<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Luke Walton was an "alternative starter" to Lakers coach Phil Jackson last month. Now, there is no alternative to what Walton gives the Lakers. They closed the season with five straight wins with him starting and have seen the success carry over to this series. Walton has seen his season become progressively more appealing. He has gone from having a torn hamstring sideline him in the preseason and November to season averages of 5.0 points and 3.6 rebounds to playoff averages of 12.5 points and 7.3 rebounds entering Game 5. "I knew I had to take advantage of that opportunity," Walton said of when he replaced Brian Cook as a starter a game after Phoenix won its seventh straight game against the Lakers. "It just gradually happened. Chris (Mihm) got hurt, and they needed another playmaker out there. "Even when I was down, Phil told me he wasn't losing faith in me. He knew I could play. He was going to give me my opportunity. I love playing in this offense and playing for coach." As defenses account for Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom, Walton floats into the gaps with the sound skills expected from Arizona players. Walton has not starred like his former UA teammates Richard Jefferson, Gilbert Arenas and Andre Iguodala. But now his role is as vital to the Lakers as what the Suns get from Boris Diaw. "His floor play is always a pleasure to coach," Jackson said. "He goes to the ball in the right spot. He rotates defensively in key situations with the right attitude and the right ability." Walton has been at the forefront of the series for his play and controversy, being the one who tussled and tied up Steve Nash in Game 4. "I'll put an end to all that," Walton said. "It was a good, clean play." And what about your foot being out of bounds? "I didn't see all that," he said.</div> Source
I've been so impressed with Luke. He's done so much for the Lakers. After seeing him play in the begining of the year I honestly didn't expext him to be playing so well. Who would have thought he would be starting games, not only in the regular season, but in the playoffs. I definately under estimated him.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">And what about your foot being out of bounds? "I didn't see all that," he said.</div> His foot wasn't anywhere near out of bounds. I have appreciated Walton like never before. He has shown that he is more than just some flashy passer for a big guy.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Franchise4Ever:</div><div class="quote_post">His foot wasn't anywhere near out of bounds. I have appreciated Walton like never before. He has shown that he is more than just some flashy passer for a big guy.</div> actually, to tell you the truth, i think his foot was out of bounds. i saw some replays, and a pic on the net: anyways, i still cant believe how much luke has improved throughout the season. he used to be our worst offensive player shooting wise. everytime he shot the ball, i thought, oh great. brick. but now, he has shown how hard work and detirmination pays off. he has developed a nice jumper, can hit the occasional 3, and has a really reliable bank shot. he used to be a laker that everyone hated on, and called him names like "puke" and ect. but now, he is quickly becoming one of my most favorite lakers
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Brian:</div><div class="quote_post">actually, to tell you the truth, i think his foot was out of bounds. i saw some replays, and a pic on the net: </div> Hmmmm,what does that mean though....Would it have been out of bounds on Lakers even though he was tied up with Nash?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Franchise4Ever:</div><div class="quote_post">Hmmmm,what does that mean though....Would it have been out of bounds on Lakers even though he was tied up with Nash?</div> im pretty sure if he was out of bounds, there would have been no jump ball and nash would have gotten the time out. but the ref didnt see it, or it "appears" that the ref didnt see it
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Brian:</div><div class="quote_post">im pretty sure if he was out of bounds, there would have been no jump ball and nash would have gotten the time out. but the ref didnt see it, or it "appears" that the ref didnt see it</div> Heh, to me it "appears" as if the ref is staring right at it, in the picture anyway.
It might have been momentarily. Like thats what the refs were looking for, to see when Walton got his foot out of the out of bounds because the player with the ball has to call the TO and Nash wasn't calling TO so that allowed plenty of time for Walton to get his foot out of out of bounds.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting doobee:</div><div class="quote_post">Maybe refs hate the Suns... LOL</div> I think the Refs have been dropping acid before the games, out of boredom or spite maybe. It would explain a lot this playoff season.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting unbeliever:</div><div class="quote_post">I think the Refs have been dropping acid before the games, out of boredom or spite maybe. It would explain a lot this playoff season. </div> Yeah wouldn't doubt it. , the refs have been so inconsistant its hard to say who they are biased toward if they are biased at all.
