Team Play Shoots Down Hawks

Kobe Bryant

The Los Angeles Lakers needed a win Sunday night and their team’s unselfish play was the key to their victory at home.

The combination of Kobe Bryant and Caron Butler proved to be too much for the Atlanta Hawks, as the duo carried their squad to an easy 106-90 win. Bryant put up 24 points, passed out 6 assists and pulled down 5 rebounds, while Butler scored 22 points on stellar 10/14 shooting. Kobe would shoot 50% from the field while creating numerous opportunities for his teammates as he penetrated and kicked the ball out to the open players waiting to do damage from the perimeter.

However, Butler and Bryant were not the only ones pouring in points for the Lakers, as Chris Mihm had yet another impressive game, scoring 19 points and pulling down 10 boards in 31 minutes. Mihm’s athleticism shined throughout the game, as he recorded all of his four blocked shots in the first quarter of play. His mere presence in the paint would intimidate Atlanta’s penetrating players for the remainder of the game. It was obvious he made a defensive statement early and Mihm’s work paid off in the end.

Lamar Odom also played a solid game for the Lakers, putting up 11 points and 11 rebounds. Odom’s double-double and team play, created a matchup problem for the Hawks. Antoine Walker simply could not keep up with Lamar, as he pushed the ball consistently up the floor, disrupting the Hawks defense and keeping the opposition in foul trouble.

Off the bench, Jumaine Jones was another Laker that scored in double figures. Jones chipped in 11 points in 31 minutes, hitting open shots when the Lakers needed them. The Laker forward provided hustle and solid defense throughout the night, something his team was desperately in need of during their last two losses.

In addition, Tierre Brown proved to be an incredibly effective playmaker and scorer in his time on the floor. Brown scored 13 points and threw out 5 assists in just 21 minutes. The backup point guard was able to penetrate the Hawks’ defense with ease and score effectively. Brown was signed to the Laker training camp roster, and that acquisition has surely paid off.

After going in to halftime up 59-45, the Lakers would push their lead to 21 at one point in the ballgame, having little difficulty dispatching the Hawks. The Lakers now move to 2-2 as they gear up for a tough four-game road trip.

The Lakers first stop on their time away from home will be out midwest, as they welcome the New Orleans Hornets to the Western Conference. The game tips off at 5:00 PM PST.

What do you think of the Lakers’ blowout win over the Hawks? Sound of in ClubLakers.com Gameday discussion!

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