Tough loss, definately not the way the team wanted to start the second half of the season or the last big west coast swing. A few observations: -The Celtics had their chances in this one, but couldn't get the big lead that was there for the taking. They had a chance to extend to a 10-15 point lead in the first, especially when Odom and Atkins got into their foul trouble. -Speaking of foul trouble, definately a game that Tony Allen will want to forget. He never had a chance to even try and develop a flow. At least he'll be well rested for Denver tonight. -Can not over-state the great job that Ricky did on Kobe. Phenominal. Davis was showing the brilliant defense he can play when he's motivated. -The refs were calling way too many tick-tack fouls on both teams (I guess I should give them credit for being consistent... both sides thought they were horrible) totally destroyed the flow of the game. -What happened to the 2 young point guards pushing each other for playing time? That's two games in a row that West and Banks both looked horrible. -If Mihm and Jones had played that way last year, they wouldn't be ex-Celtics. I couldn't believe Mihm. That was not the same player who picked up 4 fouls in 5 minutes every game last season. So now tonight's game against Denver is just that much bigger, because we don't want to have to head to Utah and Phoenix needing to win both just to split the trip. Thankfully we're very good on the second night of back to backs. Here's hoping the trend continues.
There were definitely way too many BS calls going both ways last night. I agree that the C's had every possible chance to put the game away late, but they failed to do so, leaving LA right in there to take it. I thought Odom was huge for LA, mostly because the C's don't have anybody to match up against him. Kobe was guarded well most of the game, but ex-C's Jones and Mihm found themselves open more than a 7-11. I hope we learn something from this game. You can never feel too comfortable, and you need to fire on all cylinders no matter what the score is.
