MJ's Kobe-like run in the 80's

http://thebestten.wordpress.com/2010/02 ... ouble-run/

Cool article.

On March 25, Michael began a run of 10 triple doubles in 11 games, including 7 straight before missing one against the Pistons where he had 40 points, 11 assists, and 7 rebounds. He would finish the season with 15 triple doubles, 3 shy of Magic Johnson’s record among active players.

Michael was very happy with the outcome of the move. “It’s a challenge, and that basically is what Michael Jordan is all about,” Jordan said. “I’ve been bothered for some time about the Bulls being a one-dimensional team, a Michael Jordan team. The thing I’ve been harping about all year has come true. The other guys are getting into the game. They now believe in themselves, and that’s what we needed.

“Everybody has to watch (Jordan) with the ball. The other guys are free to roam, and their shooting percentages are going to soar. I think (Jordan) handles the ball better than Magic. (Jordan) just makes everybody else better.”

The thing is... this party didn't last too long.

While Michael was enjoying his triple double run, the other teams had quickly adjusted to the new Bulls offense. And in early April, the Bulls slumped again.

This is really damning, though -

However, despite Jordan’s stellar play, the Bulls lost that game and finished the month of April with a 4-8 record.

So I am thinking teams will adjust to Kobe doing this high assist thing... of course, this Laker team has more tools than that Bulls team. How long do you think Magic Mamba lasts before teams adjust?

So, wouldn't this be Kobe's Jordan-like run in the 2010's then?

Jordan's team was a bunch of scrubs then, and MJ had no outside shot. It was like LeBron in Cleveland, without the perimeter scoring.

Also, Kobe is a better passer than the early MJ, and reads the defense better.

Good defensive teams will try to pressure Kobe and get him to turn the ball over, like what Miami did to Nash. Not only that, when playing on the road, teams will hack Kobe with no call in his favor, and turn the ball over. Lakers will have to really take care of the ball.

Other teams will adjust, but kobe has all the tools to adjust to their adjustments. When kobe is willing to adjust his style of play he's near unstoppable.

Will he have continue to stay this flexible? Have to wait and see.

I don't think Kobe can keep this up against teams that have long, athletic wing defenders and force him to go 1-on-1. Our last game against Chicago is a good example.

Weezy wrote:So, wouldn't this be Kobe's Jordan-like run in the 2010's then?

This.

And we already got a taste last night of what teams will do:
1. Try to double Kobe and trap him.
2. Zone.
3. Lose.

"MJ's Kobe-like run"....

Weezy wrote:So, wouldn't this be Kobe's Jordan-like run in the 2010's then?

Nah. Laker fans say MJ is like Kobe, not the other way round.

"It's a challenge and that's what Michael Jordan is all about."
- Michael Jordan, speaking on Michael Jordan's greatness and ability to reach that "Michael Jordan" level of Michael Jordan.

John3:16 wrote:"It's a challenge and that's what Michael Jordan is all about."
- Michael Jordan, speaking on Michael Jordan's greatness and ability to reach that "Michael Jordan" level of Michael Jordan.

Sounds like Lebron talking too.

John3:16 wrote:"It's a challenge and that's what Michael Jordan is all about."
- Michael Jordan, speaking on Michael Jordan's greatness and ability to reach that "Michael Jordan" level of Michael Jordan.

Ras: "Sounds like Lebron talking too."

It's well known MJ was a pretty big stat padder in the 80s