Game Notes: Lakers-Nuggets Game 4
How sweep it is
By Cub Buenning
Someone is gonna get blown out tonight.
This was a thought that I could not erase from my mind all day Monday. Game 4 between the Lakers and the Nuggets will probably go one of two ways. Either the now famously dysfunctional Nuggets will lay down and give their guests a few extra days off before they start their second round series or they are going to come out chock full of piss and vinegar and run the Lakers out of the building.
Someone is gonna get blown out tonight.
Never before has a team polarized the critical element of their fan base like this year’s Nuggets. In Monday’s local newspapers alone, calls for a “blow it up” philosophy littered the pages. The Denver Post’s well-known columnist, Woody Paige called for the head of either Head Coach George Karl or forward Carmelo Anthony. Rumors circled about how the players really had started not only tuning out their coach, but also began losing respect for his commitment to the team.
Someone is gonna get blown out tonight.
The first half was a well-played, high percentage shooting for both teams (49%-LAL, 51%-DEN) and LA were the proud owners of a 10-point lead. If my feeling was to come to fruition, the season was 24 minutes from being over (maybe even less.)
The Nuggets are gonna get blown out tonight.
Suddenly, things changed. The Nuggets continued the strong shooting and coupled that with a bit of the long-lost heart that all hoop fans have wanted to see. They scraped for loose balls and began to finally counterpunch the Lakers’ relentless onslaught of jabs and uppercuts. The deficit was just a bucket by the third quarter’s end and the sell-out crowd was finally rewarded with an actual game.
No one is getting blown out, this one’s going down to the wire.
The game really took form during the mid-section of the fourth quarter when JR Smith and his feline counterpart (remember, don’t shake the tree) put on an all-court display. With about half of the fourth quarter still to be played and the Lakers clinging to a three-point advantage, Smith draws a three-shot foul on Kobe, calmly nails them all, only to see Bryant immediately answer with an 18-footer to put the Lakers back up 90-88. A drive by Anthony again knotted the score at 90, before Bryant hit a 3 and a driving lay-up in succession to kick the Laker lead to five. Smith, who surely lost his conscience on a basketball court LONG ago, crushes a deep-3, steals a pass from Kobe and takes it the length of the court drawing the foul and giving the Nuggets a mere one-point lead with just over three minutes remaining. Kobe promptly nails another deep-2 setting the stage for Luke Walton’s baseline 3-ball that gave the Lakers a four-point lead they would not relinquish.
For a moment, it was great basketball (Still my favorite playoff game was that Hawks v. Celtics Game 7 in 1988 where Bird and Nique scored at will.) Both Smith and Bryant were phenomenal in the game’s key and deciding stretch, one that was ultimately seized, not surprisingly, by Kobe and the Lakers.
From there, Kobe literally began eliminating his enemies, single-handedly fouling out Kenyon Martin and Anthony on back-to-back whistles and subsequent dismissals with the game still in the balance.
No one is getting blown out.
The Lakers, like Kobe mentioned after Game 3, are a team that is learning how to win games in different ways. However, other than Game 2 where Bryant jumped on the Nuggets early and often on his way to 49 and 10 assists (that’s 70 points accounted for) the Lakers won the other three in remarkably similar fashion. Kobe played a patient first half, getting easy looks inside for his new center, and ratcheting things up a notch when the situation dictated. Something that he did quite beautifully I might add in Games 1, 2, and 4. The MVP argument (which I have argued only emphasizes the sometimes negative individual nature of what should be a team game) should not contain two or three sides; it’s a landslide.
Well maybe no one got blown out tonight, but it’s over. It just took four-days and 182-minutes of action.
NOTES:
Rest assured, my Nuggets’ season ending manifesto is in the works. While I should probably wait until the dog days of summer when Sam is clawing for material, it might come out sooner. For this reason, I shall resist using this forum to rant about what I think ails this franchise. I might need multiple prescription pads.
Before the tip, I was watching the end of Atlanta/Boston’s Game 4 and was shocked by the Hawks successful reliance on a pick-n-roll play involving the wing and a point-guard. But the Hawks had flipped the switch by using Mike Bibby as the screener, which forced Celtics’ point, Rajon Rondo to switch out onto Joe Johnson. Three late trips in a row, the play bore fruit.
A few former and current Denver Broncos made their way downtown for the game. Denver native, tight end Daniel Graham was in his usual spot by the visitors’ bench, while All-Pro cornerback Champ Bailey took in the game with one of Hugh Heffner’s three girlfriends (the sporty, energetic one.) Lastly, and most importantly, local icon, John Elway was on a double-date with his new squeeze. Kinda surprised to see #7 drinking a clear-booze cocktail, always took him for a Coors man.
Seems a few Nugget fans had given up hope even before tip, as the Laker contingency swelled beyond even Saturday afternoon, pointing to some pre-game scalping.
On a few possessions, the Nuggets showed flashes of a potential two-man game, as Smith and Nene (bravo for your gallant return!) worked a couple pick-n-rolls bucking the Nuggets usual distain for the idea of half-court basketball.
This game must contain the most bi-partisan crowd in the postseason. At one point, Nuggets’ mascot, Rocky was trying to get a GO NUGGETS chant going from mid-court. Unfortunately for the best mascot in the league, it became an amalgamation of the two teams…..GOOOOOOO……. NNNUUAAKKKKERS!
In my estimation Coach Karl’s true failure this series was his refusal to work the referees. During both games in Denver, questionable calls were prevalent through out the first half, resulting in a player outburst during the second half. Melo got a technical on Saturday; Iverson got his last night, obvious frustration that was valid. However, it’s the coach’s job to ride the officials and Karl did little in that department. At one point in the fourth, another close call prompted three of the Nugget players to throw up their hands and look over at their bench, blatantly looking for help. Karl said nary a word towards Dick Bavetta and his crew.
The Lakers can now sit back and wait for what looks to be an eventual meeting with the Utah Jazz, with New Orleans and San Antonio looming down the road.
44 Responses to “Game Notes: Lakers-Nuggets Game 4”
Apr.29 at 3:15 pm
Chris Sorum says:
The Kobe fadeaway over Martin late in the 4th made me feel bad for the Nuggets. So good it was sickening to watch. Not much you can do when Mamba sets his mind to it.
Apr.29 at 3:22 pm
Myles Brown says:
Kobe.
Apr.29 at 3:23 pm
LA Lakers Blog says:
Game over. Series Over. Lets go Lakers Let go!!
Apr.29 at 3:42 pm
namik says:
Now…who is going to guard Deron Williams?
Apr.29 at 3:54 pm
B. Long says:
The Jazz still have to close out the Rock…er,nevermind I forgot that’s TMacs team. I guess D-Fish is guarding D-Will? or probably Kobe considering the Jazz don’t really have a 2 that can do much damage.
Apr.29 at 3:56 pm
B. Long says:
Someone please convert Reggie Millers mic into a pipe bomb and save us all.
Apr.29 at 4:23 pm
Jake says:
I think the next series is where we’ll see Bynum and Ariza come back. As easily as they beat Denver I just don’t see the same thing happening against Utah.Someone is gonna have to play some defense on Williams,I’m guessing they’ll stick Kobe on him?They really need to get healthy and rested though cause round 2 is gonna be a dog fight.
Apr.29 at 4:24 pm
Allenp says:
Why did it take so long for the press to notice that Karl was slacking? Y’all know I’ve been saying it for weeks.
Apr.29 at 4:27 pm
Simone Lawy says:
Reggie Miller, or Craig Sager ???
Apr.29 at 4:32 pm
FLUXLAND says:
Ummm .. the best mascot in the L is the Raptor. Claiming otherwise is ludicrous.
Apr.29 at 4:33 pm
KaponoE says:
If Ariza is back he’ll share the defensive duties. It won’t just be an individual match up either. My guess is that it will be defense by committee from Fish, to Kobe, to Farmar, to Ariza, to Vujacic. But why would I worry about that. If I was Utah I would ask, who is going to D-up Kobe?
Apr.29 at 4:38 pm
Simone Lawy says:
probably AK47……
Apr.29 at 4:42 pm
Solito says:
Maybe Iverson and Carmelo will end like Payton and Kemp. Iverson playing 12 minutes for a championship team, and Carmelo having a gang of kids by different women. Can’t elude karma, George.
Apr.29 at 4:55 pm
Spaceship Jay says:
Wow, that’s a interesting theory Solito!
Apr.29 at 5:22 pm
albie1kenobi says:
Cub, i’m sorry. as much as i like all the nuggets players individually, they are complete garbage as a whole.
Apr.29 at 5:28 pm
Jackie Moon says:
Totally demoralizing when Kobe wets a 24-second shot clock buzzer beater with the D all over it.
Apr.29 at 5:54 pm
WhaHuh says:
The team responded well from Melo calling them out. He wont get praise for it though. No one on the lakers can guard Deron, Fisher is always in his back pocket
Apr.29 at 6:03 pm
Bubba Chuck says:
No one got blown out. That was tha best & closest game of tha series. Tha refs, Coach Karl & Melo just all suck & Kobes 2 damn good. Fire George Karl! Trade Carmelo Anthony! Keep AI & JR! That was 1 of tha best games ive ever seen JR play & that gives me hope 4 nxt season!
Apr.29 at 6:18 pm
B. Long says:
Bubba Chuck, at least you know.
Apr.29 at 6:29 pm
Leon Michaels says:
I gotta say the Lakers/Nugets game was really intense and fun to watch- especially the 4th quarter. Kobe has always been my favorite payer but I really am impressed by the way he played in this series and of course this season (MVP no doubt). If the Lakers keep playing like this, I don’t anybody will be able to beat them! I can’t wait for the Lakers/Jazz series!
Apr.29 at 6:30 pm
Bubba Chuck says:
at least i know wut?
Apr.29 at 6:32 pm
Tariq says:
This Nique-Bird game has been omni-present today. I must have the ability to affect things with only my brainwaves.
Apr.29 at 7:03 pm
john says:
being a lakers fan is awesome right now. semi finals here we come..go lakers!!!
Apr.29 at 7:16 pm
B_Easy24 says:
I knew that they were going to lose game 4, even though I didn’t get a chance to see it but the nuggets were imploding since that game 3 lost. I think the second round of the playoffs between the Jazz and the Lakers will be very interesting, for one the matchups. I not a fan off the Jazz but Deron Williams seems like a great young player, but remember they hardly beat the Rockets and Yao Ming is not even playing, it will be a hard fought series though lakers taking it in 5 or maybe 6.
Apr.29 at 7:34 pm
Jason says:
Solito: the type of player Iverson is, I just can’t see him playing 12 minutes for a championship contender, sorry. Dude already said he is not coming off of anyones bench and will retire before he chases any ring like that. And you know what? I beleive him. Although I won’t completely throw out that theory about Carmelo being Shawn Kemp…Anyhow things are sort of in the middle for the Nuggets right now, they although they are garbage on defense, they are a 50 win team and are not a bad team. They do need to figure some things out though. That being said, I still want Iverson to leave Denver. Can’t stand him playing next to some players that don’t play the game with heart.
Apr.29 at 7:36 pm
Jason says:
Also, I will say that it won’t be as easy for the Lakers in the second round. I read somewhere that Bynum is not coming back, so they are certainly going to be in a dog fight (even with Bynum they still would). Any team that is disciplined and plays defense. Is going to give the Lakers problems. I think the Nuggets made them look better then what they are right now.
Apr.29 at 8:07 pm
B. Long says:
@Bubba: That Kobe is too damn good! Alot dudes try to act like he’s not the best in the league because they hate him but at least you know regardless how you feel. @Jason: Stop being a hater cause your team gone fishin already. Lakers in 5 against Utah. 4 if Bynum comes back and plays more than 10 min. a game.
Apr.29 at 8:44 pm
Weapon X says:
The Answer needs to get ghost!
Apr.29 at 8:49 pm
Bubba Chuck says:
@ B: I do hate him but i respect his game
Apr.29 at 9:19 pm
Sesa says:
The Nuggets should really trade Carmelo and let Iverson and JR be the core of the team. Get a solid perimeter defender at SF position.
Martin, Nene(if healthy) and Camby were more than enough to anchor the paint.
Apr.29 at 11:00 pm
Jason says:
B. Long…my team is the SPURS, so no..my team hasn’t gone fishin’ yet, but i’m sure they will enjoy sending your team fishing, if they make it passed the Jazz. And how exactly is Bynum suposed to come back and have any effect after being out an entire season? Better yet how is he supposed to have an effect when the Lakers already said he won’t be back for the playoffs this year because the Doctor still hasn’t cleared him?
Apr.29 at 11:05 pm
Bubba Chuck says:
@ Sesa: Thats wut ive been saying 4 tha last week
Apr.29 at 11:54 pm
Winston and the Telescreen says:
JR is ridiculous, he should have played 48 minutes a game, and D Williams is going to be a hell of a lot easier to guard than A.I.- Kobe can do most of the work with a few extra minutes from Ariza
Apr.30 at 12:17 am
DP says:
I’m not trying to promote my blog but really I guess I am. click on my name to check out my game notes I did all by myself last night. They are like play by play notes so it is very interesting. play wit it.
Apr.30 at 12:24 am
David says:
Did the Nuggest have any progression from last year? Put them in the same category as the Suns and Mavs. Solid roster. No progress. Windows closing.
Apr.30 at 12:52 am
Dacre says:
It’s over…..SUNS LOST
Apr.30 at 1:38 am
Solito says:
Just for the record: Payton was a warrior who cam out to play every day! I loved to watch those Sonics play. Kind of like the this years Lakers.
Apr.30 at 1:40 am
Solito says:
No surpirse there… Spurs are to complete as a group.
Apr.30 at 6:07 am
Hursty says:
whats wrong with george Karl.
Apr.30 at 6:08 am
Hursty says:
whats wrong with George Karl?
Apr.30 at 9:54 am
Bubba Chuck says:
@ David: 50 wins!
Apr.30 at 12:29 pm
Jackie Moon says:
I think the Lakers made Denver look worse than they really are.
Apr.30 at 5:45 pm
B_Easy24 says:
To Sea: they won’t trade Melo he is their franshise player, they’ve invested too much in him and if they trade him they’ll have to get back someone resonably good in return. As much as Melo embrassed himself during this years playoffs he is still a top 10 player in the league.
May.1 at 2:19 pm
j melo says:
side note. good thing carmelo got the nice jordan shoe deal. he’s gonna be put some miles on those kicks walking aroud town wit out a liscense for a while.