29-30VS
33-23_________________________________________________________________________
TIME : 6:30 PM
TV: TWCSN/ DEPORTES
RADIO: ESPN 710
ARENA: STAPLES CENTER, LOS ANGELES,CA
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STARTERSDWIGHT HOWARD | EARL CLARK | METTA WORLD PEACE | KOBE BRYANT | STEVE NASH
STARTERSAL HORFORD | JOSH SMITH | KYLE KOVER | DEVIN HARRIS | JEFF TEAGUE
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KEYS TO GAME
The Lakers have to exploit certain matchups in this game against the Hawks. Against their starting unit the Lakers have 3 matchups that they should seek and destroy all game. Those matchups are Devin Harris on Kobe, Al Horford on Dwight and Kyle Kover on MWP. Neither one of those guys can guard one on one and will need to send help if isolated.
Quick ball movement is key off those double teams and Nash along with Clark should see plenty of open space.
When the Hawks go to their second unit guys of Pachuila at C and Deshawn Stevenson at either SF or SG, Dwight must see the ball. Stevenson is pretty much a decent defender but the Hawks coaching staff must make a decision on where to play him. It's no way he can guard Jamison at the 3 without fouling and expect to have fouls to use on Kobe.
The Lakers must deny penetration to Teague and must keep Smith off the offensive glass.
SERIES HISTORY
The Lakers lead the series 182-134 since the teams started playing each other in 1949. The Hawks spent a brief time in the western conference from 1961 to 1970. This meant that the teams have a playoff history also. In 56 games played the Lakers won 30 and the Hawks 26. The teams met 6 times with the Lakers winning 4 of the 6 series. 5 of those 6 series were the Western Conference Division Finals.
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