Please Put Your Hands Together for Kobe Bryant
by DexterFishmore on Feb 23, 2010 8:53 PM PST
in Game Recaps
80 comments
This is why we wanted the man to sit for a spell. For most of this season he hasn't been himself, and while he was grinding out games with his assorted injuries, he wasn't letting his body get right. Tonight, after two weeks in recovery, the Kobe Bryant of yore returned to the stage. He looked fast, agile and confident that his limbs would do what he asked of them. His shots were true and unforced, none more so than the long-distance cruise missile with four seconds left that leveled Memphis. The final score was 99 to 98.
Those last eight seconds or so aside, this wasn't a game you'll want to hang on your wall and admire in your old age. It was turnovery throughout. Both sides had long stretches of leaky defense and missed big free throws in the fourth. You needn't be a hoops purist to bemoan the sloppy passes and not-exactly-textbook defensive rotations. You just need to be someone with standards.
The Lakers won the first and fourth quarters and got blown out in the middle two. It was at the beginning, when they ran out to a 14-point lead, and at the end, when they came back to win after trailing by 11, that their defense resembled the furious swarm that straight dominated while Kobe was out. In between it looked like crap. O.J. Mayo was left open on the perimeter way too much, various Grizzlies were driving the lane unchallenged, and for the third time this season the Lakers failed to control Zach Randolph. The end-game defensive stats are good, but it was a lumpy performance.
When the Lakers had the ball, they generally made the Memphis D look better than it is. Kobe was terrific, logging 32 points on 79% True Shooting, along with seven rebounds, six assists, a pair of blocks, three steals and only two turnovers. (Yowza.) Nobody else earned high marks. Pau Gasol had a better game than people are giving him credit for but missed some easy looks and three fourth-quarter FTAs. Derek Fisher, the Master of All Things Clutch, likewise honked two free throws late in the contest. Andrew Bynum was OK when he was on the court but played only 24 minutes before fouling out. Ron Artest played strong defense on Rudy Gay but was atrocious on O.
A hidden key to this game, as has often been the case recently, was the Lakers' defensive rebounding. Memphis is the best offensive rebounding team in the league, for the season snagging about 32% of their own misses. Tonight they recovered only 23% of available offensive rebounds, which helped limit their overall production to 1.02 points per possession. They typically score 1.08 per trip. Gasol's nine defensive rebounds were crucial, as were Kobe's seven.
The Lakers are now 43-14 and remain half a game (plus a tiebreaker) behind the Cavs. They fly to Dallas tonight to face the Mavericks on Wednesday. So far this year, they're 10-4 on the tail ends of back-to-back sets.
|
|
Poss. |
TO% |
FTA/ |
FT% |
3FGA/FGA |
2PT% |
3PT% |
EFG |
TS% |
OReb Rate |
DReb Rate |
PPP |
|
L.A. |
95 |
18 |
0.34 |
73 |
0.22 |
53 |
35 |
53 |
57 |
17 |
77 |
1.04 |
|
Mem. |
96 |
19 |
0.24 |
75 |
0.17 |
49 |
36 |
50 |
53 |
23 |
83 |
1.02 |
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Welcome back from your rest Kobe.......noooooiiccccccee
Floyd Little: HOF Class of 2010.
2009 NBA Champions L.A Lakers
2009 NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant
he was limping at the end of the game
we are witnessing something epic this year.
Has anyone Ever made 5 game winners in one year?
ESPN
said that a few years back Carmelo hit 5
"The guy said NBA players are one in a million... I said, 'Man, look, I'm going to be that one in a million.'" - Kobe
he is simply basketball's messiah...
"One person working diligently alone can do wonders, but many people working harmoniously together can accomplish worlds."-Brandon Boyd"
by kobethebasketballmessiah on Feb 23, 2010 9:12 PM PST reply actions
Kobe played very measured and under control
It was a definite “quiet” 32. He looked healthy for the first time almost all season. Unfortunately, he was about the only Laker that didn’t stink it up tonight which meant a tough win.
Pau Gasol has been missing what I thought were easy easy shots for him the past month or so. Hopefully it’s just a law of averages things and he’s going to tear it up going into the playoffs…
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
I'm looking at it too
and can’t help but compare it with what Brandon Roy is experiencing. Over at the Blazers, particularly in his first game back, they are saying that his hamstring injury is hampering his shot as he can’t get enough lift. Seems to me this could be similar to what Pau is experiencing. Pre-injury, some shots he’s missing now are practically gimmes. Could it be this?
"E-Coaches are heavy in here tonight! Take E-Sasha and put him on the E-bench on your fantasy league, that’ll show him!" - Jevon O
in autotune
kobbbbbbbbeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee issssssssssss theeeeeeee greatesttttttttttttttttttt of allllllllll time,of all timeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. goooooooooooooo lakerssssssssss
YOU CAN PUT IT ON THE BOARD YES!
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
wrong
slaaaaaavvvvvvvvvaaaaaaaaa issssssssssss theeeeeeee greatesttttttttttttttttttt of allllllllll time,of all timeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. goooooooooooooo lakerssssssssss
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
by shaqfor3 on Feb 23, 2010 9:33 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
hahaha!
…i can actually ‘hear’ that
" Get out of my way Saturn! "
by Captain $hugg on Feb 23, 2010 9:35 PM PST up reply actions
Despite a below average shooting night
I’m quite happy Pau is trying to be aggressive even when Kobe’e back. You’d expect other guys like Lamar to relax a bit when their best player is playing 40 minutes out on the floor
Also
Zach Randolph tonight broke the Grizzlie’s single season offensive rebound record (previously owned by Pau Gasol). With 25+ games left in the season.
Just goes to show how much of a beast that guy is on the offensive glass and why the Grizzlies are the best in the league.
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
If they don't make the playoffs
It’ll be sad to watch Rudy bow out of Memphis in search of a contending team.
watch the clip
is it me or are the some of the guys on the memphis bench hyped about the shot ??
the two guys that were seating down looked like they were like “yea that’s what Im talking ’bout”
Tomorrow's Game
Look for the Lakers to DESTROY Dallas…I predict a 25-point whooping! Back to back or not Kobe looks completely reenergized and will expect teamates to follow suit.
Kobe was definitely more in rhythm than I've seen him since early in the year
When he was killing people off post-ups. His jumper looked very fluid, he was moving easily, and he clearly looks better off in general.
As for the Dallas game, the big question for them is who do they have behind Haywood? We might see Nowitzki take a few tries at the five guarding Gasol, who should have a clear edge whenever Nowitzki leaves the game. Seriously, their other fours are Marion, Najera, and Tim Thomas; the first two are undersized and Thomas doesn’t try obviously. But otherwise, Dallas is in serious trouble if Bynum gets Haywood into foul trouble.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
They just signed Dwayne Jones to a 10-day contract, I think.
He’s worth a look. The skill that stands out about him is his rebounding. Jones goes and gets. His defense is ok. He’ll have his moments on rotations, but his one-on-one defense isn’t that good. Jones is live body; can and probably will get some hustle points because of his rebounding skills. His offensive game is totally non-existent.
HORRIBLE GAME! but who cares, we won
Everywhere we go-o ; People want to know-o ; Who we a-are; And where we come from ;So we tell them ; We're from L.A ; Mighty, mighty LAKERS ; And if they can't hear us; We sing a little louder
Amazing!...but unnecessary.
I love seeing Kobe do what he does, but that being said the Lakers shouldn’t be in situations where Kobe needs to hit a game winner or buzzer beater to win. The Lakers should be putting the Heat, Kings, Grizzlies, etc away handily, but the bench puts the starters in the situation of having to play catch up after losing a decent lead.
Glad your back, Kobe. When are some of your teammates going to show up?
Everyone wants to beat the defending champs.
The Lakers get the best effort from every other team, while it is just another regular season game for the Lakers. The Griz played out of their minds, for the most part, and the Lakers were off – however, we still got the dub.
The game would have been much more out of reach if 1) Gasol hits half of the chippies that he missed, 2) Artest makes his usual percentage of shots and 3) We dont miss clutch free throws at the end of the game.
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
Screw Lebron...we are witnesses
of Kobe Bryant’s greatness. He has been ridiculous this year with the clutchness. I have witnessed first hand two of this game winners and there have been countless more. Like it has been said a million times before, what makes it even more amazing, is everyone on the planet knows he is getting the ball…and scoring. It’s insane.
It’s to the point were it’s expected. Phil “jokingly” said that Kobe is just lucky and that he doesn’t expect the shot to go in, but we all know Phil is lying through his teeth.
Kobe=GOAT
Lamar = Laker for Life...Go Pads...Go Bolts
by mrbarneydangles on Feb 23, 2010 10:09 PM PST reply actions
lets go lakers! lets beat dallas and regain the best record for the entire nba
!
by bobc-lakersfan on Feb 23, 2010 10:11 PM PST reply actions
great game from kobe
32 points 13-19 FG 7 boards and 6 assists
he was sooo efficient
i think it helps if he is more selective on his shot attempts like he was tonight…
but sometimes he has to take control if the offense goes stagnant. looked like memphis would take the game after that run in the 3rd quarter…
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
glad to hear we got the win!
I tuned in with the lakers down 7 in the third i believe but had to go do homework.
I kind of feel that the grizzlies are the poor-man’s lakers. Big front line, a good, getting better shooting guard, and a crappy point guard. This is probably my second favorite team if I had to choose one, and it’s going to be exciting watching them play in further seasons.
Stu Lantz – For not being Hot Rod Hundley. Grade: A Motherfucking Superplus +.
guys, off topic – who can the lakers get from waivers or from the d-league to help us at pg ? or do we go with what we have till the playoffs?
by bobc-lakersfan on Feb 23, 2010 10:27 PM PST reply actions
I'm hoping for Keyon Dooling off the waiver wire
Past that, we’re stuck with what we have.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
ah ok. is keyon dooling better than nate robinson who phil said would not be a good fit for the lakers?
by bobc-lakersfan on Feb 23, 2010 10:37 PM PST up reply actions
He's a better fit
I wouldn’t say he’s better than Robinson talent-wise, but he’s by far a better defensive player and plays within his role, which isn’t something I’d see Robinson doing well.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
I dont see many pg's out on the waiver wire,
but what about just suring up our bench with some depth since “the machine” and luke are out with injury.
Larry Hughes was just waived. He could help with the sg, sf depth. Not sure what his 3 point % looks like this year, but i think his career average is around 40%. I believe he is only 29 or 30, so he should still have some life in those legs. Just not sure if he would take the league minimum for the chance to play with the Lakers.
And Mikki Moore isnt signed by anyone. He is coming back from foot surgery or seomthing like that. He could provide some depth behind Bynum, Gasol and Odom. I would much rather have Moore come into the game instead of Powell or Mbenga. Any chance Moore takes the minimum from the Lakers or his he wanting more money?
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
Two important games coming up
Tonight’s game against dallas and monday against Denver. Lakers have to put them away to shatter their confidence, especially Denver. They are a real good team and having won a couple of times against us, they have the confidence. Its about time we break that confidence and put some doubts in their heads. Or else it will get ugly in the play offs.
dont really care that much about dallas, as they dont scare me.
but denver does and they have beaten us twice this year. I hope we can shut up their fans.
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
WELCOME BACK KOBE!
im terribly speechless on his greatness. wish he can stay for 10 more years or more
Off-topic, but
The first and third captions in this edition of BDL’s CaC are absolutely priceless:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Create-a-caption-Smoove-shout?urn=nba,221376
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
this is pure awesomeness:
Co-runner-up, JeremyO:
LB: “Oh wise Shaq Fu, please teach me the ways to win four rings.”
Shaq Fu: “Young Prince, I cannot be the one to teach you. You must seek the one they call ‘Phil.’”
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
had a good laugh
reading it. Tnx for the heads up
"E-Coaches are heavy in here tonight! Take E-Sasha and put him on the E-bench on your fantasy league, that’ll show him!" - Jevon O
Dont get me wrong kobe is great but not when he play me
-JR Smith
http://twitter.com/JR_Swish/status/9559123054
"There is no substitute for hustle and if you don't hustle there will be a substitute." -Tex Winter
huzzah:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpkYF0A6hg4
Lakers 2009 Road to Redemption: TREVOR, DEREK, LAMAR, PAU & KOBE.
Play the game of which Lakers reminds you of: TA - TI, Shannon Brown - Chris Brown, Pau Gasol - Jesus, Machine - Luis Scola/Russell Brand, PJ with mustache and beard - Colonel Sanders.
by PeanutButterSpread on Feb 24, 2010 12:27 AM PST up reply actions
Oh and Kobe scored the Lakers last 9 points. Great game to watch.
"There is no substitute for hustle and if you don't hustle there will be a substitute." -Tex Winter
I wanted to gouge my ears out during the 3rd quarter
since I was listening to it on the radio.
seriously. I think the Lakers had 6 turnovers in a row all thanks to Zach Randolph.
Lakers 2009 Road to Redemption: TREVOR, DEREK, LAMAR, PAU & KOBE.
Play the game of which Lakers reminds you of: TA - TI, Shannon Brown - Chris Brown, Pau Gasol - Jesus, Machine - Luis Scola/Russell Brand, PJ with mustache and beard - Colonel Sanders.
by PeanutButterSpread on Feb 24, 2010 12:07 AM PST up reply actions
First Round Matchup?
I’d be a little worried if Memphis grabs the 8th seed. They perform well against us and I think they can take us to 6 games.
Pau Gasol has a rough time matching up with his brother, something I’ve noticed all the way back since last season. Randolph is also killing our front line for some odd reason.
Of course, the series would be ours given the fact that OJ Mayo cannot hope to even slow down Kobe.
Playoff Kobe is better than regular-season Kobe
by Julio Nievas on Feb 24, 2010 12:18 AM PST up reply actions
Not too worried
Season series is 3-1, in favor of Lakers. Been a couple close games (I believe 3 close games – two of those close games ended with a kobe GW shot), but I think once playoffs roll around, the Lakers will get it into gear. Plus, we still got Kobe Bean. In the one game we lost, the Lakers were on that grueling road trip with a injured Kobe Bean. I think the other close game was without Pau. And then tonight’s game was a combination of rust, bench fail, offense fail, LO and Ron being MIA.
But yeah, Memphis is a great young team. The Z-Bo trade is looking good for them. Very young and talented team that I’d root for if they weren’t playing the Lakers. OKC is the same too.
Lakers 2009 Road to Redemption: TREVOR, DEREK, LAMAR, PAU & KOBE.
Play the game of which Lakers reminds you of: TA - TI, Shannon Brown - Chris Brown, Pau Gasol - Jesus, Machine - Luis Scola/Russell Brand, PJ with mustache and beard - Colonel Sanders.
by PeanutButterSpread on Feb 24, 2010 12:32 AM PST up reply actions
Playoffs are a complely different animal
Rotations get shortened, Phil gets quicker with the timeouts, and in general, execution and effort is much higher. Not worried about a potential playoff series in this case.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
Oh God...
…to whomever issued the warning on one of my comments, I am terribly sorry! I didn’t mean to use that word, but JR Smith’s logic was…questionable. I apologize. Please forgive me, I like to think I’m much more respectful than that.
"I was just letting the shots fly. You know, I don't leave any bullets in the chamber."
"Everything negative- pressure, challenges- is all an opportunity for me to rise."
-Kobe Bryant
A mantra for all athletes.
OK
Apology accepted.
Twitter feed: @dexterfishmore
by DexterFishmore on Feb 24, 2010 12:19 AM PST up reply actions
This is HILARIOUS:
so in my class (9th grade) half the boys are all lakers fans. So as i told my friends to huddle around as i check SS&R, we saw the “lets put your hands together for kobe bryant” and the boys and I just starts clapping and our teacher was like WTF. LOL, great post fish :)
Everywhere we go-o ; People want to know-o ; Who we a-are; And where we come from ;So we tell them ; We're from L.A ; Mighty, mighty LAKERS ; And if they can't hear us; We sing a little louder
you're a ninth grader?
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Feb 24, 2010 6:43 AM PST up reply actions
yea. why?? is that old or wat.lol
Everywhere we go-o ; People want to know-o ; Who we a-are; And where we come from ;So we tell them ; We're from L.A ; Mighty, mighty LAKERS ; And if they can't hear us; We sing a little louder
ah i see. haha, is there like a minimum age requirement here? or..
Everywhere we go-o ; People want to know-o ; Who we a-are; And where we come from ;So we tell them ; We're from L.A ; Mighty, mighty LAKERS ; And if they can't hear us; We sing a little louder
lol...young as hell..
I guess i’m surprised. Good to have laker fans from everywhere and every age…
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Feb 24, 2010 9:39 AM PST up reply actions
what has kobe done
to even reach these age group? Unbelievable. Remind me to watch my language from now on.
To hellokobe – mind your studies, kid, and maybe start playing the game. Maybe we are talking with a future NBA player, who knows.
"E-Coaches are heavy in here tonight! Take E-Sasha and put him on the E-bench on your fantasy league, that’ll show him!" - Jevon O
I thought you were a teacher of ninth graders..lol
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Feb 24, 2010 9:39 AM PST up reply actions
haha: chris webber can't wear a Lakers jersey
http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2010/02/23/20100223_fannight_parish.nba/
it’s in the first few minutes. He throws it on the ground. I wonder why that is ;) heh heh
hilarious on so many levels
number one..you know he did that on purpose. He meant to be seen on tv throwing the Lakers jersey on the floor. if not, why did he put it on in the first place? Second, he was and never will be worthy of wearing that jersey..
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Feb 24, 2010 6:50 AM PST up reply actions
Backscreen is what did it
wanted to share this note I posted elsewhere – for those who have watched kobe’s game winner multiple times and love this kind of stuff.
That play they executed was done to perfection. People are asking, how did Kobe get so open? Let’s look at the details. It isn’t just Pau’s screen that did it. It’s a really brilliant play.
As soon as the ball was inbounded, Kobe gave a backscreen on Ron’s man. Ron quick cut baseline. If they don’t guard this – this is a layup. As ron’s man was back screened, it forced Rudy Gay to take a step towards the basketball to cover Ron temporarily. This is actually where Kobe got a step on Rudy.
Meanwhile on top of the key, a cross screen opened up Lamar to be free to catch that pass from Gasol. As soon as Gasol passed it he turned around to screen Rudy (who remember is already one step behind Kobe and trying to scramble to catch up to him). The screen comes somewhat unexpected as Rudy is too occupied trying to catch up to Kobe that he wouldn’t have fully registered the ball was flipped to Odom. Very subtle but important. He runs into Odom, but by that time he was already a step behind and now he is two steps behind.
Kobe that wide open? Game over. Perfect execution.
In my eyes the key was the original backscreen that forced Rudy one step out of where he wanted to be. Then while offstep, they threw a screen at him. Brilliant. Love it.
get off me bandwagoners!
http://blog.cleancutmedia.com
the beauty of Phil Jackson's coaching
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Feb 24, 2010 12:01 PM PST up reply actions
He runs into Odom, but by that time he was already a step behind and now he is two steps behind.
I didn’t see Rudy run into Odom. Maybe you mean Pau, who set the screen.
"E-Coaches are heavy in here tonight! Take E-Sasha and put him on the E-bench on your fantasy league, that’ll show him!" - Jevon O
Larry Hughes Fits Phils love for BIG guards
and he does play D and can create his own shot….GO GET HUGHES MITCH!!!!
Kobe isnt good, he's just better than your favorite player
aaaah He's out for 4-6 weeks with a fractured left ring finger.....
But he could do limited practices and at least have the general concept of the triangle by the time he’s ready to play….I’d still sign him tho
Kobe isnt good, he's just better than your favorite player
LMAO@JR Smith
Dont get me wrong kobe is great but not when he play me
This Is Coming From The Guy Who Thought Tyreke Evan’s Made That Airball And Walked With The Ball Out Of Bounds…LMAO…
Keep Touching Yourself Smitty, Kobe Will Just Bust Balls In Your Face All Game When It Comes To Playoffs…HaHaHaHa
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