Denver @ LA, Game One
Pau! LO! Kobe?
By Holly MacKenzie
Almost all of the news recaps about the Lakers/Denver game on Sunday will tell you that the Nuggets should have known they were in trouble when their bus caught on fire on the way to the STAPLES center. The reality is that the Nuggets have been in trouble the day the regular season ended and the playoffs began. Sure, they might have managed to edge out the Warriors for that elusive eighth spot in the West, but they did not suddenly find the defense that they had lost back in training camp. Couple that with their reluctance to enter the Ron Artest sweepstakes, which contrasts starkly with the way the Lakers shocked the world by snatching Pau Gasol up while sending JCritt and Brickhands packing, and you begin to see where the problems start for Denver
If things go as planned the Lakers should get this win. They are at home, they are rolling and they are the number one seed. Let’s not screw it up now.
Game one is about to tip off at Staples and Jack is ready, along with the rest of the fans who are awake and into the game from the tip.
First
Lakers are looking to get Pau involved early and often. Smart decision, since the Nuggets really don’t look worried about stopping him.
Kenyon is on Kobe. I was not expecting that move by Karl. Now we’ve got Iverson guarding Vlad-Rad and that just looks ridiculous.
Melo is hot early, knocking down jumper after jumper. If he stays hot….
Luke Walton is in the game for the Lakers and is looking better than he has all season, making great passes and getting the offense rolling.
The Lakers are suddenly up ten and Melo is at the free throw line. The Staples center crowd decides to show their maturity by chanting “DUI” at him. Nice.
This really isn’t the smartest decision by the Laker faithful. We all know they’ve got a lot of nastier things to say to Kobe when we go to Denver. Of course, Kobe generally plays well when he is angry, but the whole heckling players for their offcourt behavior always makes me cringe.
Just as quickly as the Lakers went up by ten, the Nuggets scored in a flurry to end the quarter and cut the lead down to four.
Second
Denver keeps on coming at the Lakers who are giving up points way too easily. They take a 31-30 lead as Kleiza is in the game and is doing damage already. Why does this kid not start? He’s a bull in a china shop with a pretty three-point shot.
Behind the momentum of Kleiza, the Nuggets take a four-point lead and it is the Lakers who now look out of sorts.
While the Nuggets are throwing zone at the zoned out Lakers, Sasha Vujacic drains a three to momentarily get LA back into it.
Kleiza has scored 10 points already. It could be a long night if the Nuggets continue to go to him.
The combo of Kleiza and JR Smith off of the bench is a powerful punch for the Nuggets as the two change the pace of the game entirely. JR’s got a quick 10 points as well and the Nuggets are forcing the Lakers into jumpers. This is not the way that they will win this series.
Luke hits a three after receiving the pass from Pau. On the next possession, they go back to swinging the ball around the perimeter and the result is a missed three which leads to a transition lay up for Anthony Carter. Think they’ll realize that going through Pau makes things a whole lot easier offensively? Hope so.
JR is ridiculous. People can hate all they want, this kid has the potential to be a star and I choose to believe he is trying to get it together. I love seeing him kill it, just not tonight.
With Luke’s strong play the Lakers have tied the game at 50 and are getting the job done. Sticking to the game plan of moving the ball and getting it inside, the Nuggets cannot stop them.
Lamar Odom has more than shown up for the game today. The combo of he and Pau is ridiculous and cannot be stopped.
Sasha frazzles Iverson to end the half and the Lakers hold a two-point lead, 58-56.
Iverson and Melo each have 14 points for the Nuggets.
Pau has 18 points already, Kobe has four.
Third
Melo with the jumper. I forget how good this guy is. When he is zoned in to what he is doing, when he decides he is going to get to the basket, he does. I know his jumper is nice, but take it to the hole, Carmelo.
Lamar and Gasol are just too much for the Nuggets to handle. Gasol is scoring at will and LO is a force. A force that has finally decided to impose himself on his opponent and use that unique skill level and size to wreak havoc on the helpless Nuggets.
Kobe and Carter get tangled as Carter fouls Kobe and tries to hold him to prevent him from falling. Kobe’s hand/finger/fist catches Carter in the eye, so he decides a shove is a necessary reaction. Tempers flare and Carter is given a tech.
Fish accidentally bounces the ball off of Melo’s face and the crowd resumes the “DUI” chant. I’m over it. So is Melo. Fish (of course), immediately goes over to Melo to see if he is okay. I remember the time I got smoked in the face by a soccer ball and literally was knocked on my ass. BAM! Not fun.
The Lakers are getting things rolling and it doesn’t look good for the Nuggets as the Laker offense just looks easy. 15-4 run for Los Angeles and Pau is dominating Denver.
Kobe hits a jumper and gets the foul, too. He is far too jacked up and is chirping at Kenyon and Kenyon is giving it right back. Joey Crawford warns them both to shut up.
Lakers are up 14, until Iverson hits a jumper.
Sash to Farmar to Vlad to Pau for the Dunk. As JVG says, “it’s like room service for Pau”.
Found out the other day that Pau currently lives with Vlad and Sash. I thought that was….. Interesting? Funny guys, these kids.
Pau runs the floor, gets another dunk. Ridiculous. This guy is a handful. FTH.
Camby sits on the bench.
A Farmar three at the end of the quarter is money and suddenly the Lakers are up 19 points going into the fourth. This game is basically over, but it is fun to watch the Laker offense.
Fourth
JR with the flagrant foul on Walton. The crowd is in to it, but the replay shows that it wasn’t really a dirty play at all, just a hard, clean foul. Shut up JR haters.
Walton returns the favor with a hard foul on Kleiza who hits both free throws
Iverson hits a jumper over Gasol and it is probably the prettiest shot that I’ve seen all day.
JR comes back with this hanging in the air, getting the contact and making the basket play that they show in the extreme slo-mo that is just spectacular.
Behind the boost from Kleiza and JR, the lead has been cut down to ten points. The Lakers still look in control though.
The Nuggets are getting to the free throw line and are missing as many as they are making.
JVG being fantastic as usual, apologizing for butchering the player names like “Keliza” and “Vujasitch”. Says, “Thank goodness for JR Smith”. He is fantastic. JVG4MVP.
Trevor Ariza looks beautiful in his suit, but he’d look even better in the game.
Kobe and Kenyon are being annoying and chattering back and forth. It’s a nine-point game, but I just kind of know that the Lakers are going to take it.
LO to Pau to Kobe for the alley-oop. Game over.
Iverson decides he’s had enough and gets himself thrown out of the game and that pretty much does it.
The Numbers
Final score: 128-114 LA
Gasol has 36 points, 16 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 blocked shots in his first playoff game for the Lakers.
Bryant finishes with 32
LO has 17 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists.
Walton finishes with 16 points and 5 assists off of the bench.
The Lakers have 33 assists on 46 field goals.
Melo finishes with 30 points and 12 rebounds for the Nuggets.
Iverson has 30 points and 7 assists.
Kleiza has 23 off of the bench and JR adds 15 on 6-8 shooting.
Denver went 23-37 at the foul line.
Looking forward to game two:
JR and Kleiza are the keys for Denver. Look for Kleiza to get the start and shake things up a bit. JR needs to stay aggressive on the offensive end because the Lakers can’t really stop him. Most of the Denver highlights in this game came from these two, despite Iverson and Melo each finishing with 30.
The Nuggets are going to have to decide whether they want Kobe to kill them or Gasol to go off for 40+. Effortlessly. They’ve already seen what Gasol can do, I think they’ll be far more aggressive defending him in game two.
Los Angeles needs to pick up their defense for 48 minutes. Too many lapses in this game and a lack of offensive patience early on led to missed jumpers, long rebounds resulting in poor transition defense and easy points for the Nuggets.
Kobe Bryant needs to shush his lips or Kenyon will beat his ass down in game two. This isn’t Chris Childs. And, we all know how great that turned out. (I tried to find the video to add in here for a laugh, but apparently it is NOT on youtube? Sorry, haters).
JVG needs to go wherever Mark Jackson ends up and the two need to be mic’d up at all times. I seriously love this pair so much and JVG is hilarious. One look at the bags under his eyes from stressing out over basketball and the image of him grabbing on Mourning’s leg is all one needs to see to know this man is married to the game, forever. My kind of guy that Van Gundy.
Courtesy of Russ : Fantastic JVG article
It’s long, but worth it.
For the Lakers to go up 2-0, they don’t need to change much about their game plan, they just need to stick with it. No hoisting jumpers and three-pointers when they can easily get any shot they want if they stay patient and run things through.
Lamar Odom needs to stay aggressive and continue to build on his solid play. There is no one who can guard him when he chooses to be aggressive offensively, especially when Kenyon is stuck to Kobe like glue.
To show how things feel in Lakerland right now
“I love the weather. I love my ’63 drop-top Impala. I love the 405. I love my guys.“
One big game from Kleiza or JR, and a loss on Wednesday and this all could change, of course.
121 Responses to “Denver @ LA, Game One”
Apr.22 at 1:58 pm
Eboy says:
Damn, this Post Up took a long time to get up. Oh……… Hi, lady.
Apr.22 at 2:00 pm
Myles Brown says:
I tried to get a chant going about Brons speeding ticket at a Wolves game, but alas, nothing. How embarrassing. I honestly wouldnt be surprised to see Denver get a bit more chippy with the Lakers tomorrow. They still cant move their feet or recognize and properly rotate, but they can try and knock the sh*t out of those young-and thin-Lakers to see if that takes em off their game. Except Kobe. He knows karate.
Apr.22 at 2:09 pm
H to the izzo says:
Writers should utilize the blue font some more.Denver makes me want to hurt myself for real.
Apr.22 at 2:09 pm
Charles Lin says:
Um, the Childs-Kobe fight/punch is indeed on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqafrgriot8
Apr.22 at 2:09 pm
Tariq says:
Yes, blue font is awesome.
Apr.22 at 2:10 pm
Tariq says:
Also: Brickhands. Nice.
Apr.22 at 2:16 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Myles, I was thinking we could always throw Mbenga at them with his crazy moves, but apparently he may have broken ribs from a four on four scrimmage after practice yesterday. Intense, much?
Apr.22 at 2:17 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
YEAHHHH my comments are BACK! I HAVE BEEN SILENCED SINCE FRIDAYYYYYY
Apr.22 at 2:17 pm
Eboy says:
Odd that Holly chose Nuggets blue instead of Lakers purple. Trying to take the enemies colors in this war of men, Holly?
Apr.22 at 2:20 pm
TADOne says:
How is an admin not able to post?
Apr.22 at 2:21 pm
Co Co says:
Hi Holly
Apr.22 at 2:25 pm
H to the izzo says:
This post contains the word “hater”,so much anger and hate Holly…………f*ck JR.
Apr.22 at 2:27 pm
Chris O'Leary says:
Before the Lakeshow wraps this thing up, Kenyon’s going to body slam Kobe like he’s Sam Mitchell slamming Rafer.
Apr.22 at 2:33 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Yeah, Tad, I’m not sure either. But I’m backkkkkkkk. FINALLY. ahhh it feels good! And Izzo, everyone hates JR, FTH for real!
Apr.22 at 2:33 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Does anyone NOT thinking Holly’s been smoked out since Sunday, April 20, and is just getting around to this now? Because that’s certainly what I assume…
Apr.22 at 2:33 pm
Tariq says:
I’m waiting for Kenyon to call Kobe a “fugazi”.
Apr.22 at 2:34 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Chris, It’s going to happen, if he doesn’t shut it up soon. Kenyon is crazy like that.
CoCo,
Apr.22 at 2:34 pm
TADOne says:
I think Jones smoked out before posting that sentence.
Apr.22 at 2:35 pm
Kadavour says:
Great JVG quote: Where the f*ck is my car? It was just here!
Dumb JVG quote: How do these guys learn all those languages?!
Apr.22 at 2:35 pm
Tariq says:
Ryan: that goes without saying.
Apr.22 at 2:36 pm
H to the izzo says:
Everyone hates Kobe,somewhat inexplicably.JR gets a deserved amount of “hate”.
Apr.22 at 2:36 pm
Eboy says:
Smoked out is such a literal term.
Apr.22 at 2:36 pm
Eboy says:
So is hate.
Apr.22 at 2:41 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
hahaha, Jones. I’m way too much of a good girl for anything bad like that. I celebrated in a much tamer way, thanks
Apr.22 at 2:42 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
And, my recap was late because I spent the day with grandparents and family yesterday! SOOO scandalous! haha
Kadavour, JVG is the BEST. I loved the “How do these guys learn four languages” comment, too!
Apr.22 at 2:45 pm
Eboy says:
Holly, since you are normally the voice of reason, what was your reaction to the “DUI” chants and do you think that Nuggets fans will try the same type of shi*tty ploy once Denver?
Apr.22 at 2:46 pm
Eboy says:
*once back in Denver?
Apr.22 at 2:46 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
It’s in there.
I hated them, Eboy. Heckle about someone’s oncourt game, or shut the hell up and cheer for your own team. Check the post
Apr.22 at 2:48 pm
Eboy says:
I skirted through to your end comments since I had a client waiting. I’m re-reading the game part now.
Apr.22 at 2:50 pm
Eboy says:
So you do think they’ll send hate towards 24 when he hit’s the free throw line?
Apr.22 at 3:04 pm
Co Co says:
My comment disappeared so once again, this is off subject, but I want to know if I’m the only one who thinks the Lakers (if they play like they played Sunday) will be fine without Bynum. I know they’ll eventually run into a team that plays defense, but…
Apr.22 at 3:05 pm
Eboy says:
They’d have their hands full with the Spurs and the Celtics, Co Co, if they were to meet either of them. Doubtful they could beat either one of them 4 times without the kid.
Apr.22 at 3:05 pm
Zee! says:
This wasn’t exactly the best post, but it seems that everyone who has posted about this series is kind of one foot in-one foot out in the dissection of the first game and the elements surrounding it. Maybe this isn’t a series people care about. The fools.
Apr.22 at 3:07 pm
Eboy says:
That was mildly confusing.
Apr.22 at 3:10 pm
Co Co says:
You don’t think Kobe, Pau and Odie playing at their best can beat the Spurs or Celtics? I don’t think it’s improbable. Their role players are pretty good.
Apr.22 at 3:12 pm
TADOne says:
I don’t think so, Co Co.
Apr.22 at 3:13 pm
Eboy says:
Not 4 times each, lady.
Apr.22 at 3:15 pm
Co Co says:
Why not? I need reasons dammit! LOL It normally takes a good one/two punch to win a ship at the very least. I think the Kobe/Pau situation is pretty good.
Apr.22 at 3:16 pm
Eboy says:
And you may as well remove Pau from that list if they meet up with the Celts in the Finals ’cause KG will destroy him that close to his first title.
Apr.22 at 3:17 pm
Eboy says:
Not as good as the KG, PP, Jesus trio, Co Co. Plus the Celts and Spurs play D. Celts even more so.
Apr.22 at 3:18 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Zee!, I’m not sure what you mean by one foot in one foot out? It was only game one and the Lakers did what they were supposed to by winning. Denver threw Kenyon at Kobe and the result was Pau’s destruction. Now they will have to go back to the drawing board and come up with a new game plan. I look for KR and Kleiza to be even more aggressive in game two. What are you thinking, Zee?
Apr.22 at 3:18 pm
Eboy says:
I know this would make TAD happy too, but a properly motivated Pistons squad would be hellish for the Lakers in the Finals too, but that’s a long shot.
Apr.22 at 3:20 pm
Eboy says:
Zee’s thinking the Lakers in 5, Holly, as his/her blog pointed out. I also noted that his/her blog has been viewed 41 times, so he/she may need to be properly broken in before throwing other’s works under the bus, so to speak.
Apr.22 at 3:21 pm
TADOne says:
:)
Apr.22 at 3:22 pm
H to the izzo says:
I think Lakers have as much of a chance of winning without Bynum as they do with him.With him they can’t play an up and down style of play and while Bynum was having a good year he was by no means dominant.Him coming back now would be more of hinderince than a help with the adjustments that would have to be made,this team as is are comfortable playing with each other and is the best Lakers team available.
Apr.22 at 3:24 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Didn’t think to check the blog, E. And I’m down with the Lakers in five or, even four, but I figured Denver would have some fight in them and I still think they might, so we’ll see.
Apr.22 at 3:25 pm
Eboy says:
Great response, izzo, would you mind making a more bold statement and put your opinion forward as to the ability of the current group to win a title, not just a couple of series (if they can get by Utah)
Apr.22 at 3:26 pm
TADOne says:
Karl was in the mosh pit, so he is BRINGING it!
Apr.22 at 3:26 pm
Co Co says:
What Izzo said.
Apr.22 at 3:29 pm
Eboy says:
You too, Co Co? You think they’ll win the title with the current group?
ANSWER THE QUESTION, FUC*ERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!
Apr.22 at 3:31 pm
Co Co says:
Oh, I don’t know but I think that they have as good a shot as currently constructed as anyone.
Apr.22 at 3:37 pm
Eboy says:
To hell with writing, run for political office, Co Co.
Apr.22 at 3:38 pm
Co Co says:
Eboy……
Apr.22 at 3:38 pm
TADOne says:
Tread lightly, E….
Apr.22 at 3:40 pm
H to the izzo says:
Things that will help the Lakers win a chip(maybe):
1)They have Kobe,no-one else does.
2)Pau will give KG more problems than people think,maybe not in scoring but if Pau takes up position at the high post,become facilitator for backdoor cuts and keeping KG the hell away from the basket in the process,leaving perkisabeast.com as the main gatekeeper.
3)Lamar has the ability to shut down Pierce,not saying he will but he has the length to make things awkward for him.
4)Take advantage of the PG spot,Rondo is good but he’s a rookie,DFish has enough strength to body him into irrelevancy.
5)Lakers have a better bench and height in the frontcourt.
6)Sasha and Ira Newble are very expendible,have a rotation of them constantly on either Pierce or Allen allowing Kobe to occasionally rest on D. *This is assuming they’ll get past the Spurs,which I don’t think they can do.
Apr.22 at 3:41 pm
Eboy says:
It’s a joke, you know “not answering a question directly”….sheesh.
Apr.22 at 3:42 pm
Eboy says:
I’m glad you tried to make some pertinent points, izzo. Not very effective, but you gave it the old Duke try.
Apr.22 at 3:43 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Wait, we’re already previewing Lakers/Celtics? Is it June already?
Apr.22 at 3:43 pm
H to the izzo says:
meh
Apr.22 at 3:44 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
RUSSS
Apr.22 at 3:44 pm
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Celts for sure will eat Lakeshow. Not so sure about the Spurs, it will be a cointoss. Also think that the Suns would cause Lakers loads of trouble, especailly if they are without Bynum.
Apr.22 at 3:44 pm
TADOne says:
izzo, I was with you until you mentioned Ira Newble being integral to anything.
Apr.22 at 3:44 pm
H to the izzo says:
BTW,I also think the Lakers will have big trouble with Utah…
Apr.22 at 3:45 pm
Eboy says:
It’s seems to be a foregone conclusion, Russ. We are just feeding into it (except TAD)
Apr.22 at 3:45 pm
TADOne says:
Nugs in 7.
Apr.22 at 3:45 pm
H to the izzo says:
TAD:He’s good at being a person who’s in the way of things.
Apr.22 at 3:46 pm
Eboy says:
izzo is now sounding more like a American flip flopper. Big Trouble In Little Utah.
Apr.22 at 3:47 pm
Eboy says:
TAD’s 3:45p comment proves he is smoked out after a mid afternoon slow burn.
Apr.22 at 3:47 pm
TADOne says:
Ryan and Holly inspired me, so blame them.
Apr.22 at 3:47 pm
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
* I’m not winning any spelling-bees today..
Apr.22 at 3:49 pm
Eboy says:
You got to get through a Tuesday anyway you can.
Apr.22 at 3:49 pm
Co Co says:
I’m not feeding into it. I’m just wondering if I’m the only person who doesn’t think the Lakers need Bynum to the degree that people keep saying. Besides the Celtics aren’t going to make the Finals because my Hawks are going to eliminate them in the first round! I don’t know how to make smiley faces, but I would totally put one in here somewhere if I did!
Apr.22 at 3:49 pm
H to the izzo says:
Eboy:I never said I think the Lakers would get to the finals,if you read I actually said the opposite,hardly flip-flopping.
Apr.22 at 3:49 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
The Jazz can definitely beat the Lakers. So could the winner of Spurs/Suns, and I’m not writing off the Hornets yet, either. It’s not like their road to the Finals is strewn with rose petals and palm fronds.
Apr.22 at 3:50 pm
Myles Brown says:
…..
Apr.22 at 3:51 pm
H to the izzo says:
CoCo:I’ve been saying that for quite a while,I knew nobody listens to me.And you’re on some fantastic drugs with that Hawks statement,care to share?
Apr.22 at 3:52 pm
Eboy says:
Weren’t palm fronds used to usher Jesus into Bethlehem? Nice, Russ. Kobe=son of GOD?
Apr.22 at 3:52 pm
TADOne says:
Co Co has better stuff than me
Apr.22 at 3:52 pm
Eboy says:
Myles, please embellish.
Apr.22 at 3:53 pm
Eboy says:
TAD, who do you think gives the LA boys the most problems, East & West?
Apr.22 at 3:55 pm
TADOne says:
Spurs and Celtics.
Apr.22 at 3:55 pm
Tariq says:
Russ: all of what you said is true, but Eboy and TAD don’t think the Lakers can beat the Spurs or Celtics. Do you? I think they’re the only ones who can beat San Antonio.
Apr.22 at 3:55 pm
Co Co says:
Hahaha! Russ is right. This isn’t the Cavs path to the Finals last year. Whoever gets there is going to earn it, at least that how it seems.
Apr.22 at 3:56 pm
TADOne says:
And Nuggets!!!!
Apr.22 at 3:57 pm
Tariq says:
Let me rephrase that: I think they’re the only ones who can beat San Antonio IN THE WEST.
Apr.22 at 3:59 pm
TADOne says:
So, Tariq must believe in Detroit too. I’m converting people slowly.
Apr.22 at 4:00 pm
Eboy says:
I think Phoenix/LA would be a war too, with whoever’s stars performing the strongest taking the series.
Apr.22 at 4:02 pm
Co Co says:
Phoenix won’t get past San Antone.
Apr.22 at 4:03 pm
Eboy says:
First actual pick. I’m impressed, sweet Co Co.
Apr.22 at 4:06 pm
Co Co says:
Eboy, I made my playoff predictions here.
http://coco-vents.blogspot.com/2008/04/playoff-predictions.html
Apr.22 at 4:06 pm
H to the izzo says:
I think Houston won’t get past the Jazz.
Apr.22 at 4:06 pm
Co Co says:
I’m being moderated, darn.
Apr.22 at 4:08 pm
TADOne says:
I think LeBron will get fouled again.
Apr.22 at 4:10 pm
Eboy says:
I think Sheed will get a tech in Game 2.
Apr.22 at 4:11 pm
TADOne says:
Probably from cussing out Flip.
Apr.22 at 4:12 pm
H to the izzo says:
I think I regret starting this bad joke thing…
Apr.22 at 4:12 pm
The Real Peoples Champ says:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=azN7v9DaGZA….here the video of chris childs punkin kobe
Apr.22 at 4:13 pm
Eboy says:
I think izzo is cool.
Apr.22 at 4:15 pm
DidThat says:
If they put Kenyon on Kobe again he is liable to drop 40 on the dude as well as foul him out the game. The only reason it looked good in the first is because kobe’s mid range shot was off but once he found it Kenyon was looking stupid as he so often does with that ridiculous grin on his face watching his team get blasted.
Apr.22 at 4:59 pm
Zee! says:
Eboy, opinion has nothing to do with amount of blog views. I stated my opinion. Something people without blogs do on a daily basis. Nothing less, nothing more. Now if slamonline puts a viewed blog quota into effect then maybe my opinions won’t be posted.
Apr.22 at 5:08 pm
Zee! says:
Holly, what I meant by my statement was it seems that everyone who has given an opinion on this series has never fully backed one team or the other. I understand the margin by which the western conference teams are seperated isn’t a whole lot, but we’re right at game 2 and I’ve yet to read a defining p.o.v. on the series. And also I must ask where you got a personal mind reader, as Eboy seems to know what I think.
Apr.22 at 5:19 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
my prediction is Lakers. Whether it is 4, 5, 6 games, well we’ll see. I said six because I feel like the Nugg’s can get on a roll offensively and the Lakers have been shaky on D heading into the final stretch of the season. If they play the way they did on Sunday, then it’s going to be over quickly for the Nuggets. Either way, I say this series is the Lakers for the taking. That is my point of view. Not sure if you saw my series preview, but I go over it all there. Thanks for clarifying, though.
Apr.22 at 5:28 pm
DP says:
Lakers in 5, maybe 4. I’m pretty geeked up for these games man. check out the blog 2maw fellow cast members.
Apr.22 at 5:31 pm
Bubba Chuck says:
DENVER NUGGETS!
Apr.22 at 5:33 pm
DP says:
Bubba, life is a b*tch and the nuggets are on her bad side right now.and you know what that means……………………………………………..
Apr.22 at 5:48 pm
Eboy says:
Zee, no mind reading needed, I know how to read and comprehend the meaning of those words. And if we are working off of opinions, mine is you were dismissive in your inital comment of Holly’s work. As normal viewers of these pages would know, most of the regulars here are protective of our girl, is all.
Apr.22 at 5:59 pm
Jason says:
I don’t the Lakers are the favorites as people are trying to make them out to be. I know they are #1 in the West but everything in the West is so close this year, it doesn’t really matter. I still think it goes through the Spurs. And although the Lakers won that game 1 against the Nuggets, watching the game I felt like the Nuggets beat themselves, never once did I think that the Lakers are superior and the Nuggets don’t have a shot. Anyhow, if the Lakers get passed the Nuggets, I don’t think they can beat the Jazz or Spurs anyhow, with or without Bynum. I think the Lakers have a nice future, but despite what them and their fans think, its not going to be their year. If by the grace of god they were to get out the West, the Celtics (who have owned them) or Pistons will be waiting to eat them alive.
Apr.22 at 6:07 pm
Bubba Chuck says:
DP: The nuggets will slap that b*tch
Apr.22 at 6:30 pm
Tariq says:
I swear, sometimes I feel like MJ when Isiah froze him out. But it’s all good.
Apr.22 at 6:35 pm
DP says:
Lakers are the LIFE OF THE PARTY. gon roll up the swishas but don’t drink all my liquor………………………..play wit it.
Apr.22 at 6:48 pm
Jason says:
You know whats funny, I read some forums of teams and some of the Nuggets fans make me laugh. They keep questioning Iverson and saying he needs to have bigger games to help push them over the top (as if he alone can fix all the issues with that team) and as if he hasn’t done enough… and i’m wondering when is Carmelo Anthony going to take his game to the next level and have his breakout series in the playoffs? I was hoping this year would be it, but after watching that game one and the sense of urgency he seems not to have, I don’t think so. His peers that he came into the league with seem light years ahead of him. Dude is big enough to defend, but most of the time he doesn’t. He coasts through entirely too many games…I mean at this point I am starting to not be a fan. I don’t know I just find it funny that people question Iverson, a player that is proven, and Carmelo gets a free pass for coasting through games yet they want to call Carmelo a “Superstar”. In what terms? And they expect Iverson to carry that team everynight. I though the point of him going to Denver was for him not only to help Carmelo, but for him to get help as well and not have to completely carry a team like he did for so long in Philly. It seems like he is still having to do the same things. Hell if it wasn’t for Iverson this season and his will to not want to miss the playoffs, that Nuggets team wouldn’t even be in the playoffs, period.
Apr.22 at 7:09 pm
Zee! says:
Thanks for clarifying Holly, and Lakers in cinco is probably how it will turn out however it would be better if they could go for the throat in Denver and match the intensity Utah has shown in not letting Houston get a pity win. Cause lord knows, Utah is grinding right now. Lakers in 4-5 vs Nugs, Lake show in 7 vs Utah. Just hope they have enough in the tank for the long haul.
Apr.22 at 7:15 pm
Zee! says:
Eboy, assumptions aren’t necessary. In the words of common: “If I don’t like I don’t like it, that don’t mean that I’m hatin”. As for the conclusion you jumped to, I understand. But that’s like Reggie trying to come to Cheryl’s defense. I’m sure Holly, hell all of us have had someone say they weren’t feeling a article that we’ve authored. But I’m also sure it’s water off a ducks back as well and the writing didn’t cease.
Apr.22 at 8:58 pm
Lakers Blog says:
First game was great… the rest of the series should be quite exciting but it all really depends on whether the bench steps up. We know Carmelo and AI will have solid games, but they won’t be the difference makers.
Apr.22 at 10:22 pm
Jordan4sheeerrrr says:
Its going to be Lakers and the Celtics like the old times
Apr.22 at 11:37 pm
Shooter#9 - Brasil says:
lots of guessing…
anyway, i’ll try too.
lakers in 5, max. after that, anything can happen between lakers, suns and spurs. even the jazz and N’awlins have a chance.
but the west is too packed, and they had a hell of season to get the spots they had for the playoffs… while the C’s can rest all the way to the finals.
garnett has no chance on the mvp cause all the rotation and the rest on the c’s, and they are gonna keep this till the finals.
playin time for the youngz and rest for the vets. there’s any better combination?
yes. there is.
the passion and fire, with the tlent and athleticism on KG, combined with the smooth play of Ray-Ray.
i’m a kobe fan, but you gotta stand up and give some love for a GM that pulls a combo like this.
Apr.22 at 11:47 pm
Shooter#9 - Brasil says:
have to agree with Jason up here on the IV x Melo stuff…
iverson is a proven player, fan-beloved-player… the only one we can compare with garnett’s intensity, on the other hand, Melo is a bit%^ch that i can’t take no more! i just hate to see him screwing things up and going back to his court smiling… the game on the line, he looses the ball, or have a offensive foul called, and goes back smiling, like he is still playing high school and is beating the other team by 35. THIS is NBA. Men’s game, Melo.
i had hope on him playing with #3 and getting some of that flame, but, thats what he is going to be till the end. lets not expect nothing more from him cause its not gonna come. and think i was so happy for iverson to be out of philly and playing for sch a good group of guys. little has changed.
he used to carry cba players, now he is carrying diva-bit&^%ches that believes they are the all-stars in this league.
denver needs a coaching change and trade for some men that are really committed to win. like THE ANSWER.
Apr.23 at 5:53 am
b55 says:
wow, JVG’s mom is called Cindy.
Cindy Van Gundy. nice.
Apr.23 at 7:02 pm
Bubba Chuck says:
DENVER NUGGETS! win 2nite!
Apr.24 at 12:45 am
Hursty says:
i dont think so Bubba.
Apr.28 at 9:48 pm
spy_kitot says:
all the way lakers !!!!!!!!!!!!!
kobe for mvp……watch the game 2…