SG Kobe Bryant Return Later than Expected
Feb 21, Los Angeles - Los Angeles Lakers' star Kobe Bryant has been advised by medical staff to stay out of physical activity for an additional two weeks than what was first diagnosed as a suitable injury period.
The 6'7" SG who has been sidelined with an ankle injury was aiming for a Late March coemback but it seems that he will be out till mid April.
"This has been an unfortunate turn in events," Jerry West, Manager of Lakers basketball operations said, "The team was preparing for his return and we have only just decided to not draw up plans with his exclusion for game situations. It seems that the team will learn plays without him on the court."
C Kwame Brown voiced his opinion on the situation, "The players need to step up without Kobe there. Or the season will go to waste!"
PF Carlos Boozer said, "The coaches are drawing up game plans and in case this is serious, Kobe might only be back at the start of the playoffs!"
Sit's Dynasty (NBA Live 06)
by Fresh8 on Sun May 22, 2005 3:00 pm
Vulnerable Lakers Drop Another on the Road
Los Angeles Lakers 100 @ Detroit Pistons 110
Feb 23, Detroit - Magic Johnson shouted at his players so loud that news crews started to file out of the visitor's changeroom to get away from the commotion and allow the LA Lakers to have a bit of breathing time.
Although Carlos Boozer registered 31, 17 and 7, Kwame Brown's ejection with 5 minutes left and the backcourt's inability to step up left the Lakers out of the running to defeat the NBA's number one team for this season.
Coach Johnson was clearly unhappy with the performance after being stressed out with his star guard's injury problem. Along with the absence of Bryant, the team's inexperience, the Pistons' dominance after the first quarter didn't help the Lakers much.
"This was a disgrace. Yes, the Pistons are the better team but I was expecting a clsoer game than tonight's," Magic stated.
Lakers C Brown's ejection was controversial. Brown went up for a dunk but was knocked down by Pistons PF Darko Milicic. Brown retaliated by throwing an elbow at the European player who swung a punch at Kwame. However, Brown was thrown out of the game and Darko wasn't called for anything.
"That wasn't fair. If one guy goes out, the other guy should be ejected too," Brian Shaw said, "Darko also tried to punch Kwame. Why doesn't he get anything? This is what I call bias!"
Ben Wallace and his backcourt really delivered huge blows to the Lakers. Wallace was dominating in the paint against Kwame and Carlos as he put up 15, 19 and 3 steals. The backcourt partnership of Rip Hamilton and Chuncey Billups combined for 60 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. And they both made 9 free throws each.
"The trio of Ben, Rip and Chuncey really catapulted us to tongiht's win," Coach Larry Brown stated after the game, "The three of them are the reason why we are the best team in the League."
"Obviously when the Lakers don't have Kobe, they are going to play worse," Rasheed Wallace said, "But they held themselves up well so I wouldn't say they are bad without Kobe. The ywere good, I give them that. But we are the better team."
The game started slowly and by the time halftime came around the Lakers only trailed by 3. The third quarter was when the Lakers slipped away. A Billups to Hamilton alley-oop helped the Pistons commence on a 15-0 scoring run which had a few highlights like Darko Milicic's put back dunk, Ben Wallace's rejection of Carlos Boozer and Hamilton's back to back dagger threes.
The Lakers fought back in the final period behind Kwame Brown. He was ejected with the Lakers trailing only by 8 however after his ejection, the Pistons re-extended that lead back up to 16. The Lakers had one final glimmer of hope after Juan Dixon cut the lead to 7 with 2:03 left with a three pointer off a steal. The Lakers couldn't make any more shots as Detroit dominated the ball game from thereafter.
"It was a good game," Artest exclaimed after the game, "We let it slip away."
NOTES:
Detorit rose up to a 20-1 record and clinched a play-off berth and clinched their division title... Current Record: 12-7 (7-0, 5-7)
BOXSCORE:
Los Angeles Lakers 100 @ Detroit Pistons 110
Feb 23, Detroit - Magic Johnson shouted at his players so loud that news crews started to file out of the visitor's changeroom to get away from the commotion and allow the LA Lakers to have a bit of breathing time.
Although Carlos Boozer registered 31, 17 and 7, Kwame Brown's ejection with 5 minutes left and the backcourt's inability to step up left the Lakers out of the running to defeat the NBA's number one team for this season.
Coach Johnson was clearly unhappy with the performance after being stressed out with his star guard's injury problem. Along with the absence of Bryant, the team's inexperience, the Pistons' dominance after the first quarter didn't help the Lakers much.
"This was a disgrace. Yes, the Pistons are the better team but I was expecting a clsoer game than tonight's," Magic stated.
Lakers C Brown's ejection was controversial. Brown went up for a dunk but was knocked down by Pistons PF Darko Milicic. Brown retaliated by throwing an elbow at the European player who swung a punch at Kwame. However, Brown was thrown out of the game and Darko wasn't called for anything.
"That wasn't fair. If one guy goes out, the other guy should be ejected too," Brian Shaw said, "Darko also tried to punch Kwame. Why doesn't he get anything? This is what I call bias!"
Ben Wallace and his backcourt really delivered huge blows to the Lakers. Wallace was dominating in the paint against Kwame and Carlos as he put up 15, 19 and 3 steals. The backcourt partnership of Rip Hamilton and Chuncey Billups combined for 60 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. And they both made 9 free throws each.
"The trio of Ben, Rip and Chuncey really catapulted us to tongiht's win," Coach Larry Brown stated after the game, "The three of them are the reason why we are the best team in the League."
"Obviously when the Lakers don't have Kobe, they are going to play worse," Rasheed Wallace said, "But they held themselves up well so I wouldn't say they are bad without Kobe. The ywere good, I give them that. But we are the better team."
The game started slowly and by the time halftime came around the Lakers only trailed by 3. The third quarter was when the Lakers slipped away. A Billups to Hamilton alley-oop helped the Pistons commence on a 15-0 scoring run which had a few highlights like Darko Milicic's put back dunk, Ben Wallace's rejection of Carlos Boozer and Hamilton's back to back dagger threes.
The Lakers fought back in the final period behind Kwame Brown. He was ejected with the Lakers trailing only by 8 however after his ejection, the Pistons re-extended that lead back up to 16. The Lakers had one final glimmer of hope after Juan Dixon cut the lead to 7 with 2:03 left with a three pointer off a steal. The Lakers couldn't make any more shots as Detroit dominated the ball game from thereafter.
"It was a good game," Artest exclaimed after the game, "We let it slip away."
NOTES:
Detorit rose up to a 20-1 record and clinched a play-off berth and clinched their division title... Current Record: 12-7 (7-0, 5-7)
BOXSCORE:
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Fresh8 - The poster formerly known as Sit
- Posts: 14872
- Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2002 5:19 pm
by Fresh8 on Sun May 22, 2005 3:02 pm
It's Adsf wrote:Too bad Bryant is sidelined for even longer..... But hey, you still have Artest and Kwame, and congrats to him on making the All-Star team
- Thanks, yeah it sux that Kobe is out... I was surprised that Kwame was picked for the ASG!
misow wrote:yea mo job for artest and boozer
- Definately more job for them but Kwame and Kareem are the guys who need to step up! Once Kobe is back... we will have the KKK... Kobe/Kwame/Kareem!
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Fresh8 - The poster formerly known as Sit
- Posts: 14872
- Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2002 5:19 pm
by Fresh8 on Sat May 28, 2005 3:03 pm
LAKERS DECIMATE HAWKS IN FINAL QUARTER
Atlanta Hawks 93 @ Los Angeles Lakers 107
Feb 28, Los Angeles - Kwame Brown turned around a lackluster first half shooting performance and Kareem Rush finally showed up to play in the fourth quarter to lead the Lakers to a magnificient comeback victory over the Atlanta Hawks, whom were denied an opportunity to go one game over .500.
The 6'11" Brown dominated in the paint with a 12 point effort in the third quarter. If it wasn't for his output, the Lakers would have dropped behind by more points. If it wasn't for his strength down low and uncanny ability to stop opposing post players. "He got away with so many fouls tonight," Al Harrington complained. Brown finished the game with a game leading 24, 16 and added 4 dimes, 1 steal and 2 blocks.
Brown led 6 players in double figures. Ron Artest was impressive for the whole game en route to his 22 points, Carlos Boozer had a balanced 15, 12, 5, Fredrik Ratchuk added 13, 10 assists and 4 steals while Kyle Korver chipped in 10 from off the bench. Kareem Rush though scored when it counted most; in the final quarter. The 6'6" SG was magic in the final minutes of regulation by putting up 13 of his 16 points in 5 minutes.
"Kareem was clutch tonight," Magic Johnson exclaimed, "He made big baskets during the most cruial times."
Tony Delk was unstoppable. His driving finger rolls weren't able to be stopped as he went on a scoring rampage finishing with 23 points and also had 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. Antoine Walker finished with a double double of 17 and 13. Josh Childress put up 18, 7 and 4.
"We could have won this game tonight," Al Harrington said, "But we let LA dominate in the fourth quarter. We never should have allowed them to level the game. They started to play smart basketball."
The Lakers were quickly in the penalty sending the Hawks players to the charity stripe too many times in the second quarter. The fourth period was LA's turn to go to the charity multiple times with Rush not mssing anymore opportunities after going 0/4 for the first three quarters. He was 5/6 in the final quarter.
Los Angeles leveled the scores with a Kwame Brown dunk with 6:17 left i n the game. Rush's free throw with 5:46 remaining put the team up 86-85 and then the Lakers never slowed down outscoring their opposition with a 12-1 spurt in the following 3 minutes.
The Hawks provided the STAPLES Center crowd with one highlight though which left a sour taste in the spectator's mouths. Al Harrington had a nice pass to a soaring Antoine Walker who converted the alley-oop and sent the STAPLES crowd into a booing frenzy.
Later, Ron Artest's reverse lay up then brang cheers from the full capcity crowd. This sparked an altercation between Harrington and Artest. The two taunted each other for the rest of the night with Artest clearly dominating his bigger opponent.
"I told Ron that he wasn't with the Pacers and he wasn't going to get many shots," Harrington told the press.
Artest responded, "Well I told Al to check out the scoreboard and my stat sheet."
NOTES:
The Lakers are on their way to an impressive 100% win/loss record for home games. They are clearly the NBA's most dominant home side this season... Juan Dixon felt the need for speed after stealing the ball at mid court and sprinting downcourt. In the process he lost his shoe and slipped out of the baseline... Current Record: 13-7 (8-0, 5-7)
BOXSCORE:
Atlanta Hawks 93 @ Los Angeles Lakers 107
Feb 28, Los Angeles - Kwame Brown turned around a lackluster first half shooting performance and Kareem Rush finally showed up to play in the fourth quarter to lead the Lakers to a magnificient comeback victory over the Atlanta Hawks, whom were denied an opportunity to go one game over .500.
The 6'11" Brown dominated in the paint with a 12 point effort in the third quarter. If it wasn't for his output, the Lakers would have dropped behind by more points. If it wasn't for his strength down low and uncanny ability to stop opposing post players. "He got away with so many fouls tonight," Al Harrington complained. Brown finished the game with a game leading 24, 16 and added 4 dimes, 1 steal and 2 blocks.
Brown led 6 players in double figures. Ron Artest was impressive for the whole game en route to his 22 points, Carlos Boozer had a balanced 15, 12, 5, Fredrik Ratchuk added 13, 10 assists and 4 steals while Kyle Korver chipped in 10 from off the bench. Kareem Rush though scored when it counted most; in the final quarter. The 6'6" SG was magic in the final minutes of regulation by putting up 13 of his 16 points in 5 minutes.
"Kareem was clutch tonight," Magic Johnson exclaimed, "He made big baskets during the most cruial times."
Tony Delk was unstoppable. His driving finger rolls weren't able to be stopped as he went on a scoring rampage finishing with 23 points and also had 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. Antoine Walker finished with a double double of 17 and 13. Josh Childress put up 18, 7 and 4.
"We could have won this game tonight," Al Harrington said, "But we let LA dominate in the fourth quarter. We never should have allowed them to level the game. They started to play smart basketball."
The Lakers were quickly in the penalty sending the Hawks players to the charity stripe too many times in the second quarter. The fourth period was LA's turn to go to the charity multiple times with Rush not mssing anymore opportunities after going 0/4 for the first three quarters. He was 5/6 in the final quarter.
Los Angeles leveled the scores with a Kwame Brown dunk with 6:17 left i n the game. Rush's free throw with 5:46 remaining put the team up 86-85 and then the Lakers never slowed down outscoring their opposition with a 12-1 spurt in the following 3 minutes.
The Hawks provided the STAPLES Center crowd with one highlight though which left a sour taste in the spectator's mouths. Al Harrington had a nice pass to a soaring Antoine Walker who converted the alley-oop and sent the STAPLES crowd into a booing frenzy.
Later, Ron Artest's reverse lay up then brang cheers from the full capcity crowd. This sparked an altercation between Harrington and Artest. The two taunted each other for the rest of the night with Artest clearly dominating his bigger opponent.
"I told Ron that he wasn't with the Pacers and he wasn't going to get many shots," Harrington told the press.
Artest responded, "Well I told Al to check out the scoreboard and my stat sheet."
NOTES:
The Lakers are on their way to an impressive 100% win/loss record for home games. They are clearly the NBA's most dominant home side this season... Juan Dixon felt the need for speed after stealing the ball at mid court and sprinting downcourt. In the process he lost his shoe and slipped out of the baseline... Current Record: 13-7 (8-0, 5-7)
BOXSCORE:
Last edited by Fresh8 on Sat May 28, 2005 8:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Fresh8 - The poster formerly known as Sit
- Posts: 14872
- Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2002 5:19 pm
by Fresh8 on Sat May 28, 2005 4:04 pm
February Recap
1 Mar, Los Angeles
To say the least, the Lakers went through a terrible month. Starting out at first place atop the Western Conference, the team's 2-3 month has sent them back to fourth place and second in the Pacific behind rivals; Sacramento.
Luck may have been an issue and inexperience was definitely a key to 2 of their 3 losses. Both games against Philadelphia and Orlando were two point losses. If the Lakers were luckier, theey could have gone 4-1 because Detroit the League Leaders were just too strong in their matchup.
Kwame Brown and rookie Fredrik Ratchuk once again stepped up their ball games this month with both men getting their due credit (See Below) and the team readjusting to news coming in after All-Star weekend that Kobe Bryant's injury would keep him out longer than first expected.
"We are waiting on our star plyer to return but we are confident our team can still win enough to keep us in the Top 4," Jerry Wwst stated.
The All-Star Weekend saw two players invited to participate. Kwame Brown and Fredrik Ratchuk were the Lakers representatives. Kobe Bryant denied an ivitation to participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Competition. Ratchuk scored 12 points in the Rookie-Sophomore Game while Kwame Brown made a brief stint in Vegas' first All-Star Game.
A highlight of the month was Kareem Rush's lay up with 0.7 seconds left to steal a 121-122 win over the visiting Indiana Pacers.
The Lakers finished the month with a thrashing of the Atlanta Hawks, only a few days after losing to the NBA's best team: the Detroit Pistons.
NBA Players of the Month
Cleveland's SG LeBron James was snubbed for the NBA All-Star Game and watched his rival Carmelo Anthony win the MVP. However, the young swingman made the most of his minutes at home to lead Cleveland to a 3-3 record as the team vies for a postseason appearance. The former High School player from Akron, Ohio averaged 21.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 6.8 apg and 2.0 spg over six games.
James entered the NBA with a questionable jumpshot but has improved it so much that he is using it as his bighgest weapon in crunchtime situations. He is so good that he won two of the three February games with spot up jumpshots. In a 101-100 victory over the Chicago Bulls which gave James sentimental value, James scored 27 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists including a jumper with 4.5 seconds left in the game. He scored a fadeaway over Minnesota's Kevin Garnett with 7.3 seconds left to win the game 96-94; the highlight of another splendid outing as he finsihed with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists. The Cavs also destroyed the Seattle Supersonics and James played only the first half. He finished on 18, 5, 5 and 4 steals in 19 minutes of game time.
All-Star Game debutant Kwame Brown seems to be averaging Shaquille O'neal-like numbers as he recorded 21.8 ppg, 14.4 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.2 bpg and 0.8 spg. The 6'11" player has a long way to go before he can claim that he is as dominant as the 7'1" monster in Miami however his ginat strides in California have all of his supporters syked. The most impressive stat though is his FG% which is at 63%.
Brown recorded double doubles in all five game sof this month. In a 121-122 win over the Indiana Pacers he recorded 22 and 16 while shooting a dominating 11 for 14 from the field. He put up 20 and 10 on 10 for 13 shooting in only 28 minutes of game time in the loss to the 76ers. He then harrased the Piston's interior defence with 24 and 14 on 11 for 18 shooting and finished the month with a 24, 16 and 4 assist effort verses the Atlanta Hawks.
GotMilk? Rookies of the Month
6'1" SG Cothran Tyson of Indiana College won his third Rookie of the Month and looks set to win the end of the season Rookie of the Year trophy. He led his team to a season best 3-1 month and averaged 15 ppg, 4 rpg, 6.8 apg and 2.5 spg. "Cothran's game has gotten more complete since the start of the year. His improvement has surprised many of us!" A Bobcats scout said.
Tyson was selected to play in the Rookie-Sophomore game and finished with 14 points and 5 rebounds. He led the Bobcats with 23 points in a 100-83 win over the New York Knicks. He then limited Allen Iverson to 13 points on 3-15 shooting despite having his fingers strapped after spraining them in training. The Bobcats won 81-97 and Tyson had a modest 13 point, 5 rebound, 9 assist production. Then in a 100-95 win over the Phoenix Suns, Tyson and Okafor showed their one two punch with Tyson finishing with 11 assists, 3 of them in the last minute to Okafor as the pair didn't allow the opponents to get close to scoring.
5'10" Fredrik Ratchuk has excelled in the absence of Lakers star Kobe Bryant. The Englishman averaged 8.2 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 7.4 apg and 2.6 spg as he and Kwame Brown helped the Lakers to a 2-3 month.
Ratchuk had 9 points, 10 assists and 4 steals in the game against the Indiana Pacers. He scored 12 points and stole the ball 4 times in the 2 point loss to the Philadelphia 76ers while he recorded 13 points, 10 assists and 4 steals against the Atlanta Hawks.
MVP Candidates (As of 1/2/06)
Rank. Position Name Team | PPG | RPG | APG | BPG | SPG |
1. PF Kevin Garnett, MIN | 25 | 12 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
2. C Shaquille O'neal, MIA | 25 | 15 | 2 | 2 | 0.8 |
3. SF Rahard Lewis, SEA | 22 | 9 | 2.5 | 1 | 1.5 |
4. PG Stephon Marbury, NY | 19 | 4 | 8 | 0.5 | 2 |
5. SG Ray Allen, SEA | 23 | 5 | 4 | 0.5 | 1.5 |
1 Mar, Los Angeles
To say the least, the Lakers went through a terrible month. Starting out at first place atop the Western Conference, the team's 2-3 month has sent them back to fourth place and second in the Pacific behind rivals; Sacramento.
Luck may have been an issue and inexperience was definitely a key to 2 of their 3 losses. Both games against Philadelphia and Orlando were two point losses. If the Lakers were luckier, theey could have gone 4-1 because Detroit the League Leaders were just too strong in their matchup.
Kwame Brown and rookie Fredrik Ratchuk once again stepped up their ball games this month with both men getting their due credit (See Below) and the team readjusting to news coming in after All-Star weekend that Kobe Bryant's injury would keep him out longer than first expected.
"We are waiting on our star plyer to return but we are confident our team can still win enough to keep us in the Top 4," Jerry Wwst stated.
The All-Star Weekend saw two players invited to participate. Kwame Brown and Fredrik Ratchuk were the Lakers representatives. Kobe Bryant denied an ivitation to participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Competition. Ratchuk scored 12 points in the Rookie-Sophomore Game while Kwame Brown made a brief stint in Vegas' first All-Star Game.
A highlight of the month was Kareem Rush's lay up with 0.7 seconds left to steal a 121-122 win over the visiting Indiana Pacers.
The Lakers finished the month with a thrashing of the Atlanta Hawks, only a few days after losing to the NBA's best team: the Detroit Pistons.
NBA Players of the Month
Cleveland's SG LeBron James was snubbed for the NBA All-Star Game and watched his rival Carmelo Anthony win the MVP. However, the young swingman made the most of his minutes at home to lead Cleveland to a 3-3 record as the team vies for a postseason appearance. The former High School player from Akron, Ohio averaged 21.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 6.8 apg and 2.0 spg over six games.
James entered the NBA with a questionable jumpshot but has improved it so much that he is using it as his bighgest weapon in crunchtime situations. He is so good that he won two of the three February games with spot up jumpshots. In a 101-100 victory over the Chicago Bulls which gave James sentimental value, James scored 27 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists including a jumper with 4.5 seconds left in the game. He scored a fadeaway over Minnesota's Kevin Garnett with 7.3 seconds left to win the game 96-94; the highlight of another splendid outing as he finsihed with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists. The Cavs also destroyed the Seattle Supersonics and James played only the first half. He finished on 18, 5, 5 and 4 steals in 19 minutes of game time.
All-Star Game debutant Kwame Brown seems to be averaging Shaquille O'neal-like numbers as he recorded 21.8 ppg, 14.4 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.2 bpg and 0.8 spg. The 6'11" player has a long way to go before he can claim that he is as dominant as the 7'1" monster in Miami however his ginat strides in California have all of his supporters syked. The most impressive stat though is his FG% which is at 63%.
Brown recorded double doubles in all five game sof this month. In a 121-122 win over the Indiana Pacers he recorded 22 and 16 while shooting a dominating 11 for 14 from the field. He put up 20 and 10 on 10 for 13 shooting in only 28 minutes of game time in the loss to the 76ers. He then harrased the Piston's interior defence with 24 and 14 on 11 for 18 shooting and finished the month with a 24, 16 and 4 assist effort verses the Atlanta Hawks.
GotMilk? Rookies of the Month
6'1" SG Cothran Tyson of Indiana College won his third Rookie of the Month and looks set to win the end of the season Rookie of the Year trophy. He led his team to a season best 3-1 month and averaged 15 ppg, 4 rpg, 6.8 apg and 2.5 spg. "Cothran's game has gotten more complete since the start of the year. His improvement has surprised many of us!" A Bobcats scout said.
Tyson was selected to play in the Rookie-Sophomore game and finished with 14 points and 5 rebounds. He led the Bobcats with 23 points in a 100-83 win over the New York Knicks. He then limited Allen Iverson to 13 points on 3-15 shooting despite having his fingers strapped after spraining them in training. The Bobcats won 81-97 and Tyson had a modest 13 point, 5 rebound, 9 assist production. Then in a 100-95 win over the Phoenix Suns, Tyson and Okafor showed their one two punch with Tyson finishing with 11 assists, 3 of them in the last minute to Okafor as the pair didn't allow the opponents to get close to scoring.
5'10" Fredrik Ratchuk has excelled in the absence of Lakers star Kobe Bryant. The Englishman averaged 8.2 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 7.4 apg and 2.6 spg as he and Kwame Brown helped the Lakers to a 2-3 month.
Ratchuk had 9 points, 10 assists and 4 steals in the game against the Indiana Pacers. He scored 12 points and stole the ball 4 times in the 2 point loss to the Philadelphia 76ers while he recorded 13 points, 10 assists and 4 steals against the Atlanta Hawks.
MVP Candidates (As of 1/2/06)
Rank. Position Name Team | PPG | RPG | APG | BPG | SPG |
1. PF Kevin Garnett, MIN | 25 | 12 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
2. C Shaquille O'neal, MIA | 25 | 15 | 2 | 2 | 0.8 |
3. SF Rahard Lewis, SEA | 22 | 9 | 2.5 | 1 | 1.5 |
4. PG Stephon Marbury, NY | 19 | 4 | 8 | 0.5 | 2 |
5. SG Ray Allen, SEA | 23 | 5 | 4 | 0.5 | 1.5 |
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Fresh8 - The poster formerly known as Sit
- Posts: 14872
- Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2002 5:19 pm
by Fresh8 on Sat May 28, 2005 9:11 pm
First Home Loss For Lakers Is Depressing
New Orleans Hornets 116 @ Los Angeles Lakers 114
Mar 3, Los Angeles - The Lakers aren't unbeatable at home after all. And what made matters worse is that they faltered against the 5-15 New Orleans Hornets amongst all team who have visited STAPLES. Despite one of Ron Artest's best games of the season, the Lakers failed when it mattered most.
Artest scored 28 points, 6 rebounds and dished out 8 assists. He scored 16 of his 28 in the fourth quarter and was unstoppable from the start till the middle of the final period however went ice cold in the final 2 minutes, when he missed a lay up and an easy dunk. "I can't believe we gave this one away. The hornets are not impressive at all!" Artest cursed at himself, clearly angered at the final scoreline.
The Lakers played very physically against the much smaller Hornets team as three of their players quickly were stuck in foul trouble in the second quarter. Kwame Brown, Kareem Rush and Fredrik Ratchuk all sat on the bench for significant minutes due to quickly picking up 3 personal fouls in the second period.
The Lakers had six players in double figures for the second straight game. The Hornets were close with five players scoring over the 10 point mark. Baron Davis lead his team with a game high 32 points but it was teammate Chris Duhon who helped win for his team. The former Duke PG finished with 21, 6 and 8.
Magic Johnson wasn't able to be retained for an interview after the game. Reporters were able to catch with Kobe Bryant for his first words about the lakers in close to two months. When asked about Magic he replied, "Coach is just irritated. The team hasn't been playing too well lately and he's finding it difficult to find an answer. I guess he needs to perservere."
Bryant also stated, "My injury seems to be healing so I could be back in a few weeks if I play a little bit and work my way back into the squad."
The game's end was exciting after the Hornets took a commanding 13 point lead with 7:28 left in the fourth quarter. Ron Artest then decided to step his game up, scoring 11 straight points. It started with a finger roll, then a layup on a fast break. He scored a three from the top left corner of the arc and then dunked the ball over Jammal Magloire. His two free throws completed his run.
"Ron Artest came onto this team without any intention of taking up a scorer's role and people thought he did it only because he's not a scorer," Assistant Coach Brian Shaw said, "Tonight he's shown everyone that he's not one dimensional. He can score at will."
The Lakers trailed the Hornets by 2 for the rest of the game until there was 1:56 left and the Hornets went up by 4. The Lakers scarmbled to try to minimise that lead but it seemed that they couldn't make anything drop. Kareem Rush and Ron Artest both missed open jumpers and Kwame Brown failed to gather in an easy rebound on the defensive end. Luckily for the lakers, Baron Davis was harrassed into two missed shots but luck wasn't on LA's side when Ratchuk missed an open layup with 1:13 left.
The breakthrough came when Ratchuk scored on his second drive attempt 10 seconds later and the margin was at 2. The score stayed the same for the rest of the game at 114-116. Artest missed a dunk attempt, Kwame Brown missed a hook shot and Chris Duhon missed two free throws which would have sealed the match with 3.7 seconds left. Fredrik Ratchuk's three pointer at the buzzer was nothing but air and it sealed the Lakers' fate. They dropped their first home game in nine home games.
Baron Davis was pleased with his side's victory, "What a game. Everyone on the team, espeically Chris played their hearts out!" The team captain lead his team out of the stadium was booing as loud as they could.
The Lakers had a harder time as they had to dodge debris from their fans. "It's ridiculous," Carlos Boozer said, "You can't throw things at us if you support us." Then he added, "Well, it is not as bad as Mormons coming after the game to advertise to you about their bibles."
NOTES:
Davis a UCLA Alumni and past-Los Angeles local was booed by the STAPLES crowd after hitting circus shot after circus shot in the game...SG Kobe Bryant was present in the arena. He sat on the Lakers bench... SG Kareem Rush seemed to have appeared to have rejected PJ Brown's layup attempt however no block was recorded for Rush... Current Record: 13-8 (8-1, 5-7)
BOXSCORE:
New Orleans Hornets 116 @ Los Angeles Lakers 114
Mar 3, Los Angeles - The Lakers aren't unbeatable at home after all. And what made matters worse is that they faltered against the 5-15 New Orleans Hornets amongst all team who have visited STAPLES. Despite one of Ron Artest's best games of the season, the Lakers failed when it mattered most.
Artest scored 28 points, 6 rebounds and dished out 8 assists. He scored 16 of his 28 in the fourth quarter and was unstoppable from the start till the middle of the final period however went ice cold in the final 2 minutes, when he missed a lay up and an easy dunk. "I can't believe we gave this one away. The hornets are not impressive at all!" Artest cursed at himself, clearly angered at the final scoreline.
The Lakers played very physically against the much smaller Hornets team as three of their players quickly were stuck in foul trouble in the second quarter. Kwame Brown, Kareem Rush and Fredrik Ratchuk all sat on the bench for significant minutes due to quickly picking up 3 personal fouls in the second period.
The Lakers had six players in double figures for the second straight game. The Hornets were close with five players scoring over the 10 point mark. Baron Davis lead his team with a game high 32 points but it was teammate Chris Duhon who helped win for his team. The former Duke PG finished with 21, 6 and 8.
Magic Johnson wasn't able to be retained for an interview after the game. Reporters were able to catch with Kobe Bryant for his first words about the lakers in close to two months. When asked about Magic he replied, "Coach is just irritated. The team hasn't been playing too well lately and he's finding it difficult to find an answer. I guess he needs to perservere."
Bryant also stated, "My injury seems to be healing so I could be back in a few weeks if I play a little bit and work my way back into the squad."
The game's end was exciting after the Hornets took a commanding 13 point lead with 7:28 left in the fourth quarter. Ron Artest then decided to step his game up, scoring 11 straight points. It started with a finger roll, then a layup on a fast break. He scored a three from the top left corner of the arc and then dunked the ball over Jammal Magloire. His two free throws completed his run.
"Ron Artest came onto this team without any intention of taking up a scorer's role and people thought he did it only because he's not a scorer," Assistant Coach Brian Shaw said, "Tonight he's shown everyone that he's not one dimensional. He can score at will."
The Lakers trailed the Hornets by 2 for the rest of the game until there was 1:56 left and the Hornets went up by 4. The Lakers scarmbled to try to minimise that lead but it seemed that they couldn't make anything drop. Kareem Rush and Ron Artest both missed open jumpers and Kwame Brown failed to gather in an easy rebound on the defensive end. Luckily for the lakers, Baron Davis was harrassed into two missed shots but luck wasn't on LA's side when Ratchuk missed an open layup with 1:13 left.
The breakthrough came when Ratchuk scored on his second drive attempt 10 seconds later and the margin was at 2. The score stayed the same for the rest of the game at 114-116. Artest missed a dunk attempt, Kwame Brown missed a hook shot and Chris Duhon missed two free throws which would have sealed the match with 3.7 seconds left. Fredrik Ratchuk's three pointer at the buzzer was nothing but air and it sealed the Lakers' fate. They dropped their first home game in nine home games.
Baron Davis was pleased with his side's victory, "What a game. Everyone on the team, espeically Chris played their hearts out!" The team captain lead his team out of the stadium was booing as loud as they could.
The Lakers had a harder time as they had to dodge debris from their fans. "It's ridiculous," Carlos Boozer said, "You can't throw things at us if you support us." Then he added, "Well, it is not as bad as Mormons coming after the game to advertise to you about their bibles."
NOTES:
Davis a UCLA Alumni and past-Los Angeles local was booed by the STAPLES crowd after hitting circus shot after circus shot in the game...SG Kobe Bryant was present in the arena. He sat on the Lakers bench... SG Kareem Rush seemed to have appeared to have rejected PJ Brown's layup attempt however no block was recorded for Rush... Current Record: 13-8 (8-1, 5-7)
BOXSCORE:
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Fresh8 - The poster formerly known as Sit
- Posts: 14872
- Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2002 5:19 pm
by -BHZMAFIA- on Sun May 29, 2005 1:19 pm
HAHHAA! now Artest is going to end up hurting some fan for what he did 
Poor guy, he misses a layup and dunk when it really mattered. Also, nice February recap and just a tough loss to the Hornets. Hope Artest bounce back in a good way
Poor guy, he misses a layup and dunk when it really mattered. Also, nice February recap and just a tough loss to the Hornets. Hope Artest bounce back in a good way 
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-BHZMAFIA- - Posts: 4608
- Joined: Sat Nov 22, 2003 9:49 am
- Location: Memphis
by Fresh8 on Sun May 29, 2005 7:03 pm
Dixon Sparks Team From Off Bench
Los Angeles Lakers 108 @ Milwaukee Bucks 84
Mar 5, Milwaukee - Ron Artest told Magic Johnson that he wouldn't fail his coach again at training after their loss to the New Orleans Hornets. He reiterated the message yesterday morning in an early shoot around. Artest was fuming after a 24 point win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Artest struggled from the field throughout the night but still finished on a clip of 15, 8, 3 and 2 steals. The small forward simply wasn't satisfied with his performance and left the area as soon as he could get away form the game. Artest was visibly fuming over his inability to score but was kept in the game by coach Johnson in hope that he would light up the scoreboard in the meaningless fourth quarter.
"Ron (Artest) is an angry child," Lakers' center Kwame Brown said, "He's always in a mean mood."
If anyone could have been angry it should have been Michael Redd. The Bucks' SG was on fire only misfiring on 5 shots out of 20 attempts. The hotshot guard finished with 33 points in 38 minutes of game time. Unfortunately, the Lakers played their best defence last night to deny any other Bucks to score.
"Our game plan was to let Redd shoot all he wanted. If we took his options away then the Bucks wouldn't survive," Assistant Coach Michael Cooper exclaimed as the strategy proved to work well, "We will try it with (Kevin) Garnett and the Wolves in two nights!"
TJ Ford was the second best Bucks player as he chipped in 15 points. The PG struggled from the field as he only shot 5 for 20 from the field.
Juan Dixon was the hero for the Lakers. When Ron Artest, Kwame Brown and Kareem Rush all pick up their second fouls, they were stuck back onto the Lakers bench with 8:12 left in the first quarter. Juan Dixon was called to the game and played the SG position, his natural position. Dixon worked wonders as his 16 first half points helped LA take the lead. And when it looked like a one man show, Dixon involved his teammates by recording 8 third quarter assists.
Juan finished with 20 points and 14 assists. Brian Grant also came off the pine to contribute as he ended the match with a double double of 10 and 10. Kwame Brown (26), Fredrik Ratchuk (15), Artest (15) and Carlos Boozer (14) were the other four of the Lakers' six double figure scorers.
"I would call it a team effort from the Lakers tonight," Bucks SF Keith Van Horn said after the game, "Los Angeles haven't played at their full capacity." TNT's Kenny Smith agreed, "The LA Lakers played their best basketball so far this season. They absolutedly dominated on both ends of the floor."
The Lakers dominated in the second quarter, as Juan Dixon wowed the crowd with his reverse layups and fast passes. After the half finished, the Lakers strolled to the victory.
Magic Johnson was able to play every player on his rotation; something that hasn't occured in a long time. "It was good tongiht," Johnson stated, "We actually had garbage time!'
NOTES:
SF Ron Artest took a private charter out of Milwaukee and flew straight to Minnesota... SF Chuck Terrell, the NBA 2nd overall draft pick played limited minutes and has been buried in the Bucks' rotation for a long time... The Minnesota Timberwolves are in fourth place in the Western Conference... Current Record: 14-8 (8-1, 6-7)
BOXSCORE:
Los Angeles Lakers 108 @ Milwaukee Bucks 84
Mar 5, Milwaukee - Ron Artest told Magic Johnson that he wouldn't fail his coach again at training after their loss to the New Orleans Hornets. He reiterated the message yesterday morning in an early shoot around. Artest was fuming after a 24 point win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Artest struggled from the field throughout the night but still finished on a clip of 15, 8, 3 and 2 steals. The small forward simply wasn't satisfied with his performance and left the area as soon as he could get away form the game. Artest was visibly fuming over his inability to score but was kept in the game by coach Johnson in hope that he would light up the scoreboard in the meaningless fourth quarter.
"Ron (Artest) is an angry child," Lakers' center Kwame Brown said, "He's always in a mean mood."
If anyone could have been angry it should have been Michael Redd. The Bucks' SG was on fire only misfiring on 5 shots out of 20 attempts. The hotshot guard finished with 33 points in 38 minutes of game time. Unfortunately, the Lakers played their best defence last night to deny any other Bucks to score.
"Our game plan was to let Redd shoot all he wanted. If we took his options away then the Bucks wouldn't survive," Assistant Coach Michael Cooper exclaimed as the strategy proved to work well, "We will try it with (Kevin) Garnett and the Wolves in two nights!"
TJ Ford was the second best Bucks player as he chipped in 15 points. The PG struggled from the field as he only shot 5 for 20 from the field.
Juan Dixon was the hero for the Lakers. When Ron Artest, Kwame Brown and Kareem Rush all pick up their second fouls, they were stuck back onto the Lakers bench with 8:12 left in the first quarter. Juan Dixon was called to the game and played the SG position, his natural position. Dixon worked wonders as his 16 first half points helped LA take the lead. And when it looked like a one man show, Dixon involved his teammates by recording 8 third quarter assists.
Juan finished with 20 points and 14 assists. Brian Grant also came off the pine to contribute as he ended the match with a double double of 10 and 10. Kwame Brown (26), Fredrik Ratchuk (15), Artest (15) and Carlos Boozer (14) were the other four of the Lakers' six double figure scorers.
"I would call it a team effort from the Lakers tonight," Bucks SF Keith Van Horn said after the game, "Los Angeles haven't played at their full capacity." TNT's Kenny Smith agreed, "The LA Lakers played their best basketball so far this season. They absolutedly dominated on both ends of the floor."
The Lakers dominated in the second quarter, as Juan Dixon wowed the crowd with his reverse layups and fast passes. After the half finished, the Lakers strolled to the victory.
Magic Johnson was able to play every player on his rotation; something that hasn't occured in a long time. "It was good tongiht," Johnson stated, "We actually had garbage time!'
NOTES:
SF Ron Artest took a private charter out of Milwaukee and flew straight to Minnesota... SF Chuck Terrell, the NBA 2nd overall draft pick played limited minutes and has been buried in the Bucks' rotation for a long time... The Minnesota Timberwolves are in fourth place in the Western Conference... Current Record: 14-8 (8-1, 6-7)
BOXSCORE:
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Fresh8 - The poster formerly known as Sit
- Posts: 14872
- Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2002 5:19 pm
Lakers Trades
by pistons_rock on Sun May 29, 2005 10:53 pm
Dude, if you are not going to pass the balll to Kobe alot, thentrade him away to get someone useful. A good trade for Kobe is with Charlotte-
Kobe Bryant
Caron Butler
Luke Walton
for
Gerald Wallace
Emeka Okafor
and person of your choice
Your team will do soooooo much better without Kobe
Good Luck
Kobe Bryant
Caron Butler
Luke Walton
for
Gerald Wallace
Emeka Okafor
and person of your choice
Your team will do soooooo much better without Kobe
Good Luck
New York Knights Dynasty - New York's Basketball Saviors
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pistons_rock - Posts: 226
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- Location: Ballertown, USA
by Heiks on Mon May 30, 2005 6:18 am
everything is running pretty good despite the fact that kobe is injured,
the rest of the team has really stepped up and that's all good,
i guess that laker fans should get ready for the playoffs...
the rest of the team has really stepped up and that's all good,
i guess that laker fans should get ready for the playoffs...
Give respect, get respect.
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Heiks - Posts: 1315
- Joined: Thu Dec 26, 2002 7:59 pm
- Location: Tallinn, Estonia
by Micchy_boy on Mon May 30, 2005 6:49 am
looks like your doing well even without Kobe....
abut the loss in NO, i think you play easy on them... but nice way to come back by a big blowout win against the Bucks....
abut the loss in NO, i think you play easy on them... but nice way to come back by a big blowout win against the Bucks....
Micchy's Lakers Dynasty l 2nd Season w/ NLSC BALLERS l
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Micchy_boy - Posts: 1975
- Joined: Fri Jan 16, 2004 1:47 am
by Fresh8 on Thu Jun 02, 2005 11:01 pm
Lakers Survive Double Overtime Thriller
Los Angeles Lakers 125 @ Minnesota Timberwolves 123
Mar 8, Minnesota - The Target Center had its third highest attendence this season and the fans got their money's worth, even if it meant that the home team lost in a nail biting finish. The Lakers and Timberwovles duelled in an epic battle led by their two big men, that boiled down to the final second.
Kwame Brown led his team with career highs of 47 points and 27 rebounds. Fredrick Ratchuk was impressive with 29 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals and a career high 49 minutes. Carlos Boozer finished with 11 points, 23 rebounds and 7 assists.
The Wolves' Kevin Garnett, the leading MVP candidate this season countered Brown's attack with 24 ponits, 28 rebounds and 5 blocks. He led 5 players in double figures with 3 others scoring at least 20 points.
The Lakers' Kobe Bryant was courtside with coach Magic Johnson screaming at his teammates for the whole game. "That was simply awesome," Bryant said after the first overtime period expired, "I just wish I could be playing."
The Wolves who haven't met Bryant on court since April last year due to his injury in the playoffs last year and the ankle injury which has him out for another month. They didn't miss him. Sam Cassell confirmed it, "If (Kobe) Bryant was there with his team, I'm not sure if we could have stopped them."
Once Kwame Brown stepped onto the court, it seemed that it was his career night after he scored 21 points in the first quarter. His hot hand cooled down quickly as he missed 10 conscutive shots in the second quarter. "I thought that I was on fire," Kwame said.
The Lakers played a horrible second period to drop back behind the home side before both teams decided to step it up on the defensive end. Kareem Rush struggled against the Wolves' defense while Ron Artest was flash in stopping Wally Szczerbiak from scoring.
"Artest played great on defence," Brian Shaw stated after the hard fought win.
"This was basketball at the most elite level," Kevin Mchale praised the two teams, "The game started as garbage but the defence made it more exciting at the end of the match."
Brown and Rush shot poorly from the charity stripe for the whole second game with the bulk of their shots coming in the second half of the game. Their failure to captalise on the free shots made the game endure on for two more extra sessions.
By the thrid quarter, Minnesota led 71-63 and although they were winning, coach Flip Saunders gave a pep talk not to be forgotten for the rest of this season at least. Garnett gave some inside information into what his coach said, "He told us that if we didn't do well, we would be off the team."
Ths talk seemed to have a great effect after the intermission as the Wolves allowed LA to come back and hit some shots to start trailing by only two baskets. However, with 4:53 to spare, the Wolves were up by 16. At the time, it looked as if the Lakers had lost. Even Michael Cooper thought so, "The team was losing to the better team. I thought we were gone."
Three minutes later, courtesy of Juan Dixon's three steals; that led to fast break points, and Kyle Korver's back to back treys, Cooper had a different opinion, "We have a chance."
Minnesota's Kevin Garnett caught the ball on the baseline with 12.4 seconds remaining and then on the drop step, dunked on Carlos Boozer with ease. It put the Wolves up 91-87. "I thought we had won after that basket, boy was I wrong," Garnett told the press.
The Lakers called a timout and then put the ball in the hands of Juan Dixon on the left sideline. Dixon called for a screen and Brown set one on Cassell's right hand side. Juan blew past Sam Cassell's left and drove hard to the rack to convert the layup he missed half a minute prior. Then a miracle fell right into the hands of the Lakers when Cassell slipped and Ratchuk intercepted the inbounds pass to pass to an open Kwame Brown for the dunk with 1.7 seconds left.
"After that first quarter, then goign cold like a potato. Boy- was I syked after sending the game to OT!" Kwame said.
The first overtime period was fast paced as both teams scored 18 ponits. Minnesota had the upper hand as Cassell and Garnett scored early buckets and wtahced as Los Angeles took a 6 point disadvantage for the first 3:45 of the 5 minute extra period. Then the Lakers somehow found another way to weave their way back into the game despite Ron Artest's ejection. With 1:21 left, Kwame Brown forced Garnett into a missed basket, he grabbed the rebound then launched it to rookie Ratchuk who sank the three pointer. When the Wolves went back down the court, Garnett missed another short jumper and Sprewell misfired on his own J. Boozer this time scooped up the rebound and passed it down to Kareem Rush. Rush missed the wide open three pointer with 36.2 seconds left.
"The Lakers looked like they were dead," Saunders said, "Until we missed two free throws." Cassell missed both his free throws and the Lakers had a chance to tie the game up. With 14.9 seconds left, Kyle Korver passed the ball in but unfortunately it was crooked and sailed out at half court. Brown showed his frustration and shoved his teammate. Play was stopped for a minute as the teams tried to recompose themselves.
When play resumed, Ratchuk gave Lakers fans something to cheer about finally. The tiny PG shot out of nowhere to knock the ball out of Troy Hudson's hands and sprinted downcourt to launch the three pointer which would send the game into double overtime.
"What a shot! What a shot!" The Wolves play by play commentator had screamed into his mic, "Freddy saves the day!"
The Wolves were struck with awe as they watched the purple and gold celebrate their lucky break. And the Lake Show had its turn to go up by 11 in the second overtime before Minnesota made its own final effort to come back and fell short. A Ratchuk three point dagger with 4:12 left, sent the Target Center crowd silent and by the 2:54 mark, the Wolves were down by 11.
Then Eddie Griffen showed the Lakers how tough he was as he helped the Wolves go on an 8-0 run to catch up to their opponents. "We weren't going to give up," Griffen said.
However, time ran out for the Wolves who sent Rush to miss four free throws and closing the game to a deadly 124-123 scoreline. Ratchuk scored the winning last shot of the game, his second free throw iced it with 7.3 seconds left on the game clock.
"This has got to be one of the most exciting games this season," Kevin Garnett said, after a tiring and frustrating game.
NOTES:
The Lakers knocked the Wolves from fourth in the Western Conference down to sixth while they rose from fifth into fourth and home court advantage... The Lakers' away games record is back at .500... SG Kobe Bryant may make a return in exactly one month;s time aginst either the Cleveland Caviliers or the Denver Nuggets... Current Record: 15-8 (8-1, 7-7)
BOXSCORE:
Los Angeles Lakers 125 @ Minnesota Timberwolves 123
Mar 8, Minnesota - The Target Center had its third highest attendence this season and the fans got their money's worth, even if it meant that the home team lost in a nail biting finish. The Lakers and Timberwovles duelled in an epic battle led by their two big men, that boiled down to the final second.
Kwame Brown led his team with career highs of 47 points and 27 rebounds. Fredrick Ratchuk was impressive with 29 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals and a career high 49 minutes. Carlos Boozer finished with 11 points, 23 rebounds and 7 assists.
The Wolves' Kevin Garnett, the leading MVP candidate this season countered Brown's attack with 24 ponits, 28 rebounds and 5 blocks. He led 5 players in double figures with 3 others scoring at least 20 points.
The Lakers' Kobe Bryant was courtside with coach Magic Johnson screaming at his teammates for the whole game. "That was simply awesome," Bryant said after the first overtime period expired, "I just wish I could be playing."
The Wolves who haven't met Bryant on court since April last year due to his injury in the playoffs last year and the ankle injury which has him out for another month. They didn't miss him. Sam Cassell confirmed it, "If (Kobe) Bryant was there with his team, I'm not sure if we could have stopped them."
Once Kwame Brown stepped onto the court, it seemed that it was his career night after he scored 21 points in the first quarter. His hot hand cooled down quickly as he missed 10 conscutive shots in the second quarter. "I thought that I was on fire," Kwame said.
The Lakers played a horrible second period to drop back behind the home side before both teams decided to step it up on the defensive end. Kareem Rush struggled against the Wolves' defense while Ron Artest was flash in stopping Wally Szczerbiak from scoring.
"Artest played great on defence," Brian Shaw stated after the hard fought win.
"This was basketball at the most elite level," Kevin Mchale praised the two teams, "The game started as garbage but the defence made it more exciting at the end of the match."
Brown and Rush shot poorly from the charity stripe for the whole second game with the bulk of their shots coming in the second half of the game. Their failure to captalise on the free shots made the game endure on for two more extra sessions.
By the thrid quarter, Minnesota led 71-63 and although they were winning, coach Flip Saunders gave a pep talk not to be forgotten for the rest of this season at least. Garnett gave some inside information into what his coach said, "He told us that if we didn't do well, we would be off the team."
Ths talk seemed to have a great effect after the intermission as the Wolves allowed LA to come back and hit some shots to start trailing by only two baskets. However, with 4:53 to spare, the Wolves were up by 16. At the time, it looked as if the Lakers had lost. Even Michael Cooper thought so, "The team was losing to the better team. I thought we were gone."
Three minutes later, courtesy of Juan Dixon's three steals; that led to fast break points, and Kyle Korver's back to back treys, Cooper had a different opinion, "We have a chance."
Minnesota's Kevin Garnett caught the ball on the baseline with 12.4 seconds remaining and then on the drop step, dunked on Carlos Boozer with ease. It put the Wolves up 91-87. "I thought we had won after that basket, boy was I wrong," Garnett told the press.
The Lakers called a timout and then put the ball in the hands of Juan Dixon on the left sideline. Dixon called for a screen and Brown set one on Cassell's right hand side. Juan blew past Sam Cassell's left and drove hard to the rack to convert the layup he missed half a minute prior. Then a miracle fell right into the hands of the Lakers when Cassell slipped and Ratchuk intercepted the inbounds pass to pass to an open Kwame Brown for the dunk with 1.7 seconds left.
"After that first quarter, then goign cold like a potato. Boy- was I syked after sending the game to OT!" Kwame said.
The first overtime period was fast paced as both teams scored 18 ponits. Minnesota had the upper hand as Cassell and Garnett scored early buckets and wtahced as Los Angeles took a 6 point disadvantage for the first 3:45 of the 5 minute extra period. Then the Lakers somehow found another way to weave their way back into the game despite Ron Artest's ejection. With 1:21 left, Kwame Brown forced Garnett into a missed basket, he grabbed the rebound then launched it to rookie Ratchuk who sank the three pointer. When the Wolves went back down the court, Garnett missed another short jumper and Sprewell misfired on his own J. Boozer this time scooped up the rebound and passed it down to Kareem Rush. Rush missed the wide open three pointer with 36.2 seconds left.
"The Lakers looked like they were dead," Saunders said, "Until we missed two free throws." Cassell missed both his free throws and the Lakers had a chance to tie the game up. With 14.9 seconds left, Kyle Korver passed the ball in but unfortunately it was crooked and sailed out at half court. Brown showed his frustration and shoved his teammate. Play was stopped for a minute as the teams tried to recompose themselves.
When play resumed, Ratchuk gave Lakers fans something to cheer about finally. The tiny PG shot out of nowhere to knock the ball out of Troy Hudson's hands and sprinted downcourt to launch the three pointer which would send the game into double overtime.
"What a shot! What a shot!" The Wolves play by play commentator had screamed into his mic, "Freddy saves the day!"
The Wolves were struck with awe as they watched the purple and gold celebrate their lucky break. And the Lake Show had its turn to go up by 11 in the second overtime before Minnesota made its own final effort to come back and fell short. A Ratchuk three point dagger with 4:12 left, sent the Target Center crowd silent and by the 2:54 mark, the Wolves were down by 11.
Then Eddie Griffen showed the Lakers how tough he was as he helped the Wolves go on an 8-0 run to catch up to their opponents. "We weren't going to give up," Griffen said.
However, time ran out for the Wolves who sent Rush to miss four free throws and closing the game to a deadly 124-123 scoreline. Ratchuk scored the winning last shot of the game, his second free throw iced it with 7.3 seconds left on the game clock.
"This has got to be one of the most exciting games this season," Kevin Garnett said, after a tiring and frustrating game.
NOTES:
The Lakers knocked the Wolves from fourth in the Western Conference down to sixth while they rose from fifth into fourth and home court advantage... The Lakers' away games record is back at .500... SG Kobe Bryant may make a return in exactly one month;s time aginst either the Cleveland Caviliers or the Denver Nuggets... Current Record: 15-8 (8-1, 7-7)
BOXSCORE:
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Fresh8 - The poster formerly known as Sit
- Posts: 14872
- Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2002 5:19 pm
by Micchy_boy on Fri Jun 03, 2005 8:27 am
Artest struggles shooting the ball and Grant never attempted a shot, luckily you pull this one... thanks to Brown
Nice 2OT win
Nice 2OT win
Micchy's Lakers Dynasty l 2nd Season w/ NLSC BALLERS l
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Micchy_boy - Posts: 1975
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