The Lakers were finally back at their home practice facility after being on the road since last Saturday. Unfortunately, the Lakers came back with two losses and more injuries. Head coach Mike D’Antoni informed reporters that Steve Blake is “out for sure” against the San Antonio Spurs tomorrow night.
Blake’s ultrasound confirmed a moderate strain of his right hamstring. Jodie Meeks (sprained ankle) and Steve Nash (hip/back) are both doubtful for Friday’s game against the Spurs, and D’Antoni said that Meeks is more likely to play than Nash.
D’Antoni also said that it’s not the Spurs’ starters the Lakers need to worry about, it’s Manu Ginobli and Matt Bonner.
“Our starters outscored their starters, it’s Ginobli and Bonner coming off the bench that really hurt us…We’ve got to finish off quarters…we’ve got to contain Bonner and Ginonli as much as we can.”
Closing quarters has been a problem for the Lakers all year and the Spurs are doing a perfect job of exploiting that weakness. Pau Gasol gave credit to San Antonio’s confidence and “swagger” that’s been allowing them to close quarters.
“They really have a certain swagger, confidence to finish quarters.”
Dwight Howard went into foul trouble early once again Wednesday night, committing four fouls with over eight minutes to play in the 3rd quarter. Does he plan to make adjustments? It doesn’t seem that way.
“It’s a battle, it’s the playoffs and you’ve gotta fight for every possession. From the beginning of the game to the end, every game we’ve got to show the refs and the other team how we’re going to play. Usually the refs make adjustments but we can’t change. I can’t change my style of play because that’s going to benefit the Spurs.”
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