Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: The Arena In Oakland TV: FSN, NBATV ---------------------- Probable Starters: Gary Payton/Nick Van Exel Kobe Bryant/Jason Richardson Devean George/Mike Dunleavy Jr. Stanislav Medvedenko/Clifford Robinson Shaquille O'Neal/Erick Dampier ---------------------------------- Injury Report: Lakers- Rick Fox-Out Jamaal Sampson-Out Brian Cook-Out Karl Malone-Out Warriors - C Adonal Foyle (knee); F Popeye Jones (knee); C Evan Eschmeyer (knee); G Pepe Sanchez (ankle). ------------------- Keys to the game: Lakers- Karl Malone is out of tonight's game with his sprained knee, and his inside presence will be greatly missed. I don't really see a lot of offense coming from our power forward position tonight, but I feel it will be up to Gary, Shaq, and Kobe to get this team a W. But wins have come like knit and tuck for the Lakers as they only won by a combined 8 pts the last two ballgames. Gary should penetrate to the hoop, not turn the ball over, and make wise decisions with the rock in his hand. Kobe should also drive to the hoop, dish off to his open teammates, and if it's his night from the field, he should make as many shots as possible. Shaquille should just dominate the low post, and not allow Dampier to contain him. Also, he'll receive a ton of contact, so it'll be very important for him to make his FT's. And since he's a career 54% FT shooter, who knows what'll happen tonight with free throws. I'm also looking out for Devean George. He's averaged 15.5 points the last two games. Warriors- The Warriors have lost two straight games to bad basketball teams in the Orlando Magic and the Miami Heat, and I'm starting to wonder whether this team is a contender or a pretender? I feel in order for the Warriors to win this game, it'll be on their backcourt production. Van Exel and Richardson are talented scorers, and an excellent 1-2 punch. And if they get it going tonight, it'll be a long day for the Lakers. Richardson has been averaging 23.6 points against Pacific Division opponents, so you know he'll be looking for the basketball. Look out for Mike Dunleavy Jr. to be Golden State's 3rd offensive threat. He has really proved himself since Jamison left, and he will be a challenge for Devean George. Laker Fever's prediction: In recent years in Oakland, these two teams have played their ballgames very close down the stretch, but when it comes to experience and depth, the Lakers should take this one by a close 5 pts.
Great preview. The strength for the Lakers this season has been Payton's ability to manage clock and control tempo. He has the Lakers under control and knows when to attack and when to penetrate and dish. Kobe Bryant has been clutch to close out quarters, and Shaq is playing well on both ends of the court. Without Malone in the lineup, they will need him and Devean George to make up for the rebounding against one of the best rebounding teams in the league. The Lakers have to limit the Warriors second chance opportunities. And of course Nick Van Exel is always out to drop 40 on the Lakers. He will have the green light to launch from the perimeter.
Lakeshow should roll pretty easily, even without the Mailman to deliver. Let Payton be the man tonight because he grew up in Oakland, also because I want Shaq ready and fresh to dominate Yao on Christmas!
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting the MDE:</div><div class="quote_post">Lakeshow should roll pretty easily, even without the Mailman to deliver. Let Payton be the man tonight because he grew up in Oakland, also because I want Shaq ready and fresh to dominate Yao on Christmas! </div>Even though I can't stand the Lakers, Payton is my boy. He grew up here in the bay area and I am always rooting for this guy. I love his style of play.
Payton is getting owned by Speedy Claxton. Claxton is 5/5 from the field and has 4 assists. Speedy is the difference in the game so far. The Lakers can't buy an open shot in the 2nd quarter and allowing 38 points in the quarter is pathetic.
Halftime Warriors - Lakers 61-46 Both teams are shooting good from the field. Lakers 52% Warriors 57% E.Dampier 9 points and 8 boards. Shaq10 Points 3 boards and 2 assits..
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Kosarkas:</div><div class="quote_post">Halftime E.Dampier 9 points and 8 boards. Shaq10 Points 3 boards and 2 assits..</div>Dampier is holding up his own against Shaq...good to see. The Warriors bench has been too much for the Lakers. Kobe has not been a factor, but neither has J-Rich. Claxon is playing awesome and is giving it to Payton. The Lakers will make a run and it will be interesting to see how the Warriors handle it. This should be a close one until the end.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rudeezy:</div><div class="quote_post">Dampier is holding up his own against Shaq...good to see. The Warriors bench has been too much for the Lakers. Kobe has not been a factor, but neither has J-Rich. Claxon is playing awesome and is giving it to Payton. The Lakers will make a run and it will be interesting to see how the Warriors handle it. This should be a close one until the end.</div> Are you watchin the game on tv or ?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rudeezy:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm watching the game on TV. Why do you ask? Warriors up 21 now.</div> Im just askin. im watchin in it on espn.com
FINAL Warriors 107 Lakers 98 Warriors Win! The Warriors out played the Lakers, Period. Dampier out played Shaq on the night. He was getting the rebounds when it counted. Shaq was horrible on the line, embarrassing but whats new. Van Exel and Robinson were HUGE in the fourth quarter, both coming up with clutch baskets. The Game Ball goes to Claxon. He out played Payton. He created havoc on D and also had a great offensive night. Great Win for the W's!
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting twolvefan11:</div><div class="quote_post">Wow! I didn't think the Warriors had it in them.</div>Even after they beat the Wolves in Minny?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rudeezy:</div><div class="quote_post">Even after they beat the Wolves in Minny?</div> Everybody gets lucky once in a while p.s. j/k.. like i said well deserved win.
Very disgusting to watch. The Lakers had an 8 point lead closing the first quarter, and Phil Jackson just went with a completely different lineup in the second quarter, and the Warriors just took advantage and ran the score up to 21 pts. Thanks Phil, that was just brilliant. We battled, we fought, we got the lead down to about 8 points, but we just couldn't come closer. Every time we got the ball back, we just forced too many turnovers, couldn't hit FT's, and guys just started missing crucial shots. And Golden State just came back and hit huge shots. I just want to know why this team just crumbles when Malone is gone? It's strange to me. Our team defense is still garbage. These past couple of games, they've just been screwing it up. Just really frustrating to watch, what more can I say? Much props to the Warriors. I just didn't think they'd have it in them by losing to the Magic and the Heat, and come back with an excellent performance like this. Congrats. 20-6 and now TIED with Sacramento.
The problem with the Lakers is that they don't come to play EVERY night. Every team gets up when they play the Lakers, the Lakers couldn't match the Warriors intensity. Its sad. This could really be a GREAT team.
