The Lakers may not have had much time in between games, but having the Nets come into Staples for the second game of the back-to-back is a gift. It shouldn’t be a shock the game turned out the way it did. Regardless, lets get into the details of the second straight blowout for the Lakers.
First Quarter LAL 27 – NJ 12
Another stellar defensive effort was on from the get go as the Lakers quickly jumped out to a lead and never looked back. A great offensive quarter from Kobe and strong defense inside from Bynum pushed the Lakers into the lead after they fell behind 8-5. The Nets looked overwhelmed from the start, not surprising for a young team whose coach was just fired. The first substitution off the bench was Farmar as usual and he contributed right away with a nice three. Ron Artest also came through with a solid quarter, continuing his great play on both ends of the court.
First Quarter Note/Highlights:
- Defense: The Lakers once again came out firing on all cylinders, holding the Nets to just 12 first quarter points. If this kind of effort continues, look for this team to be at the top of a lot of defensive categories this season.
- Farmar Block: Wow, LeBron-like is the only way to describe this block. See for yourself…
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Second Quarter LAL 59 – NJ 34
The quarter started out with a Lamar Odom Sighting. It’s almost a rarity to call his name offensively lately, but I wouldn’t say I’m worried. His role has changed dramatically twice this season, and it might take him a week or two to start playing like we all know he can. Anyways, his quarter opening three pushed the lead to 17 and put the pressure on the Nets to respond. Did they? Not really. Shannon Brown came back and secured a tough board and hit back-to-back jumpers to put the Lakers up by 22. With three minutes remaining in the quarter, the Lakers stretched their lead to 25 on a Kobe three. His long distance shooting is looking much better tonight and it’s showing on his threes. I believe it was his second of the night- a welcome addition to his game if he can get it going. A surprise substitution rounded out the quarter as Sasha got some early minutes at the point guard spot. He contributed with a nice three, although I doubt one shot is going to break his season long slump. Still, it was nice to see him get a hoop- everyone loves
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Second Quarter Notes/Highlights:
- Kobe Bryant: Hit 3 threes, and finished the half with 23 points. He’s been on fire this season and tonight is no exception. His long-range shot has been on point so far; I expect another huge third quarter from him offensively (either assists or points).
- Sasha: Did he earn himself another look? His 3 minute run at point guard was solid and probably one of his better showings this year (yes its this low for Sasha).
- Lakers Defense: Held New Jersey to 34% (27% in the first quarter) and 34 points overall. Is anyone playing better all-around basketball than this Lakers team right now?
First Half Highlights:
Third Quarter LAL 87 – NJ 60
Kobe opened the third with back-to-back highlights: a beautiful fade away for two and another steal along the baseline. With nine minutes left in the quarter, Kobe picked up his fourth foul on another gamble along the wing. With Ron in the lineup, Kobe has been playing free safety a lot more this season. I think he’s third in the NBA in steals? Unfortunately, he has been getting into some early foul trouble as of late, and it’s definitely because of his defensive gambling and then ending up out of position. Surprisingly, Phil left Kobe in the game obviously trusting that he knows how to play with 4 fouls. I’m not quite sure why he’s gambling when we have a ridiculous lead, but hey- I’m not going to question 10 rings. The gamble paid off as Kobe threw a sick lob to Gasol and hit another three from deep. I think he’s going for a triple double at this point. With 4:14 left in the third, Kobe picked up his fifth foul and most likely took a seat for the last time. With the Lakers up 30, the rest of the quarter played out slowly with each team trading baskets. Phil played the subs plus Pau to end the quarter and the lead slipped from 30+ to 24, but its not like this game has been in doubt. Farmar closed the quarter with another three and the Lakers went into the fourth leading by 27. BLOWOUT!!!
Third Quarter Notes/Highlights:
- Kobe Lob to Gasol: Kobe had a ridiculous lob to Gasol that has to be seen.
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Fourth Quarter LAL 106 – NJ 87
The second straight garbage time fourth quarter started out with the Lakers reserves + Pau against the Nets starters. Farmar continued his strong play, saving an errant pass from brown and getting a nice and+1 on the baseline. He continued his nice play with another and+1 through the middle, heaving the ball up as he heard the whistle to make a prayer. With 9 minutes left in the game, its save to say Jordan’s having his best game of the season. Does it mean any less because it’s against the Nets? Let’s hope not, I’m tired of hearing about the lackluster point guard play.
Fourth Quarter Notes/Highlights:
- Garbage Time: Most of this quarter was absolute garbage time. Aside from some Farmar goodness, we really didn’t get to see much. I keep waiting for Adam Morrison to bust out with something deserving of such a dirty stache, but alas, I’m let down game after game.
- Josh Powell: Didn’t see a lot of run, but he was all over the court while he was out there. Diving for loose balls, getting boards, and catching some sick lobs were just a few things you could say about him tonight. It’s insane how stacked this team is to think that he can’t get minutes.
Second Half Highlights:
Final Thoughts:
The Lakers played another strong game from start to finish, with the reserves performing quite well. The backup tandem of Farmar and Brown contributed another nice game and is giving me hope for the future. Farmar looks especially confident, and I’d be shocked if more minutes don’t find him somehow. Ron Artest and Kobe kept up their streak of amazing +/- ratios (+28 and +25), and the post defense of Bynum (5 blocks) was a huge reason why the Lakers dominated all night. I hope to see more of this as the competition level increases, hopefully bringing out the best in this Lakers team.
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