What did the Lakers do right in the first half of game one and how can they do it the rest of the series?

Question

The Lakers were UP 48-39 in the first half of game one.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/boxscore?gid=2007042221

Answer 1

In the first half of the first game, their defense was better; specifically their transition defense. Watching the game last night, the Lakers didn't pressure the rebounder's outlet pass, they didn't pressure the dribbler, they didn't hustle back and as a result the Suns got many easy opportunities.



It's really about what Kobe does or does not do. Last night he was visibly frustrated. He then plays more one-on-one which plays right into the Suns hands. He ends up trying to do things through double and triple teams, and he simply isn't that good - no one is. He's got to play under better control and he's got to play better transition defense as well. Many of the Suns breakaway dunks were when Kobe was out front on a Walton or a Farmar shot; Kobe went for a steal or played matador defense instead of stopping the ball (he wasn't alone in this, but he DOES set the tone for the Lakers).



nader85021 - The Lakers were getting back and making the Suns shoot contested jump shots in the first half of the first game. In the second half and in the second game, the Lakers were playing as though they were wearing ankle weights - they weren't getting back and the Suns shot layups and uncontested jump shots. HUGE difference.

Answer 2

lakers didnt really do anything different in the first half. I just think the suns had so many open shots that they missed, thats why suns only scored 39 pts. I mean offensively lakers were no different they scored 47 pts in game 2 in the first half. Offensively phoenix just made their shots and thats why they scored 68 pts. I think the problem with the lakers is they felt they have the edge when it comes to pounding inside bc of last year. But this year our center in Amare instead of diaw (who used to be backup pg for hawks). That makes a huge difference odum and kwame cant just pound inside, since amare can block and make u pay for doing it. I dont think lakers can do anything offensively but if they want to steal a game, they need to play their best defense and be really aggressive. But that still doesnt mean they can absolutely win it, bc it just seems lakers cannot slow down the suns, bc if they go small they get killed on the boards, if they go big suns can run. Maybe barkley's advice to run with the suns might open up the floor for kobe. But thats just asking for trouble, since phoenix can beat any team on the run. I just dont think lakers did anything right in game 1 but instead phoenix was just in a slump in the first half. I just think out of all the 1st round teams, lakers are in trouble the most. I just dont think they have the right personnel and they have a lot of matchup probz for them to beat us more than a game in this series. And remember phoenix are 61-21 in the reg season, there is a reason why suns have the 2nd best record in the league.

Answer 3

Dream on Laker fan! They will be extremely fortunate to win even One game! This Lakers team is obviously several nothces below last year even with Kobe being able to score 50 points! C'mon, admit it; the Suns are a far better overall team and their "run and shoot" offense will kill LA. Kobe has a poor supporting cast and he can Not do it himself. LA will be out of the playoffs in no more than 5 games so you can count them out right now!!!

Answer 4

The Lakers have to start off from playing tough defense. That'll lead to gettin confident early as well it'll get more than just Kobe involved. Once they are slowed down and lose their confidence, they'll turn into the KOBE show. If they move the ball and move without the ball, they'll have a chance.

Answer 5

It's because their defense was tough and they weren't letting the Suns cut up their defense and make passes and cut to the hoop for easy lay ups. The lakers don't play solid man to man or team defense. Definitely not well enough to hold off this Suns team. They can't do much of anything to the Suns with Stoudy back this year. only reason they made it a series last year was because the Suns' glaring weakness was at center and Diaw is easy to score on.

Answer 6

They let Kobe shoot. The Lakers win over 50% of the time that Kobe scores 30+ points. They have only won twice this year when Kobe has scored 20 or less.

Answer 7

lakers stink. the only reason they r in the playoffs is cuz of Kobe. they cant even win games when Kobe scores 50 points. they need a better TEAM effort not just Kobe doing everything. they wont get past the first round of the playoffs.

Answer 8

what the lakers need to do is have confidence. they played well in the first half of game 1, then then their confidence went down, when they stated to loose. They have to control themselves. They can beat the suns, but the suns have them tied down mentally this year.

Answer 9

they can't, they suck. That team is too inconsisten to beat the phoenix suns in a SERIES maybe they'll steal a game but definetely won't win the series. Phx is far more superior.