The OtherArena

JAG · Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 1376

Well, jdw gets the Kobe he's always wanted, I get the Pau I always wanted and we get the Steve Blake no one knew existed.

Metta was the key, along with the bigs waking up. Hopefully, it's a permanent condition.

The schedule for the OKC series is bullshit, but can't complain after letting the Nugs linger.

Jagdip

corrado · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2744 Location: LI

Im noticing there's a back to back on Friday and Saturday. Now the 1st round had 0 back to back's. This might be a drawback of the lockout. They spread out the 1st round for 15 days.

Also the Thunder are definately well-rested. Not having played since last Saturday. So they have a 9-day rest.

Rian · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 1775

They always spread out the 1st round, there's nothing different about that. It's the back to back's that will occur in LA for games 3-4 as well as LA/Memphis Sat/Sun for 3-4.

That's just plain stupid. Quit giving teams three days off in-between games in the first round and cut it back to two (including the travel between cities). There's plenty of tv spots around to make half of the series begin on one day, the other half on the other...and then just play every other day.

2 games TNT/ESPN/ABC
1 game TNT/ESPN/ABC whichever doesn't have the two
1 game NBATV.

jdw · Site Admin Joined: 01 Sep 2005 Posts: 12603

corrado · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2744 Location: LI

well the theory about the Thunder being rusty went out the window.

What a beatdown.

Rian · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 1775

I watched most of the first half and then watched the SNL episode on the DVR...came back and OKC is up by 31?

corrado · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2744 Location: LI

Forgot to add. Metta/Artest said that Harden flopped during the infamous elbow.

Seems as if Metta is getting more and more like the old Artest now.

jdw · Site Admin Joined: 01 Sep 2005 Posts: 12603

Just a massive ass kicking. After a decent start, OKC controlled the rest of the first quarter and second. Then... they just blew them out to start the third. It was literally over in an instant.

Ugh.

John

JAG · Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 1376

That was almost like the Thunder had been waiting to deliver that ass-kicking for a week (2 years).

This could be over quick if Brown doesn't gimmick up the defense and the Lakers make a commitment on defense to cut off penetration. They won't shoot like that every game and the Lakers will have to force some turnovers.

If Perk is out, OKC will have double Bynum some, so that could change the dynamic offensively. Just have to hit shots.

I feel like I'm in Larry Holmes corner for the Tyson fight. ;)

Jagdip

corrado · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2744 Location: LI

Some more observations:

1. Metta/Artest almost had a repeat episode when he elbowed Harden again. It happened fairly late.

2. After the Ebanks ejection, Miller really scolded him. Seemed very unnecessary. The miller overblowing.

3. After the end of the game, the camera caught Gasol and Bynum talking, still on the bench. They talked for a while actually. I thought that was interesting. Whether it was talking about planning for Game 2, or fearing the wrath of Kobe.

Rian · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 1775

Bynum and Gasol were either talking about posting up or switching off on defense. Was a smart move IMO to do it there instead of in the locker room when you're thinking about Kobe or any one of the coaches talking to you.

Ebanks knocked off the padding on the chair which caused the crowd to gasp at the moment.

Steve Yohe · Posted: Wed May 16, 2012 2:35 pm Post subject:

In a normal playoff, I think the Lakers or someother team, could figure out O.C. & figure out a way to slow them down or get them to do things they don't normally do. But in this screwed up season with back to backs & less time....it looks like doom. You have to make them think & get them out of their pattern. I can't see it happening.

Brown & crew would have to do a great job & that means no sleeping over the one day off.

S. A. has a better chance.

Yohe

corrado · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2744 Location: LI

They blew it. They had a nice lead and couldnt capitalize. Thunder took over at the very end and now take a 2-0 lead.

Also I dont think Blake should be the one who attempts the potential game-winning shot from now on. Give it to Kobe.

Rian · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 1775

Blake was wide open, needed to knock it down...not a desperation shot at all.

The Lakers didn't score again...not even a free throw in the last 2+ minutes. That's on Kobe, Bynum, and the rest.

jdw · Site Admin Joined: 01 Sep 2005 Posts: 12603

Yeah, Kobe was totally covered. Should have won the game, didn't do well down the stretch. Still, hold at home and come back here in Game 5. All of that is big "ifs", but there's a lot of defensive positives they can take out of this.

John