HORNETS -at- LAKERS - 2/20 - Thoughts and :-)) Ratings

[angrypuppy]

Great write-up DB.

Your assesment of Farmar was on target. He wasn't setting up easy scores, or even taking charge and getting the bigs into position. The second unit settled for taking jumpers, most of them out of the shooter's effective range. He really needs the leadership of Luke in that second unit, someone who won't shy from the paint, and who'll encourage the extra pass for the higher percentage score. In the end, Farmar just needs to learn to play in the half court. Farmar plays most effectively at high speed, which isn't what you want when you're playing an opponent who thrives in transition. Worse, it's a gaping hole when you're trying to protect a lead by playing at a slower, more deliberate tempo.

[StuLantz#1]

I agree that there was something off about Gasol's game--which is an unusual argument when you go for 21 on 8-14 with double digit rebounding and 6 assists. But it's never good when they keep our post up player from the block, and he might not be able to pull off those stats against a Boston or Cleveland if they had forced him out like that. He hasn't been stopped against either team this season, but it might be hard to win a series if he was. It would be nice to switch off to Bynum in moments like that. And speaking of Bynum, we're winning but there haven't been many blowouts without him--something we're going to need a lot more of with Gasol logging another 48 minutes.

Paul never seems to miss a jumpshot. And Vujacic hardly ever makes an open shot. I never forgot Fisher giving away one of our few losses in the Spurs game on a dumb play, but I guess last night's heroics makes it harder to dwell on that.

[City_Dawg]

[Arizona]

Basically we won despite Phil's poor coaching decision in this one. I can't believe he let the bench blow both huge leads and let the bugs get their rhythm back down the stretch. Props to Pau, LO, Fish, Luke and OT kobe. They're the only ones who came to play tonite. Why didn't we go to the high-low play with LO/Pau to relieve the pressure on Kobe? It's worked so well lately, and we didn't run it once. Sad. We basically stopped moving the ball, which kills our offense. Lots of one on one stuff. When are we gonna learn that we need to run the bloody offense? The times we did last night we were unstoppable and got easy buckets.
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“I’m just a basketball player, you know? Just put me where you need me.” -Lamar Odom

“You’ve got to play with pride and guts.” -LO

[ecksor]

thanks, DB
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Who is my avatar? Kharunisia

[Klone_dd]

Lucky, lucky, lucky.

Mental errors all around from the coaches down to the players. BScott sensed that the game was there for the taking despite being down double digits to start the 4th. He kept his starters in and was willing to let them go the entire quarter. Phil gambled to give his 2nd unit confidence, let them struggle to the 8 minute mark and nearly lost the game. Obviously, he didn't feel the game was as important as BScott did. Lucky for Phil.

Aside from Lawler's Law (1st to 100 wins), I'm creatng the Bonehead Law. If your team is ahead and you make a bonehead play in the final minute allowing the other team to tie or go ahead, you deserve to lose the game. The Lakers have violated the Bonehead Law before (see Bobcats game) and will probably do it again based on the gaffes they made last night. But CP3 violated the Bonehead Law last night. Twice in the same game. Lucky, lucky.

So even with Bball Justice thrown down for CP3's Bonehead Law violations, DFish gets mad props for making the clutch plays. Also, to Luke for playing his best game of the season.

[DancingBarry]

[DancingBarry]

[DancingBarry]

[limchrc]

Thanks, glad to get the win.

[dna.]

[D Nice]

[bryants2hot2handle]

thanks

[prisma8slg]

[Addicus]

Thanks DB. You create mental visions with your words which is the first sign of a great writer.
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I was annoyed at Lamar not being in the post. The Hornets panicked every time he got the ball down low and quickly jumped out of position. This allowed Pau and Kobe to actually move without the ball and get easier shots.
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Part of the effect of not having Vlad to stretch the defense and with forcing things through Kobe is teams double from the wings on Kobe much easier than before. I'm not complaining, just pointing out facts (and complaining).
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Eventually Farmar is going to wear a different uniform if his defensive prowness doesn't increase. The staff understands floor leadership takes time for a younger guard to get, but his inability to stop anyone is going to limit his Laker career. Rambis says Farmar's defense is why he's not a starter all the time. He'll command too much money to stay soon if that doesn't improve.
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Sasha is a shell right now. No confidence at all. Is Brown destroying him in practice or does the fact he no longer has a green light to chuck have him depressed?
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Pau always has bad stretches of games after we play Utah. I think they pound on his lower back alot and leave him sore for a few weeks. He always seems hesitant to attack after we play them.
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Fisher was super duper clutch. Paul on the other hand played with way too much ego. How does he not dump that ball off and secure the game? He should be fined! Funny part is Fisher knew it which shows a gigantic flaw in Paul's game that Derek has found. Watch the play and Fisher didn't hesitate to make that move vs the lead assist man in the league. I still think DWill is a better player. My preference.
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I am going to lose 45-50 pounds and get back in shape this year. I said it here first.
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Stop crying and start doing.

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/addicusbrown

[Mr. EiGhTy-OnE]

whats with emplay trying to steal some of L.O.s camera time?
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"When (Kobe) gets you on life support, he won't give you mouth to mouth. HE PULLS THE PLUG." -stu