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 b
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
[phpbay]Los Angeles Lakers, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]
And then there was The Dunk. One of the greatest dunks of Kobe’s that I have ever seen! It was definitely the best of his #24 era, and one of his best period. He came down the lane and elevated with an explosiveness that we have only seen from Shannon Brown this year.
As if that wasn’t enough to jolt the heart of Staples Center, Bryant had a second, absolutely nasty left handed dunk down the lane. He moved so fast and contorted his body at such an angle while he jammed that I was left speechless yet again. One afro-era dunk was crazy enough, but two?! It was easily as amazing as the first. Kevin Harlan on the TNT telecast said was everyone in Lakers Nation was thinking: “Kobe Bryant is looking very young and full of life.” Amen.
I’m really not sure what there is left to say about Kobe Bryant anymore except that I will never doubt him again. Like the rest of Lakers Nation, I was horrified in Game 4 by his ankle/foot injury. I cried. I saw our championship dreams and his career flash before my eyes. It seemed catastrophic in the worst way; even if the Lakers could get out of the first round without their superstar, they would not get much further without their leader.
It was encouraging that Kobe felt like he could play, although to his credit (and his detriment) I think he would play unless he was on his deathbed. His competitive fire is admirable and his will and force of nature to play for his team is incredible…. I just hope that he is not sacrificing his future for his present even though it seems like he might be. He is without a doubt the biggest warrior I have ever had the privilege to watch play basketball, and one of the most ruthless and driven competitors in sports.
Next: Hustle Ball
[phpbay]Los Angeles Lakers, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]
Game 5 was as different from Game 4 as night and day. The Lakers were +12 for points in the paint, +18 in rebounds including 15 offensive boards out of 42 total, and were +20 in second chance points. L.A. absolutely dominated in every important category.
The intangibles were all there as well; scrapping for loose balls, being aggressive on defense and in the paint on offense, and just generally bringing everything they had. The Lakers were fired up and doing work; Reggie Miller commented that “I kind of like the nasty attitude he’s [Shannon Brown] played with all day.” I think they have finally woken up- Game 5 was pivotal and they recognized it and rose to the challenge.
It was one of the most consistent games I’ve seen the Lakers play all season as well. All of the starters plus Lamar Odom off the bench were in double figures, but no one had more than Kobe’s 19 points. The ball movement was excellent and they stuck to the game plan of establishing the low post by feeding the ball inside to the bigs.
The Lakers also drove in the paint and kicked outside for open jumpers. One of the biggest strengths of this team is their length and size, and it was on full display last night. Pau and Drew combined for 34 points, 18 rebounds and 5 blocks. Five different Lakers also had a steal each. Ron Artest continued his stellar play this series, and Derek Fisher caught fire as well. Like I said, it was a well-rounded team effort. It was obvious from various camera shots during the game of the bench and the body language on the court that the Lakers were in a good mood. And that puts me in a good mood!
The Lakers now have a 3-2 lead on the Hornets and can wrap up the series tomorrow night in New Orleans. The team is best when they smell blood, so I have no doubt that they will close out in deciding fashion. That’s what champions do.
[phpbay]Los Angeles Lakers, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]