No one started one yet so I figured I might as well. As for my thoughts, I see the Lakers winning the game tonight. We looked very good in the first game after the All Star break, with each of our big three having very good games. The main thing tonight is the Suns trying to implement Shaq into the offense. I don't know how well it's going to work in their first game, so I look for them to struggle a little bit with working him into the offense, maybe even messing up the flow of their offense early on. I'm thinking the Lakers win 110-98 tonight, hopefully with Kobe getting a decent chance to rest throughout.
I forget where, but I think I read somewhere that they were only going to give Shaq about 20mins of playing time tonight. Anyhow, Shaq is going to really slow down the Phoenix offense once he is in the game, and I don't see how that will help them much so long as we 1) shut down the pick and roll 2) close out on shooters We can't let Phoenix get hot either. Seeing as how our core players got alot of rest from last night's game, I don't think playing in a back to back will have much effect on our boys. I want to see us try to run the Suns when Shaq is in, forcing them to play 4 on 5 defense at best, while tiring out Shaq some more. I think Pau will be hard for Shaq to defend because Pau can play outside the key and is fast. On defense, we just have to watch our help, while keeping an eye on the kickouts to shooters. Again I would try to force Nash to be the leading scorer. I also believe that having Shaq in the post, limits what Amare can do in the game. What they usually like to run is a high pick and roll for Amare with Nash, then pass Amare the ball to take it in. But having Shaq clog the lane also allows Shaq's defender and other help defenders to stop Amare without traveling much distance, therefore forcing Amare out of the key to pass it up or be a shooter. I predict the Lakers win this one: Lakers 108 Suns 93 Side Note: I also predict that Lamar scores 20 in this game. He used to abuse Marion when we played the Suns, and I think he can take whoever is going to be guarding him now. Kobe goes for 30 in this game, and Pau gets a decent 18-25. I also expect double doubles from both Odom and Gasol. Now I'm done with my predictions. (I usually don't predict anything haha) P.S. Shape are you surprised that I finally posted again? xP
Gasol going to guard Shaq fat ass?Anyways I see a Laker victory, Kobe and Gasol going to be impressive today.
I would expect Gasol to guard Shaq. He may be a bit soft, but he's the only player that we have with enough size to match up with him.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (notmuchgame @ Feb 20 2008, 08:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>with it being on ESPN, will this game be on KCAL?</div> Late answer but yes it is
Shaq just had a horrific series of plays. He missed close, blocked Odom's shot but it still went in, then he got called for an offensive foul.
The Suns are morons today, after Farmar shot the biggest ballhog shot, Kobe intercepted them easily and then they committed another Defensive 3. The Suns are sloppy today, I'm not impressed. Facial!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Brian @ Feb 20 2008, 09:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>We've already ruined Bibby, and Marion's debuts. Shaq is the next victim.</div> I can't believe Kobe was perfect in the first quarter. He was 5-5 for 13 points, what a monster. He's definitely not being limited at all and Odom was aggressive.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Brian @ Feb 20 2008, 09:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Nash was 5-5 too. lol.</div> He's not wrapped up though. We are penetrating and also shooting well outside. I have been very pleasantly surprised by Farmar's three-point shooting.
Kobe looking damn good so far tonight. Talk about a monster dunk to end that quarter too, play of the game so far. Gasol also looking good, I think 5/9 last I saw. As for Shaq, looking pretty awful so far tonight. Commits a 3 sec. violation, an offensive foul, blocks a shot that still goes in, and clanks a trio of FTs. Also, loving Sasha tonight, 2/3 with 6pts, lookin' good for him, hopefully he keeps it up.
So, we start of the quarter on a roll and then let the Suns rattle off 10 unanswered. I wonder if Phil might be talking about defense in this TO?
Walton is so worthless right now, why is he taking a contested three pointer when the Suns are on a run? 3000th post bitches.
Agreed, Walton has looked awful tonight. He's claned a couple of good looks. He should stick to finding his teammates instead of shooting the ball. Ugh, how are the Lakers giving up so much on the glass? 7 offensive boards and Stat's got 10 rebounds already. Christ, we should be smashing them on the boards, like we, and every other team in the league, always do.
