Again we turn to BigLakerMike for a brief re-cap of the Lakers’ slim victory over the OKC Thunder in game 2 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
“If you get to the Staples Center an hour before the game you will get to see players from both teams shooting around getting ready for the battle that is about to ensue. Fans show up to see Odom, Gasol, Farmar, and others, but their main goal is to see Mr. Bryant go through his wram-ups. The only problem is Kobe isn’t shooting, he is on his way back into the locker room to get taped up and stretched because he has already been shooting for two to three hours.
Before the game Tuesday night however Kobe took NO pregame shots. This is an chance not to many players are willing to make, however for Kobe Bryant it really does not matter. Kobe finished the game with 39 points, 14 of which came in the fourth quarter when it really mattered. Gasol pitched in with 25 and there were no other Laker players that broke double digits. The Thunder how ever had four players that were in double digits showing the Lakers that there maybe something to worry about come Thursday night when they will be at home.
The officiating in this game seemed to be all over the place. It seemed as though the refs were constantly playing catch up. That however did not excuse the lack of energy of the Lakers. Sports writer Ric Bucher said it best last night when he described the Lakers as playing Prius basketball: Playing with just enough energy to get the job done. I think that the most important part of this team that we are not seeing is Ron Artests offense. He is playing amazing defense and if he can add a consistent jump shot we are going to be next to impossible to beat. All in all both teams shot better then in game one and now it is important for the Lakers to put the choke hold on the Thunder in Oklahoma City.
14 more wins until another Laker championship…”