Lakers-Celtics Game 5: That's why you kick a team when it's down
by C.A. Clark on Jun 14, 2010 10:00 AM PDT
in Game Recaps
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I hope the members of the Los Angeles Lakers failed to get a good night's sleep last night. I hope their dreams were haunted by the ghosts of opportunities past. Opportunities that they could have capitalized on, but failed to do so because, well, because that requires too much work.
Game 5 wasn't a lost opportunity. Game 5 was an expected result. Not expected in the sense that it was how we thought the game would play out beforehand (because I sure as hell could have found a better use of my time if I expected that to happen). But, it's expected that, over the course of a 7 game series, there will be a game in which one team plays well and the other team plays poorly. It's how the Lakers won game 1. That's just generally how basketball works. Sometimes you have it, sometimes you don't. If you don't, and your opponent does, tough cookies.
There's just one problem: The Celtics didn't have it in Game 4, and they still won. If, at some point over the next week, the Celtics raise the Larry O'Brien in Staples Center as the Southland collectively vommits, the Lakers will not look upon last night's game with a ton of regret. They will look at game 4 ... and they will look at game 2, because those are the games the Lakers could have won. Those are the games the Lakers should have won. Those were the games the Lakers failed to win, because, despite actually winning a championship, they still have failed to learn what the phrase "championship effort" really means.
This isn't about game 2, and it's not about game 4. If you want to hear about those games, check the archives. This is about Game 5. Anybody who thinks the Lakers got out worked in game 5, kindly raise your hand. Now take that hand, and use it to slap yourself across the face. Last night wasn't about desire. The Lakers had 16 offensive rebounds. They forced 16 Boston turnovers. Yes, there were some massive defensive breakdowns, but those breakdowns were caused by the simple fact that, just about everywhere the Lakers looked on the court, the Celtics had a guy that was superior on the 1 v 1 matchup. They didn't know where to help from, because they couldn't help from anywhere.
Last night, outside of Ray Allen's 3 pt shot, the Celtics performed at the absolute top end of their offensive spectrum. Paul Pierce went 12-21 from the field. Take a look at his shot chart. There are a couple in close, but not one single attempt at the rim, and most of his damage was done from 15-23 feet. He didn't score because the Lakers sucked or lacked effort defending him. He scored because he's fucking Paul Pierce. You may hate him (and I certainly do) but there's a reason the tag "Future Hall of Famer" is attached before his name, and that reason had failed to show up in this series until last night. In fact, I would go so far as to say that the Lakers spent more effort defending Pierce than they have for most of the series. The shots he nailed in Game 5 were much less open than the many of the ones he bricked in the first 4 games. This wasn't the collosal failure to stick with a guy that we saw with Ray Allen in game 2.
And Pierce wasn't the only one. KG played well for the 2nd time in 5 games, Ray Allen didn't hit threes but he found his spots to be effective elsewhere, and with all his weapons firing, Rondo was able to find the seems of the Lakers defense. He even hit his jumpshots. For crying out loud, Tony Allen hit a 20 footer and Kendrick Perkins hit a fade-away. Tip your cap, pay your respects, and pray the Celtics don't collectively have one more of those performances in them. If they do, they will likely win the game, unless the rest of the Lakers raise the level of their games just as much.
This is neither the typical "Celtics had everything going and only won by 6" drivel, nor the "OMG The Lakers have no chance, look how much better the Celtics are" over-reaction. Game 5 happened. It means nothing now. If that sequence of events happens again, the Lakers will likely lose. I'm not telling you it will or it won't, what I'm telling you is that it did happen is neither an indication that it will happen again, nor that it can't happen again. Momentum is dead in this series. Tell Ray Allen that a performance like last night's carries over to the next game. Tell it to Pau Gasol. The only player, on either team, who's performance has been consistent throughout this series has been our best friend, LO, and that consistency is made out of shit.
It should be pointed out that, in the 2-3-2 format, this series is exactly where it is supposed to be. While the script hasn't been followed to a T, and the Celtics are clearly capable of beating the Lakers in Staples Center, the Lakers do have home court advantage. They will have the crowd at their back, which is theoretically very important considering how tired these two old teams are at the end of a very long season, not to mention how much better bench players tend to play at home. Being down, especially this late, in a playoff series is never a good thing, but, in a series between two evenly matched teams, things are as they should be. It's up to the Lakers to once again live up to their end of the billing.
But therein lies the problem. Yes, the Lakers have two home games, and yes, this is what's supposed to happen in a 7 game series. The problem is that the NBA Finals script doesn't actually come pre-written. The Celitcs can smell a championship. It looks as if they have played the Rope-A-Dope strategy to perfection, all that's needed is one final knockout blow. They have two chances to have another game like last night's, two chances to have everything click in their favor. I wish I could tell you otherwise, but these guys are champions for a reason, and have a decent chance to pull off the feat.
The Lakers now have a very simple equation put in front of them: Win or fail. There are no more 2nd chances, no more respites. They no longer have a fall back. I have no idea whether that will help or hurt them. Over the past two years, they've always won when they needed to, but they've never needed to like this. We don't know how they'll respond to the pressure, because this pressure is brand new, even to the defending champions. Pressure can make diamonds, but it can also make lungs collapse. We know Kobe Bryant is made of diamonds, but his teammates will remain a mystery until the deed is done, one way or another. All there is to do now is watch the pressure gauge rise, and see what happens.
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lol at this
The only player, on either team, who’s performance has been consistent throughout this series has been our best friend, LO, and that consistency is made out of shit.
"i remember one time,we was playing basketball,and we was winning the game,it was so competitive,he broke a piece of lead from a table,and he threw it and it went right through his heart and he died right on the court" - Ron Artest on wonderful childhood memories.
actually, shit just called
it was offended that u compared it to LO…
Today's sports media excels at over-reaction to a single event and specializes in hyperboles. But hey, it's that or my biochem textbook...
I felt confident throughout this entire series
Especially because i’d thought theyd win games 4 and 5. They played hard, celtics hit their shots. i dont know what to think anymore….
"I don't mind being the goat. I don't mind being the villain, hated. I've been that my whole career, so it's not like that's anything new. I don't mind people jumping on the bandwagon or jumping off. I just focus on playing the game." -Ron Artest
i agree with you on the 2-3-2
this setup allows for the home team to have 2 more chances at home if down.
i think our bench will really give us a boost at home. i’m thinking sasha to hit about 4 3’s and ron to redeem himself at home.
if we win game 6, then game 7 will be in our favor. if it does go to 7, then LO will show up and give a double double
"i remember one time,we was playing basketball,and we was winning the game,it was so competitive,he broke a piece of lead from a table,and he threw it and it went right through his heart and he died right on the court" - Ron Artest on wonderful childhood memories.
I don't know whether they have a good sleep last night, but I am sure that I did not have one.
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." -Kobe
+1
I slept horrible.
And then, I was ashamed. Why do I care so much about a team I am not a part of!?!? I really love this Lakers team… and I cannot find a way to be happy for the Celtics. This is a rough series.
I went to bed thinking about the game and I woke up thinking about it.
Unlike December 4-5, 2009, this was not a good feeling.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Same here
It’s especially tough since yes, the celtics have played well enough to win 3 games but the fact of the matter is the Lakers have played well enough to win 4 games already and only come away with 2. Some of it heart, and some of it…refs…which is a horrible thing to have to worry about when playing for a championship.
Game 6 is the pivotal game for the C's
They’re gonna be riding their momentum and try to get the dub. We gotta get that win and take it to Game 7, where are crowd will be behind us, and the Lakers could hopefully replicate a Game 1 performance.
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
game 6
is entirely dependent on the crowd.. if they get all riled up like the TD crowd, the lakers have a great shot… game 7 will be all about momentum, which is why the lakers need to win big in game 6
Exactly.
But you know the Game 6 crowd is going to be a little anxious. They will only get loud if the Lakers get on a run, and continue the pressure.
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
by bluexfalcon on Jun 14, 2010 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions
they need
to be on their feet the whole game… regardless of how the lakers are doing… unless it’s the 4th and the lakers are out of the game for sure…
the bench feeds off of positive energy from the crowd, and that bench will make or break game 6
um i disagree
these guys are professionals and get paid to be motivated with our without the crowd
Kobe: "Listen, if you told me at the beginning of the year that we’ve got two games at home to win a championship, yeah, I’ll take that shit"
Lakers crowd incapable of being the "sixth man"
They’ll be into it if the Lakers are up or making a big run. Then, they’ll fall silent again. If we’re going to have to rely upon the Staples crowd to amp things up, may as well call it off and just give it to Boston by default.
by LakersForDeuce on Jun 14, 2010 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions
The problem is...
They talked about it prior to the game. The lower bowl tickets at TDGarden for the Finals were around $400. The Lakers tickets are around $900. There is no chance for a rowdy crowd, because many of the diehard fans cannot afford to sit in the lower bowl. I’ve sat in the premier seats and the only fans I heard were the ones that sat up in the 300s!
Home Court
the celtics did what they had to do… they won at home with their fans backing them up. now maybe the Staples crowd will return the favor… how about cardboard wheelchairs to combat the khloe cutouts?
this sort of performance will not happen again
at home, the bench will step up and pau will return to his game 1-3 dominance over KG
repeat of 09 ECF where the celtics choke away the 3-2 lead… this is right where the series is meant to be… 3-2 with the losing team having 2 home games left to seal the deal
gahh
For crying out loud, Tony Allen hit a 20 footer
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
This is a great pic and caption ....
I must say I cringe whenever Tony Allen shoots outside! One of the Celtics big problems when he is on the floor is that spacing is often not good unless he is on the floor with good outside shooters (making it hard to play him with Rondo). Tony Allen is a great defender though. He also seems to have learned his role and does not chuck up as many bad shots anymore. Boston fans went through a long cycle of hating him. He is like a small, quicker version of Artest without the outside shot. Artest seems not to have learned his role as well though and takes the Lakers out of rhythm with over dribbling and then odd one on one finishes he is probably not capable of.
by Celtics_fan_in_cali on Jun 14, 2010 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't mind when he takes his man one on one if he's in the post or closer to the basket.
It’s when he starts out on the 3-point line and tries to dribble for 8 seconds and then make a drive for the hoop that drives me crazy. He needs to just give the ball up and either spot up or slash to the hoop.
from Woj's article:
On his way into the losing locker room, the most angry man in the Garden was heard to bellow a spontaneous stream of curses into the ears of his Los Angeles Lakers. As the door slammed behind them, a witness heard Kobe Bryant screaming that he needed some-bleeping-one to make a stand with him.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
huhuhuhuhu
link??
"You are asking me if LeBron is going to New York?, I’m trying to tell you in a polite way, I don’t give a shit"
He had every right to do that.
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
by bluexfalcon on Jun 14, 2010 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions
definitely
he seemed way too calm during the post game.
heres the article:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Ak0McYdxYGtxOyXk8kwXzKC8vLYF?slug=aw-bryantlakers061410
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
here
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
reply fail
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
by bluexfalcon on Jun 14, 2010 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions
Also
"Listen, if you told me at the beginning of the year that we’ve got two games at home to win a championship, yeah, I’ll take that [bleep]."
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
that still leaves the rest of the team
im sure if you told kobe “you have to win 2 games out of 3 for the championship”, he would take it… im not sure any of the other guys would…
With a score of 92-86, the Los Angeles Lakers fell behind the Boston Celtics by a game last night and now need to win two in a row to give Coach Phil Jackson another championship before his contract runs out.
Along the way last night, Lamar Odom played 26 minutes, pulled down eight rebounds, dumped in eight points, and got hit with a vodka bottle.
According to the Orange County Register, Odom was standing along the lane while Kobe Bryant shot a free throw with a minute and a half left in the game when he got nailed with a small object that he told the paper was one of those small vodka bottles you can get on the plane.
Guess he’ll be happy to get the Finals back to L.A.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Still plenty of reason for optimism
As I’ve perused the Internet on the day after game 5, I’ve seen a lot of doom and gloom from my fellow Lakers fans. I understand the frustration but cannot figure out what’s with all the pessimism.
The Celtics did what they had to do in game 5. It was essentially an elimination game for them. Headed back to LA down 2-3 would have been the end for Boston. They played extremely well, while nobody (not named Kobe Bryant) did much of anything for the Lakers – yet the margain of victory was only 6.
The Lakers will be much better at home after spending a week in Boston. Look for Kobe to get everyone involved early – realizing he cannot do this alone. His teammates will, in turn, be much better (can’t be any worse) and spur the Lakers on to a double digit win – setting up a classic game 7 for all the marbles!
Oh, such sweet optimism.
I love it. I’m admittedly quite a sucker for optimism and although I do feel just sick about what I feel was a lost opportunity for us in last night’s game, you are so right.
There are still lots of minutes of basketball left to be played and although it’s really no fun to be a fan of a team that at present seems to want to do everything the hard way, it’s very possible that those minutes could contain the Lakers playing outrageously well. So, thanks for the optimism, and cheers to you.
I really like the feature piece as well, especially the bit about the pressure. I’ve often used the "pressure creates diamonds" phrase myself to convey a bit of a hopeful outlook, though I usually use the breaking of pipes on the flipside of that example (not really sure why?), but anywho, loved that as well. Here’s to making some diamonds in the remaining games. Naturally, I love those, too. : )
not doom and gloom -- just tired of it
Tired of the Lakers not realizing that this is rugby, not basketball, and then clocking the first thing in green they see.
They knew that the refs are letting things get more and more physical. It’s what the Celtics had counted on, but Gasol and others still complain. That’s not going to get you what you want. The only way to to handle a bully is to bully him. Dwight Howard figured it out. You pound their guys back and give it so hard that you steal their resolve. When Howard’s elbows began to fly, you saw the Celtics hit the floor and essentially give up. They wanted no part of him. The bullies turned out to be punks who scattered when they got a taste of their own medicine.
But Gasol and Odom aren’t capable of that. Bynum is, but maybe not yet. Strangely, I’ll bet Mbenga is. He’s got six fouls to give and I’d like to see the Celtics taste wood on half of them.
Rondo, Pierce, on the floor. Then, maybe give Perkins a McHale-style take down, for good measure. You want rugby, green people, here’s your wish.
by LakersForDeuce on Jun 14, 2010 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Umm the Boston didn't "give up"
I believe they won that series. My team may be tough, but they don’t take cheap shots like DW’s flying elbows.
your guys have always taken cheap shots
Just not so obvious as before. It’s rugby, like I said.
Your guys need to eat wood.
by LakersForDeuce on Jun 14, 2010 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions
this kind of whining
fits right in with the Laker style
by Frank Malzone on Jun 14, 2010 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions
You know, I saw a lot of whining coming from your organization
From Doc complaining about the calls, to Sheed yapping his trap, to Pierce, etc, etc.
Until now you weren’t really trolling. Now it feels like you are.
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
Dude, he was trolling from the beginning.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
you forgot about the minority owner
who confronted Stern about the calls. Even the owners have no class.
You got the same break twice and you think you're a dynasty -- brilliant
Bynum on one leg has played as well as any of your bigs.
In 2008 we didn’t have him at all and you won.
This year he’s hobbled and it’s still not over.
Right in line with Celtic style is to be smug, condescending, and arrogant.
For what reason — because a guy who can dominate your bigs is hurt?
by LakersForDeuce on Jun 14, 2010 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions
I just vomited a little:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/A-collection-of-bros-one-win-away-from-celebrati;_ylt=Atq4.X8Mm4we4Lq.Wfoc51rZrYZ4?urn=nba,248215#comments
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
i hate trey kerby as the new editor of ball don't lie.
he’s weak.
"i remember one time,we was playing basketball,and we was winning the game,it was so competitive,he broke a piece of lead from a table,and he threw it and it went right through his heart and he died right on the court" - Ron Artest on wonderful childhood memories.
He's ok in some stuff.
Skeets was better at b-ball analysis + jokes.
Trey has the jokes down, he needs to tie it in with b-ball a little better.
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
by bluexfalcon on Jun 14, 2010 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions
The wheels have fallen off the cart for both BDL and the Basketball Jones since the jump to the Score.
I rarely look at either one any more.
"Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character." - John Wooden
I still look at BDL, not Basketball Jones anymore.
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
by bluexfalcon on Jun 14, 2010 11:06 AM PDT up reply actions
So is watching people fall down the stairs, but it still hurts to look at.
"Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character." - John Wooden
STAPLES
Where Game6…Game7…and the 16th Banner will happen… Preach!!!
Go LAKERS!!!!!!!
Keep the faith
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Msq6dqebcv4
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Always.
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
by bluexfalcon on Jun 14, 2010 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions
Celtics got the same shots last game they've been getting all series.
But, for once, they started hitting them. That’s essentially all there was to Game 5.
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/ - Visit, and be loved. Troll, and die a painful death. =]]
Questions? Queries? Comments? Concerns? Expletive-filled inflammatory trolling? Contact me at saurav.a.das.1994@gmail.com
They turned the ball over, we didn't capitalize.
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
by bluexfalcon on Jun 14, 2010 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions
We shot 40%, they shot near 60%
that is NOT happening again.
If you have a debate with a scholar, you can win. If you have a debate with an ignorant person, you will definitely lose.
Just take the ball inside- LakersForDeuce and just about everybody else on SSR
nope.
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
by bluexfalcon on Jun 14, 2010 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions
you mean at home
odom and the bench should also perform better these next 2 games. robinson and big baby will also be unable to feed off the energy of the home crowd.
If you have a debate with a scholar, you can win. If you have a debate with an ignorant person, you will definitely lose.
Just take the ball inside- LakersForDeuce and just about everybody else on SSR
well I was talking about the celtics 60% shooting
that wont happen on the road…
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Neither will the Lakers scoring in the 80's at home.
"Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character." - John Wooden
yup if we end losin this series it will be because of our meltdown in game 4. u have to close out games you are in control of.
"the man who created a legend; the legend who resurrected a franchise."
that was the Laker chance to win
you are correct
by Frank Malzone on Jun 14, 2010 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Are you really discounting games at Staples already?
"Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character." - John Wooden
i dont know
i am not feeling very heart broken. I have this feeling that we are gonna pull this out. I mean, as fans, we know what the lakers are capable of. We have seen some beautiful displays of basketball from this team, even against the celtics. i guess my sig explains why im so confident.
Kobe: "Listen, if you told me at the beginning of the year that we’ve got two games at home to win a championship, yeah, I’ll take that shit"
The Lakers are a great home team and I really think being back in L.A....
is the perfect remedy to a week in the leprechaun hell hole. The Lakers are a great home team, there is no way they keep scoring so low, when they’ve averaged 104 point a game at home all season. Boston put their best offensive effort on the floor and put up 92 at home. The times, they are a changin’ Boston!
C.A. summed it all up beautifully, so I won’t regurgitate anymore talking points.
"Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character." - John Wooden
Anyone know if the Lakers stayed the night in Boston before flying out?
Or just took the flight out right after the game?
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
They stayed a night
according to what i heard yesterday in the 2nd half threadd…
"I don't mind being the goat. I don't mind being the villain, hated. I've been that my whole career, so it's not like that's anything new. I don't mind people jumping on the bandwagon or jumping off. I just focus on playing the game." -Ron Artest
If the Celtics need dinner suggestions...
I hear the fried avocados are awesome in L.A.!
"Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character." - John Wooden
sounds delicious
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
by bluexfalcon on Jun 14, 2010 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions
we need to open up another chat
this page is dead.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
it's always "open"
set it up.
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
by bluexfalcon on Jun 14, 2010 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions
damn, waiting for game 6 is killing me
if there is game 7, this is gonna be epic
"You are asking me if LeBron is going to New York?, I’m trying to tell you in a polite way, I don’t give a shit"
I see an '88-like scenario which featured
ninety-six minutes of intense, barely-can-breathe basketball…and also a happy ending.
If the Lakers are going to pull this out, they are going to have to go and get it. They can’t rely on the Celtics wilting, or the home crowd to win it for them. They surely can’t depend on the officials to bail them out, even on their own turf. They simply must rise to the occasion against a team that is going to do everything in its power to prevent them from doing so.
I didn’t get a chance to read through the 1000-plus comments from last night- was anyone else wondering why the Lakers didn’t attempt a Hack-a-Rondo when they got close? Maybe Phil’s pride won’t allow him to do that, but well, fuck pride. Dude can’t hit free throws. In fact, I don’t care what quarter it is, if he’s driving to the hoop, he should be on his ass, and having to prove he can be better than average at the line. Period. Of all the things that have driven me to drink this series, the unwillingness to exploit their weaknesses tops them all.
I'm here to talk about the past.
You think the Boston players and coaches packed for four days of clothes?
I want LAX security to tell me! Then we can say things like “Celtics aren’t confident” (When really, it’s just being safe)!
And if they didn’t, if there’s a game 7, we can say they have dirty drawers!
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
SB Nation: The real story is still going to be who will play "Robin" to Kobe's "Batman."?
I think we need more than 1 player to support Kobe, its gotta to be the whole team.
Go Lakers!!!
bleh at phil's hope the celtics fail comment:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfQF6s4aFeI&feature=player_embedded
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
They almost did choke man
But usually when one team chokes, the other isn’t supposed to choke along with them. That’s what we did last night.
What is the nature of your thoughts, gentlemen, when you say "fuddle duddle" or something like that?
Conversation at tinychat.com/lakers
Come join!
Saying "Hello With Malice" seven times will wake the dead.
Hopefully heading back to LA will make something click for this team. They really have regressed since the beginning of the series…and it’s been really awful to have to watch. Pau has disappeared. Artest has regressed, possibly due to his offensive woes. Bynum has gotten more and more hurt. Odom has been a nonfactor. These are the guys Kobe needs to stand up with him…and when things got a little tough, they have shied away.
They know what needs to happen, though. Win game 6. That’s it. Win game 6, and you have a home game for the title. Win game 6, and you have a little momentum to take into that final game. Win game 6, and the championship is in sight.
Hopefully the Celtics will be as arrogant as their fans have been (I’ve seen plenty of “Number 18 is inevitable” comments around). Hopefully the Celtics get caught looking ahead, and the Lakers (besides Kobe) decide to wake up and play some fucking championship basketball.
2 homes games for the Title.
Esta noche nosotros cenamos Tortugas
Así que bueno, ellos serán
Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by ZeroIndulgence on Jun 14, 2010 12:40 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
this
"i remember one time,we was playing basketball,and we was winning the game,it was so competitive,he broke a piece of lead from a table,and he threw it and it went right through his heart and he died right on the court" - Ron Artest on wonderful childhood memories.
http://ow.ly/17JDvd
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." -Kobe
by rs850_Lakers on Jun 14, 2010 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions
fail, sorry
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." -Kobe
by rs850_Lakers on Jun 14, 2010 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions
We win must wins
Regardless the degree of the game when called apon we show up. It won’t be any different these next 2 games. Welcome back bench mob glad you could join us, starts KNOW what they have to do basically time for the best Laker ball we’ve seen all year long!!
by purplebloodgoldheart on Jun 14, 2010 1:15 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
so, is there anybody in tinychat/lakers???
"You are asking me if LeBron is going to New York?, I’m trying to tell you in a polite way, I don’t give a shit"
not now I think.
But it’ll pick up later in the day. When these threads are dead
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
We have not looked like a Championship Team this whole series
Game 1, okay, I’ll give us Game 1.
We’re not playing some upstart team from Florida, we’re not going against New Jersey, or other championship starved organization. We’re battling the effing Boston Celtics, the most successful (pukes) NBA organization (currently).
This is a team that’s gone 9-2 against us. Aside from a slight hicup in the 80s, they’ve dominated the Lakers for years. Most recently, 2008, they did it to us agan. Why shouldn’t they play like champions? Their fans are confident, their players are confident, they’re excited, emotional, and making all the damn plays.
Ray Allen jumping out-of-bounds save to Rondo for the lay up? Check…
Rondo skying for the offensive tip-in? Got that…
Scrub players dominating “the best 6th man in the game”? Yeah.
The Lakers need to sense something here. It’s called urgency.
We’re the most dominant team of the modern era, with legacies from the 80s, to the 90s, into the new millenium. We’ve been blessed with the best teams, greatest players, and perfect organization to continue to perform at a high level over the next few years.
Yet we’ve met the Celtics, and there our attitude has changed.
I’d like to call out some players now, if you’ll allow me.
Ron Ron: Mr. Artest, when you step into your shot in rythym, they tend to fall. Do that please. Also, I would like to see those “crazy eyes” I’ve heard so much about. Next time Eddie Munster, aka Rajon Rondo, pushes you, don’t flop to draw the technical. Get up in his grill, snatch him up and tell him Queensbridge mutha fugga! Get aggressive, keep going.
Lamar “Candyman” Odom: Candyman, Candyland? I feel for you Mr. Odom. In game 5, you’re nice drive was taken away by Sir Flopperlicious Pierce. You’re like the Rodney Dangerfield of the Finals, you get no respect. Hey, just play hard, do what you can, hit the glass, drive the ball, don’t settle man. I’d love to see a posterizing dunk on Baby Davis, a la Birdman 2009. Can you do that for me? I promise to watch that Kardashian in Miami show, at least once.
Derek Fisher: Don’t stop man (I don’t have to tell you that), keep fighting, keep working against Ray Allen. Hit those screens, bring the pain, show everybody why you’re still the man, still the glue, for this Lakers team. We had a taste of it in Game 3, that was your stuff man. Kobe needs a wing man, you’ve been his for a long while, keep up the pressure, and thanks.
Pau Gasol: Hey, Spaniard, it’s me your balls talking. Yeah, down here, look. Okay, listen man, we’re still here, and that whole “gasoft” thing, time to get over that. Hey, you know what, nevermind the fact that Rasheed Wallace is 35 years old, and a shell of his former-self. Just keep taking those weak ass shots in the paint, it’s nice helping Mr. Sheed pad his stats. Seriously though, dude watch Gladiator right now. That’s the Spaniard I want to see on Tuesday, all cutting-heads-off and kicking butt. Forget the end of that movie, and make your own ending: Championship Trophy.
Drew: I really can’t say anything but thanks for the effort. Damn knees…
Bench: Listen, we don’t need you to score 40 points, not even 30… hell, I’d be okay with 20! Seriously though, when it comes time for you to step on the court, play balls-to-the-wall, dive, jump, hustle for everything. This is it… use your time wisely.
Kobe: I continue to be in awe of the Mamba. This is his redemption tour, and it won’t be sold short on OUR floor. I’m with you Kobe, so is all of Lakerdom, lead us to the promised land!
Go Lakers!
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
by 99bc99 on Jun 14, 2010 1:48 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Bench: Listen, we don’t need you to score 40 points, not even 30… hell, I’d be okay with 20! Seriously though, when it comes time for you to step on the court, play balls-to-the-wall, dive, jump, hustle for everything. This is it… use your time wisely.
I really don’t even care if they score at all… but they have GOT to stop those high energy scrubs from the Celtics. We CANNOT let Glen Davis and 5-foot nothin’ Nate Robinson make baskets and grab offensive rebounds. Sasha, Jordan, Lamar… you guys need to rough those guys up!
This is when we'll find out whether the Lakers are champions or not.
The Celtics won 2 out of 3 (66%) on their home court. If the Lakers cannot do better by winning 3 out of 4 (75%) then clearly are not the champions of this league.
*Credit to my brain for the complex percentage calculations.
Lakers chances
The Lakers are absolutely capable of walking away with the championship. It won’t easy though. The Celtics have the best visitor game record, but the biggest factor is their defense. The thing about defense is that all you need to execute is the desire to execute. The thing with dominating on offense is that you need the desire to execute and you also need the ball to go in the basket. Those two do not always consistently coincide. Kobe is incredibly consistent in getting those two to coincide, but he is the only one on the floor.who is so.
The Lakers will need some help from the drunken clowns that the league puts on the floor to introduce a random element to the game – the referees. If the Celtics stay out of foul trouble, they should not need two games to put away the Lakers.
I'll take best home record vs. best visitor game record.
Any day of the week.
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
ITS OVER
Faith.... a fan's biggest downfall
Im gonna laugh at you when we pull this off
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
LOL, so you really are an ass, aren't you?
I kept thinking you weren’t but I was wrong.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Damn
Down 3-2 in a seven game series, and it’s over?
I think this is just a psychological defense mechanism to protect you from devastation.
But If you root fully for your team, yes, the lows will be low when your hope is crushed, but the highs won’t be as high, either.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
nice to find you...., you are the perfect person for this
im looking for a quote, a famous quote, wisdom quote, something good you know…
"You are asking me if LeBron is going to New York?, I’m trying to tell you in a polite way, I don’t give a shit"
Um
“Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.”?
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
not exactly, im looking for something more like a metaphor, a really
wise quote
"You are asking me if LeBron is going to New York?, I’m trying to tell you in a polite way, I don’t give a shit"
I'm all out of metaphors
I will say this: certain scared people will find ways to protect their sanity by expecting the worst.
Desecrator calls it rationality. But any rational person would know that the future is still unknown.
There’s nothing to be afraid of. For the first time since the Lakers played the Houston Rockets in Game 7, we’ll get to see how our lovable team plays in a true must win game. If we’re lucky, we’ll get to see it twice.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Borderline
Heh… funny thing is, Desecrator claims to be a Lakers fan.
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/ - Visit, and be loved. Troll, and die a painful death. =]]
Questions? Queries? Comments? Concerns? Expletive-filled inflammatory trolling? Contact me at saurav.a.das.1994@gmail.com
by Saurav A. Das on Jun 15, 2010 2:27 AM PDT up reply actions
yea i know
but damn it’s shit like this that kinda makes it seem otherwise
by lakers are trouble on Jun 15, 2010 2:30 AM PDT up reply actions
He's the worst laker "fan" in history, and it's not even close
I question if he even watches games honestly. Anyone who watched the games realizes winning 2 at home is definitely possible, and actually likely.
The Lakers have played well enough to win 4 games so far and only won 2. The Celtics played well enough to win 3, and won those 3. I like our chances.
Who has the flu for two weeks?
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
I've had the flu for the last three weeks...
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/ - Visit, and be loved. Troll, and die a painful death. =]]
Questions? Queries? Comments? Concerns? Expletive-filled inflammatory trolling? Contact me at saurav.a.das.1994@gmail.com
by Saurav A. Das on Jun 14, 2010 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions
I was vomiting after game 5.
I think when people are being funny, they are actually being serious and when people are being serious, it's actually really funny.
by Rich Langford on Jun 15, 2010 12:27 AM PDT up reply actions
Lakers offense
Every analyst says the Celtics need to speed up the tempo on offense. But I think it’s the Lakers that needs to do it. For the last several games, I see the Lakers walking the ball up court and just passing the ball around the 3 pt line, only to realize the shot clock and pass it to Kobe for a fade away difficult shot. Really, is that how you play triangle?
Against the Celtic’s defense, you need transition baskets because in a half court set they figure the Lakers out already. If the Lakers can’t run the triangle against the Celtics, then run some other offense to throw their defense a new look. Remember Celtics are an older team. They have a weakness against speedy teams. I’m not saying the Lakers should run and gun, but the offense needs to pick up speed and execute faster. It’s the second straight game were the triangle looks awful. Phil rely on it too much.
as much as we blame the players
we have to look at the coaches too. phil is failing to make the proper adjustments.
some teams in pro sports that rallied from a 3-2 deficit to win the championship series
all had Home field/ court advantage and all series had a 2-3-2 format (the cutoff is 1980):
the 1982 Cardinals
the 1985 Royals
the 1986 Mets
the 1987 twins
the 1988 lakers
the 1991 twins
the 1994 rockets
the 2001 diamondbacks
the 2002 angels
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
by shaqfor3 on Jun 14, 2010 3:35 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
let's not look at records anymore
remember Phil’s 47-0? remember Boston’s ?-0 when up 3-2 in the finals? remember whoever wins game 1 wins game 3 and has about a 9-1 chance at game 5? we have to throw those away. they don’t matter.
We need to throw out something to slap you Debbie Downers and get you to remember...
these are the Lakers. Every team their fans except those from Boston would love to be in our shoes, even right now. By the end of the week all the other team and their fans will want to be in our shoes. Most will never see this from their franchises…ever.
Enjoy it Lakers fans, don’t sweat it, take it in stride. Cheer your purple and gold hearts out, but stop being irrational and too caught up in the hype.
Desecrator, you’re not helping anyone right now. There’s a family reunion for guys like you at little place called Yahoo Sports if you can’t enjoy the company of people who can take the good and bad this team gives us. Push the rain cloud off the top of your head and enjoy this GAME!
"Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character." - John Wooden
by Joshua S on Jun 14, 2010 6:20 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Nothing to worry about
It’s like we both held homecourt now all we do is wat we’ve been doing all playoff long and defend home court. We rarely lose 3 in a row and come game 7 we prove doubters wrong end of story…there is no other senario that makes sense…
by purplebloodgoldheart on Jun 14, 2010 3:57 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Lakers need to read this book before bedtime tonight
It's Kobe's world, but Lebron's just living in it. -- Gil Meriken
They will be fundamentally sound
Thanks for the sig, but I know that I never said that … I think the true author is on the Kobe/Lebron thread – it got attributed to me somehow.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
i hope you guys have your fishing gear ready cause this season is about over for lakers just like i said before lakers are 2nd best nba team i was never scared of cavs or magic a very much one man team.it was lakers that make me feel like this is going to be really hard to pull .but i was wrong gasol is gasoft again KG owns hes sorry ass after all that talk about how KG is done how he lost hes explosiveness and all that ,its gasol who looks like a man who gave up.bynum is a tough kid but he want be much help next time Odom was never half as good as people were saying ron haha come on man ar you serious kobe cant beat us on hes own just like d wade lebron howard couldnt this is it girls just enjoy your last moments watch one of the great defensive team ever in action and remember to win championship you have to play TOGETHER !!!!!!
when did you say the lakers were the 2nd best team??
you just opened this account to post this trollish remark.
way to expose yourself….
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Troll warning given
Also, one of the most poorly written comments in the history of SS&R.
Twitter feed: @dexterfishmore
by DexterFishmore on Jun 14, 2010 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Why warn? Heh
I mean, I could really picture an actual Troll typing that out… so bad…
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
Fishing gear is not ready
There’s still a game to play, maybe two.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Fisher's gear will be the 3 pointers he rains down
Come games 6 and 7.
Yeah!
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
wow seriously?
Come here to talk shit about the team that the entire blog is about?
It's Kobe's world, but Lebron's just living in it. -- Gil Meriken
If the Celtics are sending three defenders at Bryant
That means there are four guys on two. The Lakers have to take advantage of that.
Kobe’s right – someone has to make a stand with him. No spurious jokes about “you gotta get the ball to do that”, the other guys have plenty of chances every game to shine. And even if they don’t shine on offense, they have a opportunity to shine on defense every single defensive possession …
“either we heal now, as a team,
or we will die as individuals.”
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
What's the old phrase, "Lead, follow or get out of the way"?
"Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character." - John Wooden
C.A. Clark
You need to use spell check before you post your articles.
Your first day in SS&R and you criticize the blog manager over spelling with your first comment?!
If you’re a troll, that was a weak attempt at an insult. If not a troll, then a word to the wise: If spelling errors bother you that much, you probably shouldn’t be hanging out in blogs.
"Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character." - John Wooden
Point taken
Now you need to become a contributing member of the community. If you do, thanks for keeping me on top of the game. I do appreciate it.
If you don’t, you’re just a jerk who wanted to take a pot shot.
lol!
WhO iS thizz Guys?! I can typez as I want!!!111
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
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