Lakers beat Jazz, Game One Over
Monday, April 20th, 2009
What a game, an unusual game.
Too many turnovers by Kobe, who got a little too cute sometimes, but he did whatever he wanted to do. His usual incredible pivot fadeaways, drawing defenders and kicking out to shooters…but it was that nasty dunk on Milsap at the end that sealed it for me – that was classic Kobe, and I loved ABC’s editing: “Mother-” [cut!]
Ariza was fantastic. I doubted his ability to shoot consistently, especially in the playoffs, but he hit everything tonight. He changed the game, and screwed up Utah’s defensive plan. He burned them for cheating. He has to prove consistency, and he started it off with a bang. He was the number one difference in the game. Which is saying something considering -
Shannon Brown was outstanding. What didn’t this guy do? He’s everything we needed in a point guard since…I can’t remember. Great size, strength, athletic, physical – and when he’s knocking down threes? Game over. I really liked his defense too. It’s clear his strength and length helps him defensively. He’s got the Point on lockdown. Suddenly Fish looks a lot older and Farmar, not quite as valuable.
Gasol didn’t necessarily play soft. He’s just not a banger. Smaller, stronger guys do give him trouble. And the Jazz have plenty of them. He still contributed by being very efficient and ending up with good numbers. He had a few nice blocks. If one expected Gasol to play like a beast, prepare to be disappointed. Gasol is a great finesse forward. If you want beef, look no further than:
Bynum, who couldn’t get into the flow of the game. Some of his fouls were really dumb. Reaching in, etc. It was his first playoff start, though, so I hope he just has the jitters. Didn’t like how he said the knee brace was giving him a little bit of trouble and that he still mentioned stiffness or swelling in his knee. Hm.
On the other hand, Odom was springy. Man was just focused. He makes our bench one of the best in the league. He felt the refs were against him tonight, but he mostly kept his composure – and remained productive. This is a big improvement.
Need to think a little harder: Wilbon’s halftime comment about Kobe shooting less, Lakers winning more. Totally missing the nature of that correlation, Wilbon.
Love Jerry Sloan. That guy is hardcore. He doesn’t need the game. The game needs him.
Matt Harpring cracks me up. Some people may hate him, but he does everything in his power to help his team win the game. If he has to play dirty, he’ll do it. I’d love to have Matt Harpring on our team, because he’s a cheap, dirty bastard, and we need one on our team. All the great teams have one of them. Loved that behind the back pass from Kirilenko. That guy – man. Love his game. He’d be beautiful in the triangle offense. With the ball, without the ball…defensively, everything. That lockdown defense on Kobe and steal shows what he’s all about. Elite defender, total team player, a great competitor.
I’d expect a much better showing from the Jazz with Okur in Salt Lake City. They’re a tough, resilient bunch.