Pistons/Lakers game 2

[cly2tw]

Pistons' mistake in the OT was that they didn't go straight to Hamilton nor did they attack the paint right away, with both Kobe and Shaq with 5 fouls. They tried their usual routine of going to Billups. That's lack of adjustment. Too bad they lost. But I really liked how they played most of the game though. Suns need to get rid of their defensive liabilities, particularly the high-salary ones.

Also, most of the game, Kobe and Shaq didn't mesh well. They even seemed to hinder each other when effectivity is concerned. Their must be a breakup after the finals whether they win it or not.

 

[Joe Mama]

I understand what you are saying, but we have to look at this case on an individual situation basis. There Shaq was, recieving the inbounds pass with 8 seconds left, with his back to the basket. This is a GOLDEN opportunity for the Pistons, you foul him ASAP, have around 7 seconds left. As long as you box out, you should be able to get the rebound, call timeout, and get your best free throw shooters on the floor. Essentially at that point, there is maybe one posession for both teams, and with Shaq getting free throws in the LA posession, your odds are looking pretty good.

Let's face it, you don't give Kobe the chance to hit the game winning shot, I can understand the strategy of not fouling being sound in many situations; this is not one of them. Did anyone here think that Kobe wouldn't hit that shot?

my thoughts exactly. The other mistake was not fouling Shaquille O'Neal with about 30 seconds left when he had good position in the low post. He ended up passing the ball out, getting it back, and hitting the shot and foul. The Pistons were up by 6 points at that point.

I can see the arguments either way, but I do think this is a different situation with Shaquille O'Neal.

Joe Mama

 

[Evil Ash]

Pistons' mistake in the OT was that they didn't go straight to Hamilton nor did they attack the paint right away, with both Kobe and Shaq with 5 fouls. They tried their usual routine of going to Billups. That's lack of adjustment. Too bad they lost. But I really liked how they played most of the game though. Suns need to get rid of their defensive liabilities, particularly the high-salary ones.

True but every one here knows that there was a very small chance of the officials calling a foul on Shaq or Kobe. Like I said before the Pistons once it went into OT, started to mope around and act like the game wa already over.

Also, most of the game, Kobe and Shaq didn't mesh well. They even seemed to hinder each other when effectivity is concerned. Their must be a breakup after the finals whether they win it or not.

At this point I'm starting to feel there is a very good chance of Kobe leaving the Lakers whether they win or not.

 

[thirty-two]

So all in all, I'm not sure I'd foul if I were the one in charge.

I think I'm with you on this.

Having a lead, why even put the other team on the line? Why give them the easy opportunity to cut into the lead? Why set up opportunities for them to get back in the game? Make the other team earn their victory. I'd rather lose by a last second shot (making the other team work for it) instead of the outside chance of them missing a free throw and us getting the rebound.

If you trust your defense, then you put the chance of victory on the other team's shoulder.

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

This game is just about over, Lakers win. Larry Brown is a moron for not telling his team to foul. Why do people think he is such a great coach? He never wins the big one. If not for Danny Manning he would have zero championships. This series has taken a huge momentum in favor of the Lakers.

For some reason I thought Brown had zero championships. I know he has a NCAA title, if that what you are talking about?

 

[ASUCHRIS]

I think I'm with you on this.

Having a lead, why even put the other team on the line? Why give them the easy opportunity to cut into the lead? Why set up opportunities for them to get back in the game? Make the other team earn their victory. I'd rather lose by a last second shot (making the other team work for it) instead of the outside chance of them missing a free throw and us getting the rebound.

If you trust your defense, then you put the chance of victory on the other team's shoulder.

I agree with you generally here, but this is one of the exceptions to the rule. Again, did you really think Kobe would miss the shot? When Kobe took the shot, there was 4 seconds left, at that point, it is a matter of time. I cannot understand why anyone would ever give Kobe the chance to tie the game, there is absolutely no logic to it, especially after he does it, time and again. Anyone here see the Blazers game this year? Apparently Larry Brown didn't.

 

[arthurracoon]

*sigh*

 

[thirty-two]

I agree with you generally here, but this is one of the exceptions to the rule. Again, did you really think Kobe would miss the shot? When Kobe took the shot, there was 4 seconds left, at that point, it is a matter of time. I cannot understand why anyone would ever give Kobe the chance to tie the game, there is absolutely no logic to it, especially after he does it, time and again. Anyone here see the Blazers game this year? Apparently Larry Brown didn't.

Oh I agree with you in this situation with the Lakers - My comments weren't about the game (because I didn't see it - eek) but about the actual situation.

I wouldn't want to give Kobe the chance to beat me either, yikes! I can see why fouling Shaq would have been the smart thing to do in this situation.

 

[Joe Mama]

I agree with you generally here, but this is one of the exceptions to the rule. Again, did you really think Kobe would miss the shot? When Kobe took the shot, there was 4 seconds left, at that point, it is a matter of time. I cannot understand why anyone would ever give Kobe the chance to tie the game, there is absolutely no logic to it, especially after he does it, time and again. Anyone here see the Blazers game this year? Apparently Larry Brown didn't.

We are also talking about putting one of the worst free-throw shooters in the NBA on the line. The mistake was not fouling Shaquille O'Neal. Fouling Kobe Bryant would be a mistake in that case I believe. If

Joe

 

[Freddie]

Kobe!! Thank god for him, or else my money would not be real safe at the moment.

 

[F-Dog]

I guess I'm in the minority here, but I think Detroit will come out with more desperation than LA. Certainly, they need this game more--they need to win one more road game, because the lower seed always loses at least one home game in the 2-3-2 format, and this might be their best chance for that second road win (since the Lakers are banged up a little).

Meanwhile, the Lakers have to be confident they can win four games in a row once they find their rhythm; that's what they did to San Antonio, after all. They can start the steamroller in game 3 if they have to, and they would still have a game in hand in case of a fluke loss.


Even if Detroit comes out with more energy again, the Lakers will be better prepared than in game 1, and they'll still have the home court and maybe the calls (although the officials' favor no longer seems to be a sure thing for them). If the teams come out as I expect they will, it should be a close and well-contested game.


The X-factors in game 2 are Kobe and Chauncey Billups, IMO. Rip Hamilton should bounce back, but Detroit will need at least a pretty good game from Billups too if they want to score 90, which will give them a fighting chance at the W. Billups is the toughest cover for the Lakers, since he can body Payton and Fisher and also make plays off the dribble, but his shooting comes and goes.

Kobe Bryant has to drive and distribute. Without double-teams, the Lakers' role players aren't getting the automatic open looks that they expect, but Kobe should be able to create some looks for them anyway if he's unselfish. Shaq is due for a poor FT-shooting game, so I'm guessing that the Pistons will use their fouls to prevent another 80% shooting night...

Damn I'm smart.

The Pistons only made it to 89 in regulation, which was the difference in the game. The Lakers dusted off Luke Walton to distribute, though, so Kobe could stick to his usual game plan (although he did drive much more in this game).

I shouldn't even mention it, but in the previous thread, I predicted that the Lakers might go small...

Just call me NostraDogus!

 

[JerkFace]

god smiled down on detroit and gave them a chance to foul shaq when up by 3 with 7 seconds left. detroit didn't take that chance and it may have cost them the finals, and it pisses me off.

 

[Renz]

Kobe!! Thank god for him, or else my money would not be real safe at the moment.

Also props to ex-Wildcat Luke Walton. 7 points, 5 rebs., 8 assists and 2 blocks. He really got the Lakers energized when they needed it. Not bad for his first Finals.

 

[Freddie]

The lob by Walton to Shaq was one of the best passes this year. He fooled everyone.

Ben Wallace is a monster. The one handed rebound and dunk near the end of regulation was sick.

 

[Billythekid]

Classic example of fouling rather then letting them shoot the 3 was in Game 7 of Pho Hou in 95. They fouled Majerle and Ainge on successive trips down the floor to prevent a 3.

This LA DET finals reminds me of the Sac LA series from a few years back. Sacramento seemed to have them on the ropes but LA escaped. (Game 4, and eventually the series) I hope Detriot recovers. i think... actually i know they will. They are a sensational outfit, well drilled and well coached. Malone injured will hurt the Lakers... even though he's done little, he's a guy that eventually will get it going, and cause major headaches.

If Detriot can take 2 of 3 at home i don't see why they couldn't win a game 6 or 7 on LA's floor. They've proven in these early games they're aren't at all intimidated by the Laker 'BandWagon' crowd.

Go Pistons.


i love the Suns involvement in the whole Malone injury. I know it's harsh wishing an injury upon someone... but with Malone, i just have to make an exception. The guys a thug. Scott Williams will have 'hopefully' played a nice roll in the finals series.

 

[Lefty]

For some reason I thought Brown had zero championships. I know he has a NCAA title, if that what you are talking about?

When I mentioned Danny Manning that was when he and Brown won the NCAA title at Kansas. Brown does have zero NBA titles. Brown said the players are devastated in that they knew they could be up 2-0. Like I said before, right now the Lakers have the momentum. They should be able to win at least one game in Detroit.

 

[justAndy]

foul!

i was yelling for it - NO WAY do you let that evil witch Kobe take that shot...

 

[Chaplin]

So much for the blow-out that Joe Mama and Ouchie were so adamant about...

 

[Joe Mama]

So much for the blow-out that Joe Mama and Ouchie were so adamant about...

oh come on. You make it sound like it guaranteed a blowout. I wasn't adamant about anything. I just said I thought it would be a blowout. You asked why, and Ouchie and I gave you our reasoning.

Joe Mama

 

[Chaplin]

oh come on. You make it sound like it guaranteed a blowout. I wasn't adamant about anything. I just said I thought it would be a blowout. You asked why, and Ouchie and I responded.

Joe Mama

Backpedal all you want, but both of you were convinced it would be a blowout--are you denying that? The truth is the truth, after all. I could quote it for you if you'd like...

 

[Cheesebeef]

I am still sick to my stomach this morning - Kobe Bryant was as good as ours - now the dynasty will freaking live on - ugh - I feel sick.

 

[Joe Mama]

Backpedal all you want, but both of you were convinced it would be a blowout--are you denying that? The truth is the truth, after all. I could quote it for you if you'd like...

I agree with LakeShow's prediction for Game 2. I think the Lakers will blow out the Pistons.

Joe Mama

Actually you just saved me a bunch of time. I think the Lakers will come out with a lot more energy. Gary Payton and especially Karl Malone will be much more aggressive. The Pistons played a good game yesterday, but the Lakers played poorly as a team. I don't believe that will happen again tomorrow.

Unlike LakeShow I'm hoping like hell that I'm wrong though.

Joe Mama

Again, I wasn't "convinced" or "adamant" about anything. I didn't guarantee a blowout. Your Post made it sound like I insisted that the Lakers would absolutely blowout the Pistons. I simply made a prediction. LakeShow, Ouchie, and I were wrong.

Joe

 

[elindholm]

Meanwhile, I'm gritting my teeth and sticking with Lakers in 5...

 

[Cheesebeef]

Game 3 is the biggest game of the series obviously now - If Detroit can actually get off the ground and win the game - I think they will have a better than 50% chance of winning the whole thing. What I fear most is the Lakers have that one game where they put it all together and rip the hell out of Detroit and then it's over. Man - .4 seconds and 2.1 seconds - this Laker run has just been agonizing - although it would be a little easier to stomach if Karl Malone was an absolute non-factor in the series in the case of a Laker win - it would show him to be the loser that he truly is - same goes for the piece of crap baby Gary Payton.

 

[Chaplin]

Again, I wasn't "convinced" or "adamant" about anything. I didn't guarantee a blowout. Your Post made it sound like I insisted that the Lakers would absolutely blowout the Pistons. I simply made a prediction. LakeShow, Ouchie, and I were wrong.

Joe

You simply made a prediction, and I pointed out that you were wrong. Perhaps I shouldn't have, and for that I apologize. But don't tell me you weren't convinced it would be a blowout, because you were.