Lakers vs. Minnesota

[.]

ESPN announced that he will make it before tipoff, so the Wolves are history just like any other team that faced the Lakers when Bryant went to Colorado before the game

[EGarrett]

The game started at 04:00 in the morning over here, so I had to stay awake the whole time to watch it, but I fell asleep

Why don't you just go to sleep at 9PM the night before...then you'll be up in time to watch the game...

[.]

Im a night person, even if I havent slept 2 days straight, you wont see me go to bed earlier then 12:00, usually I go to sleep at about 1:30.

[Jackal]

Just to add to what Seb already said:

As said, the game started at 4. I managed to sleep from 6 pm till 11 pm. I hadnt slept for a while because of this basketball assignment I had, some kind of report. Anyways, I got some shut eye, and was online till around 4, Holland + Curacao have a time difference of 6 hours, so when I'm supposed to be sleeping, everyone I know is online, so I improvise, I stay awake till 3 every night, get up at 6 orso, and make up for lost sleep in classes. Yay.

Anywho, I managed to stay awake (because I slept Seb! ). Well, for the first 5-6 minutes of game play there was no commentry, it was spooky. After that the American Commentators came back and somehow the game become a bit more enjoyable. They started off the game by going to Shaq, they kept doubling and the player that benifitted was Payton, he got a couple of open three's and he knocked them down. After those few made shots, he was feeling it..so he created a few more shots for himself, et voila 16 points for Payton. Good game for him.

Shaq was horrible from the free throw line, but what else is new? He did a nice job of crashing the boards, he snatched alot of balls away.

It would be pretty scary to see Shaq make 75-80% of his free-throws.

Malone did a good job on Garnett, looking at the stat sheet you would say Garnett played well, he did indeed play well, but he didnt play great. That was because of Malone's constant leaning on him, it's bound to tire out someone like Garnett. I am really getting annoyed at Malone not shooting wide open shots, it's absurd. Damn it, shoot man! Even Kobe pulled him aside at one point and was like, hellow, shoot for crying out loud.

Everyone (commentators) was complaining about Kobe not getting shots, I liked how Payton put it, everything was flowing, so it's not that big of a deal Kobe wasn't shooting the lights out. When needed, Bryant can get his own shots. He doesn't need to wait for him to get an open look so that he can shoot, he's no charity case, Bryant is a superstar, he has the abilities to create for himself (and others) whenever he feels the need to. Quit whining about him not shooting as much, it was all good.

George, welcome to the Western Conference Finals, how was your vacation?
No, seriously, nice game by George, hopefully this will continue in the following games.

The Lakers' perimeter defence isn't as tight as I would like it to be. They are capable of playing tighter defence. They are collapsing to the paint a bit too much...sure help out in the paint, just get back when the ball goes out, don't stand around watching, this happened often...which in turn resulted in a long range made shot by the Wolves.

Ehehe, I slept from 6.30 a.m. till 9 a.m., when I get to school I find out my first class is at 1.15 p.m. till 2.00 p.m., I was furious, I could've had precious sleep.

Oh, I think the series will go to six games, let's keep it interesting, eh?

[GloveGuy]

Everyone (commentators) was complaining about Kobe not getting shots, I liked how Payton put it, everything was flowing, so it's not that big of a deal Kobe wasn't shooting the lights out. When needed, Bryant can get his own shots. He doesn't need to wait for him to get an open look so that he can shoot, he's no charity case, Bryant is a superstar, he has the abilities to create for himself (and others) whenever he feels the need to. Quit whining about him not shooting as much, it was all good.

I agree. I mean, who really cares how many shots Kobe is taking? Unlike the Sacramento game, they were winning this time.

The commentators failed to see that this was the reason the Lakers picked up two future hall of famers. Had it just been Shaq and Kobe, it would be pretty weird for Kobe to only shoot 2 shots in the first half.

I actually commend Kobe for not reigning in on GP's run. He realized that Payton was hot so he didn't get in the way, which sometimes I think he does. But not this game.

I'm proud of Kobe for realizing that there were four other players on the court with him. He played within the game instead of making the game come to him.

[Jackal]

I'm proud of Kobe for realizing that there were four other players on the court with him. He played within the game instead of making the game come to him.

I didn't want to say it, I thought I would be the only one out here actually proud of Kobe not "turning it on".

I'm glad someone besides me feels the same way though.

[Drex]

Jus adding some funny things (IMO) to what everybody has said:
-Nice crossover by Kobe on Spree, he looked like a gymnast.
-Martin tried to steal the ball when Shaq was making a spin-move, and he fell to the floor, hahaha, I couldn't stop laughing .
-Madsen knows how to guard Shaq. Just stay down and wait for him to turn, and receive an elbow to the nose . Offensive foul !

[Fresh8]

I wonder if Kobe will do good after being in court tomorrow...

[Steve04]

I'm proud of Kobe for realizing that there were four other players on the court with him. He played within the game instead of making the game come to him.

I didn't want to say it, I thought I would be the only one out here actually proud of Kobe not "turning it on".

I'm glad someone besides me feels the same way though.

Am I the only one who noticed Kobe just seemed out of sorts the whole game? He didn't seem into it as much. Plus I think he tweaked his ankle early. But you're right, he didn't force his shots and allowed his teammates to get into the game.

[.]

I'm proud of Kobe for realizing that there were four other players on the court with him. He played within the game instead of making the game come to him.

I didn't want to say it, I thought I would be the only one out here actually proud of Kobe not "turning it on".

I'm glad someone besides me feels the same way though.

Am I the only one who noticed Kobe just seemed out of sorts the whole game? He didn't seem into it as much. Plus I think he tweaked his ankle early. But you're right, he didn't force his shots and allowed his teammates to get into the game.

Yeah he sprained his ankle abit, but doubtfull that bad to stop shooting. And I agree that Kobe looked a little like he wasnt in to the game, when he got the ball, he didnt atleast try to create for his shots (making a few dribbles inside like he always does, or some bodyfakes/crossovers), instead he just got the ball and passed it out, which is good if your teammates are playing very well and making their shots, but I hope this wont happen again next game, if the role players are missing their shots, I hope he steps up when he is needed to step up

[guillus2670]

Im sure he will step up when needed too.
The thing is we have to think about what he's been going through this year and for this season i didn't expect him to be this good.
Maybe in this game it had nothing to do with it but its probably hard to concentrate only on the game and basketball with all this sh..(he maybe deserves )

[Micchy_boy]

Sorry to tell this but the series is over. i dont think lakers will lose 3 straight game and with the wolves playing like this (plus with cassell condition) i dont think they can win 3 straight game. it may end in Game 6 at Staples but if they can do it in Minny the better.

Kobe playing the same game when coming from colorado which was great dominating game.
Malone have all-around game with 2 less assist for triple double. and the great defense on KG.
Shaq dominating as usual esp. on defensive side.
George and GP disappear again but he got a lift from the Fish.

So for all Wolves fans this one for all of you.....

Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na
He He Hey
GOODBYE

[Amphatoast]

looks like Lakers vs. Pistons
Shaq won't have a easy time, Kobe will have to play like a finals MVP for them to win the championship vs the pistons ( i know its early still but i have that strange feeling the way the pacers have been shooting the ball in this and the miami series)

[Fresh8]

I was just wondering... wat would people be going through the minds of KG, Saunders, Jax, Shaq,Malone,Payton during Game 4... particularly about Kobe....

Would KG be thinking about getting the ball more... Shaq thinking about hamburgers...Jax thinking about killing Kobe before Kobe helps fire him....GP thinking about going with Rodman after the game to a strip club

Wat do u think they would be thinking about?

[Hannibal]

Malone have all-around game with 2 less assist for triple double. and the great defense on KG.

You call KG's 28 pts., 13 rebs., 9 assists a great defensive game by Malone on KG?

[Jackal]

Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na
He He Hey
GOODBYE

Well, me and Seb followed the game via the same biased K-Jewel radio station, it was pretty fun, although his announcers were always faster then mine. I cannot comment on how the game was etc, because I didnt really watch it, just heard commentry.

From what stood out and as Sebastian pointed out, Rick Fox seems to be getting his lost groove back. Fisher played a good game. Slava missed a few shots, Malone just wouldnt dunk and made mistakes, Payton didnt score much but helped with ball movement, Kobe was Kobe after he came from court, great. Shaq actually had a decent free-throw percentage and a very nice fieldgoal percentage, 60% if I'm not mistaken. Oh, 19 boards too, not bad for the old geeser.

One thing I noticed, LA had four technicals called on them, one apparently because Phil Jackson was out on the court, thus not behind the sidelines. Anyone who has taped game three, watch what Flip Saunders does all game long, he's just out on the court actually talking to guys like Kobe etc whilst the ball is moving around on the other side of the court, hello..what's wrong here?

I'm sure I will be lambasted for whining about calls, but four techs? I think they were a little too harsh on that. Normal calls were pretty even, if Shaq got away with what looked like his third foul, KG got away with a charge on Malone, normal calls were pretty balanced, but the ref's were too quick on the Tech's.

Overall, good game. Spree's shooting was dismal, I think the Wolves will take the next game, if they don't I'll be happy, if they do, I wont worry, game six will belong to LA if it ever gets that far.

[Micchy_boy]

Malone have all-around game with 2 less assist for triple double. and the great defense on KG.

You call KG's 28 pts., 13 rebs., 9 assists a great defensive game by Malone on KG?

one person whose just look at the boxscore. i hope you watched the game coz if you just watched you see that every point, rebound and even assist were hard earned. malone may not stopped the MVp for scoring or doing his number but at least malone gave him the hard time to do it all thus using more energy from KG. and even KG get a another assist to have triple double, it doesnt have an impact to the game coz not having a good number means great game. i hope you get my point in saying malone did a good not great job on KG.

[.]

Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na
He He Hey
GOODBYE

Well, me and Seb followed the game via the same biased K-Jewel radio station, it was pretty fun, although his announcers were always faster then mine. I cannot comment on how the game was etc, because I didnt really watch it, just heard commentry.

From what stood out and as Sebastian pointed out, Rick Fox seems to be getting his lost groove back. Fisher played a good game. Slava missed a few shots, Malone just wouldnt dunk and made mistakes, Payton didnt score much but helped with ball movement, Kobe was Kobe after he came from court, great. Shaq actually had a decent free-throw percentage and a very nice fieldgoal percentage, 60% if I'm not mistaken. Oh, 19 boards too, not bad for the old geeser.

One thing I noticed, LA had four technicals called on them, one apparently because Phil Jackson was out on the court, thus not behind the sidelines. Anyone who has taped game three, watch what Flip Saunders does all game long, he's just out on the court actually talking to guys like Kobe etc whilst the ball is moving around on the other side of the court, hello..what's wrong here?

I'm sure I will be lambasted for whining about calls, but four techs? I think they were a little too harsh on that. Normal calls were pretty even, if Shaq got away with what looked like his third foul, KG got away with a charge on Malone, normal calls were pretty balanced, but the ref's were too quick on the Tech's.

Overall, good game. Spree's shooting was dismal, I think the Wolves will take the next game, if they don't I'll be happy, if they do, I wont worry, game six will belong to LA if it ever gets that far.

Well, it was fun lol....untill my bitch (internet) started cheating on me

And Malone did made a dunk later didnt he?

Edit: I noticed that the Lakers are 20-2 this entire season+playoffs when Shaq grabs 15 or more rebounds, obviously this is a huge key for the Lakers succes

[matmat8]

This series is over
No way minny is going to come back.
I expect it to end in LA in game 6.
I look forward to seeing LA-DET in the finals too but i don't really see how the lakers can loose this year

[.]

This series is over
No way minny is going to come back.
I expect it to end in LA in game 6.
I look forward to seeing LA-DET in the finals too but i don't really see how the lakers can loose this year

Well, I wouldnt get to happy....I also believe this series is over and that the Lakers are going to the NBA Finals, but I would count the Timberwolvs out when the Lakers have reached victory #4, the Lakers were also behind 0-2 against the champion San Antonio SPurs and I bet their fans thought this was over, well...the Lakers proved them wrong by winning the next 4 and the same thing may happen with the Timberwolves.

Also, the Pistons and Pacers might give them a hard time aswell, I think both these teams are better at this moment then the New Jersey Nets were back in 2002.

[Steve04]

First off, I love Kevin Garnette alright? He's one of the more versatile and talented players to ever come along in the NBA. Nobody can stop him when he's on top of his game. But he's not the greatest, he never will be. Notice I said nobody can stop him. The only factor that prevents KG from being the greatest player of all time or in the elite is KG himself. Now don't get me wrong, I'm a Laker fan and I'm happy the Lakers are advancing(When the Wolves win 3 straight call me back so I can eat crow) but Kevin Garnette just continually frustrates me. You know why? Because I know that nobody can freakin' stop him from scoring if he wants to, but he just doesn't seem to want to. I realise it's all nice and dandy to get your teammates involved and play unselfishly. But Kevin Garnette, this is YOUR team. Your team is depleted. Players are injured. Your team is shorthanded. The T'Wolves are down 3-1 because Kevin Garnette doesn't realize he can take Karl Malone any freakin' time he wants to. The T Wolves didn't finish out Sacremento sooner because they didn't realise that Garnette could score at will on Webber. I'm sorry, but this facet of Garnette just frustrates me. This series should be more competetive. It's a shame to see all that talent that Garnette has and yet he never takes over a game. His 28 Points, 13 Rebounds, and 9 Assists are nice. But sometimes as a great player you need to step it up a little. Garnette scores like that quietly, and that's alright but sometimes a little more is needed. The T'Wolves will never win an NBA Title until Garnette realizes that nobody in the league can stop him, and that the only thing stopping him is himself. Where is the aggression? I know he's tired, I know he's getting doubled, tripled, heck even sometimes quad teamed, But as soon as you pass that ball and there hasn't been a shot taken you DEMAND for the ball back and you keep working at it over and over until you break your opponents hearts. That's the kind of tenacity I don't really see in Garnette. Maybe next year...

Sorry, I just had to rant..My frustration in this series is that it's not as competetive as it should be. I mean really, even if you're going to lose, lose with the ball in the hands of your best player. Sigh. And I'm a Lakers fan. I just see so much potential in Garnette that I don't think he himself even realizes.

[Jackal]

That, and that only is the difference between Kevin Garnett & Tim Duncan, Duncan knows when it's Duncan time. He knows when he has to score, he knows when he has to take over, Garnett just doesnt know how,...yet.

[.]

I still think Duncan is a better player then Garnett is, what Duncan can and what Garnett cant to is score leaning towards the basket, while most of not all the fieldgoals from KG are fallaway shots or layups, while Duncan uses his strenght and footwork to make his shots. If Garnett would gain some weight, becoming a 260 player or something, then I believe he would be more all around then Duncan is and become the better player, the talent is there...the body isnt

[Drex]

To all those comments about KG, I agree. He's too unselfish, and not aggresive. When he tries to be aggresive, he doesn't get the calls 'cause:
1. He doesn't complain to te refs.
2. The refs are not used to see KG get inside.
3. Malone is an 18-year veteran NBA-player .

One thing I noticed, LA had four technicals called on them, one apparently because Phil Jackson was out on the court, thus not behind the sidelines. Anyone who has taped game three, watch what Flip Saunders does all game long, he's just out on the court actually talking to guys like Kobe etc whilst the ball is moving around on the other side of the court, hello..what's wrong here?

I don't know about Flip, but the tech on Jax was 'cause he was arguing a traveling call on Kobe. The tech on Payton, I don't konw. Apparently he said something to KG and the referee was in front of him. Slava pushed Garnett, and Kobe said someting, too.

[Ruff Ryder]

Lakers are making a run with 3 and a half to go in the 4th.

Kobe is heating up. Kandi missed a wide open dunk. It would have given them a 14 point lead, now it's 6.