Lakers

[TripletDaddy]

Well, I figured they would be blown out the door. It appears that it was their game to win going into the closing minutes, but the Jazz clawed back.

Oh, well.

I wonder if this series will be a repeat of last year's series, going to 6 games?

Lakers Stink in Game 3

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...2434133.column

Jazz back in the series

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...,1017533.story

[smokymountainrain]

Originally Posted by TripletDaddy

Well, I figured they would be blown out the door. It appears that it was their game to win going into the closing minutes, but the Jazz clawed back.

Oh, well.

I wonder if this series will be a repeat of last year's series, going to 6 games?

Lakers Stink in Game 3

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...2434133.column

Jazz back in the series

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...,1017533.story

An interesting game to be sure. For as bad as the Lakers stunk, the Jazz stunk up the joint just as bad and were lucky to come away with a win.

If I didn't know the Jazz better, it would be shocking how easy the Lakers scored baskets in the last minute or so. Everything was an easy dunk or layup. But for the Jazz, it's par for the course and it's the reason they snuck into the playoffs as an 8 seed.

A loss would have been a killer - a loss is never good, but a loss when your superstar is the one playing the worst ball and ultimately the reason for the loss is that much harder to take. Deron redeemed himself a bit with that pretty 10 footer over Odom, but he can't play like that again if the Jazz hope to win another.

[TripletDaddy]

Originally Posted by smokymountainrain

An interesting game to be sure. For as bad as the Lakers stunk, the Jazz stunk up the joint just as bad and were lucky to come away with a win.

If I didn't know the Jazz better, it would be shocking how easy the Lakers scored baskets in the last minute or so. Everything was an easy dunk or layup. But for the Jazz, it's par for the course and it's the reason they snuck into the playoffs as an 8 seed.

A loss would have been a killer - a loss is never good, but a loss when your superstar is the one playing the worst ball and ultimately the reason for the loss is that much harder to take. Deron redeemed himself a bit with that pretty 10 footer over Odom, but he can't play like that again if the Jazz hope to win another.

I only saw the final few minutes of the game, so I am still trying to wrap my head around the box for the first half. Looks like that was a fun half of basketball to watch for both sets of fans....

One thing I was wondering (at least from the little I saw).....the refs made it pretty clear that they were going to let the guys plays. For example, Boozer's hook on Gasol to get his dunk. Clearly a hook, but clearly a no-call that late in a tied playoff game with less than a minute to go. I have no problem with that. I don't get why the Lakers settled for so many jumpers in the final few? The calls were going the way of the offense on both sides down that stretch. When Kobe got the ball to a cutting Gasol from the inbounds play, Gasol had a clear path and dunked easily. I just don't get why the Lakers seem to abandon the post and stop going to the hoop at the most inopprtune times. Also, why did Fisher pull up for that 3 instead of setting up the offense? Very frustrating. This is a game that the Lakers could have won, virtually ending the series. Bad decisions have breathed new life into this now.

[Donuthole]

Originally Posted by TripletDaddy

Well, I figured they would be blown out the door. It appears that it was their game to win going into the closing minutes, but the Jazz clawed back.

Oh, well.

I wonder if this series will be a repeat of last year's series, going to 6 games?

Lakers Stink in Game 3

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...2434133.column

Jazz back in the series

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...,1017533.story

Through 3 quarters, this game played out almost exactly as I expected it to. I expected a Utah-dominated first half, with a late push by LA once the crowd tuckered out (though, I didn't expect it to be as close as 4 at half), followed by a dominant 3rd Q for LA. I didn't expect Utah to have the gas to fight back, and I'm glad they did. It is still extremely unlikely that they take the series to 7 games (I'm still sticking with my 5-game prediction) but it would be fun if they could.

For all the talk about how much LA struggles in Utah, I believe they have won in SLC 2 of the last 6 times, and only 2 of the 4 losses were 'blowouts'.

[TripletDaddy]

Originally Posted by Donuthole

Through 3 quarters, this game played out almost exactly as I expected it to. I expected a Utah-dominated first half, with a late push by LA once the crowd tuckered out (though, I didn't expect it to be as close as 4 at half), followed by a dominant 3rd Q for LA. I didn't expect Utah to have the gas to fight back, and I'm glad they did. It is still extremely unlikely that they take the series to 7 games (I'm still sticking with my 5-game prediction) but it would be fun if they could.

For all the talk about how much LA struggles in Utah, I believe they have won in SLC 2 of the last 6 times, and only 2 of the 4 losses were 'blowouts'.

It appears that Boozer had a monster game, so I am glad I didn't have to endure it.

In fairness to him, the one thing I saw him do was pretty impressive and clutch....hooks Gasol (and I mean this in a good way...he saw how the refs were calling the game and adjusted to his advantage. Smart), spins around and throws it down with some major authority. Everyone at the bar where we were watching responded with the typical "OOOOHHHHHH!" that accompanies a sick play.

It left me wondering....why the heck doesn't he do that more often? And by more often, I mean....I don't know.....a few times a season? It just seems that every time I see him play, he is settling for the fugly jump shot (although they often go in, which is all that matters) instead of using his size closer to the hoop.

[Donuthole]

Originally Posted by TripletDaddy

It appears that Boozer had a monster game, so I am glad I didn't have to endure it.

In fairness to him, the one thing I saw him do was pretty impressive and clutch....hooks Gasol (and I mean this in a good way...he saw how the refs were calling the game and adjusted to his advantage. Smart), spins around and throws it down with some major authority. Everyone at the bar where we were watching responded with the typical "OOOOHHHHHH!" that accompanies a sick play.

It left me wondering....why the heck doesn't he do that more often? And by more often, I mean....I don't know.....a few times a season? It just seems that every time I see him play, he is settling for the fugly jump shot (although they often go in, which is all that matters) instead of using his size closer to the hoop.

Trust me. Every Jazz fan has wondered that same thing about a thousand times over the last few years. Typically when he makes a strong move, he gets intimidated by weak side help (last night it was Odom) and ends up trying to flip in a cute layup between his man and the help defender. If he had tried to do that last night, Odom was right there to swat it. Why he doesn't dunk like that more often, I have no idea. But it is frustrating as hell knowing he can do it, but doesn't.

[smokymountainrain]

Originally Posted by TripletDaddy

It left me wondering....why the heck doesn't he do that more often? And by more often, I mean....I don't know.....a few times a season? It just seems that every time I see him play, he is settling for the fugly jump shot (although they often go in, which is all that matters) instead of using his size closer to the hoop.

This is why he's is one of the biggest pussies in the game. He has that ability and when asked about that move in the post game interview with TNT, he even said something to the effect of "I knew I had to go right at Gasol rather than take a fadeaway jump shot". Not only does he have the ability, but that shows he knows what he should be doing and he still won't do it. He'd rather be a 6'9" 260 lb shooting guard.

[Donuthole]

Originally Posted by smokymountainrain

This is why he's is one of the biggest pussies in the game. He has that ability and when asked about that move in the post game interview with TNT, he even said something to the effect of "I knew I had to go right at Gasol rather than take a fadeaway jump shot". Not only does he have the ability, but that shows he knows what he should be doing and he still won't do it. He'd rather be a 6'9" 260 lb shooting guard.

He is like the anti-Blake Griffin. Griffin will get the ball where you think he should take a jump shot, and he'll dunk from there. Boozer will get the ball where he should dunk it, and he'll take a jump shot.

[smokymountainrain]

Originally Posted by Donuthole

He is like the anti-Blake Griffin. Griffin will get the ball where you think he should take a jump shot, and he'll dunk from there. Boozer will get the ball where he should dunk it, and he'll take a jump shot.

heh. That's so true.

[MarkGrace]

Deron redeemed himself a bit with that pretty 10 footer over Odom, but he can't play like that again if the Jazz hope to win another.

Funny how things work out for a guy. Last game he was lights out most of the game, and then made key errors during the last minute or two.

Last night he was just terrible almost the entire game, and then had a hand in 6 of the last 8 points with 1:30 to go.

Who knew Harpring was going to be the hero? Wow.

Anyway, ass ugly game. Both teams played awful.

[smokymountainrain]

Originally Posted by MarkGrace

Who knew Harpring was going to be the hero? Wow.

Seriously. I was as shocked as anybody.

[TripletDaddy]

Lakers need a wake-up call

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...3854062.column

Is Kobe over-doing the facilitator role? Kobe says no.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...3203317.column

Okur to play in Game 4. Gasol to slide to the 5 spot.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...,1803967.story

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

Originally Posted by TripletDaddy

Lakers need a wake-up call

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...3854062.column

Is Kobe over-doing the facilitator role? Kobe says no.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...3203317.column

Okur to play in Game 4. Gasol to slide to the 5 spot.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...,1803967.story

You missed Korver Game 4 prep
http://www.cougaruteforum.com/showthread.php?t=4733

[TripletDaddy]

Originally Posted by HuskyFreeNorthwest

You missed Korver Game 4 prep
http://www.cougaruteforum.com/showthread.php?t=4733

This can only mean one of two things:

1. Korver is going to show up tonight and be "wicked." Shooting 50%+ from the arc, crashing the boards, playing lock down defense, and picking up a few hard fouls to send a message.

2. Korver is scared and desperate to figure out how to run away forever and never be found again.

[Sizzle]

Originally Posted by TripletDaddy

This can only mean one of two things:

1. Korver is going to show up tonight and be "wicked." Shooting 50%+ from the arc, crashing the boards, playing lock down defense, and picking up a few hard fouls to send a message.

2. Korver is scared and desperate to figure out how to run away forever and never be found again.

I'm leaning with #2

[Coach McGuirk]

Originally Posted by TripletDaddy

This can only mean one of two things:

1. Korver is going to show up tonight and be "wicked." Shooting 50%+ from the arc, crashing the boards, playing lock down defense, and picking up a few hard fouls to send a message.

2. Korver is scared and desperate to figure out how to run away forever and never be found again.

Regardless of whether it was a good idea to be there, the man is a very nice guy. He did not turn down one person for an autograph and seemed genuinely pleased to do so. The young lady in attendance with him was smoking hot so I think it was a good night for Korver. Not sure if it translates into a good night tonight.

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

Originally Posted by Coach McGuirk

Regardless of whether it was a good idea to be there, the man is a very nice guy. He did not turn down one person for an autograph and seemed genuinely pleased to do so. The young lady in attendance with him was smoking hot so I think it was a good night for Korver. Not sure if it translates into a good night tonight.

Carp he was with a hot girl? Everyone know you aren't supposed to do it before the big game.

[Coach McGuirk]

Originally Posted by HuskyFreeNorthwest

Carp he was with a hot girl? Everyone know you aren't supposed to do it before the big game.

I think it is ok, sans music.

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

Originally Posted by Coach McGuirk

I think it is ok, sans music.

What if they were huffing and puffing?

[smokymountainrain]

Originally Posted by TripletDaddy

Is Kobe over-doing the facilitator role? Kobe says no.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...3203317.column

Absolutely ridiculous question. Kobe shot 24 times and had six assists in game three and they scored 86 points.

He shot 17 times in games one and two, had 8 and 9 assists respectively and they scored 110+ in both games. The idea that he's not shooting enough or that he is being too unselfish is preposterous. When Kobe is "over-doing" the facilitator role, the Lakers look impossible to stop.

[TripletDaddy]

Originally Posted by smokymountainrain

Absolutely ridiculous question. Kobe shot 24 times and had six assists in game three and they scored 86 points.

He shot 17 times in games one and two, had 8 and 9 assists respectively and they scored 110+ in both games. The idea that he's not shooting enough or that he is being too unselfish is preposterous. When Kobe is "over-doing" the facilitator role, the Lakers look impossible to stop.

I guess that is why Kobe said no.

[scottie]

Lakers favored by 4.5 tonight.

This doesn't mean anything really, but still interesting -- Utah has won five playoff series in a row after being down 0-2.

[scottie]

Originally Posted by TripletDaddy

Okur to play in Game 4. Gasol to slide to the 5 spot.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...,1803967.story

Jackson practically welcomed the return of Okur, sidelined by a strained hamstring since April 13.

"I think it'd be good for us," he said. "I think that's what we need. We need to have a lineup out there that challenges us and makes us play the way we should play."

Jaron Collins, are you going to take that?

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

Pau (POW!) is blogging during the playoffs. Interesting, he fears walking around SLC due to the Lakers/Jazz rivalry.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/pau/

[MarkGrace]

In fairness to him, the one thing I saw him do was pretty impressive and clutch....hooks Gasol (and I mean this in a good way...he saw how the refs were calling the game and adjusted to his advantage. Smart)

I think you are giving Boozer too much credit. The hook and gentle push in the back on O boards are a constant part of his repertoire. He is constantly doing both, and almost always gets away with it. He'll get caught every now and again for the push in the back, but refs never call hooking.

[MarkGrace]

Pau's blog: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/pau/

A fun read. I got a kick out of this part:

Before Marc's arrival, I attended a Bruce Springsteen concert on Wednesday at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. It was just incredible to be able to see the Boss in a live concert. I have a bunch of CDs from him, but I never had the chance to see him live. And on Thursday, the day Marc arrived, I went to theLos Angeles Opera. Placido Domingo was part of the play "Die Walkure" (Wagner), and it's not easy to see him live as he is a very busy person and with a very tight agenda. Placido is one of the best tenors in opera history and also one of the most universal Spaniards. His human touch is unbelievable.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/pau/

Pau checking out Placido and Korver at Wicked! Such refined tastes for two guys who could pass for the Geico cavemen!

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

Originally Posted by MarkGrace

Pau's blog: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/pau/

A fun read. I got a kick out of this part:


http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/pau/

Pau checking out Placido and Korver at Wicked! Such refined tastes for two guys who could pass for the Geico cavemen!

Hack.

[MarkGrace]

Ha. And it was one post in front of mine.

[smokymountainrain]

Originally Posted by TripletDaddy

I guess that is why Kobe said no.

I should have given Kobe his due. That he said no didn't go unnoticed.

[TripletDaddy]

Well, the Lakers lead by 7 at the half, which is good for the Jazz. This means that the Jazz won't have to expend as much energy in the third and fourth when they inevitably come back and win the game.

Fortunately, the Lakers don't have to win on the road in the WC. I guess that is what will save them.