I thought this was a game the Wolves could have stolen as well, but unfortunately it didn't work out that way. The thing I don't understand about Kobe is, he is one of the best players in the league, and probably the best guard, and you're telling me he can't get his shots in the flow of the offense? I guess that's one of the things that really bugs me about him, his either selfish, or entirely too selfless play...if you know what I mean. You know he could have scored more in the first half, but luckily LA didn't really need it. I just think, after watching him for a number of years now that he seems to take the first half off a lot...only to come back and shoot like crazy in the 2nd, to make it look like he's "clutch". Don't get me wrong, that guy can hit a game winner better than most anyone in the league now, but it seems like he intentionally "saves" his scoring for the 4th quarter...and the league, play by play guys, and media just eat that up. Definitely a weird game for the Lakers, like Matt said. Weird game overall, didn't ever seem like anyone was trying to run away with it....kind of a boring game in many ways it seemed.
Disappointed Minny couldn't pull this one out though, thought it might be a better chance than Game 4. You know Kobe will try to go for 40+, so it looks "amazing" that he gives this performance after sitting around all day in a court room. I thought it was funny (I think Barkley said it), that the media makes such a big deal about him playing well after a day in court...because all he has to do is mutter a couple of words and sit all day, like Charles said "if he was scooping coal all day, then came to score 40, that is more impressive". Other than Szczerbiak, it didn't seem like any of the Wolves played particularly well in this game....Garnett had a tough night shooting, and Spree was off the majority of the game too. Hopefully we can get the next one.
I agree with what Matt and others have said about Phil Jackson, I have really lost a lot of respect for him. When he was in Chicago, I used to think he was a good coach, but I'm beginning to wonder. He's just had himself in the perfect situations for coaching. Tim Floyd could probably go to the finals with this Lakers team
. Its funny, he'll probably go down in the books with the most NBA titles, but definitely isn't the best coach. Also, I was curious, how is Shaq able to get away with ramming his shoulder into the defender on every single post move he does? Now I know that a lot of stars get no calls or sometimes preferential treatment from the refs (KG included), but I have been watching and playing basketball as long as I can remember...and I always thought that what Shaq does is an offensive foul. He shouldn't be able to do that, just because he's bigger. A foul is a foul. That attempted intentional fouling of Shaq that the ref didn't call was unusual though, both teams were complaining about it. Strange. And...not that he needed it I guess, but on that note it amazes me that after all these years, playoff experience, rings, etc. that Shaq still can't shoot at least 50 or 60% from the line. I mean, all you do is play basketball for a living, not like he doesn't get enough practice (this is a problem with a number of players though, not just Shaq).
Anyways, Lakers up 2-1, and I'm worried the Wolves might have missed their chance to steal one out there. We'll see though, have to have faith in them
. Meanwhile, Pistons - Pacers Game 3 tonight, as well as the lottery to determine who gets the top pick in the draft this June. We know it won't be any of these teams