Faith: Relive The Lakers' Game 7 Win Through The Eyes And Heart of a Fan
by C.A. Clark on Jun 18, 2010 3:17 PM PDT
Email
Print
We're not losing this game.
It started at the end of the 1st quarter. The Los Angeles Lakers were down 23-14. They had just produced one of the worst quarters of basketball of their season, and had done so on the biggest stage. The details, provided by some guy in a suit who walked by passing out stat sheets, nearly made me sick. 22% shooting. 25% FT shooting. 3 turnovers. 0.67 points per possession. Two fouls on Pau Gasol. If ever, in the history of Game 7's, a team has looked more negatively affected by the moment, please educate me.
That's when C.A. the blogger left Staples Center, and was replaced by Chris the die-hard Lakers fan. My fandom is not of the run-of-the-mill variety. The truth is, I don't like watching games about teams I care about with other people. I don't like game parties. I don't invite friends over. And I don't like going to games live. Not because I prefer the view on my HDTV to that of the highest reaches of Staples Center (which is all I can afford when I do decide to make a pilgrimage), and not because I prefer my comfortable couch to the cramped, uncomfortable confines of arenas and stadiums. No, I don't like going to games because there are times when I get scary.
We're not losing this game.
I scream and shout and throw things just like many red-blooded fans of many different teams. I've had more injuries due to stupid shit from sports rage than I can count. My personal favorite is when I broke my toe kicking a wall during one of those Spurs-Lakers battles of the early aughts, then got pissed off at myself for doing something so stupid, so I went and played basketball on the broken toe. I call it sports rage^2. Every home or room I've lived in since college has been left with one hole in a wall that strangely resembles a human fist. I may pride myself on being able to see things with an even keel after the fact, but in the moment, I can be one scary fan, though not in a way that is different from many of you. Except I have an extra gear.
For rare occasions, for truly monumental moments, I flip from traditional scary fan to out and out mental patient. You can tell when it happens because I go silent. I stop yelling, I stop cheering. I start staring at the action, muttering under my breath. Last night, I flipped that switch at the end of the 1st quarter. I stopped paying attention to our game blog. I started staring at the court, and muttering the same phrase over and over again.
We're not losing this game. We're not losing this game.
Honestly, I'm probably lucky my row was pretty empty once again. Not even game seven could trouble the "media" from In Touch Weekly and People Magazine to come up to their assigned seats (or even show up at Staples, most likely). If I had been surrounded by other people, I would be writing this post from a mental ward. But the stakes were too high, and the display from my team too pathetic. They needed my help. They needed my faith. Amped up on adrenaline and the first energy drink I've ever had, legs jittering, hands shaking, muttering under my breath.
We're not losing this game.
One of the many definitions of faith, as provided by Messrs. Merriam and Webster, is the firm belief in something for which there is no proof. Through most of last night's game, we had no proof that the Lakers were capable of winning. The groundwork for that lack of proof was laid in the abysmal first quarter. So that's when my display of faith started. It looked like it would be quickly rewarded, too. The Lakers went on an 11 point run to start the 2nd quarter, taking a two point lead. It wasn't a quick run, more the beginning of the Celtics' offensive failures which began to match our own. If you don't score in the first 5 minutes of a quarter, chances are the other guy is going to have a double digit run going. In any case, I was understandably feeling pretty good about the Lakers' chances in that moment. But I did not stop.
We're not losing this game.
We're back down again. Boston just got a 4 point swing because Farmar missed a layup and Rondo made one on the other end. Kobe just missed his 2nd FT in 4 attempts. He's now 2-9 from the field, 2-4 from the stripe, and looks about as bad as I've ever seen him. Paul Pierce follows with a mid range jumper.
We're not losing this game.
It's halftime. The Celtics finished the quarter strong, building back most of their lead, and now sport a 6 point cushion. I do not get up from my seat. I do not go to the bathroom. I do not stretch my legs. I do not pay attention to the shitty dance group they trot out for halftime entertainment. I don't even look at my new 1st half and 2nd quarter stat sheets, barely remembering to mumble gratitude to the suits passing out the papers. Staring at the Laker bench, currently empty, I stay focused on the task I have chosen for myself. For 20 straight minutes.
We're not losing this game. We're not losing this game. We're not losing this game. We're not losing this game. We're not losing this game. We're not losing this game. We're not losing this game. We're not losing this game. We're not losing this game.
The third quarter couldn't have started any worse. Kobe has picked up two quick fouls (not in any foul trouble, just not a good sign) and missed 3 more 20 ft+ jumpshots, now 3-17 on the night. The Celtics have hit 3 layups and a Rondo 6 foot floater. Their lead is up to 13. At no point do I waver.
We're not losing this game. It starts right now.
The second I start muttering "It starts right now", it does start. Kobe hits a free throw (and misses another one ...), then a short jumper. Pau hits a bucket. Derek Fisher responds to a KG score with another jumper. Another stop, and LO grabs an offensive rebound off a missed layup from Ron Artest. Just like that, the lead is 6. Then Pierce responds with another 3. He seems like the only guy on either team who isn't being swallowed up whole by the pressure.
We're not losing this game.
The Lakers use another mini run to cut the lead to 4 at the end of the 3rd. Then Pau hits a jumper and the foul ... and misses the god-damned free throw. The Lakers are getting stops to start the 4th, but still cannot get ANYTHING going on offense. One possession ends in a Lamar Odom 3 pt attempt(ewww), but Pau Gasol tips the ball out to Kobe and Kobe ... lets the ball slip right out of his hands and into Rondo's. Rondo and Ray Allen start a fast break, Rondo passes to Ray. Kobe tries to shade over but gets called for the block. This is the only part of the night in which I allow doubt to creep in. Kobe just sits there on the floor beneath the basket. I've never seen him like this. He's had bad games before, maybe even worse than this on paper. But he looks ... despondent. Hopeless. As if thinking "Why is this happening to me?" I consider that perhaps it's not meant to be. Then, Jordan Farmar comes up to Kobe to help him up. Kobe doesn't let him, just sitting there, shocked. Farmar pats him on the shoulder, as if to say "You're Kobe Fucking Bryant, C'mon." and then helps Kobe up. The doubt recedes.
We're not losing this game.
Two three point plays, one via Kobe getting fouled on a 3 pt swingthrough, and one on a Ron Artest and-1, tie the score. I'm no longer muttering, instead saying the words audibly over and over again.
WE'RE NOT LOSING THIS GAME.
The crowd noise causes a rare Ray Allen missed FT, but he makes the next one, as well as two more. Then, Fisher responds with a huge 3. So far, this has played out as a classic hump game (Sorry for the Simmons reference). The Lakers have clawed their way back, but they can't seem to get over the hump and actually take the lead. After Fisher's 3, the Celtics fail to score, and on the ensuing possession, Kobe gets fouled. There's an official timeout. I'm standing now.
WE'RE NOT LOSING THIS GAME.
Kobe sinks both free throws.
WE'RE NOT LOSING THIS FUCKING GAME.
... followed by a jumper, and two FTs for Pau.
WE'RE NOT LOSING THIS FUCKING GAME.
The two teams exchange baskets (and by that I mean baskets for the Celtics and free throws for the Lakers) for the next three minutes, but the Lakers are firmly in control ... until Rasheed Wallace hits a 3. 3 point game, a minute left to play.
WE'RE NOT LOSING THIS FUCKING GAME.
Kobe gets the ball at the elbow extended. Rasheed Wallace runs over to cover his left side, so he drives right. Ray Allen cuts him off he jumps to pass the ball, intending to go to Lamar Odom in the corner, but Paul Pierce cuts the angle off, leaving Bryant one choice - Ron Artest. The entire crowd gasps. You can see Kobe gesturing "Don't shoot it, Don't shoot it". Artest takes a jab step, steps back, rises up, and launches. Despite being up in the nosebleeds, I swear I could hear the patented Mike Breen "BANG!!!" from my seat.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
After bottling it up for most of the night, partly out of respect for my place in the press section, and partly because I was so single mindedly focused on willing my team to victory, the floodgates of my emotion finally give way as I raise my arms to the heavens and unleash a yell much like a war cry.
There was no more muttering, no more steely gaze. The Celtics would go on to hit two more 3's but it was too late. The Lakers sealed the win, and the championship, with a few more free throws, the last two symbolically canned by Sasha Vujacic, vanquishing the ghosts of 2008 for good. The game ended, my faith was fully and finally rewarded, but my emotion was put on hold. There was work to do. I had an experience to capture for you. I ran down the stairs to the floor to get the best possible view for the presentation of awards, but I was not allowed on the court. So I ran back up to the Main floor and started capturing as much video and sound as possible, as the crowd celebrated the repeat championship.
The next two hours passed by in a whirlwind, and I'll have a full post devoted to the postgame experience later. By the time I left Staples, the areas around the arena had already been cleared by the police, who declared the mob an unlawful assembly. The walk to my car felt like I was walking through a warzone. There were trucks with 20-30 cops holding on to the outside driving by, and helicopters buzzing around overhead. I saw no evidence of violence, but let's just say I now understand the fear of martial law. I was too concerned with getting myself home in one piece to consider what happened.
At 11:47 PM, roughly 3 hours after the game ended, I arrived back at my apartment in Long Beach. Emotionally drained and physically exhausted, I finally allowed the totality of the moment sink in. For two straight hours, from the end of the 1st quarter to the moment that will live on in Queensbridge lore forever, I did not watch a basketball game. Instead, I participated in a religious experience. My faith never waivered, but for the briefest of moments, and I will believe forever that the power of that faith contributed to the Lakers victory.
Overcome with emotion, I kicked off my shoes, went directly to my bed, took my sleeping wife in my arms, and wept.
283 comments
|
20 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
yes, it was exactly what happened earlier
"Love me or hate me; it's one or the other. Always has been. Hate my game, my swagger. Hate my fade-away, my hunger. Hate that I'm a veteran. A champion. Hate that. Hate it with all your heart. And hate that I'm loved for the exact same reasons." - Kobe Bryant
Rec'd
great recap
"Love me or hate me; it's one or the other. Always has been. Hate my game, my swagger. Hate my fade-away, my hunger. Hate that I'm a veteran. A champion. Hate that. Hate it with all your heart. And hate that I'm loved for the exact same reasons." - Kobe Bryant
Still can't believe they won
What a night.
Oh, and not to be a jerk and i know you must be exhausted, but i think you meant “martial law” :)
Some people juggle geese.
indeed I did
I’d love to blame that on the fact that I have not slept yet, but that’s just my stupidity shining through =(
Thanks for improving the quality of my work.
In that case,
For two staight hours
Straight*? =D
"I’m like a superhero. Call me Basketball Man." - LBJ
Every home or room I’ve lived in since college has been left with one hole in a wall that strangely resembles a human fist.
Oh yeah. I know that feeling. I was born with sports rage as well.
You made us proud Lake Show! 2009 and 2010 BACK 2 BACK CHAMPS!
sports rage.
Maybe it’s because I’m a girl, but I’m more of a pacer. I will pace back and forth, get in and out of my chair, stand two inches in front of the tv, stand 12 feet from it, just pacing back and forth and back and forth when games get heated, and sometimes even when they don’t! Oh, and I can’t stand watching important games with other people, either. Especially if they aren’t like me in the fact that they aren’t a pacer and especially if those people really want to "chat" about what’s going on. I don’t want to "chat"; I want to watch, obsess and concentrate, dammit. Needless to say, I was definitely a pacer last night. Oh my.
I, and I’m sure all Lakers fans who still have a pulse this morning : ) would agree and admit that after the game we were pretty emotionally drained. Happy, ecstatic and over-the-moon with the victory, but definitely drained.
Good stuff here, C.A. Thanks for the recap. : )
oh, i can emphathize with this
totally +1
"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 just cant sit during big games.
I was standing the entire second half. My wife kept asking me if i wanted to sit down, and i said that i couldnt.
"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
"When life slips you a Jeffrey, stroke the furry walls." - Aldous Snow
by LakersFoEva on Jun 18, 2010 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I can relate with this
I too do alot of standing and pacing, but, had such a hard time watching the first half for this one I had to ride out my aggression. I grabbed my Honda CBR600 and went for a nice calming ride. Got back just in time for the last 5 minutes. Just in time to see them take the lead for good and we never looked back. Nice recap C.A.
Dude, where's my car?
Glad
I’m so porud of these guys showing their hearts in this game.They were down and they did not play their best.Yet they stayed together and won this championship for L.A.No more fortune telling days for Pierce,no more beating on the chest from lil kg and big baby showed everyone nationwide why they call him big baby slobering from the mouth the way he did(disgusting) all he needed was a bib to put around his neck.I don’t have to see all that crap anymore because just like their coach said this team won’t be the same next year.
by LakersMania on Jun 18, 2010 6:16 AM PDT reply actions
guys im looking for the picture when kobe was in the stands and he was
with both of his arms open and screaming, if someone found it, please..
"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 know me too
I’m hoping there is a high quality pic out there somewhere. that needs to be my desktop background.
The best shot of it will come from a fan. Most of the "official" pics are taken behind Kobe.
I’m still looking though
Queensbridge. Littlerock. 16.
Lakers 2010 Champs.
by bluexfalcon on Jun 18, 2010 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions
Wow!
C.A. I’ve been reading your posts all year, and have enjoyed this website. But I must say, that recap truly captured the moment, and really moved me! Maybe because I went through the same emotions as you, with the same blocking out of anything around me (silence at first, then exhilaration, then exhaustion). Thank you for sharing your experience.
Shlomo
by Shlomo Ressler on Jun 18, 2010 7:03 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
This post makes me all teary eyed with happiness all over again.
It wasn’t a pretty game by any stretch of the imagination, but it was win and it was a solid effort not to lose and everyone helped. That’s all I can ask for.
Damn, I'm jealous C.A.
To be there for a win like that must have been great. Seeing our team claw back in a game of ultimate importance shows true character, and I’m so proud of how this team fought back. I knew there would be no 4th Q let down again.
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
I didn't mention this
in my less-stellar-than-yours recap, but I felt exactly the same way through it all:
We’re not losing this game.
Kudos, C.A. Tremendous work, as always.
I'm here to talk about the past.
Repeat Champions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sooooooo sweet!!!!!
Two months ago, we might have said,
“They can’t win a championship with an effort like that.” Oh yes they can! BACK TO BACK!!!
A title is always sweet, but taking out the Celtics makes it twice as good. When they were down double digits the only thing crossing my mind was, “Not to these fucking guys! Anybody else I can live with the loss. Just not these guys.”
two months ago
we weren’t defending like this
by Marty Mart on Jun 18, 2010 9:26 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Very true.
Casual fans have been talking about what an ugly game it was. I think awesome defense at both ends of the court made it that way. It was like a 90’s Knicks-Heat game without the brawls and just better.
wow another fantastic read, CA!!
I saw no evidence of violence, but let’s just say I now understand the fear of martial law
my goodness let’s hope that never happens in our country.
I did not watch a basketball game. Instead, I participated in a religious experience.
this statement above epitomizes the great laker support and love we all have.
"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 think that Kobe tried soooo hard to win this game himself
When he just wasn’t having a good game. And only when he started to trust his team mates down the line did we pull away and win.
Didn’t Derek Fisher just clinch most three pointers made in finals history? Something weird like that.
Queensbridge, man, Ron Ron is a Laker forever now, with that shot. He’s found a home. Love that guy.
Great write up CA, I know how you feel. It’s so nice to be done with the burden of being a hard-core fan. We win, we win…
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
second most, iirc
I think he just reached 42 (?) and passed Michael Jordan. Robert Horry I believe is the one with 50-something.
Cool thanks for info guys.
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
This is exactly how I feel about Laker games.
<blockquote The truth is, I don’t like watching games about teams I care about with other people. I don’t like game parties. I don’t invite friends over. >
"I’m like a superhero. Call me Basketball Man." - LBJ
i feel totally the same way
and i think my friends are actually concerned for my health because of it
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
yea my gf left during the game cuz she couldn't handle me
Our goal is to win the championship, not just the first game
-KG's recent nightmare
I remember reading Farmars lips when he came to help Kobe up...
Its only two points. Cmon man. Its only two points. At that point I believed. Ron was the heart and soul of this team last night. Someone said it elsewhere, but last night the team held Kobe up when he was struggling.
Dear Haters, F@&Y% U!!! Love always, Kobe.
Yeah man, good call, good call, it's exactly what happened.
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
Question, someone had said there was a place you could purchase the Lakers games
Like from iTunes or something. This for real?
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
Yeah, look at this page
http://www.amazon.com/2008-2009-NBA-Champions-Angeles-Lakers/dp/B0024O9LRI/ref=pd_cp_d_1
It's Kobe's world, but Lebron's just living in it. -- Gil Meriken
wait you can buy it on itunes too
this season
search up “lakers” on the search bar..
scroll down and there’s the" tv series"
category, and you can purchase each game from the finals for 2 bucks
It's Kobe's world, but Lebron's just living in it. -- Gil Meriken
Sweet thanks man
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
Game 7 not up yet
But game 6 downloading right now! Heh, woot, Games 1, 3, 6, 7 for eternity on my iPod!
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
I heard that faith was a fan's biggest downfall
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
That's desecrator's sig
LOL, he will die after reading this post
It's Kobe's world, but Lebron's just living in it. -- Gil Meriken
Oh yeah,
could you find the real author of my sig?
It's Kobe's world, but Lebron's just living in it. -- Gil Meriken
Czheck said his boss said it
So I’d attribute it to Czheck
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Its pissing me off how over at CelticsBlog
Their blaming it all on Perkins. I guess it should be expected, though. As I’ve previously explained, we have only Gasol, Odom, and Bynum at the PF/C positions. Bynum was not at full strength throughout the series, so heavy minutes were on Gasol and Odom. Celtics have Perk, Sheed, Garnett, and Big Baby. Now when that 4 man front-line is depleted to 3, (which the Lakers have had to deal with the whole season) they start making excuses and blaming losses on Perkins, and how he would have helped garnered rebounds. What they fail to state is that Sheed is a better player offensively than Perkins, so where you lose rebounding, you gain offense. He did hit his shots, and didn’t play badly out there.
"I’m like a superhero. Call me Basketball Man." - LBJ
Doesn't matter man, Lakers are hoisting their banner, Lakers won!
Heh, we didn’t have Bynum in 2008 (Lamar hurt too), and we didn’t have a healthy Bynum in 2010. Also, let’s not forget what happened in games 1 and 6… those were blow-outs.
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
Yeah, I guess in the end...
The championship is all that matters! Just wish the Celtics fans were more open-minded, instead of just focusing on their lack of players/depth.
"I’m like a superhero. Call me Basketball Man." - LBJ
Give them time.
It’s gonna take a while for them to get over this. Imagine losing a 13-point lead with only 1 1/2 quarters left in the game… that would hurt.
Totally expected
The Celtics were in a “no-lose” situation. If they win, they win without their starting center. If the lose, it’s because their starting center is out. Well, we’re the ones with the ring so they can cry about Perkins all off-season. Lots of saltiness in Boston and I’m loving every minute of it.
by mildclubsauce on Jun 18, 2010 8:58 AM PDT up reply actions
Meh whateva
Wallace actually played well, I wanted to him to shoot those post ups, yet he kept banking them in, and all I could do was shake my head.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Same here.
He was money in the post. Honestly, Perkins could not have played any better than Wallace.
They need to get it out of their system...
when your world, or any version of it falls apart you want reasons and answers. Last night they went after, Ray Allen, the refs, FT disparity, David Stern conspiracies, etc.
It is funny that they conveniently forget the Lakers have yet to face the Celtics in the Finals with a even close to healthy Bynum.
Let them grieve, even though they have every reason to be happy about their team.
"Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character." - John Wooden
you have to remember...
When you see those posts, you are seeing the bitterest of the bitter. The more rational ones are less masochistic and for the most part aren’t posting anything.
No team’s fanbase is all that different. When the Lakers lose, most of us know how they lost it, but there will always be some portion of us that blame it on injuries/officiating/phaseofmoon, and that’s to a large extent what other people see.
That's disgusting
They’re throwing Rasheed Wallace under the bus with those statements. He played a great game for them and filled in admirably for Perkins.
Who cares what they're saying?
It’s what we’re saying that matters.
LAKERS ARE THE 2010 NBA CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
The Haters can say what they want, and I have heard a ton of hate in the last 12 hours...
Last night I watched a team refuse to quit. The bench brought energy. They all stepped up to support KB when he needed it. Pau and Ron willed them through it. PJ sat Kobe at the right time. He told them to calm down at halftime, but he was talking to 24.
Dear Haters, F@&Y% U!!! Love always, Kobe.
Screw the haters, let god treat that
It's Kobe's world, but Lebron's just living in it. -- Gil Meriken
At least I can live with my wife right now.
She been cheering for the green. She likes Perkins, her maiden name. And she likes NKOTB. Weird woman. Glad LA won or I wouldnt here the end of it. Like C.A., i like to watch games alone and celebrate with fellow fans.
Dear Haters, F@&Y% U!!! Love always, Kobe.
a collective prayer
we won because all the fans prayed for guidance because i believe we deserve to be the champion after all the hardworks and sacrifices made by each player! thats faith!
I'd like to agree with you, but don't you think the Cetics were prayed for quite a bit too...
I think the Lord stays out of the outcome of sporting events.
"Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character." - John Wooden
I am currently thoroughly drunk in Tokyo
FUCK THE CELTICS. GO LAKERS. HELL FUCKING YES.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
Woah dude, did you drink all of this stuff?
never heard you sear that badly ever before.
It's Kobe's world, but Lebron's just living in it. -- Czheck
Close, I had a karaoke party with some friends
And out of the nine people there, only two were willing to drink (me included). I brought ten (big) cans of beer and had to finish seven. Then I had to make my way back to the Shibuya train station (which is huge) and get a transfer at Shinjuku (which is really big) to catch the last train of the night. Still can’t believe all I lost was my umbrella.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
no wonder i haven't heard from you
have fun in Japan
Aybar is a nowhere man, Sitting in his Nowhere Land, Making all his nowhere plans for nobody.
by princeton11loveshalos on Jun 19, 2010 7:44 AM PDT up reply actions
lol. How many fans do we have in Japan that post here?
Queensbridge. Littlerock. 16.
Lakers 2010 Champs.
by bluexfalcon on Jun 18, 2010 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions
now that Ben R say he is, two
With Malice and him.
"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
Just in Japan for a summer course
Which made watching the games annoying as hell, as I had to wake up in the morning to watch them and then run to catch a train to class.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
Artest personally - and quietly - won this series
Phil acknowledged this, but few others seem to see it. Throughout the game when ALL other Lakers were shrinking (or choking) from the pressure Kobe and Fish lost to the game, it was Artest’s intimidation and space-eating man pressure on the ONLY Boston offensive cold-blooded killer, Pierce slowly turned the ship around. Without Artest personally and dis-spiritingly standing up to both the pressure and Pierce, quite simply the Lakers melt and this is a minor blow-out. Kobe didn’t have it in him. Fish didn’t have it in him. Gasol didn’t even have it. This series was quietly won by Ron Artest.
"...where they don't play with a shot clock." - C. Sager
by kv on Jun 18, 2010 9:06 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
by the way C.A. really nice personal recollection of your fan-like experience. Really good.
"...where they don't play with a shot clock." - C. Sager
by kv on Jun 18, 2010 9:08 AM PDT up reply actions
Mental toughness of the Ron Artest is off the charts
That being said, CRAZY PILLS FTW!!!!
It's Kobe's world, but Lebron's just living in it. -- Gil Meriken
Honestly, I thought a tiny turning point was
When Ron and Pierce got tangled and went briefly chest to chest. Pierce is actually something of BOTH a bully and a flopper, but his toughness isn’t REALLY street toughness. He actually intimidates a lot of defenders exactly in those kinds of moments, but in that moment Pierce looked into Ron’s eyes and saw something bullies don’t really usually see. No fear. No limit. As with all bullies, he was lost right then and there. He’s a cool player, but I don’t think he could stand up to Ron’s persona. Its like being the toughest guy on the block, and then a REAL tough guy moves in. Oakley used to have this effect, and back in the day Maurice Lewis.
"...where they don't play with a shot clock." - C. Sager
by kv on Jun 18, 2010 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions
"...where they don't play with a shot clock." - C. Sager
by kv on Jun 18, 2010 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions
yep, Artest was the X-factor.
He took the tough out of Boston over the course of the game. I’ve been hard on him (and Gasol) all year, but not any more. Not after the way they had each others’ backs in that Game and stood up to the green mouth machine.
Magic made me a Laker fan.
I thought Fish played a fine game
He did allow foul trouble to take him out of the game a bit, but I thought he was reasonably good while he was out there.
Kobe—his main problem was that he just tried to go into hero mode from the outset. He needs to warm into that. The way he did it from the first quarter played right into the Celtics’ hands.
Where ya been?
We’ve missed your analysis. Can you post the link to your blog again, I think it was the dermic something (I know I butchered that)?
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
null hypodermic
It’s a play on “null hypothesis.” Here’s a link:
http://thenullhypodermic.blogspot.com/
There’s a link from my SBNation profile, too.
Yeah, I didn't mean that Fish had a bad game
But he simply was not available (both in terms of on the court time, but also psychologically) to LIFT the Lakers and carry them through the mental storm. Sometimes Fish can do that, but it wasn’t happening. He was kinda lost in the one-on-one arm fighting with Allen, which was a seriously important job after the record 3 pointer game, underplayed how much Fish might have actually have MADE Allen struggle for the rest of the series. In any case, Fish wasn’t making a psychological impact on the whole team, and certainly neither was Kobe. It was Ron who did it, and he did it be having everyone watch him shut up the soul of Boston’s offense.
"...where they don't play with a shot clock." - C. Sager
by kv on Jun 18, 2010 3:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah you right
I think the minutes finally caught up to Kobe once the shots stopped falling. When I saw he AND Pau we 6-26 combined in the first half, I almost died. Like what the hell. Then I saw Artest bully his way to 11 points in the 2nd and steal after steal. Then Kobe was getting to the boards all night since he couldn’t score. Its true Kobe did too much, but shrinking under the lights would’ve been missing all those free throws at the end like Pau did. Kobe stepped up and played like he should’ve been at the end. Got to the line, got people the ball, and finally finally passed Shaq for a title. MVP of the series, but Artest was the MVP of the game for sure.
wrong
Pau made his FTs in the 4th, including clutch shots. See that stats. Sad thing to see is the blame game right after winning game, much less a championship
"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
Pau came up huge
Was really worried when he miss two on one trip, but he seemed to get it together to make big FTs down the stretch. His contribution should not be lightly dismissed any more than Kobe’s contributions to the Shaq three-peats.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on Jun 18, 2010 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions
When Kobe credits the team and dismisses the side-kick banter I believe him...
,Shaq on the other hand was always about himself (and his “sons”). The thing with Kobe, he doesn’t mince words. He wants to win no matter what. If you help the cause you get the credit, if you don’t show up with the team, you’re getting called out.
I loved his presser last night.
"Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character." - John Wooden
Yeah, it was as open as you're ever gonna get with Kobe.
The perfect end to an imperfect season.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
I'm not saying
Pau didn’t come up huge, but I’m pretty cure I remember him missing at least 3 fts in the quarter but I could be wrong it might’ve been earlier and it mushes together. I’m not saying he’s to blame for why it was close at all, but I hate when people ignore the fact that Kobe and Pau struggled offensively to score. Both turned it around at the end. Pau started hitting shots, Kobe started getting to the line, and they both contributed equally to this win in my eyes. Didn’t mean to make it seem as if I was blaming him. I just hate people trying to make it seem as if Pau carried this team in this game or just in all the wins and Kobe tagged along for the wins while only contributing to losses.
you shouldn't even be going down to that troll's level
if that’s what I think you’re referring to, the one Dex warned.
But this statement is what i’m replying to:
…missing all those free throws at the end like Pau did.
"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 didn't mean for it to come off as disparaging.
I just hate that he’s so good at everything, but misses free throws. Like it honestly pisses me off. Sometimes I think I’m looking at a paler, leaner, grizzlier, and less fat but more spanish Shaq. lmao. or at least I do when he misses with the game on the line. I knows he’s good for a big man, but still can’t I have my perfection. lol.
You could see Kobe
jumping high on his jump shot (even though fatigued), and jack-knifing as he does at the apex to make sure that he had the extra inch and concentration. But all that effort was actually contorting his form and exhausting him all the more. I give Kobe the credit for picking up the slack on the boards, big time, but he pretty much was forced into submission to let the other players carry the game.
And yes, it was amazing to see Artest become a force cutting through the paint. This is where he becomes like a bull. I loved that flash through that made Pierce pay for a help defense, and he just bounced off Pierce and floated up a short shot. You could feel how strong Artest was, because Pierce is a pretty strong fellow. I look forward to seeing how Phil allows Artest to grow in this offense with a whole other year to experiment, and a healthy Bynum. Somehow when all three are flashing into the paint it become a nightmare for the other team due to the fine passing, and not congested at all.
(As a small note which I’m sure has been brought up, I’m pretty tired of hearing about the misfortune of Perkins’ injury. Why does Rivers not mention that if Bynum was healthy the Lakers would have won in 5?)
"...where they don't play with a shot clock." - C. Sager
by kv on Jun 18, 2010 4:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Rivers always has his players' backs
That’s why they love him, and that’s why he says what he does. Because the alternative is that they’re just inferior as a team. Whether he believes that or not (and I honestly don’t think that he does), he’s not going to say it.
Also, I tend to give a lot of leeway to comments made in a postgame conference.
I don't know. Maybe.
But Rivers sounded himself convinced, at least to me. The thing about Rivers is that he’s pretty straight up, he’s not a straight on bullshitter, or at least he BELIEVES his own pep talk stuff.
When he says that their STARTING line up has remained undefeated and missed its chance to prove itself, this is not only technically correct, its also something Rivers deeply believes.
The problem is, he seems to have taken for granted that the Lakers had their own “starting lineup” intact. Technically correct, but not the case.
At least to my ear, Rivers himself believed so much in the spirit of his team he was a little bit deluded. He seemed to get pretty emotional when he said this about the loss of an opportunity. It was very close to his pre-game speech where he said something like “When we meet for a reunion let’s make sure our rings touch”. He honestly felt that he was trying to beat the Lakers at full strength.
"...where they don't play with a shot clock." - C. Sager
by kv on Jun 18, 2010 4:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Key to Game
I was really depressed toward the end of the first quarter. The winner of the first quarter had won each of the previous 6 games. The true key was the rebounding. When your team can secure less than 60% of the opponents missed shot, you deserve to lose: the Lakers had 56 FG misses and the Celtics had 32 defensive rebounds. Also, Celtics fans are confusing cause and effect on the FTA. It’s more of the Celtics can’t play defense without fouling and the Lakers are taking the ball strong to the hole. Y’all just need to deal with it.
Congrats Lakers and Laker fans. Tough, tough series against a formidable opponent and happy to come out on top.
Best Hangover in my life!!
The wifey can be mad ass hell! Best hangover ever!! Sucks being at work but damn it feels good!! Its a reminder of the ever sweetest victory!!!
Chris...wow is all i can say i felt your journey
Mine was eerily similar. I shut down. My heart stopped beating. I kept saying to my sister “I need this, I need this”. I was here but I wasn’t here. I found myself praying. Asking God for the victory. It took me 2hrs to come down from my emotional high to get some shut eye. All this was happening on a different continent starting from 2am and ending at 7am for me. It still feels surreal. We are the champions.
by lakergirl on Jun 18, 2010 9:46 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
I got a couple of hrs
Then got on another emotional high with US equalizer off og Bradley. Now I would have just gone crazy if they didn’t call that offsides. Stupid card giving ref
by lakergirl on Jun 18, 2010 9:57 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I guess I started it
but we can now resume not talking about the World Cup outside the world cup thread
You're hardcore Clark! As for soccer...
all those tie games must really leave you on the edge of your seat.
"Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character." - John Wooden
Just spent half an hour reading through the entire game threads.
I watched the game with FOUR other celtics fans. Being the only laker fan present, this was especially sweet for me!
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
The game was too short.
Could they make them 20 minute quarters for a game 7? Was this not the single best series in the modern NBA? I am astonished, the day after, at the happenings of last night. It had to be set up?! I cannot understand what happened! There is no way a storybook ending could happen so completely as this!
Can we make this an 11 game series?
My God!
Boston!
LA!
You guys played marvelous! I cannot believe the level of basketball we just got to see for three weeks. This was A m a z i n g.
Finals series maybe
but we’ve had some battles between the Celtics and Portland and the Kings and the Spurs that were just as riveting.
lol, another epic Clark transformation
That’s when C.A. the blogger left Staples Center, and was replaced by Chris the die-hard Lakers fan.
Queensbridge. Littlerock. 16.
Lakers 2010 Champs.
Ronald Artest will forever have a place in my Laker heart.
I literally started jumping for joy when he hit that 3-pointer in the 4th quarter that NOBODY wanted him shooting. What a shot! And did you hear his postgame interview… hilarious!!!
“Kobe passed me the ball! Me! Kobe finally passed me the ball! And then I was about to shoot it and I could hear Phil’s voice in my ear saying ’Don’t shoot it, Ron. Don’t shoot it, Ron.’ He didn’t need a microphone for me to hear him, it was the zen in him. But I said, ‘Whatever!’ and shot it anyway.”
(That’s not an exact quote. Look it up on NBA.com for a good laugh.)
But even more than that amazing shot was his INCREDIBLE defense on the most hated modern Celtic, Paul Pierce! Paul Pierce was finally shut down and made worthless in the biggest game of his career. And all because of Ron Artest!
Hands down he had filled triple-fold the shoes of Trevor Ariza (we love you Trevor!).
by Jesse S. on Jun 18, 2010 10:19 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
If rumor be true, much respect to Sheed on his retirement, a champ, a good guy
by rickfox on Jun 18, 2010 10:30 AM PDT reply actions
a good guy?
Is there another Sheed that I am not aware of?
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
by pslakerfan on Jun 18, 2010 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
He's a good guy, from one muslim to another
by rickfox on Jun 18, 2010 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions
Good read from you, Rick at ESPNLA
http://sports.espn.go.com/losangeles/nba/news/story?id=5300104
Even Kobe Bryant struggled uncharacteristically on offense, hitting just 6-of-24 shots from the floor, including 0-for-6 from the 3-point line.
He still had a game-high 23 points and connected on 8-of-9 free-throw attempts in the fourth quarter.
But great players, such as Kobe, recognize that there are many ways to affect a game. And he knew that the winning team in each of the previous six games of this series was also the team that had the most rebounds.
So what Kobe may have lacked at times on offense Thursday, he made up for on the boards, pulling down 15 rebounds.
Pau Gasol made an even bigger contribution in the rebounding department, collecting 18, including nine on the offensive boards where the Lakers had a commanding 23-8 edge over the Celtics.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on Jun 18, 2010 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions
Thanks Gil, great read, I didn't know Rick Fox, the real Rick Fox, had range.
Great stuff
by rickfox on Jun 18, 2010 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions
His teammates love him
He’s a decent dude, just not to refs during the game
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on Jun 18, 2010 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions
Sheed is aight
Queensbridge. Littlerock. 16.
Lakers 2010 Champs.
by bluexfalcon on Jun 18, 2010 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions
Danny Crawford, Joe Crawford and Scott Foster, need to be a little more respectful
by rickfox on Jun 18, 2010 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions
They didn't know what it was for
Sheed can talk to them later if he really wants to reach out.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on Jun 18, 2010 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions
wow
if Rasheed just had 20% of that athleticism still I think the C’s woulda swept us lol
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
his game is still pretty amazing
he looked better than Duncan in his post game early in game 7. He’s just too old / out of shape.
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
more like out of shape
even the Celtics Blog say 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
"MJ would never have done _____ last night"
You know what? MJ wasn’t on that court, as far as I can tell. What a loada crap. Phd, Player Hatin’ Degree.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
word
Queensbridge. Littlerock. 16.
Lakers 2010 Champs.
by bluexfalcon on Jun 18, 2010 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions
Love this!
Phd, Player Hatin’ Degree
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
A doctorate in Hateology
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Unfortunately the legend of MJ has long surpassed the reality of MJ.
"Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character." - John Wooden
by Joshua S on Jun 18, 2010 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
Just bought the Finals games on iTunes. $13
The download will take a while though, lol, 3GB a piece.
Queensbridge. Littlerock. 16.
Lakers 2010 Champs.
Not yet. But that price includes the Game 7 when it comes out. I'm thinking tomorrow?
And maybe the parade is included? Who knows.
Queensbridge. Littlerock. 16.
Lakers 2010 Champs.
by bluexfalcon on Jun 18, 2010 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm thinking they might. If not, I'll probably get it off YouTube
Queensbridge. Littlerock. 16.
Lakers 2010 Champs.
by bluexfalcon on Jun 18, 2010 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions
Ron Artest. Cool quote from J. Ludden
This was Ron Artest unplugged, the last honest man in sports. Has the NBA ever produced a less likely champion – and a more deserving one? From Queensbridge to the Malice at the Palace, from Chicago to Indiana to Sacramento to Houston to Hollywood, and somehow, Ron Artest had delivered a title to one of the most storied franchises of all.
Queensbridge. Littlerock. 16.
Lakers 2010 Champs.
I went into "silent running mode" in the third quarter
…with us down by double digits. Great write up, C.A.— I’ve had to explain and apologize for my ridiculous love of the Los Angeles Lakers for decades now ("No, you don’t understand—I go crazy, no, I mean REALLY). I KNOW what you are writing about, and felt through your writing that we are kindred spirits, which is one of the highest compliments that can be paid to a writer. Thanks to you, Dexter, Wondah, and of course Josh (and everyone else) for creating this great pool of kindred spirits. P.S.—I saved my one -and-only official hex for that missed FT by Ray. That one was MINE! See you all soon, 16-time NBA Champion Laker Nation!
Also, T.V numbers are out.
Game 7 drew the highest preliminary rating for an NBA finals game since 1998.
The Lakers’ 83-79 win Thursday night on ABC earned an 18.2 overnight rating. That’s the highest for an NBA game since Michael Jordan won his last championship with the Bulls in Game 6 of the 1998 finals against the Jazz, which posted a 22.9.
The rating was 32 percent higher than the only other Game 7 of the last 16 years. Pistons-Spurs in 2005 drew a 13.8.
Ratings represent the percentage of all homes with televisions tuned into a program. Overnight ratings measure the country’s largest markets.
The game drew a 39.7 rating in Los Angeles and a 33.9 in Boston.
Queensbridge. Littlerock. 16.
Lakers 2010 Champs.
Ha suck it Boston! A higher percentage of people in LA cared!
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 18, 2010 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Work days seem less hectic, food tastes better, traffic appears lighter.
When your team wins it all.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Jun 18, 2010 10:52 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
and alcoholic consumption is only restricted to champagne
and not anything hard like jack D… lol
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...
With back-to-back Finals MVPs
Kobe joins Shaq, Hakeem, and Michael Jordan as the only players to ever win consecutive Finals MVPs.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Is this finally gonna make people believe that Kobe didn't ride shaq for the three-peat?
That Kobe contributed just as much? Only time will tell.
"I’m like a superhero. Call me Basketball Man." - LBJ
there will always be detractors that will question Kobe, over and over again
Since people compare him to MJ, there will always be a dark cloud over him.
I have those Basketball minds on a pay no mind list, you should too.
by rickfox on Jun 18, 2010 11:00 AM PDT up reply actions
At the same time we shouldn't make the same mistake with Pau
Give Pau the credit he deserves the way they should have given Kobe his credit with Shaq.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on Jun 18, 2010 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions
What's good for the goose is good for the gander
Pau’s played 21/2 years, 3 title games, 2 titles, numbers tell the story.
Don’t we have a .720 winning percentage, or some crazy number like that with Pau.
by rickfox on Jun 18, 2010 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions
I would think so...
One of the best big men in the game, with 3 rings?
"I’m like a superhero. Call me Basketball Man." - LBJ
Definitely. Not to mention he was could have ended up Finals MVP as a little icing on the cake.
"Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character." - John Wooden
Absolutely
even if he never wins another title, if he keeps up with the production he’s had for another 5 years or so, he’ll have the numbers and the championship pedigree.
I think
the question is more of whether he’ll be in the rafters not if he’ll be in the hall of fame.
Longevity will answer that question. At this rate he'll be there, but he needs a few more years.
Do you guys think there should be a measuring stick for jersey retirement or should it be case by case?
"Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character." - John Wooden
probably case by case
Pau hasn’t been a Laker for more than 3 years and he’s been a part of 2 championships and a finals in which he’s lost and beat boston. For most thats a decade of accomplishments. For the Lakers of the modern era, it is pretty much a prerequisite.
Unfortunately the legend of MJ has long surpassed the reality of MJ. -Jevon O
Everybody should have a look at this
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/311555-why-kobejordan-debate-is-closer-than-it-seems#poll
My favorite points are that Jordan had a higher FG% because Kobe shot more threes, but their points per field goal attempt are almost identical, and that the Bulls’ drop off in wins was very small when he left, but their winning percentage was even higher with JUST Pippen.
"I’m like a superhero. Call me Basketball Man." - LBJ
eh, a lot of people hate the Bleacher Report
Jordan’t post game is far more refined than Kobe’s, even if those percentage points are identical.
by rickfox on Jun 18, 2010 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions
Marcus Jordan opinion
Watching Bryant miss 11 of 14 shots in the first half caught the attention of a certain M. Jordan. That would be Marcus Jordan, Michael’s son, who tweeted, “NO ONE…And I mean NO ONE should EVER [compare] kobe Bryant to my dad an say that he is anywhere near close to my dad.”
by rickfox on Jun 18, 2010 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions
Lol @ that tweet.We will see what happens next year, who knows how many Kobe may end up with.
"I’m like a superhero. Call me Basketball Man." - LBJ
I heard Lebron's kid tweeted the same thing
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on Jun 18, 2010 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions
hahaha
zing!
Queensbridge. Littlerock. 16.
Lakers 2010 Champs.
by bluexfalcon on Jun 18, 2010 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions
lmao
now if only he could channel a little bit more of his father’s talent. He wasn’t even alive to see his father shoot and shoot and shoot. and I disagree on the post game thing. Jordan has bigger hands making him more effective at holding the ball in the post. It still makes him better in the post, but physically the difference between Kobe and Jordan are more of what defines their separation than their skills.
Oh yeah? Well I bet Kobe's dad could beat up MJ's dad in a fight.
(yes I know MJ’s dad was murdered, so please don’t take it too literally.)
"Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character." - John Wooden
Jordan did great things with the Bulls.
But Jordan never had the weight of an entire elite franchise with as much history as the Lakers on his shoulders the way Kobe does. Jordan never faced a team as good as the 08/10 Celtics, either.
People are criticizing Kobe for feeling the pressure in G7. Frankly it’s a testament to his will to win that he didn’t crack.
Also, people remember The Shot. They don’t often remember all the shots Jordan missed in that game.
by Benjamin Wang on Jun 18, 2010 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Best part of that series in my opinion
was Rodman and Malone fighting. Thats the only image that ever plays in my head when I think of Bulls-Jazz. Too young to care to remember anything else.
Unfortunately the legend of MJ has long surpassed the reality of MJ. -Jevon O
Only those people who want to believe.
Fuck the rest.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
C.A.,
That shit was beautiful. Couldn’t have said it better. Thank you guys at SS&R for everything. I love you guys.
LAKERS DYNASTY!
by cozmik on Jun 18, 2010 10:59 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
My own experience is a lot like this.
Not to get all religious, but I really felt compelled to go to Church in the afternoon before Game 6, and then the afternoon before Game 7. I went to my Church where I’ve done most of my Sacraments, St. Vincent’s Church (on Figueroa, about 10 minutes from Staples). This was at about 5PM on Tuesday and Thursday.
I prayed for about 10 minutes each time. To me, God doesn’t have favorites, so I simply prayed that he gave our guys the strength, determination, resolve, and energy to play at their absolute best. Whether that best won them the Championship or not was another matter, but all I asked was that they play hard.
It was sloppy, and ugly at times, but I never gave up on them. I muttered prayers to myself at most horrible moment, when we we’re down 13 and the doubts began to rear their heads. The faint cheers I heard 3,000 miles away in Boston. The images of 2008 playing in my mind. It hurt, but I didn’t stop believing either.
Somehow, this team found the strength. They didn’t play their best, but they gave everything they had. On this night, and on this season, Everything they had was more than Everything anyone else had. For that, I am grateful.
Alas, we are Champions. No matter what your beliefs, everyone’s faith was out in full force yesterday, and it willed our guys to victory!
Thanks Lakers!!! And that includes each and everyone of us fans. :D
"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."
" 'So what if I hit the wall?"
(Reporter): 'Why?'
'Because I'll run right through it."
-Kobe Bryant
this post says one thing
your a bad journalist C.A.
BUT YOUR A VERY GOOD LAKER FAN!!!!
BOOYAH!!!!
"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
Better late than never...
LAKERS ARE THE 2010 NBA CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!! REPEAT TODAY, THREE-PEAT TOMORROW!!!!!!
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
I unfortunately had to show face at a dinner at restaurant last night, missing the entire game.
But I kept my eyes on the game the whole time through twitter and the Game Time app on my Droid. The food had no taste and I was a stoic statue. Only through my twitter and facebook updates did I vent my fandom. I think I typed “Let’s fucking go!” about a hundred times last night in the form of facebook and twitter, silently willing my team to victory. Coincidentally, the end of the dinner coincided with the end of the game. As I was walking out of the restaurant, I read an update: Vujacic swishes both free throws. The Lakers are 2010 champions. I just raised my fist in triumph in the middle of the parking lot. Exhausted.
oh man
I used up my quota for screaming and rage last night for the next 10 years. If we lost though Id probably be more pissed.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
something like that
I was going berserk and normally im pretty quiet.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
was going through
vegitative fuming with the poor play through 3. followed that with tiger fist pumping, yeses, wincing with each miss and sighs with each made boston shot. then almost passed out when they won. overall, the unhealthy emotions of 3 quarters are def overcome by the joy of winning it all. Would have been much worse to have lingering depression until we would have beat Boston the next Finals matchup. wipes brow
"Tell him to get his degree, and we can talk."
C.A. GREAT POST
Im he exact same way..I can’t watch the Lakers play around anybody. I hate it. I dont want people talking to me, I dont wanna hear opposing fans cheering. I yell and scream and im not really a thrower but i’ve broken remotes by squeezing them till they crack and break. It’s the game to game ordeal of a diehard fan. Unless someone is of the same variety they wont understand.
We will not lose..The game thread is littered with my posts of “We Got This” No Need to Panic etc etc..I even got irritated at my fellow SS&Rers for doubting the team when we’re down 13. How dare you! I dont care if we got down 20, i still believe this team would pull it out.. My no nonsense fandom is hard to deal with and if offended anybody, My Bad LOL But it does make victory that much sweeter…Back 2 Back Champs! It’s time for the 3peat!
I only need 2 words for my sig now....."NBA CHAMPS"
THANK YOU C.A.
this was my first season on ssr
i can honestly say i had a blast on this site and it made watching games so much more fun
I CANT WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR
"When I dunk, I put something on it. I want the ball to hit the floor before I do."
-Darryl Dawkins
MARK CUBAN......
What was that you said when the Lakers signed Ron Artest?
“I tell you what, now that they’ve got Ron Artest, I couldn’t think of anything better,” Cuban told the radio station. If you would have said, what one player — and I’ll get killed over this — what one player would you like to see on the Lakers? Ron Artest. Could you imagine? Ron Artest has got the ball, and Kobe’s standing there, ‘Throw me the ball.’ Thank you, Ron Artest."
Maybe now You’ll learn to shut the hell up. Or maybe not. Enjoy watching the Laker celebration over and over and over again! On 2nd thought you were absolutely right! Ron Artest is the one person i wanted to see on the Lakers and he delivered in the biggest game of his career and now has 1 more ring than your whole dysfunctional organization….Thank you Ron Ron!
I only need 2 words for my sig now....."NBA CHAMPS"
I'm betting on the "not"
Maybe now You’ll learn to shut the hell up. Or maybe not.
But I loved seeing his face turn purple when they lost to the Spurs. Talk about sweeeeet!!
And just think, DJ Mbenga, Adam Morrison and Sun Yue have more rings than Mark Cuban. Still irrelevant after 10 years.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Lol...man I totally forgot about that comment
and it turned out exactly that way…but with Ron making the biggest 3 of his life :)
and you wonder why the Mavs have the highest payroll but cant get out of the 2nd round...
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
Ron Artest just cemented himself as a Laker for life
even though he’s only been with the team for one year, when you are the MVP of game seven against the Celtics, you deserve it. Hopefully he comes to play the next few years and racks up a couple more rings.
He made Queensbridge proud.
Mat Latos is the real deal...Go Lakers, Pads, and Bolts
by mrbarneydangles on Jun 18, 2010 12:52 PM PDT reply actions
Everyone has to see Ron's press conference!!!!!
TOO FUNNY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oda0WkFcus0&feature=player_embedded#!
It's Kobe's world, but Lebron's just living in it. -- Czheck
Are we the only team in the leauge where no one wears a headband regularly?
or is that just an east coast thing to have head bands?
really not sure
on rare occasions I see fisher wearing one and thats it.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
I don't think Fisher has worn one since he returned to the Lakers.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Lebron wears one
cause he has an ugly receding hairline. I don’t blame him
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
That was the turning point of the game.
"...where they don't play with a shot clock." - C. Sager
by kv on Jun 18, 2010 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions
ok I went to the store today
and here is the correct picture:
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"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"
is that your bedspread in the background?
and is it purple and gold? If so, that’s dedication. I bet the chicks totally dig it. ; )
yeah
the color is green and blue though
but if I could, Id buy a purple and gold bedspread
:)
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Oh, I see.
It’s kinda hard to tell in the picture so I wasn’t sure of the colors.
Also, love the merchandise you got. I’m thinking about getting this one, though. I really like it as I think it would fit my assets a bit better than the stuff you got. : )
Much less so in real life.
Um, not that I am suggesting we should meet or anything.
Well, this got awkward in a hurry.
Look, a squirrel!
I'm here to talk about the past.
Oh shit, I was kidding.
You didn’t look into its eyes, did you? For the love of all things sacred, tell me you didn’t look into its eyes!
I'm here to talk about the past.
LOL at both of you!
It’s been a touch week so thanks for the giggles!
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Um, not a touch week,
a TOUGH week.
Sorry
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Congrats guys
well earned repeat Championships
take care
"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers" Henry V
Keep your head up Jeff! I hope Boston has a good offseason so we can see this again sooner than later.
"Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character." - John Wooden
thanks dude....
I enjoy going over to Celtics blog and reading the posts as well. I can’t wait until the first meeting of the 10/11 season. It should be epic!
by LakazzNation on Jun 20, 2010 1:00 AM PDT up reply actions
Little known fact
Ron Artests dad and Kobe Bryants dad went to the same high school.
Weird.
Ron's Dad and Brotha are some Big guys
He’s the smallest one lol
I only need 2 words for my sig now....."NBA CHAMPS"
Seriously, any one who has mental health problems, take a page from Ron Artest
A guy who’s extremely volatile [knowing volatile people in my life], takes it upon himself to improve his demeanor, being calm at the most important moment, being confident.
Just have to say, a lot of people said Ron’s confidence is down, blah, blah, blah, if you play in the NBA confidence is never an issue.
This will be my last post ever, thanks everyone for the comraderie, factoids/corrections and general opinions.
Lakeshow!!!!
by rickfox on Jun 18, 2010 1:39 PM PDT reply actions
Good stuff as usual C.A.
I feel ya there… I was also screaming and cussing at the TV with my buddy at the TV…
and trust me, if you gave me a dime every time I said the 7 words you never hear on TV, I would’ve earned enough cash to fly back to LA for that parade…
Phil Jackson don’t win championships… he THREE-PEATS!!!
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...
Heard each player/each member of the Celtics coaching staff left with a parting gift
a purple/gold Vuvuzela.
"Tell him to get his degree, and we can talk."
by maxmle on Jun 18, 2010 1:50 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Great write up C.A
I think most of us lakers fans just like to watch the game alone.. As for me.. when we were down 13.. i just laid on the couch trying to breath slowly.,.. i told my friend that he may have to get me to the hospital if the lakers dont do something..
All i kept telling myself was that the lakers CANNOT let paul pierce celebrate a championship in Staples center ever…
This brought a tear to my eye
Thanks for all the great articles this season!
My insides were dying when we were down by 13.
I felt an onset of rage coming on and I had to turn away from the game and pace really really hard or something was going to break.
Anyone's thoughts on who would've won the MVP if Boston had won?
I suppose I’d have to go with Rondo, though no one really bedazzled.
You really think they would've done that?
I don’t know, I really don’t think they would do that normally. Plus, I think they’d be hard pressed to have awarded it to Kobe after his horrific game 7 shooting numbers.
probably rondo I think
he was probably the most consistent celtic this entire series.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
And to Al Pacino
The Lakers healed as a team, and did not die as individuals.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Incredible write-up
It was an emotionally draining game for us too. Just, brutal. I was thinking like Kobe, “They’re supposed to win.” I couldn’t breath until we got it closer after that horrific first quarter.
Your narrative of your experience is an inspiration. Good thing we were all on the winning side, huh?
I didn’t go as far from sanity as you A.C., but that was the toughest gut out win I’ve ever seen in the Finals, maybe in any game ever.
To win playing that style against a team whose style it was, to win with such a low score is an incredible victory for the Lakers and speaks volumes about their versatility.
And to cap it off, how screwed up was Kobe’s shooting hand the entire time?
In the words of Toki, “Wowee!”
What time's the game tonight?
Oh.
Here’s to Kobe resting during the regular season (as much as his competitive spirit will allow him to anyway), so that he’s fresh come playoff time.
Surely his knowledge of basketball history makes him fully aware of who is next on the ring ladder.
I'm here to talk about the past.
Aaron Afflalo twitter:
U have to pay ur respect to a champion… It aint easy…but i hope all the homies are in the lab ….. There will NOT be a 3peat
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
more like afflalol.
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
by Justin N. on Jun 18, 2010 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
"but i hope all the homies are in the lab"
uhhhh… whaa?
"If you have a debate with a scholar, you can win. If you have a debate with an ignorant person, you will definitely lose."
"Lets go for for it again"- Kobe Bryant, 2010 Championship ceremony.
must be friends
with meth cooks, gotta smoke that crystal before the next season starts.
"I once convinced a woman that I was Kevin Costner, and it worked because I believed it" - Saul Goodman
Translated: "U have to pay respect to a champion...when I say U, I mean not me." Also...
Does this mean no three-peat in the same way Paul Pierce (who actually was in the Finals) said the series wasn’t going back to L.A.?
Altitude does funny things to the mind.
"Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character." - John Wooden
WHO THE FUCK IS AARON AFFLALO?
"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
"When life slips you a Jeffrey, stroke the furry walls." - Aldous Snow
by LakersFoEva on Jun 21, 2010 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions
That's what Denver fans keep asking.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
LMAO
"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 22, 2010 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions
For those others who think Pau looks like a Geico caveman,
There’s my comment on the Halos Heaven thread about this pic
Angels baseball. We do what we must, because we can -- HaloDutch
At the beginning of the season, Artest said that if the Lakers didn't repeat, we should blame him.
I wonder if he’ll say the same thing for a three-peat…
"If you have a debate with a scholar, you can win. If you have a debate with an ignorant person, you will definitely lose."
"Lets go for for it again"- Kobe Bryant, 2010 Championship ceremony.
is he done talking? im listening online but there is nothing/
"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"
the Lakers will appear on Jimmy Kimmel later tonight
hopefully with Adam Morrison
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
I just got back from some hardcore Army training
but i did get to see MOST the game…..im still in shock!!!! WOWZA!!!!!
What an amazing game and what an amazing series!!! Kobe doin dirty work….crashin the boards!!! i dont believe i EVER saw him hit the boards with so much intensity!! and he was a drivin fool to get the the free throw line at the end!!
And RON RON was nothing short of amazing!!!! And Pau in the second half……BEAST!!!
im still rolling from the win…..and yes…….
Sarge is happy!!!!!
I don't do it for your thanks, I do it because I had a calling, but I do love the support you give me and my Soldiers.
im so proud of my guys (kobe and fishy)
"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"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_players_with_most_championship_rings
"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"
celebrate the team but cherish the game!
can’t do so with the guy here who just does not want anybody around while watching his team play,
a nail biting and a close finish is what a final game is all about and this one certainly lived up to that; what happens now?
Always gets me
Queensbridge. Littlerock. 16.
Lakers 2010 Champs.
by bluexfalcon on Jun 18, 2010 7:31 PM PDT reply actions 6 recs
That deserves a rec.
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" club.
Fear the Fin: Where Sharks Fans Aren't Like Other Sharks Fans.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Jun 18, 2010 7:45 PM PDT up reply actions
"Love me or hate me; it's one or the other. Always has been. Hate my game, my swagger. Hate my fade-away, my hunger. Hate that I'm a veteran. A champion. Hate that. Hate it with all your heart. And hate that I'm loved for the exact same reasons." - Kobe Bryant
by Beko on Jun 19, 2010 7:19 AM PDT reply actions 4 recs
OMG THIS IS THE BEST!!!!!!
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Silver Screen and Roll
Related FanShots on Silver Screen and Roll
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Featured Stories
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recommended FanShots
Recent FanShots
In Association With
Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- Days of NBA Lives: Wherein Hamed Haddadi goes to the zoo
- David Stern changed the competition committee to push new rules, report says
- Nazr Mohammed films Oklahoma City Thunder fans welcoming the team back at 5:30 in the morning (VIDEO)
- The Orlando Magic finally part ways with both Stan Van Gundy and GM Otis Smith
- Mike D’Antoni breaks silence on New York Knicks exit: ‘An obstacle had to be removed’
