GAME 19: Lakers @ Pistons 8PM

[kpt]

This was a blatant showcase game for Rose, Blake, and even Ellington. Not only for the lakers yet for who needs to beat them. I know AD wasn’t there but we matched up well with them. From the box score it seems this was Blake’s best game of the season.

[440BB]

I think this game is an exception, being the Lakers at home. I suspect that when Griffin and Ellington got hot Casey decided to go for it. With Plumlee/Stewart combining for 25 points and 15 rebounds, the players deserved a shot IMO. I don't think we'll see Griffin play at that level often enough to make much difference. He probably will do so occasionaly when he gets a few days rest and is up against a top tier opponent.

Having the vets play hard against the Lakers before heading out west to get our butts kicked was a good way to keep them motivated through the losses and showed the youngsters that on a given night even Lebron can be beaten. Keeping things upbeat during a losing season has value.

As long as the youngsters see decent minutes on the trip I'm OK with it. We better trade Ellington soon though.

[Manocad]

I don't understand why anyone is sweating this win. Ellington playing well, while it leads to wins, is a good thing since everyone pretty much agrees that he's trade bait and not part of the future. Blake is sort of in the same boat and who knows--maybe someone thinks he's still got enough gas in the tank to help them although I'm thinking the cost is just too high and maybe there's not enough gas to get through next year.

And as I've said before, there are still 53 games to go. Someone could call at any minute wanting Ellington. Or even Derrick Rose for that matter.