Heading into Game 2, the Lakers knew that they needed to win, if they wanted a chance to win this series. This was perhaps one of their only chances to make a move in a season where so much had gone terribly wrong. It may also perhaps be the last time these players actually play together after this season.
They had a plan of attack to take down the Spurs and for about a few quarters they hung with them. They even took the lead for brief moments. Los Angeles was within striking distance for some of the game. Yet, Tony Parker and the Spurs had an answer for them at every corner.
In the end, the Spurs were just too good and showed us why they've been best of the best for nearly 15 years. They broke down them down with crisp passing, fast breaks as well as Parker's penetration which led to layups and open jumpers. Their movements were like clockwork as they got into their offensive and defensive sets.
Parker led the charge with 28 points where he abused the ensemble of Laker guards who were either solid to downright hurt. He penetrated past them for floaters, layups, jumpers and passes that led to open shots for Matt Bonner as well as Tim Duncan, which led to seven assists.
Along with that, the ageless Tim Duncan frustrated Pau Gasol as well as Dwight Howard at times. He was just plain old consistent. Never up or down, just about where he usually is, which was 16 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks.
In addition, the Spurs got solid contributions across the board such as big shots by Matt Bonner when the Lakers were within 2 in the 2nd Quarter. He made big three point shots when they needed him to the tune of 10 points and 5 rebounds in 29 minutes. Kawhi Leonard athleticism and defense that left the visitors flat footed. Yet, who could forget the Manu who was like another point guard who found the right guys for buckets to the tune of 7 assists and 13 points in just 19 efficient minutes.
As for the Lakers, they roster kept taking hit after hit. Steve Nash played admirably. Nash was 4 of 8 in 32 minutes for 9 points and 6 assists but his play barely made a stamp on the game itself. He tried his best but it seemed more like he was best suited to rest and recover rather than put on sneakers.
Steve Blake was so-so to the tune of 16 points and and did what he could against Tony Parker. To a certain extent, he was able to slow him down but he was yet another Laker who got dinged by the injury bug as he strained his hamstring. It's yet another injury to which the Lakers could ill-afford as their roster were dropping like flies across the AT&T Center floor.
The Laker big men were rendered ineffective as the Dwight and Pau combined for just 29 points on 12 of 27 shooting. They had their moments but the Spurs made it tough for them by forcing other Lakers to beat them. They didn't.
Now, they are now facing the prospect of starting Game 3 with Darius Morris and Andrew Goudelock who was in the D-League just nearly two weeks ago as their starting backcourt. It's a far cry from their dream backcourt of Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant who are perhaps done for the season.
Right now, the Spurs are in the driver seat to breeze through the Lakers and make yet another deep run into the postseason. Should they prevail in this series, they will take on the winner of the Warriors/Nuggets shootout. They are hungry to win a NBA Championship and it's something they're itching to win it along with potentially dethroning the Miami Heat. Oh, what a series that might be should they meet but they have get past OKC and the tough West. That's a tall order but the Spurs believe it can be done. We'll see......
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
A Team Effort and Scalding hot shooting paces Warriors to Victory
Following the heartbreaking loss of Game 1 and their best big man, David Lee. The Warriors look like wounded animals that were ready to be made sacrificial lambs for the Denver Nuggets. It was a night where Denver who had only lost 3 games all of last year would capitalize by sending this plucky team back to the Bay Area down 2-0.
Well, Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors had other ideas as they played with no fear and of course nothing to lose. They outplayed the Nuggets and even shot the lights out. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson put on a shooting clinic making nearly every shot they attempted. Boy, were they a joy to watch them stroke the ball.
In a game where every member of the Warriors had to play their best, Harrison Barnes unleashed hell upon a dazed and confused Nuggets team. He stroked three pointers when he got the chance as the Nuggets left him alone. They thought Barnes would not let them pay as he was invisible in Game 1.
Denver picked the wrong night to gamble on that, as Harrison Barnes put up a game to remember as he was unstoppable in the 4th Quarter. He helped keep the Nuggets at bay with his shooting, defense and high flying athleticism that made a scouts think he would be the Next Kobe Bryant just a few short years ago.
The bench for Golden State also played a big role knocking down big shots and preventing easy transition buckets for Nuggets team that absolutely thrives on them like a kid on a huge sugar rush. In other words, they made Denver look ordinary without the transition buckets and fast break.
Now, the series goes to back to Oracle Arena and a rabid fan base that has been hungry for a team good enough to match their energy in the Playoffs. It's now a series where both teams will fight for every rebound, point and advantage. It's now officially a series.
Well, Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors had other ideas as they played with no fear and of course nothing to lose. They outplayed the Nuggets and even shot the lights out. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson put on a shooting clinic making nearly every shot they attempted. Boy, were they a joy to watch them stroke the ball.
In a game where every member of the Warriors had to play their best, Harrison Barnes unleashed hell upon a dazed and confused Nuggets team. He stroked three pointers when he got the chance as the Nuggets left him alone. They thought Barnes would not let them pay as he was invisible in Game 1.
Denver picked the wrong night to gamble on that, as Harrison Barnes put up a game to remember as he was unstoppable in the 4th Quarter. He helped keep the Nuggets at bay with his shooting, defense and high flying athleticism that made a scouts think he would be the Next Kobe Bryant just a few short years ago.
The bench for Golden State also played a big role knocking down big shots and preventing easy transition buckets for Nuggets team that absolutely thrives on them like a kid on a huge sugar rush. In other words, they made Denver look ordinary without the transition buckets and fast break.
Now, the series goes to back to Oracle Arena and a rabid fan base that has been hungry for a team good enough to match their energy in the Playoffs. It's now a series where both teams will fight for every rebound, point and advantage. It's now officially a series.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Boston to Terror: We Will Not Back Down
Early in the week, a horrific tragedy befell the city of Boston following what should have been a day for family and recreation. Instead, it turned into a day of carnage and Infamy, It was a day that many will never forget, as the Boston Marathon finish line was bombed that inflicted several injuries as well as amputees and three dead.
Yet, much like 9/11, America and Boston became united as one. They were no longer a group of people that came from different races, religions or politics but Americans. In that for all the loss, there is a sense of human defiance in the face or fear and aggression that's ingrained in the people of Boston.
It's a sense that brings pride to the city and is uniquely American. After all, it was the one of the places where the American Revolution was born. The pride and a sense of community for a common cause is crystallized in this clip below
It's where Rene Rancourt who sings the National Anthem for the Boston sports teams found difficulty in singing the National Anthem. Thankfully, 19,000 people at TD BankNorth Garden became a chorus that brought chills and emotions of Patriotism that made everyone feel great to be an American.
Yet, much like 9/11, America and Boston became united as one. They were no longer a group of people that came from different races, religions or politics but Americans. In that for all the loss, there is a sense of human defiance in the face or fear and aggression that's ingrained in the people of Boston.
It's a sense that brings pride to the city and is uniquely American. After all, it was the one of the places where the American Revolution was born. The pride and a sense of community for a common cause is crystallized in this clip below
It's where Rene Rancourt who sings the National Anthem for the Boston sports teams found difficulty in singing the National Anthem. Thankfully, 19,000 people at TD BankNorth Garden became a chorus that brought chills and emotions of Patriotism that made everyone feel great to be an American.
Kings vs. Clippers: One Night in Sacramento.
It was the final night of the 2012-13 NBA season, it was a night where for most, it was the start of their vacation plans and/or rebuild in the hopes of landing that next great player that can bring them out of despair. For others, it was a night where if you win and you're in.
Yet, as much as most people were focused on whether the Lakers or Jazz would make the playoffs, which would have been a riveting night to watch. I decided to watch the Kings/Clippers game instead.
Why?
You know what, that's a good question. I thought about why I should do such a thing but after watching the Jazz lose to the Grizzlies thus sealing their fate and sending the Lakers to the playoffs. It made the decision easier to watch the Kings/Clippers instead but I would check the Rocket/Laker game from time to time.
Another reason for this rationale, was that I wanted to pay my respects to a fan base that perhaps was going watch the last live NBA game in their city. It was bittersweet as they have supported this team thru thick and thin in an arena that looks like a dumpy house compared to the palatial residences their NBA peers currently reside.
Losing season after season, they supported and cheered them on, even though the product on the court did not match the enthusiasm of the crowd 90% of the time. They showed up night after night for nearly 30 years, even as their team was long out of contention. They have endured thru terrible ownership that made an unwise investment in Las Vegas and are now paupers in Princely garbs.
Now, they're losing their team to another that also lost their own in the most crushing way possible. It's a sad cycle that has befallen Sacramento and Seattle. They are cities who both deserve NBA teams.
Alas, there will only be one who will get to see Pro Basketball in the Fall of 2013 while the other will see the lights dark in their arena. This league is a business, nothing less, nothing more.
That's why, I decided to watch the Kings play even as the Lakers/Rockets game went into overtime on a crazy Chandler Parsons splash. Boy, was I rewarded for making that decision even though I could do no wrong with either in retrospect.
It was a game where it was thrilling as the Clippers were playing for Home Court while the Kings were trying end the season a high note. The Clippers and Kings went basket for basket with Crawford splashing two big splashes while the Kings responded with DeMarcus Cousins who has immense talent but very temperamental going to work against Ryan Hollins.
Each team, played with urgency as if it were the Seventh Game of a Playoff series. They competed and put pressure on each other in the final minutes of the game. It had a timely tip by Blake Griffin on a gimpy body that has been beaten down over 82 games that sealed the game while ensuring Home Court against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Meanwhile, the Lakers hold off the Rockets in Overtime. They got the 7th seed and the right to face the San Antonio Spurs. As I watch the final moments of the Laker/Rocket game, I can only think back to the sounds of fans and the memories of the late 90s and early 2000 Kings teams that were a joy to watch.
I was reminiscing back, to the passing wizardry of Chris Webber, Vlade Divac, Jason White Chocalate Williams and to a certain extent, Brad Miller that are flowing thru my head. In addition, the sweet shooting of Peja Stojakovic.
Now, I am not a Kings fan but a basketball fan. I do wonder though, if I will ever get a chance to hear those sounds again or will it just be..........a distant memory.
Yet, as much as most people were focused on whether the Lakers or Jazz would make the playoffs, which would have been a riveting night to watch. I decided to watch the Kings/Clippers game instead.
Why?
You know what, that's a good question. I thought about why I should do such a thing but after watching the Jazz lose to the Grizzlies thus sealing their fate and sending the Lakers to the playoffs. It made the decision easier to watch the Kings/Clippers instead but I would check the Rocket/Laker game from time to time.
Another reason for this rationale, was that I wanted to pay my respects to a fan base that perhaps was going watch the last live NBA game in their city. It was bittersweet as they have supported this team thru thick and thin in an arena that looks like a dumpy house compared to the palatial residences their NBA peers currently reside.
Losing season after season, they supported and cheered them on, even though the product on the court did not match the enthusiasm of the crowd 90% of the time. They showed up night after night for nearly 30 years, even as their team was long out of contention. They have endured thru terrible ownership that made an unwise investment in Las Vegas and are now paupers in Princely garbs.
Now, they're losing their team to another that also lost their own in the most crushing way possible. It's a sad cycle that has befallen Sacramento and Seattle. They are cities who both deserve NBA teams.
Alas, there will only be one who will get to see Pro Basketball in the Fall of 2013 while the other will see the lights dark in their arena. This league is a business, nothing less, nothing more.
That's why, I decided to watch the Kings play even as the Lakers/Rockets game went into overtime on a crazy Chandler Parsons splash. Boy, was I rewarded for making that decision even though I could do no wrong with either in retrospect.
It was a game where it was thrilling as the Clippers were playing for Home Court while the Kings were trying end the season a high note. The Clippers and Kings went basket for basket with Crawford splashing two big splashes while the Kings responded with DeMarcus Cousins who has immense talent but very temperamental going to work against Ryan Hollins.
Each team, played with urgency as if it were the Seventh Game of a Playoff series. They competed and put pressure on each other in the final minutes of the game. It had a timely tip by Blake Griffin on a gimpy body that has been beaten down over 82 games that sealed the game while ensuring Home Court against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Meanwhile, the Lakers hold off the Rockets in Overtime. They got the 7th seed and the right to face the San Antonio Spurs. As I watch the final moments of the Laker/Rocket game, I can only think back to the sounds of fans and the memories of the late 90s and early 2000 Kings teams that were a joy to watch.
I was reminiscing back, to the passing wizardry of Chris Webber, Vlade Divac, Jason White Chocalate Williams and to a certain extent, Brad Miller that are flowing thru my head. In addition, the sweet shooting of Peja Stojakovic.
Now, I am not a Kings fan but a basketball fan. I do wonder though, if I will ever get a chance to hear those sounds again or will it just be..........a distant memory.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Lakers hold on but lose Kobe?
It has been the worst of times for the Lakers who once were in the same breath as the Miami Heat for this year's NBA Finals Trophy but those expectations were not meant to be met. Instead, it has become a Soap Opera with a revolving door of mulligans, coaches, adjustments for a team in search of their identity and consistency.
On the other corner, a team who had suffered decades of misfortune but after new ownership change and a new attitude. It appears that specs of sunshine are breaking thru the gloomy atmosphere of the Golden State Warrior franchise. A young backcourt who can pass, shoot and are so interchangeable that the PG/SG line is blurred and rather gray along with a double double machine in David Lee. The Warriors are starting to seemingly get things on the right path.
Last night, these teams met in a game where both were playing for Playoff positioning. One team was trying to avoid the San Antonio Spurs while the other was trying to get a matchup with that very team. Indeed, it was a thrilling and heart pounding game that kept viewers and spectators guessing till the very end.
In the end, The Lakers prevailed much to the delight of their fans but perhaps may have lost their Franchise cornerstone and leader, Kobe Bryant. This despite Stephen Curry scoring 47 points and grilling up the Laker guards like a nice steak over the fire. In fact, he nearly won the game with an 80 foot shot at the buzzer which might have been the shot of the year and maybe decade.
Kobe was his usual self but the injuries he sustained made you respect the guy for trying to gut it out despite the pain on his body. People are not meant to sustain that much but there he was trying to will his team closer to the Playoffs. Yet, you also wonder how long can this guy take and then.....he dribbles and then his foot gives out. Boom. Just like that, a Superstar who has carried his Franchise for 17 years may perhaps played his final game.
Now, the Lakers must regroup yet again as another injury has befallen yet another All Star but perhaps the heart and soul of the Laker franchise since he was drafted in a brilliant trade that changed not only their fortunes but eventually led the other franchise to move. Kobe has left everything he has on the court and was somehow still standing to fight another day. Unfortunately, he could not find a way out of this injury at a time where he has tested the limits of his body playing near superhuman level minutes in the last 7 games (47,43,47, 41, 48, 45) for a team that trying to make the final playoff seed at a time where he would usually rest while the Lakers are locked into a top 3 seed. Alas, this is not one of those seasons.
Both the Lakers and Kobe have a new battle to fight, where one is trying to recover from an Achilles tear that the team says is 6-9 month recovery while the other has another obstacle to overcome in a season full of them. The both have daunting odds (long recovery and the other facing the best of the best without their best player) and an uncertain future (80 million dollar luxury tax, D12 impending FA and an Aging roster) but each hope to come out of it stronger than ever before.
On the other corner, a team who had suffered decades of misfortune but after new ownership change and a new attitude. It appears that specs of sunshine are breaking thru the gloomy atmosphere of the Golden State Warrior franchise. A young backcourt who can pass, shoot and are so interchangeable that the PG/SG line is blurred and rather gray along with a double double machine in David Lee. The Warriors are starting to seemingly get things on the right path.
Last night, these teams met in a game where both were playing for Playoff positioning. One team was trying to avoid the San Antonio Spurs while the other was trying to get a matchup with that very team. Indeed, it was a thrilling and heart pounding game that kept viewers and spectators guessing till the very end.
In the end, The Lakers prevailed much to the delight of their fans but perhaps may have lost their Franchise cornerstone and leader, Kobe Bryant. This despite Stephen Curry scoring 47 points and grilling up the Laker guards like a nice steak over the fire. In fact, he nearly won the game with an 80 foot shot at the buzzer which might have been the shot of the year and maybe decade.
Kobe was his usual self but the injuries he sustained made you respect the guy for trying to gut it out despite the pain on his body. People are not meant to sustain that much but there he was trying to will his team closer to the Playoffs. Yet, you also wonder how long can this guy take and then.....he dribbles and then his foot gives out. Boom. Just like that, a Superstar who has carried his Franchise for 17 years may perhaps played his final game.
Now, the Lakers must regroup yet again as another injury has befallen yet another All Star but perhaps the heart and soul of the Laker franchise since he was drafted in a brilliant trade that changed not only their fortunes but eventually led the other franchise to move. Kobe has left everything he has on the court and was somehow still standing to fight another day. Unfortunately, he could not find a way out of this injury at a time where he has tested the limits of his body playing near superhuman level minutes in the last 7 games (47,43,47, 41, 48, 45) for a team that trying to make the final playoff seed at a time where he would usually rest while the Lakers are locked into a top 3 seed. Alas, this is not one of those seasons.
Both the Lakers and Kobe have a new battle to fight, where one is trying to recover from an Achilles tear that the team says is 6-9 month recovery while the other has another obstacle to overcome in a season full of them. The both have daunting odds (long recovery and the other facing the best of the best without their best player) and an uncertain future (80 million dollar luxury tax, D12 impending FA and an Aging roster) but each hope to come out of it stronger than ever before.
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