I like the fact we limited the Lakers to only 7 offensive rebounds. That will be the key. However, we haven't really converted this advantage into extra shot opportunities (93 to 92 shot attempts) like other teams had done against us.
Usually the suns have about 6-7 less shot opportunities than their opponents. The suns turned the ball over more than they should have, 2x on shaq outlets that were probably due to growing pains/familiarization.
Positives:
1) rebounding, clearly shaq had a big influence on amares 15 boards, grabbed 9 himself.
2) interior defense: with the exception of gasol getting loose all alone, lakers big men looked tentative inside, dont remember that in previous games
3) only shaqs first game, he'll get in better shape and be even more productive.
4) suns perimeter shooting wasnt very good, and yet they ere in this game. That hasnt happened against the lakers previously this year.
5) lakers cant guard amare. Not gasol, not odom, and probably not bynum when he comes back. Shaq is there to limit, punish the help D on amare. After averaging 14 pts in the previous meetings this year, he exploded and pretty much negated kobes prolific output.
6) the shaq/amare factor means fish has little help on nash, fish cant guard nash at all, too slow. Making fish work on D limits his offensive impact.
7) suns went to the foul line 30 times, and probably should have gone a few more times, nice!
8) looks like lakers cant run with the suns. Suns need to work on the outlets, they are getting the rebounds needed to run.
9) got to see PJ's strategy against the suns BEFORE the playoffs in a meaningful game, its all on film.
negatives:
1) shaq and the pick and roll needs work on the help D.
2) suns didnt force many turnovers, not many at all. They need another wing defender.
3) Rajas shot didnt look good, thought strawberry should have played more to give him a break. Strawberry looks better limiting kobes dribble penetration. I'd rather have kobe shooting jumpers than dunking.
4) no more open looks for sasha, he was the difference in the game, would much rather have ariza out there for the lakers.
5) Outlet passes need to be worked on by watching the laker defensive schemes on film. This will lead to more fastbreaks. The suns will need to run the lakers more, especially when bynum comes back. the rebounds are there to run, now just get the outlets.
Overall I was encouraged by shaq. he looked like he was hustling, motivated. And his athleticism is remarkable for a 35 year old 320 lb player. He will only get in better shape with more playing time.
There's no doubt which team earned and deserved the win. That the Lakers seem to be back in the fold is frustrating, but I never fooled myself into thinking they'd be down for long. Damn Lakers!
