Man did that win feel good! The Lakers showed the NBA lat night that they are here to play and are about to step up to the challenge. It was Game 5 in the first round last year that changed the playoff momentum as well…. Tied 2-2 with Oklahoma City, they went on to win 8 straight games. Definitely an encouraging thought.
The first quarter offense for the Lakers was good under normal circumstances because they were playing inside out and getting points in the paint, but they allowed the Hornets to shoot a blistering 86% which negated all the positive energy.
Kobe looked slow as well and only had one point off a free throw. Derek Fisher however played extremely well and both Andrew and Pau were looking strong early. Unfortunately though, it was looking like another nail biter- the Lakers’ energy and passion was missing on the defensive end.
The momentum began to shift when Shannon Brown checked into the game; he hit two quick threes but more importantly brought defensive intensity. The Killer Bees were tops all night. They brought lots of feistiness and energy, and Matt Barnes in particular played great defense.
Next: Game-Changer
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