<div align="center"> <font color="orange">The Golden State Warriors (19-22)</font> vs. <font color="purple">The Los Angeles Lakers (22-19)</font> Friday, January 27th, 2006 STAPLES Center, Los Angeles, California 7:30 Pacific; Local </div> [div=50%] <font size="3">Projected Starters</font> <div align="center"><font color="orange"> <font size="1">(B. Davis, J. Richardson, M. Dunleavy, T. Murphy, A. Foyle)</font></font></div> <font size="1">Leading Scorer: Jason Richardson - 22.8 PPG Leading Rebounder: Troy Murphy - 8.9 RPG Assist Man: Baron Davis - 9.2 APG The Bench Man: Derek Fisher (11.8 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 3.1 APG)</font> <font size="3">Backcourt</font> <font size="1">[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/baron_davis.jpg[/imgl]<font color="orange">Baron Davis</font> PPG: 18.3, RPG: 4.6, APG: 9.2 The big, burly PG put up a triple double last time against the Lakers in a loss. In this game, Davis needs to have the same stats. It shouldn't be hard, he has a much smaller defender on him in Smush Parker. Davis should bully his way into the paint, get to the free throw line, and hit open teammates. </font> <font size="1">[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/jason_richardson.jpg[/imgl]<font color="orange">Jason Richardson</font> PPG: 22.8, RPG: 5.9, APG: 2.8 Jason Richardson put up a season high 37 against the Lakers last time. He was hitting shots from all over the court, with defenders in his face. Tonight's game needs to be no different for him. Richardson is an athletic young man who should bring it to Kobe tonight, make Kobe work extra hard on defense so his offense game will stall. </font> <font size="3">Frontcourt</font> <font size="1">[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/mike_dunleavy.jpg[/imgl]<font color="orange">Mike Dunleavy</font> PPG: 10.9, RPG: 4.7, APG: 2.8 Dunleavy hasn't lived up to the big contract he was awarded. I have a feeling Lamar Odom is going to try and have a big game against them tonight, that is Dunleavy's responsibility. Tonight, he's going to have to stop Odom from hitting shots and box him out so he can't grab rebounds. Odom is going to get his assists, Dunleavy just needs to apply defensive pressure. </font> <font size="1">[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/troy_murphy.jpg[/imgl]<font color="orange">Troy Murphy</font> PPG: 15.7, RPG: 8.9, BPG: .38 Troy Murphy is going to have to play his game tonight. He doesn't know what Kwame Brown he'll be seeing tonight. The motivated Kwame? the average Kwame? or the pathetic Kwame? All questions Murphy is asking himself, as well as Laker fans. </font> <font size="1">[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/adonal_foyle.jpg[/imgl]<font color="orange">Adonal Foyle</font> PPG: 4.2, RPG: 6.4, BPG: 1.68 Another Warrior who hasn't live up to his contract, Foyle has looked like a huge mistake for the Warriors. A measley 5 points a game, a somewhat decent 6 boards, and almost two blocks. Foyle is going to have to get those blocks and boards, and draw fouls on Chris Mihm. </font> [/div] <font size="3">Projected Starters</font> <div align="center"><font color="purple"> <font size="1">(S. Parker, K. Bryant, L. Odom, K. Brown, C. Mihm) </font></font></div> <font size="1">Leading Scorer: Kobe Bryant - 35.9 PPG Leading Rebounder: Lamar Odom - 9.4 RPG Assist Man: Lamar Odom - 5.6 APG The Bench Man: Brian Cook (6.6 PPG, 2.8 RPG, .8 APG)</font> <font size="3">Backcourt</font> <font size="1">[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/smush_parker.jpg[/imgl]<font color="purple">Smush Parker</font> PPG: 11.5, RPG: 3.1, APG: 3.1 Smush has Baron Davis against him tonight, not a good look for him. Davis dominated him last time these two teams met, getting a triple double. Smush, tonight, has to hit his shots, create shots for others, and drive the lane. He needs to be aggressive and try to contain Baron, something I don't see happening. </font> <font size="1">[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/kobe_bryant.jpg[/imgl]<font color="purple">Kobe Bryant</font> PPG: 35.9, RPG: 5.6, APG: 4.3 Simply amazing. Coming off of an 81 point performance, the best performance in NBA history...what else can the man do? His teammates need to stop relying on him and get involved, until then, Kobe: JUST KEEP DOIN YOUR THING. </font> <font size="3">Frontcourt</font> <font size="1">[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/lamar_odom.jpg[/imgl]<font color="purple">Lamar Odom</font> PPG: 14.5, RPG: 9.4, APG: 5.6 New game, same story. Lamar needs to get involved early and stay involved. It's not a hard concept, if Lamar gets involved into the game, it'll make things much easier for Kobe and the rest of the Lakers to pull out the win, and it is another threat for opposition teams to worry about. </font> <font size="1">[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/kwame_brown.jpg[/imgl]<font color="purple">Kwame Brown</font> - PPG: 6.0, RPG: 6.1, BPG: .65 I feel like I'm writing for Lamar. What's this, deja vu? New game, same story. Can we get a good outing, Kwame? You started to show signs of life in you, but then you disappeared. And he wonders why he has so many doubters and haters. </font> <font size="1">[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/chris_mihm.jpg[/imgl]<font color="purple">Chris Mihm</font> PPG: 10.3, RPG: 6.6, BPG: 1.32 Chris Mihm, meet Adonal Foyle. Chris Mihm, dominate Adonal Foyle. That's what Mihm SHOULD be able to do if he can stay away from the cheap touch fouls. Mihm has a solid hook shot, something he should be looking to use everytime he touches the ball, because it's nearly unguardable. He'd be so much better and more recognized if he could stay out of foul trouble. </font> <font size="3">Keys to the Game</font><ul>[*]<font color="orange">Follow Up</font> - Baron Davis and Jason Richardson both need to have repeat performances of their last outing agains the Lakers. A game in which Davis had a triple double and Richardson went for a season high. Open shots need to be hit, teammates need to be found, and rebounds need to be grabbed by these two guards.[*]<font color="orange">How Do You Stop Kobe?</font> - Maybe the Warriors will try the often suggested, never tested 5 man defense against Kobe. No, seriously, triple teaming Kobe sounds good right now, they'd hate to be the team to let Kobe follow his 81 point performance with a 100 point performance.[*]<font color="orange">Push the Pace</font> - The Warriors need to get out and control the game. The Lakers aren't a running team, therefore they should get out and run up and down the court. Force LA to go with a small lineup that will benefit the Warriors. Tire the Lakers out and buckets will come much easier for them.[*]<font color="purple">All Eyes On: KOBE</font> - What will Kobe do to repeat his performance of 81 points? 40 assists? 53 rebounds? Or will he be a decoy and get his other teammates involved. There's no doubt Kobe will be seeing constant double teams, even triple teams, so finding the open man will be key for him[*]<font color="purple">Lamar</font> - Lamar needs to come out aggressive because the Warriors will be looking to stop Kobe. If Lamar comes out aggressive and can stay aggressive, the Warriors will have to worry about Lamar, which will leave some slack for Kobe, and if Kobe gets the slightest chance to score, count 2 points.[*]<font color="purple">Other Lakers</font> - This will be a game in which the Lakers role players will be huge. Lamar and Kobe will be dialed in by the defense of the Warriors, that leaves the bench, Smush, Kwame, and Mihm. If two of them can step up and make life easier for the two Laker stars, the Lakers have one foot in the bag and have their other one halfway in.[/list]<font size="3">Prediction</font> The Lakers should follow up Kobe's career game with another victory. They beat Golden State up in Oakland, they should beat them down here in L.A. Look for Kobe to have a relatively quite scoring game, something like 27, but with 8 boards and 7 assists. Lakers: 107, Warriors: 97.
Nice thread. Just a few Warriors notes: J-Rich may not play due to back spasms. Pietrus will start in his place if he is gone, which is bad news for Kobe because Pietrus really gave him trouble when they were matched up last year. Also, you may be underestimating Dunleavy's defense. Check out the stats of Rashard Lewis, T-Mac, Odom, and LeBron when they played him. Of course, Dun isnt Ron Artest now but hes much improved.
I predict a Laker victory tonight and more balanced attack from the offense. Lamar Odom has played 3 straight lousy games, and since he shows up 25% of the games, he's due for a big one tonight. Chris Mihm has been talked up all week by the coaching staff, it's time for him to start producing some consistent numbers the rest of the way. His goal for 2006 has been to average a double/double, playing against the soft interior of the Warriors is a great way for Mihm to get going. I'm curious if Ronny Turiaf gets some burn tonight, and/or Andrew Bynum. Both Kareem and Tex Winters have been in PJax's ear to get Bynum more minutes. Whether it's Pietrus or JRich on Kobe, it's not going to make any difference. Pietrus is a more physical defender, but he's been getting into foul trouble since he's been back from injury. Kobe Bryant will put a lot of pressure on him and the referees to blow the whistle. The problem I see is when the Warriors go to 3-guard lineup. This lineup hurt us in the last meeting, because the Lakers didn't make the proper adjustments, and relied on Kobe to win the game down the stretch. The Lakers cannot let Golden State get hut from the perimeter again. There is absolutely no need to double team anyone on the Warriors especially in the post. This is a must win game for the Lakers, because the Pacific Division and Western Conference race just got a lot more competitive. Home games are crucial the rest of the way, especially against teams in the division.
Lamar Odom two early fouls already 3 minutes into the game. Get your head in the game LAMAR! Smush had a beautiful layup early in the game, so Kobe hasn't scored yet and Mihm is looking good. Jason Richardson is out for the game.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Whether it's Pietrus or JRich on Kobe, it's not going to make any difference. Pietrus is a more physical defender, but he's been getting into foul trouble since he's been back from injury. Kobe Bryant will put a lot of pressure on him and the referees to blow the whistle. </div> You're right about the foul trouble but I doubt J-Rich would have held Kobe to 5 points in a half and 0 in an entire quarter. In fact I think all of Kobe's points came when Fisher was guarding him (though I may be wrong). Warriors barely hanging on without J-Rich or Dunleavy. Lakers not playing great but good enough ot have a nice lead, the first team to get into a groove will have the edge in this one.
Finally good Lakers win a comeback good job Kobe. Kobe came in the clutch, Smush with 17 and Mihm with a solid game.
are you really surprised he came thru in the clutch? Everygame, he either dominates, or makes the biggest plays. That's why he's the best in the league
Oh man!!! You guys don't even know how nervous I was with this game. It was the last game of my 8 game parlay, and the lakers FELL APART in the 3rd quarter, I think they only scored 5 points in 10 minutes, i was going nuts. I'm not sure if gambling is prohibited in the forum, but I'm so glad this parlay went through: Parlay (8 Teams) 01/27/06 13:41 ET 100.00/1592.76 (paid 1692.76) Result: Wager Won Cavaliers(Cleveland) 93 Pacers(Indiana) 89 01/27/06 (19:15 ET) Cavaliers(Cleveland) -190 Grizzlies(Memphis) 89 Pistons(Detroit) 95 01/27/06 (20:10 ET) Pistons(Detroit) -380 Heat(Miami) 91 Bobcats(Charlotte) 85 01/27/06 (19:40 ET) Heat(Miami) -750 Magic(Orlando) 94 Knicks(NewYork) 97 01/27/06 (19:40 ET) Magic(Orlando) +4 (-105) Raptors(Toronto) 87 Bucks(Milwaukee) 108 01/27/06 (20:40 ET) Bucks(Milwaukee) -230 Suns(Phoenix) 110 Hawks(Atlanta) 106 01/27/06 (19:10 ET) Suns(Phoenix) -290 Warriors(GoldenState) 105 Lakers(LA) 106 01/27/06 (22:40 ET) Lakers(LA) -400 Wizards(Washington) 79 Bulls(Chicago) 90 01/27/06 (20:40 ET) Bulls(Chicago) -155 Thank god for the Lakers comeback win!!
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting YourNewChef:</div><div class="quote_post">Kobe finished with 30 points and 8 assists. Take that Kobe haters.</div> Only had, what about 7 points through 3? He probably wouldnt have even had 15 if it werent for the refs bailing him out on every play. 19 Laker FTs to 1 Warrior FT in the 4th quarter. Whatever, nice win.
Kobe getting bailed out? He wasn't getting any calls in the first half, that's why he kept shooting from the perimeter. Kobe was really passive until the 4th quarter. His rhythm was off, and I think he was too, caught up in not getting the calls he normally gets. The 3 pointer from the side by Kobe was insane, I was going nuts at the sports bar. I thought PJax rotations were bizarre in this game. Smush Parker was on fire in the 1st quarter with 11 points, and then PJax benches him for the ENTIRE 2nd quarter. Huh? Then the Lakers have Walton, Cook, and Sasha in the game down the stretch and doesn't bring Odom in until 6 minutes left in the game. The Lakers should have blown the Warriors out in this game. The Warriors were without JRich, and Mike Dunleavy. Plus Baron Davis played in foul trouble for most of the game. Derek Fisher and the three guard lineup was effective once again and the Lakers weren't prepared to deal with it. I was really impressed with Monta Ellis, he was all over the court making plays. He does a lot of little things on the court that most 5 year plays don't do. The Lakers were also getting destroyed on the glass by Troy Murphy. I don't understand why you don't box him out, after he's had several putback dunks. I'm just glad the Lakers won this ugly game. They better clean up the mistakes because the Pistons will take advantage of us on Sunday.
If Kobe wasn't getting calls the entire game then why did the refs change their calls in the fourth quarter? Kobe has the ability to score on anyone but he just didnt seem interested to really make something happen, he just keeps complaining until the refs change their calls. Remember when he got a T and the very next possession Mihm clubs Baron and its an offensive foul? It just wasn't a fair game at all. As I said before 19 FTs to 1 in the fourth, I can't see how it was a coincedence that there was that high of a margin. Its just frustrating as a Warrior fan. I don't really want to start anything with you guys so I'll leave it at that. Nice win for ya'll.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Run BJM:</div><div class="quote_post">If Kobe wasn't getting calls the entire game then why did the refs change their calls in the fourth quarter? Kobe has the ability to score on anyone but he just didnt seem interested to really make something happen, he just keeps complaining until the refs change their calls. Remember when he got a T and the very next possession Mihm clubs Baron and its an offensive foul? It just wasn't a fair game at all. As I said before 19 FTs to 1 in the fourth, I can't see how it was a coincedence that there was that high of a margin. Its just frustrating as a Warrior fan. I don't really want to start anything with you guys so I'll leave it at that. Nice win for ya'll.</div> I understand it is frustrating, I for one hate the inconsistency of the refs. One half they let physical play go, the next half they call fouls on the same plays they were letting go in the 1st half. The Lakers put the Warriors in the penalty early in the 4th, leading to the discrepency. There's this unwritten b.s. the refs in the league seem to have engrained in them. Whoever they perceive as the aggressor in the game, they reward them with favorable whistles. They perceived Kobe Bryant as being the aggressor in the 4th, and I'm sure all the complaining and lobbying he did throughout the game paid off. I thought the offensive foul they called on Baron was a missed call as well. I couldn't believe Chris Mihm actually got a call. The refs missed a lot of calls. How about the obvious travel on Foyle's move, and the phantom foul call on top of it? The game was poorly officiated, I think 90% of the games in the NBA are. I think more blame needs to go to Monty. He knew the team was short handed, but he didn't have Baron Davis starting in the 4th quarter to keep the momentum in GSW's favor. This opened the window for Kobe Bryant to get going and after he made two straight, Monty then decided to bring Baron back in. By then it was too, late, because the momentum went back to the Lakers and Kobe found his rhythm. The Warriors should have kept the pressure on after dominating the 3rd quarter. Instead, they opened the quarter missing their first 5 shots, all from the perimeter. The Warriors had a 7 point lead heading into the final period, if Baron was left in the game, I think the Warriors could have easily extended it to double digits and then Monty could have given Baron a breather after the lead was increased.
I agree with all of your points Shape. Montgomery making bad decisions is something W's fans have learned to cope with, its just that the refs inconsistency hit us at a bad time. The game was poorly officiated all around but the one "offensive foul" on Baron turned out to be huge since he eventually fouled out and the game was so close. There were horrible calls on both sides but the 19 to 1 FTs was just absurd.
