great observation from game 2

[magic1fan]

Here is the Scouts Inc breakdown of Lakers-Nuggets game 3....
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/ ... etsLakers3

Some interesting excerpts....


"Phil Jackson has to be extremely concerned with the decision-making of his perimeter players, as bad shots, turnovers and failure to recognize situations plagued the Lakers throughout Game 2...Bad decisions led Derek Fisher to take bad shots and Shannon Brown to drive right at Chris Andersen at the rim. Sasha Vujacic had his 3-pointer blocked with Pau Gasol posted on Linas Kleiza, while Fisher launched a contested 3 with Gasol having J.R. Smith posted inside in the fourth quarter."

So glad we have high IQ players on this team.... but how about our leader....

"...Contrast this with Kobe Bryant, who saw Andersen switched onto him in the post in a key second-half possession. Bryant released to the corner, drawing Andersen out of the lane. Then he caught the pass and ripped baseline for a dunk. Bryant did what good NBA players do: He recognized the situation, read the play and reacted to what he saw."


Other interesting observations....

" Both Fisher and Luke Walton had second-half turnovers trying to force the ball into Gasol."

"Bryant may have to abandon [tryin to get his teammates involved] in Game 3 if his supporting cast cannot deliver."

"With Denver expected to trap Bryant more and more in Game 3, expect this set to be effective for the Lakers if they can get a quick ball reversal. If Lamar Odom is on the receiving end of this pass, he must abandon the finger rolls and finish stronger at the rim."

"Before Game 3, Jackson should take a moment to watch the Cleveland-Orlando Game 2 tape. All he has to watch is the last second of the game. Bryant, the best closer in the game, has to be allowed the opportunity to tie or win the game with the last shot."

"And with Anthony getting increased attention, it may be Chauncey Billups who goes back into the "Mr. Big Shot" role in Game 3. Bryant can't guard them both."

"Odom must be more assertive on offense in Game 3. The Lakers will need his scoring with Denver gang-tackling Bryant on every possession.
When Ariza got taken down in Game 2 and Gasol got shoved into the baseline seats, the Lakers did very little to respond. The toughness they showed during the regular season is now being tested."

"With Byrant's supporting cast failing him, he could very well post his biggest scoring number of the playoffs."

[magic1fan]

more observation



This defensive effort is the key for Denver in Game 3. Expect them to continue to deny, grab, hold, push and lean on Bryant all night with multiple defenders, with Anthony guarding him at crunch time. The Nuggets have made it pretty clear that they are going to foul Bryant on every play as he tries to cut or post and force the officials to make the calls.