a high-end, professional way, but he’s much more carefree and fun, much more of a showman.

"Off the court, he’s joking and laughing. I think that, in part, each one wants to be a little like the other. LeBron has the ability to be a guy’s guy, the life of the party. Kobe just doesn’t have that."

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AmHtcCpiodZzfdjBX0NWAdU5nYcB?slug=aw-lakersnuggets052409&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

by intuitive on May 24, 2009 2:04 AM PDT reply actions

“It’s a great feeling,” Bryant said, after scoring a game-high 41 points.

“It’s a much better feeling actually than being at home and hearing the roar of the crowd. You enjoy it a lot more, because everybody is against you. Everybody is wanting you to lose, wanting you to fail. So when everybody goes real quiet, it feels good. It feels real good.”

http://www.dailynews.com/lakers/ci_12440538

by intuitive on May 24, 2009 2:15 AM PDT reply actions

Carmelo Anthony and George Karl like to tell everyone about how this is not last year’s Nuggets. They point to the mental toughness the team shows late in games and their willingness to fight if the going gets rough. They point to the composure they have shown in hostile environments, evidenced by their impressive run through the first two rounds of the playoffs.

They talk about a lot of things. None of those things, however, were on display Saturday night.

This was vintage Nuggets: sloppy, foul prone and unable to control their emotions in critical situations. Exhibit A: In the first six minutes of the third quarter the Nuggets surged to a 64-58 lead; in the last six, Nene, Anthony and Kenyon Martin took seats on the bench after committing their fourth fouls, wasting a prime opportunity to blow the game wide open. With Anthony (along with the rest of his teammates) unable to regain a rhythm in the fourth quarter, the Lakers pounced, outscoring the home team 32-18 in the final period to seize the win.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/chris_mannix/05/24/lakers.nuggets.game.3/index.html?eref=T1

by intuitive on May 24, 2009 2:29 AM PDT reply actions