Sun Apr 24, 2005 4:34 pm
Tough loss, but you were close for a game without Kobe.
Sun Apr 24, 2005 4:47 pm
my man Fred had a bad night 
I'm surprised you didn't pull out the Hammer in this one considering how badly Freddie was struggling 
I'm surprised you didn't pull out the Hammer in this one considering how badly Freddie was struggling
Sun Apr 24, 2005 5:15 pm
John WB wrote:Tough loss, but you were close for a game without Kobe.
btw nice little incident you have there at the end of the third period
Sun Apr 24, 2005 7:55 pm
December Recap
1 Jan, Los Angeles
The Lakers had a successful December as they went 5-1 with SG Kobe Bryant leading the charge. A five game winning streak with the team winning by an average margin of 17 ppg helped put rumours to rest that the team wasn't getting along. Kobe Bryant commented after an impressive win against the Miami Heat, "What do you mean we don't play with cohesion? That's just bull!"
A tough loss to the memphis Grizzlies ended the month and year however it was a cloe game even without captain Bryant. "We would have won if Kobe was here," Kareem Rush, who scored 17 points in the fourth quarter and 10 in the last mintue said.
The month also included the signing of Australian point guard Shane Heal. The 6'0" guard has yet to play a game but sources are saying that he is enjoying his stint with the team. A spokesperson announced, "Shane (Heal) was brought in to score threes when needed. He's waiting to be allowed the time to do it."
The team is now at 7-4 and look ready to storm towards another postseason campaign. Kobe will rejoin the Lakers for their next game against the New York Knicks led by MVP favourite Stephon Marbury.
NBA Players of the Month
The Chicago Bulls had a 'so-so' month as they went 4-4, Kansas' Kirk Hinrich played the best basketball in his career over that stretch. Hinrich was impressive in a 118-117 win over the Los Angeles Clippers as he scored 32 points including 5 treys. In a 110-103 win over the Seattle Supersonics, he finished with a triple double of 21, 11 and 13 and then had another triple double in his next game against the Indiana Pacers. He finished with 15, 10 and 14 in the 101-74 win. The Bulls captain broke his own career high in scoring and assists by recording 41 points and 15 assists in a 101-94 win over the New Orleans Hornets.
Minnesota was led on a 5 game winning streak by Kevin Garnett. They finished with 2 losses in a row to finish December but the Wolves still look like the best team in the NBA. The 'Kid' was the hero for his team in a narrow 91-90 win over the Chicago Bulls as his steal and then subsequent dunk won the game with 3.1 left on the clock. He finished with a huge double double of 41 points and 22 rebounds in a 115-71 win over the New York Knicks, recorded 16 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals, 9 blocks against the Phoenix Suns in a 109-78 win. He single handily decimated the Charlotte Bobcats with 15 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 blocks in a 94-62 win. In the Wolves' 99-85 win over the Denver Nuggets.
Kirk Hinrich averaged 21 ppg, 4 rpg, 8 apg and 1.4 spg and Kevin Garnett averaged 24 ppg, 12 rpg, 5 apg, 3 bpg and 1.6 spg over the period of December.
GotMilk? Rookies of the Month
Sweden's first NBA representative ever made a splash in the Pacers' disappointing 2-6 run during December as Moses Sydor made the most of his limited minutes. The forward averaged 4.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg and 1.1 apg to be awarded the Eastern Conference Rookie of the month award. Sydor was able to finish with his first career double double with 12 and 10 in a 100-79 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. In the Pacers' 94-79 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, he scored a career high 15 points while in a 112-80 loss to the Sacramento Kings, Sydor was able to contribute a career high 5 assists.
Denver got the rookie they were looking for as Remus McCarty, a Maryland product was given the starting 2 guard spot and so far he has impressed many with his scoring ability. The rookie SG averaged 11.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.4 apg and 1.57 spg for the course of the team's 3-4 December. The rookie was unselfish in a 112-110 OT victory over the Houston Rockets as he hesistated on his own potential game winning shot to feed a charging Carmelo Anthony for the buzzer beating dunk. He scored a career and team high 22 points against the Seattle Supersonics whom they beat 78-88 and had 16 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals against the Boston Celtics in a 102-86 win.
MVP Candidates (As of 1/1/06)
Rank. Position Name Team | PPG | RPG | APG | BPG | SPG |
1. PG Stephon Marbury, NY | 19.3 | 3.9 | 8.4 | 0.6 | 2.07 |
2. SF Dirk Nowitzki, DAL | 21.3 | 9.7 | 2.9 | 1.13 | 1.47 |
3. SG Kobe Bryant, LAL | 32.9 | 7.1 | 6.9 | 0.2 | 4.20 |
4. PF Kevin Garnett, MIN | 22.7 | 11.6 | 3.7 | 3.0 | 1.92 |
5. C Shaquille O'neal, MIA | 25.4 | 15.5 | 2.2 | 2.0 | 0.75 |
1 Jan, Los Angeles
The Lakers had a successful December as they went 5-1 with SG Kobe Bryant leading the charge. A five game winning streak with the team winning by an average margin of 17 ppg helped put rumours to rest that the team wasn't getting along. Kobe Bryant commented after an impressive win against the Miami Heat, "What do you mean we don't play with cohesion? That's just bull!"
A tough loss to the memphis Grizzlies ended the month and year however it was a cloe game even without captain Bryant. "We would have won if Kobe was here," Kareem Rush, who scored 17 points in the fourth quarter and 10 in the last mintue said.
The month also included the signing of Australian point guard Shane Heal. The 6'0" guard has yet to play a game but sources are saying that he is enjoying his stint with the team. A spokesperson announced, "Shane (Heal) was brought in to score threes when needed. He's waiting to be allowed the time to do it."
The team is now at 7-4 and look ready to storm towards another postseason campaign. Kobe will rejoin the Lakers for their next game against the New York Knicks led by MVP favourite Stephon Marbury.
NBA Players of the Month
The Chicago Bulls had a 'so-so' month as they went 4-4, Kansas' Kirk Hinrich played the best basketball in his career over that stretch. Hinrich was impressive in a 118-117 win over the Los Angeles Clippers as he scored 32 points including 5 treys. In a 110-103 win over the Seattle Supersonics, he finished with a triple double of 21, 11 and 13 and then had another triple double in his next game against the Indiana Pacers. He finished with 15, 10 and 14 in the 101-74 win. The Bulls captain broke his own career high in scoring and assists by recording 41 points and 15 assists in a 101-94 win over the New Orleans Hornets.
Minnesota was led on a 5 game winning streak by Kevin Garnett. They finished with 2 losses in a row to finish December but the Wolves still look like the best team in the NBA. The 'Kid' was the hero for his team in a narrow 91-90 win over the Chicago Bulls as his steal and then subsequent dunk won the game with 3.1 left on the clock. He finished with a huge double double of 41 points and 22 rebounds in a 115-71 win over the New York Knicks, recorded 16 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals, 9 blocks against the Phoenix Suns in a 109-78 win. He single handily decimated the Charlotte Bobcats with 15 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 blocks in a 94-62 win. In the Wolves' 99-85 win over the Denver Nuggets.
Kirk Hinrich averaged 21 ppg, 4 rpg, 8 apg and 1.4 spg and Kevin Garnett averaged 24 ppg, 12 rpg, 5 apg, 3 bpg and 1.6 spg over the period of December.
GotMilk? Rookies of the Month
Sweden's first NBA representative ever made a splash in the Pacers' disappointing 2-6 run during December as Moses Sydor made the most of his limited minutes. The forward averaged 4.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg and 1.1 apg to be awarded the Eastern Conference Rookie of the month award. Sydor was able to finish with his first career double double with 12 and 10 in a 100-79 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. In the Pacers' 94-79 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, he scored a career high 15 points while in a 112-80 loss to the Sacramento Kings, Sydor was able to contribute a career high 5 assists.
Denver got the rookie they were looking for as Remus McCarty, a Maryland product was given the starting 2 guard spot and so far he has impressed many with his scoring ability. The rookie SG averaged 11.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.4 apg and 1.57 spg for the course of the team's 3-4 December. The rookie was unselfish in a 112-110 OT victory over the Houston Rockets as he hesistated on his own potential game winning shot to feed a charging Carmelo Anthony for the buzzer beating dunk. He scored a career and team high 22 points against the Seattle Supersonics whom they beat 78-88 and had 16 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals against the Boston Celtics in a 102-86 win.
MVP Candidates (As of 1/1/06)
Rank. Position Name Team | PPG | RPG | APG | BPG | SPG |
1. PG Stephon Marbury, NY | 19.3 | 3.9 | 8.4 | 0.6 | 2.07 |
2. SF Dirk Nowitzki, DAL | 21.3 | 9.7 | 2.9 | 1.13 | 1.47 |
3. SG Kobe Bryant, LAL | 32.9 | 7.1 | 6.9 | 0.2 | 4.20 |
4. PF Kevin Garnett, MIN | 22.7 | 11.6 | 3.7 | 3.0 | 1.92 |
5. C Shaquille O'neal, MIA | 25.4 | 15.5 | 2.2 | 2.0 | 0.75 |
Mon Apr 25, 2005 12:47 am
really good write-up for december. also, good loss to the grizzlies 
rush had a big game with 32pts
rush had a big game with 32pts
Mon Apr 25, 2005 2:32 am
Sit wrote:1. PG Stephon Marbury, NY | 19.3 | 3.9 | 8.4 | 0.6 | 2.07 |
Wow, Marbury's in good company.
Mon Apr 25, 2005 7:32 am
Arg! I envy you're write ups, they make mine look like shit on a stick (I tried writing a monthly recap, but as you can see, it turned out like crap). 
You have to teach me how to write like that.
You have to teach me how to write like that.
Mon Apr 25, 2005 10:28 am
I tried writing a monthly recap, but as you can see, it turned out like crap
Dont say that bout urself... all u need is confidence! But heres soemthing u might wanna do... start reading more and increase ur vocab! My teacher was getting C's in english and started to read a book a week and after two months he was getting B+'s so u might wanna try that!
I'm surprised you didn't pull out the Hammer in this one considering how badly Freddie was struggling
Dixon was the playmaker in the second half so the Hammer didnt get to play...
Wow, Marbury's in good company.
Funny how Starbury is a MVP candidate.. something different for a change!
Mon Apr 25, 2005 1:13 pm
Lakers' Frontcourt Dominates Knicks
New York Knicks 100 @ Los Angeles Lakers 110
Jan 3, Los Angeles - The Lakers stay four games over .500 and undefeated at home in the STAPLES Center after a gutsy performance against the New York Knicks. Kobe Bryant fouled out with 6:01 remaining in the final period and the Lakers leading by a slim margin however back to back three pointers from super sub Juan Dixon helped LA remain in control of the match.
It was all thanks to the Lakers frontcourt pairing of Carlos Boozer and Kwame Brown who combined for 50 points, 30 rebounds, 6 blocks and 21-30 from the field. "We were definitely pusehed by the big men tonight. Booze had a great 20 in the first half and Kwame pulled down 12 boards in the second half. They really propelled us to the win tonight!" Lakers assistant Michael Cooper stated excitedly after the game.
Kobe Bryant played horribly after coming back from an injury as he struggled on 8-21 shooting, commited 4 turnovers and fouling out. He finished on 18 points and 5 rebounds. "I couldn't get into rhythm tonight. My left ankle is really gurting right now," Bryant told a sideline reporter as he left for the locker room. X-rays on his ankle revealed nothing and Bryant has been advised to have a MRI on it. Lakers' trainer Karl Malone announced, "Kobe's ankle doesn't look like its holding up, we will investigate into it further."
Stephon Marbury did his best to keep his team in the game with 25, 5 and 6 and was backed up by Tim Thomas' 26 points and Kurt Thomas' 11 and 15. "LA just had more fuel in the tank at the end of the game. They were more motivated to win it in the end," Marbury said, "If we keep on going like this, there is no way we will win games."
Knicks President Isiah Thomas was present at the game, travelling with his team to meet up with former rival and good friend Magic Johnson; currently the Lakers' head coach. "I'm happy that he (Magic) is more involved with basketball again. Magic is a great man and tonight you could see his spirit in the team's (Lakers') play!"
The Knicks and the Lakers kept the game close until the final quarter as LA began to move away and increase their lead. Kwame Brown spearheaded the assault by scoring 8 straight points in the first 4 minutes of the final period. The Knicks suddenly tried to get back at the Lakers with Marbury's drives becomming unstoppable. "Something got into him and everytime we thought he'd dish it out, he would score," Carlos Boozer said scratching his head.
After the match, Kwame Brown was very vocal about LA's championship chances, "We will win the ring this year. This is LA's year! And for the next 6 years, we will be winning a lot!"
NOTES
When Kobe was walking back to the locker room a fan leapt over the police barrier and attempted to drench the player in beer; the man was doning a Shaquille o'neal jersey... The end of the game saw the Lakers have a big lineup of Brown (6'11), Boozer (6'9"), Jansens (7'0"), Randall (7'1") and Artest (6'7")... Spurs C Tim Duncan was injured in an earlier game against the Houston Rockets when C Yao Ming stepped on his foot. Duncan was diagnosed with a broken toe and will be out for 2 weeks... PG Shane Heal has been suspended for two games... Current Record: 8-4 (4-0, 4-4)...
BOXSCORE
New York Knicks 100 @ Los Angeles Lakers 110
Jan 3, Los Angeles - The Lakers stay four games over .500 and undefeated at home in the STAPLES Center after a gutsy performance against the New York Knicks. Kobe Bryant fouled out with 6:01 remaining in the final period and the Lakers leading by a slim margin however back to back three pointers from super sub Juan Dixon helped LA remain in control of the match.
It was all thanks to the Lakers frontcourt pairing of Carlos Boozer and Kwame Brown who combined for 50 points, 30 rebounds, 6 blocks and 21-30 from the field. "We were definitely pusehed by the big men tonight. Booze had a great 20 in the first half and Kwame pulled down 12 boards in the second half. They really propelled us to the win tonight!" Lakers assistant Michael Cooper stated excitedly after the game.
Kobe Bryant played horribly after coming back from an injury as he struggled on 8-21 shooting, commited 4 turnovers and fouling out. He finished on 18 points and 5 rebounds. "I couldn't get into rhythm tonight. My left ankle is really gurting right now," Bryant told a sideline reporter as he left for the locker room. X-rays on his ankle revealed nothing and Bryant has been advised to have a MRI on it. Lakers' trainer Karl Malone announced, "Kobe's ankle doesn't look like its holding up, we will investigate into it further."
Stephon Marbury did his best to keep his team in the game with 25, 5 and 6 and was backed up by Tim Thomas' 26 points and Kurt Thomas' 11 and 15. "LA just had more fuel in the tank at the end of the game. They were more motivated to win it in the end," Marbury said, "If we keep on going like this, there is no way we will win games."
Knicks President Isiah Thomas was present at the game, travelling with his team to meet up with former rival and good friend Magic Johnson; currently the Lakers' head coach. "I'm happy that he (Magic) is more involved with basketball again. Magic is a great man and tonight you could see his spirit in the team's (Lakers') play!"
The Knicks and the Lakers kept the game close until the final quarter as LA began to move away and increase their lead. Kwame Brown spearheaded the assault by scoring 8 straight points in the first 4 minutes of the final period. The Knicks suddenly tried to get back at the Lakers with Marbury's drives becomming unstoppable. "Something got into him and everytime we thought he'd dish it out, he would score," Carlos Boozer said scratching his head.
After the match, Kwame Brown was very vocal about LA's championship chances, "We will win the ring this year. This is LA's year! And for the next 6 years, we will be winning a lot!"
NOTES
When Kobe was walking back to the locker room a fan leapt over the police barrier and attempted to drench the player in beer; the man was doning a Shaquille o'neal jersey... The end of the game saw the Lakers have a big lineup of Brown (6'11), Boozer (6'9"), Jansens (7'0"), Randall (7'1") and Artest (6'7")... Spurs C Tim Duncan was injured in an earlier game against the Houston Rockets when C Yao Ming stepped on his foot. Duncan was diagnosed with a broken toe and will be out for 2 weeks... PG Shane Heal has been suspended for two games... Current Record: 8-4 (4-0, 4-4)...
BOXSCORE
Mon Apr 25, 2005 1:32 pm
Star Guard/Captain Out for Two Months
Above: We will be seeing more of this
in the next 2-3 months
Jan 5, Los Angeles - SG Kobe Bryant, the Lakers' team captain and star player has received negative news after various MRI scans on his left ankle. Bryant reportedly caused more damage to his already troublesome left ankle during the game against the New York Knicks.
Team Doctors are still trying to interpret the severity of the injury and have an idea of what it is. "We believe that it's an akle fracture but we are not sure," Doctor Eddie Chan said, "Mr Bryant could be out for a maximum of three months."
An ankle fracture would mean that Bryant would have to stay immobile for 6 weeks and wear a cast for 2 months. "This is not good for our season," Head Coach Magic Johnson explained, "He's (Kobe) our leader and top scorer. Without him, we may struggle."
News on how Bryant was injured was released this morning with team officials making a statement. "Bryant sprained his left ankle during morning shootaround. We believe he further aggravated it during the Kincks verse Lakers game during the third quarter where he jumped into the stands for the ball and in the process had his foot caught on the top of a chair. Kobe did tell the doctors the incident and that he had trouble moving his ankle afterwards but kept on playing..."
"... Kobe also told us that his ankle got worse several hours later to the extent of excruciating pain."
With the Lakers at 8-4 in the middle of January, it is the worst time to lose their focal point but the team is ready to step up. Kwame Brown, one of Kobe's better friends on the squad visited Bryant in his beachside home. "Kobe is still very happy although his leg is in a huge cast. The man will get better. He's a soldier!"
Kobe's fans lined up at the STAPLES Center today to express their sympathy and left flowers, cards and presents for the 6'7" star who is averaging 32 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 6.7 apg and 3.9 spg in 11 games in which he has started in all of them.
Above: We will be seeing more of this
in the next 2-3 months
Jan 5, Los Angeles - SG Kobe Bryant, the Lakers' team captain and star player has received negative news after various MRI scans on his left ankle. Bryant reportedly caused more damage to his already troublesome left ankle during the game against the New York Knicks.
Team Doctors are still trying to interpret the severity of the injury and have an idea of what it is. "We believe that it's an akle fracture but we are not sure," Doctor Eddie Chan said, "Mr Bryant could be out for a maximum of three months."
An ankle fracture would mean that Bryant would have to stay immobile for 6 weeks and wear a cast for 2 months. "This is not good for our season," Head Coach Magic Johnson explained, "He's (Kobe) our leader and top scorer. Without him, we may struggle."
News on how Bryant was injured was released this morning with team officials making a statement. "Bryant sprained his left ankle during morning shootaround. We believe he further aggravated it during the Kincks verse Lakers game during the third quarter where he jumped into the stands for the ball and in the process had his foot caught on the top of a chair. Kobe did tell the doctors the incident and that he had trouble moving his ankle afterwards but kept on playing..."
"... Kobe also told us that his ankle got worse several hours later to the extent of excruciating pain."
With the Lakers at 8-4 in the middle of January, it is the worst time to lose their focal point but the team is ready to step up. Kwame Brown, one of Kobe's better friends on the squad visited Bryant in his beachside home. "Kobe is still very happy although his leg is in a huge cast. The man will get better. He's a soldier!"
Kobe's fans lined up at the STAPLES Center today to express their sympathy and left flowers, cards and presents for the 6'7" star who is averaging 32 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 6.7 apg and 3.9 spg in 11 games in which he has started in all of them.
Mon Apr 25, 2005 3:46 pm
Tough loss. You got nice output from Kwame Brown.
Mon Apr 25, 2005 5:42 pm
what's going on with my boy Freddie Ratchuk?!? he seems to be struggling....
Mon Apr 25, 2005 5:54 pm
I dunno... I think he's having one of those rookie barrier situations.. where he hits the wall and goes sprawlling backward and doesn't perfom well!
Since Kobe's out, Freddie should step up... and I predict he will be Western Conference Rookie of the month!
Since Kobe's out, Freddie should step up... and I predict he will be Western Conference Rookie of the month!
Sat Apr 30, 2005 10:38 pm
Rookie Ratchuk Leads Lakers
Portland Trailblazers 103 @ Los Angeles Lakers 116
ABOVE: Fredrick Ratchuk (2) shoots a difficult leaning jumper over two defenders
Jan 13, Los Angeles - Who said the Lakers would struggle without Kobe Bryant? The Lakers looked as strong as ever as they improved their record to the best in the Western Conference behind a strong double double from rookie point guard Fredrick Ratchuk who poured in 18 points and dished out a career high 14 dimes.
"Fred stepped up big time tonight!" Head coach Magic Johnson exclaimed after the game. Assistant coach Michael Cooper added, "The rookie really has alot of upside. He showed us that he is a leader tonight."
The little warrior was aided in the teams win with double doubles coming from both the Lakers' big men; Carlos Boozer and Kwame Brown while small forward Ron Artest top scored with 26. "It was a team effort," Boozer stated, "However, Fred really got our engine going by running the show by himself without Kobe there to help."
The game started off slowly with both teams missing many open opportunities but as time progressed, so did the pace. Soon the STAPLES Centre crowd was treated to an exciting display of athleticism from both teams with Boozer leading the Lakers' charge scoring 12 first quarter points and Zach Randolph adding 8 for his squad.
The Lakers then pushed their advantage out towards the 20 point mark, leading 48-32 with 5:37 left in the second quarter. However, a collapse at the end of the quarter allowed the Blazers to relinquish and minimise the sizeable margin. "That was horrible defence we played in that second quarter," Kareem Rush said.
The Lakers then let the Trailblazers level the score at the beggining of the third period behind a strong effort from Darius Miles whom scored 12 of his 20 points in the third quarter. "I was in my zone," Miles explained, "All my shots just kept falling."
LA self diagnosed the problem and found their solution in their two rookies; 7'1" Jared Randall and 7'0" Pavel Janssens. The duo slowed down the Blazers' scoring by forming a 'wall' that the opposition couldn't score over. Sebastian Telfair commented on the pairing of the two young men, "Those two guys will be a force in 5 years, give them time to improve and earn playing time." The Lakers immediately returned to pole position behind a 10-0 run which saw Ratchuk sink a fadeaway, then two more treys. Kareem Rush's dunk capped the run as LA edged closer to their win.
The fourth quarter featured many highlights including dunks from Carlos Boozer, Kwame Brown, Darius Miles and Ron Artest. Rush sank a three point dagger which opened a 18 point lead for the Lakers, while Sebastian Telfair converted a four point play to inch the Blazers closer to the dominant home side. Derek Anderson's coast to coast with 33.2 secodns also brang the crowd to its feet.
Blazers' forward Zach Randolph lead his team with 26 and 20 which included 10 offensive rebounds. Shareef Abdur-Rahim who resigned with the team last offseason was mediocre with 18 and 14 while Nick Van Exel scored 14 points and 7 assists.
NOTES
All 10 Starters scored in double fiigures... Kobe Bryant was prsent inside the STAPLES Centre but didn't join his team's bench... Blazers' Sophomore Sebastian Telfair recieved a standing ovation after completing a four point play... Current Record: 9-4 (5-0, 4-4)...
BOXSCORE
Portland Trailblazers 103 @ Los Angeles Lakers 116
ABOVE: Fredrick Ratchuk (2) shoots a difficult leaning jumper over two defenders
Jan 13, Los Angeles - Who said the Lakers would struggle without Kobe Bryant? The Lakers looked as strong as ever as they improved their record to the best in the Western Conference behind a strong double double from rookie point guard Fredrick Ratchuk who poured in 18 points and dished out a career high 14 dimes.
"Fred stepped up big time tonight!" Head coach Magic Johnson exclaimed after the game. Assistant coach Michael Cooper added, "The rookie really has alot of upside. He showed us that he is a leader tonight."
The little warrior was aided in the teams win with double doubles coming from both the Lakers' big men; Carlos Boozer and Kwame Brown while small forward Ron Artest top scored with 26. "It was a team effort," Boozer stated, "However, Fred really got our engine going by running the show by himself without Kobe there to help."
The game started off slowly with both teams missing many open opportunities but as time progressed, so did the pace. Soon the STAPLES Centre crowd was treated to an exciting display of athleticism from both teams with Boozer leading the Lakers' charge scoring 12 first quarter points and Zach Randolph adding 8 for his squad.
The Lakers then pushed their advantage out towards the 20 point mark, leading 48-32 with 5:37 left in the second quarter. However, a collapse at the end of the quarter allowed the Blazers to relinquish and minimise the sizeable margin. "That was horrible defence we played in that second quarter," Kareem Rush said.
The Lakers then let the Trailblazers level the score at the beggining of the third period behind a strong effort from Darius Miles whom scored 12 of his 20 points in the third quarter. "I was in my zone," Miles explained, "All my shots just kept falling."
LA self diagnosed the problem and found their solution in their two rookies; 7'1" Jared Randall and 7'0" Pavel Janssens. The duo slowed down the Blazers' scoring by forming a 'wall' that the opposition couldn't score over. Sebastian Telfair commented on the pairing of the two young men, "Those two guys will be a force in 5 years, give them time to improve and earn playing time." The Lakers immediately returned to pole position behind a 10-0 run which saw Ratchuk sink a fadeaway, then two more treys. Kareem Rush's dunk capped the run as LA edged closer to their win.
The fourth quarter featured many highlights including dunks from Carlos Boozer, Kwame Brown, Darius Miles and Ron Artest. Rush sank a three point dagger which opened a 18 point lead for the Lakers, while Sebastian Telfair converted a four point play to inch the Blazers closer to the dominant home side. Derek Anderson's coast to coast with 33.2 secodns also brang the crowd to its feet.
Blazers' forward Zach Randolph lead his team with 26 and 20 which included 10 offensive rebounds. Shareef Abdur-Rahim who resigned with the team last offseason was mediocre with 18 and 14 while Nick Van Exel scored 14 points and 7 assists.
NOTES
All 10 Starters scored in double fiigures... Kobe Bryant was prsent inside the STAPLES Centre but didn't join his team's bench... Blazers' Sophomore Sebastian Telfair recieved a standing ovation after completing a four point play... Current Record: 9-4 (5-0, 4-4)...
BOXSCORE
Sat Apr 30, 2005 10:42 pm
"Freddie! Freddie! Freddie!" 
on a side note, for some reason I thought he wouldn't be white....ah well
on a side note, for some reason I thought he wouldn't be white....ah well
Sun May 01, 2005 12:22 am
Detroit Pistons: Mo Town's Pride
The Detroit Pistons are having a standout year, their record stands at 16-1. How have they done it? Anthony Jackson writes...
At press time, the Pistons are about to enter into another contest but it looks like the normal story will come out of it. The same plot we have seen all season long: the Pistons will have a blowout win and everyone in the NBA will be bracing themselves for the rejuvenation of last season's NBA Finalists and the NBA Champs of two seasons prior.
The Pistons' success was not predicted after a flurry of changes around the League as the Pistons stayed quiet during the offseason. Sure, another good season was always forseen to be on the books but at the halfway mark of their season, the Pistons have only lost one game. And it was a 2 point loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
As Tim Duncan stated about the Pistons, "Detroit is playing the best basketball ever. Everyone thought they were past their prime, I see them entering it right now. Our win tonight was a hard fought one and its scarey to admit that Detroit weren't at the top of their ball game."
Minnesota's Kevin Garnett seemed to agree with Duncan as he analysed the Pistons' squad, "The Wallace's, Rip, Billups and Tayshaun are the best starting five in the NBA. They play the most dominant defence and have a balanced attack, no other five can top them!"
The Pistons were showing signs of struggling this season since the Playoffs when Rip Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace had an arguement about who the number one offensive option should have been. The team's captaincy was also an issue as Ben Wallace felt cheated that he didn't get the nod for the role of captain and it was given, instead to veteran Antonio McDyess.
Amid all of the turmoil, the Pistons had a great run to the NBA Finals but were overwhelmed by the Sacramento Kings who taught the Pistons what they had taught the Lakers of 04.
"It was a huge lesson for us," Chauncey Billups looks back, "We learnt that team work is always the key in all team sports and so we tried to work out our differences."
The offseason saw the Pistons make some vital decisions. Rumours were circulating that the team was ready to part with undersized big man Ben Wallace in exchange for big man Yao Ming from Houston. A deal was seemingly on the books until coach Larry Brown stepped in and prevented it from going ahead.
"I wasn't going to give up on Ben," Coach Brown said, "He's our heart and soul."
And with Brown's intervention, Wallace decided to try to reward his coach's 'heart' by talking to his teammates. The Pistons were called into a meeting to settle aside their differences and the changes were made quiclkly as everyone settled into their new roles by trianing camp.
Rasheed Wallace and Rip Hamilton made sure the coaches drew up equal ammounts of offensive sets that would help them to score, hence allowing the two players to be sharing the spot of 'number one option on offence.' Ben Wallace and McDyess agreed on sharing the beloved 'C' on their jerseys while Chauncey Billups had his friend Lindsay Hunter signed to the team.
Everything was back in full swing but the team just wasn't a favourite of any NBA analysts to make it back to the Finals. It seems that they were wrong as the Pistons won 15 straight games to start the season.
"This is a magical season, after all of the hurdles I can't believe we have come out on top!" Ben Wallace told ESPN.
However, there could be one small reason why the Pistons are playing so well and it could be attributed to the drafting of former LSU star Tanner Fairchild. The 6'1 SG was a steal for the Pistons with the 21st overall draft pick of the 2005 Draft. His vision on-court and endurance gives the Pistons another scoring option off the bench which really helps to give Rip Hamilton a rest in long stretches.
"Tanner has been a surprise for us. But you can't deny any props from Darko (Milicic), Carlos (Del Fino), Adika (Sharawi) or Smush (Parker). Young guys who are only getting more and more minutes than before," PG Lindsay Hunter said, "I've seen this team grow up and this year, everyone has become more mature."
Maybe the Pistons are in their 'Prime Time' right now and may fade once Playoffs come around. But it will be scary if they only get better as time goes by. Only time will tell if the Pistons are indeed 'The Beasts of the East.'
Player Stats:
C/F Ben Wallace: 12.2 ppg 12.1 rpg 2.24 spg 3.00 bpg
F Rasheed Wallace: 20.9 ppg 7.1 rpg 1.24 spg 1.94 bpg
SF Tayshaun Prince: 14.7 ppg 6.8 rpg 3.4 apg
SG Rip Hamilton: 21.7 ppg 3.6 rpg 6.1 apg 1.47 spg
PG Chauncey Billups: 17.6 ppg 7.1 apg 1.59 spg
PF Antonio McDyess: 2.4 ppg 3.6 rpg
G Tanner Fairchild (R): 4.4 ppg 1.9 rpg 1.9 apg
PG Lindsay Hunter: 2.9 ppg 1.3 rpg 1.2 apg
PF Darko Milicic: 1.1 ppg
PF Adika Sharawi: 1.4 ppg
PG Smush Parker: 1.1 ppg
G Carlos Del Fino: 0.4 ppg
The Detroit Pistons are having a standout year, their record stands at 16-1. How have they done it? Anthony Jackson writes...
At press time, the Pistons are about to enter into another contest but it looks like the normal story will come out of it. The same plot we have seen all season long: the Pistons will have a blowout win and everyone in the NBA will be bracing themselves for the rejuvenation of last season's NBA Finalists and the NBA Champs of two seasons prior.
The Pistons' success was not predicted after a flurry of changes around the League as the Pistons stayed quiet during the offseason. Sure, another good season was always forseen to be on the books but at the halfway mark of their season, the Pistons have only lost one game. And it was a 2 point loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
As Tim Duncan stated about the Pistons, "Detroit is playing the best basketball ever. Everyone thought they were past their prime, I see them entering it right now. Our win tonight was a hard fought one and its scarey to admit that Detroit weren't at the top of their ball game."
Minnesota's Kevin Garnett seemed to agree with Duncan as he analysed the Pistons' squad, "The Wallace's, Rip, Billups and Tayshaun are the best starting five in the NBA. They play the most dominant defence and have a balanced attack, no other five can top them!"
The Pistons were showing signs of struggling this season since the Playoffs when Rip Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace had an arguement about who the number one offensive option should have been. The team's captaincy was also an issue as Ben Wallace felt cheated that he didn't get the nod for the role of captain and it was given, instead to veteran Antonio McDyess.
Amid all of the turmoil, the Pistons had a great run to the NBA Finals but were overwhelmed by the Sacramento Kings who taught the Pistons what they had taught the Lakers of 04.
"It was a huge lesson for us," Chauncey Billups looks back, "We learnt that team work is always the key in all team sports and so we tried to work out our differences."
The offseason saw the Pistons make some vital decisions. Rumours were circulating that the team was ready to part with undersized big man Ben Wallace in exchange for big man Yao Ming from Houston. A deal was seemingly on the books until coach Larry Brown stepped in and prevented it from going ahead.
"I wasn't going to give up on Ben," Coach Brown said, "He's our heart and soul."
And with Brown's intervention, Wallace decided to try to reward his coach's 'heart' by talking to his teammates. The Pistons were called into a meeting to settle aside their differences and the changes were made quiclkly as everyone settled into their new roles by trianing camp.
Rasheed Wallace and Rip Hamilton made sure the coaches drew up equal ammounts of offensive sets that would help them to score, hence allowing the two players to be sharing the spot of 'number one option on offence.' Ben Wallace and McDyess agreed on sharing the beloved 'C' on their jerseys while Chauncey Billups had his friend Lindsay Hunter signed to the team.
Everything was back in full swing but the team just wasn't a favourite of any NBA analysts to make it back to the Finals. It seems that they were wrong as the Pistons won 15 straight games to start the season.
"This is a magical season, after all of the hurdles I can't believe we have come out on top!" Ben Wallace told ESPN.
However, there could be one small reason why the Pistons are playing so well and it could be attributed to the drafting of former LSU star Tanner Fairchild. The 6'1 SG was a steal for the Pistons with the 21st overall draft pick of the 2005 Draft. His vision on-court and endurance gives the Pistons another scoring option off the bench which really helps to give Rip Hamilton a rest in long stretches.
"Tanner has been a surprise for us. But you can't deny any props from Darko (Milicic), Carlos (Del Fino), Adika (Sharawi) or Smush (Parker). Young guys who are only getting more and more minutes than before," PG Lindsay Hunter said, "I've seen this team grow up and this year, everyone has become more mature."
Maybe the Pistons are in their 'Prime Time' right now and may fade once Playoffs come around. But it will be scary if they only get better as time goes by. Only time will tell if the Pistons are indeed 'The Beasts of the East.'
Player Stats:
C/F Ben Wallace: 12.2 ppg 12.1 rpg 2.24 spg 3.00 bpg
F Rasheed Wallace: 20.9 ppg 7.1 rpg 1.24 spg 1.94 bpg
SF Tayshaun Prince: 14.7 ppg 6.8 rpg 3.4 apg
SG Rip Hamilton: 21.7 ppg 3.6 rpg 6.1 apg 1.47 spg
PG Chauncey Billups: 17.6 ppg 7.1 apg 1.59 spg
PF Antonio McDyess: 2.4 ppg 3.6 rpg
G Tanner Fairchild (R): 4.4 ppg 1.9 rpg 1.9 apg
PG Lindsay Hunter: 2.9 ppg 1.3 rpg 1.2 apg
PF Darko Milicic: 1.1 ppg
PF Adika Sharawi: 1.4 ppg
PG Smush Parker: 1.1 ppg
G Carlos Del Fino: 0.4 ppg
Sun May 01, 2005 12:36 am
on a side note, for some reason I thought he wouldn't be white....ah well
- Hes a pom!
Sun May 01, 2005 3:10 am
Looks like Ratchuck really stepped up after Kobe being out. I'm kinda shocked that Kobe will be out that long, but with Artest and Boozer, you should still win a good amount of games.
Sun May 01, 2005 11:18 am
Sit wrote:on a side note, for some reason I thought he wouldn't be white....ah well
- Hes a pom!
okay, I don't like him anymore
j/k
nice feature on Pistons....I just wish they'd play Darko and Delfino more....I guess Larry Brown stayed there as coach after all....
Sun May 01, 2005 12:01 pm
Agreed, that was a nice piece on Detroit. Good to see you staying afloat with Kobe on the shelf, too.
Good to see you staying afloat with Kobe on the shelf, too.
Sun May 01, 2005 2:35 pm
Dope article! And big win over the Blazers without Kobe.
Sun May 01, 2005 6:38 pm
SbHzMaFiA wrote:Looks like Ratchuck really stepped up after Kobe being out. I'm kinda shocked that Kobe will be out that long, but with Artest and Boozer, you should still win a good amount of games.
- Yeah, its great to have Booze and Artest on the team. I just discovered how good Booze can be on offence... he dominates! But I dont really see Booze stepping up as much as Kwame, hes getting a mix of everything these days for me!
The X wrote:okay, I don't like him anymore j/k
nice feature on Pistons....I just wish they'd play Darko and Delfino more....I guess Larry Brown stayed there as coach after all....
- I know how you feel X... We (Australia) lost to the Poms in Union... hope u remember! Darko and Del Fino would be a dope duo if they got the time!
Andrew wrote:Agreed, that was a nice piece on Detroit. Good to see you staying afloat with Kobe on the shelf, too.
John WB wrote:Dope article! And big win over the Blazers without Kobe.
- Thanks for the comments fellas! I'm hoping to make it a bit more interesting by talking about different teams! We'll see how well the Lakers can do without kobe!
Sun May 01, 2005 8:14 pm
I will now refrain from my Freddie chants now that he's a pom 
Sun May 01, 2005 8:19 pm
The X wrote:I will now refrain from my Freddie chants now that he's a pom
- Now you gotta join someone else's bandwagon!
Sun May 01, 2005 8:29 pm
*looking at roster*
Pavel Janssens....Swedish girls go off
Pavel Janssens....Swedish girls go off