| 27 May 2010
More of the ongoing discussion between me (Don) and Ezra from The Purple and Gold Blog...
Ezra: Well, it's a series now.
The Suns didn't play better but they definitely made a lot more 3s. That's been the danger defending Phoenix is when their role players get on a shooting streak.
But if you look at the stats, you would've guessed the game being a lot closer. We have to give the Suns tons of credit here. They may have gotten lucky with the 3s but they stayed aggressive the entire game. You know you're in trouble when the other team's bench is taking care of your starters.
But if you look at the stats, you would've guessed the game being a lot closer. We have to give the Suns tons of credit here. They may have gotten lucky with the 3s but they stayed aggressive the entire game. You know you're in trouble when the other team's bench is taking care of your starters.
I thought Kobe should've taken over the game. Not necessarily taking every shot but he could've attacked the rim to get guys open and get himself jumpshots that are closer to the basket. Then again, both Lamar and Ron weren't making much of their shots.
The Lakers have only one day to prepare for Game 5. Having to fly back to L.A. will have to eat some of their prep time. But I think the Lakers will take it. But they have to be much more aggressive the rest of the series.
Don: Sigh...
It was a disappointing road-trip, that's for sure. For me, it's not so much who scored what but down to two simple things (and one you alluded to):
1. Defensive intensity. Simply lacking, and to be so for a Western Conference Finals game? It's awful, and I get why Kobe's pissed.
2. Hitting the open shot. Their zone was tightly pressed around the key, which meant that LA had a lot of open outside shots. A lot. Completely open. But anyone not-named-Kobe couldn't hit the broad side of a barn in Game 4. Hell, I think when Ron Artest got the ball on the 3pt line, the Suns just stood back and watched.
It was a disappointing road-trip, that's for sure. For me, it's not so much who scored what but down to two simple things (and one you alluded to):
1. Defensive intensity. Simply lacking, and to be so for a Western Conference Finals game? It's awful, and I get why Kobe's pissed.
2. Hitting the open shot. Their zone was tightly pressed around the key, which meant that LA had a lot of open outside shots. A lot. Completely open. But anyone not-named-Kobe couldn't hit the broad side of a barn in Game 4. Hell, I think when Ron Artest got the ball on the 3pt line, the Suns just stood back and watched.
Ron's statistically due for a burner of a game. For the last few years, he's hit the 3 at around 40%... and he's been at 25% for the last few games. Over a large enough sample, any measure always returns to it's statistical average. He's doing the right thing - he HAS to keep shooting - for sooner or later he's going to be at around 38-40%. At least... I hope it happens before we get shot out of the WCF.
Lastly, the thing I'm holding on to is that all time, LA are 41-1 when leading 2-0. Phil's 35-0.
Make it happen LA.
Ezra: Alvin Gentry is challenging Phil to answer his shooters now that Gentry had answered the inside game of the Lakers.
As you mentioned, the Suns have focused on an area in the half-court to defend forcing the Lakers to rely on their perimeter game to beat them.
But both games in Phoenix were winnable games if the Lakers were aggressive and stayed that way on defense. With all of the three-pointers that the Suns dropped in the first half, the Lakers were still able to grab the lead back in the 4th qtr. because the Suns cooled off for almost the entire second half.
Right now, I think Ron is torn between his natural basketball instincts on offense and doing the right thing for the team. He still doesn't want to be the problem for the Lakers, which is why he's being hesitant about shooting.
I also would add that the Suns are 0-12 all-time when starting a series down 0-2.
Don: Nice... I did not know that Suns stat, but I'll be sure to throw it out if I get into any banter with a Suns fan prior to tomorrow's game!
I like LA's chances tomorrow. Just like their bench stepped up at home, I expect players not named Kobe Bryant to step up too (I think Kobe ALWAYS steps up, regardless of locale).
I really believe Ron will start hitting his shots. Over the past few years, he's been 38-40% from downtown, sooner or later it's going to happen - he is doing what he should be, and still shooting.
The big thing I want to see is some defensive intensity. Kobe's anger is the stuff of legend - I think he'll have them there and ready.
Ezra: Glad you mentioned Kobe not needing any pep talk to turn it up a couple of notches. There's no better leader in the NBA than Bryant, and I'm not just saying that because I'm a die-hard Laker fan. He's always the first and last hope for this team. I mean did you see his post-game interview last night? Wow. That guy is just intense.
Ron may have had a taste of the Triangle when he was with the Bulls, but that was a simplified version. Phil's Triangle is the real deal, so he's having a tough time right now adjusting but he's come a long way. I expect him to shoot near 40% next season. Who knows? He might start on Thursday.
The first thing the Lakers will need to do is to be aggressive from the get-go and yes, defense!. The Laker bigs need to start defending the paint. Not sure why Pau is letting Amare do whatever he wants against him. Stoudemire takes like an hour to decide what move he wants to do, and Gasol just stands there waiting for him to make a decision instead of forcing him to make quicker decisions by pressuring him to drive the ball towards his off-hand.
Lakers will win Game 5 then fly back to Phoenix to hoist the Western Conference Championship trophy.
Don: Yes indeed - when asked how he was feeling, Kobe responded with a would-melt-steel expression deadpanned "Jovial". They'll (the Lakers) will know what they should be doing in Game 5.
Sidebar your honor!
Interesting to see Boston make a series of it too - and even tho' it's going back to Boston, they're in a precarious position. Perk's possibly gone for Game 6 (unless one/both of those Ts is rescinded), Davis/Daniels are unlikely to play (concussion), Sheed's got back spasms, KG's playing on one leg again... and Rondo's worse off than they're letting on.
Interesting to see Boston make a series of it too - and even tho' it's going back to Boston, they're in a precarious position. Perk's possibly gone for Game 6 (unless one/both of those Ts is rescinded), Davis/Daniels are unlikely to play (concussion), Sheed's got back spasms, KG's playing on one leg again... and Rondo's worse off than they're letting on.
I want Boston to win (I think LA match-up better now - so, revenge & there's the homecourt advantage)... but I want them battle-weary and dinged up.
But first, there's the small problem of Phoenix to solve... get it done LA!
