Western Conference Quarterfinals: Game 2: Houston @ L.A.

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  1. Mamba

    Mamba The King is Back Staff Member Global Moderator

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    <div align="center"><font color="purple"><font size="6">GAME 2</font></font>
    [​IMG]@[​IMG]
    <font color="Purple">The Los Angeles Lakers</font> lead <font color="Red">The Houston Rockets</font> 1-0
    Time: Monday, 7:30 PM Pacific
    Place: The Staples Center
    TV: TNT</div>

    Head Coaches
    [​IMG] [​IMG] Jeff Van Gundy/Phil Jackson

    Starting Lineup
    [​IMG] [​IMG] Steve Francis/Gary Payton
    [​IMG] [​IMG] Cuttino Mobley/Kobe Bryant
    [​IMG] [​IMG] Jim Jackson/Rick Fox
    [​IMG] [​IMG] Kelvin Cato/Karl Malone
    [​IMG] [​IMG] Yao Ming/Shaquille O'Neal

    Sixth Men
    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Injury Report
    <u>Houston-    </u>
    Steve Francis(Probable)

    <u>Los Angeles-</u>
    Karl Malone(Probable)
    Devean George(Probable)
    Rick Fox(Will Start)

    <div align="center">Key Matchup
    [​IMG][​IMG]
    Ming: 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 1 blocked shot*
    O'Neal: 20 points, 17 rebounds, and 2 blocked shots*
    *Stats from game 1</div>

    Re-evaluated Matchups
    Point Guard
    [​IMG][​IMG]
    Game 1 Stats
    Francis: 18 pts on 6-14 shooting, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 7 turnovers.
    Payton: 11 points on 4-10 shooting, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 turnovers

    After seeing game 1, I think Steve Francis would like to forget his first playoff game. He had a total of 7 turnovers. For the Rockets to win, they need him to take the backseat and let Yao be the man. He needs to cut down on his turnovers and make better passes. Gary Payton has played in the playoffs before so he knows what it takes to win. He needs to also take a backseat and play in Phil Jackson's style offense and feed Shaq. He needs to stay alert defensively because Francis is much quicker than him. His passing was nice, he only had a total of 2 turnovers. He must replicate game 1 for the Lakers to win.
    Advantage: Los Angeles Still has the advantage

    Shooting Guard
    [​IMG][​IMG]
    Game 1 Stats
    Mobley: 10 pts on 5-13 shooting, 7 boards, 3 assists, and 2 turnovers
    Bryant: 16 points on 4-19 shooting, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists

    Kobe Bryant is a top 5 player in the NBA, and Cuttino Mobley caused him to struggle yesterday. If Cuttino can continue locking down Kobe on D, the Rockets have a great chance of winning this game. Kobe was 4-19 from the field, and only took one shot in the first half. Cuttino was 5-13 and had 2 turnovers. Mobley needs to hit his shots to help out Francis and Ming. Kobe Bryant's shot was not falling last night because of the good defense, so he looked to pass the ball. The Rockets must trap Bryant and force him to make stupid moves. L.A. still has the advantage in this matchup though.
    Advantage: Los Angeles

    Small Forward
    [​IMG][​IMG]
    Game 1 Stats
    Jackson: 11 points on 5-19 shooting, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 turnovers
    Fox: 0 pts, on 0-3 shooting, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 turnovers

    Jim Jackson is clearly the better player, he can shoot better and can create his own shot. Rick Fox has had a year he would love to forget, he has a broken thumb and should be coming off the bench, but he started. Jim Jackson did not take advantage of this at all in game 1, he must in game 2 if the Rockets want to steal a win in Los Angeles. Jim Jackson was the thorn in the Lakers side when the Lakers lost the first two games of the year to them, but he hasn't done what he was doing then, and that was hitting his open shots. He hit a couple last night, but he needs to take more shots and hit them. He clearly has the advantage of Rick Fox.
    Advantage: Houston

    Power Forward
    [​IMG][​IMG]
    Game 1 Stats
    Cato/Maurice Combined: 17 pts on 7-14 shooting, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover, and 2 blocked shots
    Malone: 7 pts on 3-14 shooting, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 turnovers

    Malone was sluggish in game 1. Maurice Taylor was beating him off the bench, and I wouldnt be suprised if Taylor started game 2. Malone was not hitting his open shots and he was having problems on defense. Cato did not play to well either, but he is going to have to take advantage of Malone's injuries and force Malone to stay active on the defensive end of the ball.
    I think Houston has taken the advantage in this position after seeing game 1.
    Advantage: Houston

    Center
    [​IMG][​IMG]
    Game 1 Stats
    Ming: 10 pts on 4-11 shooting, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 turnovers, and 1 blocked shot
    O'Neal: 20 pts on 8-17 shooting, 17 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 turnovers, and 2 blocked shots

    Shaq got the better of Yao in game 1, causing him to foul out. Shaq must make this happen again, but he needs to get fouls on Ming soonoer in the game. Shaq's free throw shooting was very disturbing last night, and almost cost us the game. He shot 14 free throws, and he made 4. He must make atleast half of them every game of this series. Yao Ming looked intimidated at the begining of last nights game, but he calmed down. They need to give him the ball more in the post so he can use his height advantage over Shaq. Shaq is still the most dominating player in the game and has the advantage in this series.
    Advantage: Lakers

    Bench
    The Houston Rockets clearly have the advantage in this game with players such as Maurice Taylor clearly playing better than Malone last night, and Mark Jackson's leadership. The Lakers have young player's on their bench who do not play consistent ball, except Fisher. Fisher is going to have a good series for the Laker's bench to be productive.
    Advantage: Houston

    Coaches
    [​IMG][​IMG]
    Two great coaches going head to head. Jeff Van Gundy, who is no stranger to the playoffs, and Phil Jackson who is 39-0( I think that was the number) when winning the first game of a playoff series. Their coaching styles are very different, Phil lets the players play out the situation, while Gundy talks it over. Phil clearly has the advantage because he is plays with people's minds and he has 9 championships.
    Advantage: Los Angeles

    Keys to the Game
    <u>Houston</u>
    Feed Yao in the clutch
    Cut down turnovers
    Hit open shots
    Francis needs to take the backseat

    <u>Los Angeles</u>
    Go to Shaq whenever he is in the game
    If Kobe can't get a shot, get open so he can pass to you
    Bench Play
    Play their style of game, they were too sloppy in game 1

    Q's Prediction
    After feeling each other out in Game 1, I think L.A. is going to come out and try to dominate game 2. Shaq is going to go at Yao early and Often, Kobe will drive the lane. The Rockets must be poised throughout the game and stay withing striking distance like they did in game 1. I still think L.A. is going to win this one by 4.
     
    Mamba, Apr 18, 2004
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  2. 30 standing ver

    30 standing ver JBB JustBBall Member

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    Excellent preview Q Rich3. Shaq freethrows were horrendous, especially that last freethrow he took. And Kobe won't have 2 horrendous shooting games in a row. He should get 35+ and Shaq 30 as well and hopefully dominate game 2.
     
    30 standing ver, Apr 18, 2004
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  3. Mr.Fundamentals

    Mr.Fundamentals JBB JustBBall Member

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    once again, great preview. well my prediction of kobe's 35+ points in game 1 was incorrect but, like 30 standing ver said, kobe should get 35+ in game 2 and he should get a high number of steals like in game 1 (5) and 6 + 5. I say lakers by 6.
     
    Mr.Fundamentals, Apr 18, 2004
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  4. kobe0826

    kobe0826 JBB JustBBall Member

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    Good Preview,(maybe putting the stats of the players compared here might be good aswell so also the G/F/C and not only the players to watch )

    Anyhow..I still think Shaq is going to dominate game 2..and Look for Derek Fisher to score a lot..Kobe might go for 30+ if not, Derek Fisher will go 20+ (Cuz KOBE will pass it to him)

    Lakers by 10
     
    kobe0826, Apr 18, 2004
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  5. the MDE

    the MDE JBB JustBBall Member

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    Lakers by 6
    Kobe scores 28 points on 11-22 shooting, Shaq puts down 25 and 13 rebbs.
    Payton tosses in 10 points and Malone adds another 10.
     
    the MDE, Apr 18, 2004
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  6. Linkin

    Linkin JBB JustBBall Member

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    If Mobley can defend Kobe like last time this could be another close game. The Rockets will need to try and take care of the ball. Last time they had alot of turnovers and that hurt them alot. They will need play excellent defense like last time. Francis will need to make better decisions because he sometimes takes bad decisions.

    In the last game, the Lakers were playing the Rocket's pace of game. They will need to play their own style and pace. The Lakers should feed the ball to Shaq in the paint like last time but for the whole game. The Lakers will also need to rebound better than last time because they usually rebound better than their opponents but last time the Rockets outrebounded them.

    I predict the Rockets win by 3 but the Lakers will win the series because Phil Jackson has never lost a series when his team wins the first game.
     
    Linkin, Apr 18, 2004
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  7. kobebryant89

    kobebryant89 JBB JustBBall Member

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    you mentioned mobley only had 2 TO's but he also had 7 TO's like Francis. But anyways i predict the lakers to come out ready to play and kobe is going to score 30 or more points.

    lakers by 11
     
    kobebryant89, Apr 18, 2004
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  8. Mamba

    Mamba The King is Back Staff Member Global Moderator

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting kobebryant89:</div><div class="quote_post">you mentioned mobley only had 2 TO's but he also had 7 TO's like Francis. But anyways i predict the lakers to come out ready to play and kobe is going to score 30 or more points.

    lakers by 11</div>


    NBA.COM's boxscore only gave Mobley 2 TOs
     
    Mamba, Apr 18, 2004
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  9. JLee348

    JLee348 JBB JustBBall Member

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    Cuttino did have 7 TO's. Go check it out again. Kobe played good D on Cuttino.
     
    JLee348, Apr 18, 2004
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  10. Rudeezy

    Rudeezy JBB Senior *********

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    I think it is safe to say that this is a must win game for the Rockets. If they lose this one they are finished. I think this will be a close game and again it can go either way. Whoever makes that big shot or in the Lakers case, whoever is in the right place at the right time will win.
     
    Rudeezy, Apr 18, 2004
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  11. Emo

    Emo Active Member

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    Great preview QRich. I really don't think this game will be close. I believe the Lakers will come out firing on all cylinders. They'll shoot a better FG percentage from the field, and they'll play aggressive style defense for this one. I think most importantly, the Lakers have to do an excellent job of harassing Steve Francis. In Game 1, he turned the ball over so many times, and he didn't have his best of shooting nights Saturday, so if they can contain one huge piece of the Rocket's offense, then the Lakers will have a tremendous shot of blowing the Rockets out. Also, Shaq will need to contain Yao better. Shaq has to harass him, intimidate him, and most importantly, show him who the dominant center is. Shaq didn't have a breakout game in Game 1, but I'm positive if he receives a significant number of touches and backs down Yao in the paint, and uses his strength to get to the basket, then Shaq should score 25-30 points easily. In this Game 2 prediction, I'm going to go with the Lakers by 15.
     
    Emo, Apr 19, 2004
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  12. Mez

    Mez JBB JustBBall Member

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    Great job on the preview Q Rich3. I think this will be a close game for three quarters like last game, but L.A. will pull out in the 4th. I really want this to be another big defensive game, with maybe a little more scoring. A lot of people don't like seeing these low scoring games, but as long as the defense is good I enjoy them.

    Prediction:
    Lakers 86
    Rockets 77
     
    Mez, Apr 19, 2004
    #12
  13. TracyMcWizzle

    TracyMcWizzle JBB JustBBall Member

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    i think the lakers can win that again!! they can't lose in the staples center!!
    i say Lakers 91 Houston 85
     
    TracyMcWizzle, Apr 19, 2004
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  14. Trip

    Trip 2000000000000000000000000

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    The Rockets would be a tough matchup for the Lakers if Yao Ming starts playing for real and concentrates on his shots. I'm predicting a 20-15 night for him, while effectively containing Shaq. Sure, I may be prejudiced, but I'm usually not wrong when I say Yao will play well. The Lakers should be scared after the Rockets brought it to them on Saturday, and will most likely play with vengeance.
     
    Trip, Apr 19, 2004
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  15. Emo

    Emo Active Member

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trip:</div><div class="quote_post">The Rockets would be a tough matchup for the Lakers if Yao Ming starts playing for real and concentrates on his shots. I'm predicting a 20-15 night for him, while effectively containing Shaq. Sure, I may be prejudiced, but I'm usually not wrong when I say Yao will play well. The Lakers should be scared after the Rockets brought it to them on Saturday, and will most likely play with vengeance.</div>

    Yao containing Shaq?? [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    I think you have that twisted around. The Lakers aren't scared of the Rockets. We have the playoff experience, we have the players that how to win a playoff series, and we have the best coach that knows how to prepare his players for a playoff series who is Phil Jackson. If you ask me, a team with minimal playoff experience, a coach that looks like he hardly gets any sleep, should be much more afraid of the Los Angeles Lakers. There's a reason why you're the #7 seed.
     
    Emo, Apr 19, 2004
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  16. Trip

    Trip 2000000000000000000000000

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Yao containing Shaq??</div>

    Yao can and has contained Shaq before. Sure, Shaq still puts up 20+ points on those occasions, but the way he gets them is much harder than how he gets points against, say, Chris Bosh. Yao Ming is not as bad a defender as you think, although the defensive power Bill Walton described Yao as was bull-crap.
     
    Trip, Apr 19, 2004
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  17. Emo

    Emo Active Member

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trip:</div><div class="quote_post">Yao can and has contained Shaq before. Sure, Shaq still puts up 20+ points on those occasions, but the way he gets them is much harder than how he gets points against, say, Chris Bosh. Yao Ming is not as bad a defender as you think, although the defensive power Bill Walton described Yao as was bull-crap.</div>

    Shaq always loves to matchup against Yao. To show him who the real, true dominant center is. Plus with all the critics getting on him about Yao, Shaq understands this is his chance to posterize him and make him look horrible. So as a Laker fan, I'll be watching that matchup very closely, and we'll see who gets the upper hand. BTW, if your team falls 2-0, what'll be your latest excuse? :mrgreen:
     
    Emo, Apr 19, 2004
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  18. Trip

    Trip 2000000000000000000000000

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Laker_Fever_834:</div><div class="quote_post">Shaq always loves to matchup against Yao. To show him who the real, true dominant center is. Plus with all the critics getting on him about Yao, Shaq understands this is his chance to posterize him and make him look horrible. So as a Laker fan, I'll be watching that matchup very closely, and we'll see who gets the upper hand. BTW, if your team falls 2-0, what'll be your latest excuse? :mrgreen:</div>
    Even my team loses, I'm sure they will not be blown out. Take a look back, how many times in the past 3 seasons have Laker/Rockets not been close? You need to wake up and realize that we are not pushovers and can outperform you any given night if we put our minds to it.
     
    Trip, Apr 19, 2004
    #18
  19. kobebryant89

    kobebryant89 JBB JustBBall Member

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    kobebryant89, Apr 19, 2004
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  20. B.e.

    B.e. The One Who Score Touchdowns and Spikes Mics

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    If Yao plays The Lakers like he does in the regular season the Rockets would be a lot better off.LA is lucky they didnt lose game 1,the game would have been over if Shaq could make his free throws.But the key for the game is turnovers if the Rockets can come in with less turnovers imagine what they could do,if they almost beat the Lakers with as many turnovers as they had, then they should be able to win if they dont have so many turnovers.
     
    B.e., Apr 19, 2004
    #20
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