Detroit's defense is what amazes me most, there doing what the celtics did with Wilt the Stilt Chamberlain, they knew he was unstoppable they let him score but made everyone else look like school girls. Only if LA's bench show's a little somethin somethin will we be able to take this series. Kobe having 25 ppg in the series is a fosho because he is our main man after Shaq, and Kobe is arguably the best gaurd in the NBA currently. If Kobe can crank that up to around 30ppg then we have something on these guys, Kareem Rush off the bench has to sparkle like he's done before. I think the real X-FACTOR in this series is Derek Fisher because he plays a lot of 4th quarter minutes along with Kareem Rush, Kobe, and Shaq if Fish can produce effectively then we can win or else the strategy the Pistons are using just might work.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting PyroManiac:</div><div class="quote_post">The Lakers could not hit open shots? How about the Pistons missing about 8 layups in the first half.</div> Future Hall of Famers were missing open shots. Malone for one had pretty much all day to take his shots and he kept missing them. You cant tell me that Malone missed his shots because of pressure. The man was wide open for at least half his shots. I'll give the Pistons their due but the Lakers' poor shooting was not all because of defense.
Hello L.A. Pistons 1-0. I'm loving it. As for all the people predicting a sweep, lets hope it comes true. Especially so that all the ass-kissing announcers make up millions of excuses. I couldn't want the damn ABC announcers, it was horrible. Lakers this, Lakers that. Guys, Pistons are there too, and they are kicking the Laker's ass. Guys, we have a series and a rivarly. Let's make this a great series. Also, Hamilton had an off night today, but it will be a "on" night on Tuesday.
Well, if it is a Future Hall of Famer missing a shot, then wow. Teams always miss some open shots, the problem is that when you are playing the Pistons, it seems like you have a lot more missed open shots because you aren't making any others. The fact is that you Laker fans were expected a cakewalk and you aren't going to get it. This is a real series and the NBA Finals don't end with the Western Finals. When I was watching the Minnesota/LA series, I was thinking what the hell are these guys doing on the defensive end. It is a completely different game and the Lakers don't have any experience against it. It IS the defense and not only that but the Pistons DO have an offense. Anyways, enjoy Los Angeles 75's. A rivalry reborn, always good for the league.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting PyroManiac:</div><div class="quote_post">When I was watching the Minnesota/LA series, I was thinking what the hell are these guys doing on the defensive end. It is a completely different game and the Lakers don't have any experience against it. It IS the defense and not only that but the Pistons DO have an offense.</div> The Spurs may have a different type of defense but they had a great defense too...until the Lakers made some changes. This is only Game 1. Once the Lakers find where they made mistakes this series will go back to what everyone expected it to be like. I don't think the Lakers will play this poorly again. This lack of effort definitely wont be seen again either. Props again to Detroit for proving the skeptics wrong in Game 1 but I still think the Lakers have a chance to take it in at least 6 games.
It is fun to talk with reasonable fans. Adjustments, they are a wonderful thing but they can only get you so far. Sometimes it doesn't matter what you try to do, it will not work. An example is guarding Shaq, you can do whatever you want but you just can't stop somebody who is 350 pounds and 7'5". The thing between Detroit and San Antonio, is that Detroit is longer and more athletic. We have a very good help side defense (Ben Wallace) and an excellent rotation. We also have a near shut-down 1 on 1 defender in Tayshaun Prince. We are very annoying for other teams to face. The adjustments against the Detroit defense will only get you so far also, just look at the Nets and the Pacers. They had a combined 13 games to change their offense but you can't get a new playing style. The Lakers will still go through Shaq, then Kobe, and then the rest of the team. They will not change their identity because then they will have no chance. This limits the amount of adjustments you can make and their effectiviness. The series will remain low scoring and in the 80's max.
This game is a disappointment, but it's not like the Lakers pulled a drama either because they tried hard to win it but the Pistons D was just too much. Honestly I don't feel good about our chances this time though I think the Lakers are going to win Game 2 to tie the series. They also have to think of a way to take Game 3, if they do, they can win this series quiet handily. If the Lakers lose Game 3, expect the series to be extended to Game 7. If they lose Game 2, I really think Pistons will go all the way.
They could always change their offense. You are really underestimating Phil and the Lakers. Pick and rolls, for example, could help get Payton and Malone some easiers shots. They could go back into a full-fledged triangle offense which would allow the Lakers to get open off of cuts or at least create some mismatches. Phil is the greatest coach in NBA history (eat that Red), he will think of something to get the Lakers some easier buckets and allow the offense to move a little better. The Lakers could also work on their defense. The Lakers really had a lapse tonight and weren't really executing as well as they usually do. If they force them back into under 70 games the Lakers wouldn't have to worry about their offense so much. They've beat much better teams this offseason, there is no way these Pistons are better than the T-Wolves and the Spurs. In the end, the Lakers will find a way to make some changes. I mean really, who do you think this team is?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Undertakernv:</div><div class="quote_post">They could always change their offense. You are really underestimating Phil and the Lakers. Pick and rolls, for example, could help get Payton and Malone some easiers shots. They could go back into a full-fledged triangle offense which would allow the Lakers to get open off of cuts or at least create some mismatches. Phil is the greatest coach in NBA history (eat that Red), he will think of something to get the Lakers some easier buckets and allow the offense to move a little better. The Lakers could also work on their defense. The Lakers really had a lapse tonight and weren't really executing as well as they usually do. If they force them back into under 70 games the Lakers wouldn't have to worry about their offense so much. They've beat much better teams this offseason, there is no way these Pistons are better than the T-Wolves and the Spurs. In the end, the Lakers will find a way to make some changes. I mean really, who do you think this team is?</div> For emotional reasons, I agree with you completely!!! The Lakers are going to win the championship this season! If the Pistons think taking Game 1 is going to rattle us, then they'd be not rattled back when the Lakers take Game 2 and Game 3... down 1-2, how are the Pistons gonna respond? Have the cookies crumbled? :thumbsup:
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Undertakernv:</div><div class="quote_post"> I'll give the Pistons their due but the Lakers' poor shooting was not all because of defense.</div> heh, same thing was said by the Bucks and Nets. remember Damon Jones, K-mart and RJ all saying that "it's our offense, not their D". i see a pattern of denial forming...
Those teams are one-dimensional. The Bucks are just not a really good team and the Nets can't do anything out of a pick and roll. I'm insulted that you're even comparing the Lakers to them. What do you take me for?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting iamme:</div><div class="quote_post">heh, same thing was said by the Bucks and Nets. remember Damon Jones, K-mart and RJ all saying that "it's our offense, not their D". i see a pattern of denial forming...</div> If the Pistons D was that good, how could Shaq go 13 for 16? Expect the Lakers to keep dumping the ball if Detroit plans to play Shaq straight up like that... when he starts taking 20 shots, Detroit will have no choice but to double him again, and then the role players can start feeding off Shaq's passes. Don't stop Shaq because you can't? That thought will soon change.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Undertakernv:</div><div class="quote_post">Those teams are one-dimensional. The Bucks are just not a really good team and the Nets can't do anything out of a pick and roll. I'm insulted that you're even comparing the Lakers to them. What do you take me for?</div> all i'm saying is that it's never Detroit's defense. it's always the other teams happen to shoot poorly when they play the Pistons. i'm sure it's just a coincidence. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting PupMelo:</div><div class="quote_post">If the Pistons D was that good, how could Shaq go 13 for 16? Expect the Lakers to keep dumping the ball if Detroit plans to play Shaq straight up like that... when he starts taking 20 shots, Detroit will have no choice but to double him again, and then the role players can start feeding off Shaq's passes. Don't stop Shaq because you can't? That thought will soon change.</div> Pistons opponents are averaging only 39%FG in the playoffs. Lakers shot 39% tonight. take out Shaq's 13/16 and the Lakers shot 29%. yes, the Pistons D is that good.
The Pistons never allowed LA to play thier game. GP and Malone better step it up if they want that ring.
Detriot just sufficated the lakers. The laker role players really need to step it up if they want to win this series. and Why does Karl Malone always disappear come championship time?
HELL YES!!! D-TOWN BABY!!! :mrgreen: Thats a blow to all those who doubted us, but I wont get too cocky, we still got 6 (possibly) more games to play, but still, we beat L.A at HOME!!! We're going straight to the top!
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting notMuchgame:</div><div class="quote_post">and Why does Karl Malone always disappear come championship time?</div> to quote Scottie Pippen.."The Mailman NEVER delivers on Sundays." LOL
We also gotta credit the Detroit offense. They really stepped it up, especially in the 4th quarter. Just when I thought that the Pistons were gonna crumble and the Lakers were gonna come back from the deficit, the Pistons proved me wrong. They hit their shots, never gave up on D, and played smart basketball. Now, this is the playoffs, so every game is gonna be different. I can't wait for game 2.
Keep it up Detroit, hopefully someone can silence those critics about LA being the "team to win it all" this year. Big key is to keep everybody healthy during this series and hopefully you can pull this out. Rooting for you from Minnesota.
Yeah I knew the Pistons defense was good enough to beat the Lakers.I think Rip was just a little nervous I think he will have better games through out the series another thing is its not easy to score on Kobe but another Pistons is going to have to step up if Rip cant get his,I think Billups will keep having big offensive nights or Sheed will have to have big nights on offense.
