Crucifido’s Corner - Lakers vs. Jazz

Cruci's Corner

A Tale Of 2 Halves

Besides the win, the best part of the game tonight (at least for me) was the fact that the Lakers came out with some life on the court. It wasn’t a slump shouldered first half with a desperate run to catch up in the second.

So despite the second half turn it was good to see a lead established to where that (unfortunately all too common) third quarter slump can be absorbed somewhat. The next key, to come out of halftime with the same life as you do in the first quarter.

But all things can’t come at once for now, so as it stands I think we and the Lakers will take the win any way they can.

The Goods

* Like I just said, it was a night and day difference between the way the guys came out into this game than how they have been in other recent games. I would hope that this taste of winning despite a lackluster second half performance would show them just how important coming into a game with desire is.

* Another thing about the first half I would hope sticks somewhat is how defense leads to offense, and most importantly, confidence through out the rough patches. All too often this team is working from the back to the front by depending on their sputtering offense to inspire their D. This way of playing / thinking just doesn’t work. It starts with the defense and that confidence and activity rolls into offense. It was great to see them roll through the first half with just this mindset. It’s something I truly would think they could see is a massive help to a team that chronically runs into dry spells.

* They had more moments of taking advantage of opportunities than they have been most of the season. Most of the wins the Lakers have mustered this year have come from cashing in just such chances. They created turnovers through active, hustling, helping defense and for the most part used them to their advantage. It was good to see the Lakers make a run when the Jazz sat Kirilenko. Usually, it’s been a flatline mode of play when the opposition’s big gun is sitting, but it was good to see them run a bit harder in his absence.

* Not sure if it was intentional or not, but the tall lineup Phil ran tonight of Bynum, Brown and Odom seemed to force more inside play than the Lakers have been willing to throw out. It played to the Lakers shrinking post game simply by size default. Now whether this was the intention or it was just more of a way to deter Utah from thinking of getting inside, I’m not sure. However, the one good thing about that lineup was watching the ball get dumped into the high post, even if for a bit, to ease up the outside game and make things a bit more easier to move within on the perimeter.

* Though it may have been a questionable call at a time that the Lakers should have been padding their lead as much as possible, I liked the oddly young lineup Phil put out there too. It was good to see a little confidence in the young guys from Phil. It was also good to show some of the more “too comfortable” veterans that playing time can be easily lost as well as earned.

The Iffy

* Every Laker seems to be quite indecisive as to double teaming. Seemingly, every game there looks to be confusion on who everyone should be doubling off of when in a help position. These seconds of indecision are costing the Lakers to leave some shooters open and most of all they’re leaving the weak side baseline absolutely wide open. The recovery time gets slowed down, guys are being left wide open in far too deep a post position and worst of all its promoting mistrust and miscommunication. For a team learning how to develop trust in each other, it’s not good to see this kind of confusion.

* Energy begets energy. Now whether that’s at the beginning of the game, after the half or in the middle of a defensive / offensive run, it holds true. To get your mind and body into the game it takes motivation from inside every player to inspire that same motivation in others and themselves. It’s not always easy to be digging deeply for this kind of energy, but that is exactly what this team needs to continue to do if they wish to a be a playoff caliber team (let alone a contender at some point).

* If you have an established lead and the game is winding down, who’s your best friend on the court? The clock. For some reason or another, there is far too much rushing going when the Lakers in control of a game. It’s the exact thing an opposition is trying to bait you into. Controlled, level-headed play is called for at all times, but most certainly when the game is close and winding down – and you have the lead. Play within the offense and defense that got you to where you are. Forcing issues and running amok is doing nothing but playing into the hands of a team trying to get back into the game.

A Couple Player Things

Kobe – As much as I enjoy watching Kobe do his best to get his teammates involved, he still must continue to take advantage of other teams sagging off of him. No, it doesn’t happen often, but when it has Kobe seems to letting the ball go too early or in forced spots simply to get his mates into rhythm. While attempting this he’s having trouble getting in rhythm himself when the game tempo is being established. As well as that, I’d love to see the 3s cut down on in favor of getting to the line more often. It’s a hard balance to strike for Kobe, but it has been all year long. He has to find a way to keep others involved while keeping himself on pace as well.

Kwame – He’s still not looking the ball into is hands before making his move. The dropped balls / unsure hands come from a lack of concentration. In his excitement he’s sacrificing easy plays to the detriment of the team sometimes. If it slows his play down a bit, it’s worth it to see Kwame look the ball into his hands, then make his move (make or miss) in order to cut down on the foolish broken plays. Use the same focus he uses on grabbing rebounds and the problem will quickly avert itself. Keep your mind on where you are at the moment, not where you want to be.

Brian – He had a couple dives onto the baseline that were exactly what I’ve been aching for this team to do off of the ball. Movement off the ball is essential for everyone, but more so for guys like Brian that need space and an open spot to get their shot off.

Lamar – The guy just seemed more focused tonight. Maybe it was an overdose of cortisone or maybe he had his mind made up to play strong on both ends, but wither way it was fantastic to see a solid focused performance from him tonight. The best part of his game tonight was the jab penetrations he was pulling off. It’s not so much getting all the way to the basket, but the threat of that and shooters lining up in their spots did wonders to ease up the mid to high post game. Those jab drives were the precise thing Lamar needs to continue doing. Couple those with the great aggressiveness into the lane on offense and defense and it adds up to a good game from Odom. Now, can this continue? There’s only one person that can keep it going.

Andrew – I still like seeing him get into games no matter when. It’s even better when he gets in so early and has a chance to get involved into the rhythm of a game rather than garbage minutes. His footwork on screens and picks was very good. He has a bit of a tendency to get himself far too deep into the post before anyone backs him down. This is letting the big guys get into mid post position with no contest. It’s a learning process for Andrew but he, like Kwame, has to use his great size and strength to keep people out the box.

Sasha – All in all he had a good game. It was good to see the assists more than anything else. He got assists despite some strangely low passes he seems to be fond of letting go. I like the kid’s hustle, but the advantages of a tall point guard are obvious when you see the limited passing range in which some small guards have. This isn’t to say all small guards have the same tendencies but Sasha does exhibit some the bad points of such a guard. But that’s not to take anything away from his game tonight. He was hitting proper spots for shots when in an off point position. With his smooth shooting stroke that’s a good thing for him to consistently be doing. I still like his pestering defense, though sometimes it’s a bit over-zealous. He played one of the better games he’s had and any time someone else besides Kobe makes their mind to be a part of the team and step up, I’ll take it.

So alright, a win. It’s not only what the doctor ordered; it’s what the players needed.

Leads will come and go, I’m more thankful for the fact that they decided to take the initiative this time instead of counting on Kobe to bail them out in the 4th. It was a good example of just why it takes a team to win.

They have to remain to get fat off of this easier than normal home schedule. Taking advantage of this run will be vital in the eventual playoff jostling they should be a part of.

Veteran ClubLakers member crucifido writes nightly player analysis for each game of the Laker season.