LAKERS vs SPURS (POST-GAME REPORT)

LAKERS 99 - SPURS 85

A rematch of a game the Lakers lost by one point to the Spurs just a couple of weeks ago. This time around, the Lakers are complete and healthy, San Antonio just couldn't keep up with the depth of Los Angeles. As the two top teams in the west met Sunday afternoon, it was obvious why the Lakers remain the No. 1 in the west(6 games ahead of Spurs).

It was the young star(Bynum) versus the veteran(Duncan). Bynum was just too much for Duncan to handle. Though Duncan finished with 15pts, and 8rebs, it was well below his average of 20pts, and 10rebs. Bynum put up 15pts of his own with 11rebs, and 4blks in only 24mins. And also held his own on the other end without much help down the block when defending Duncan. This game meant allot for Drew to play and have a good game against his "favorite player", Mr. Duncan.

Tony Parker led the Spurs with 19pts, but both Parker and Duncan sat out the fourth when Popovich realized this game was over. Manu also held under his average with 9pts and 8rebs, and was just off. The last time Lakers played the Spurs, Matt Bonner and Roger Mason attempted a combined nine 3-pointers and hit 5 of them finishing with a total of 28pts. This time around they attempted another nine open 3-pointers and hit only one, and only scoring a combined 11pts.

Kobe led all players in scoring with an easy 22pts. Pau as usual quietly added 16pts and only grabbed 5rebs, but made up for it with 4asts(one sweet over-the-shoulder to L.O.). Lamar only had 6pts but managed 10rebs and made some great defensive plays that led to more offense. Ariza added 17pts coming off the bench and again was the catalyst for the Lakers.
Jordan Farmar made his first appearance after missing 18 games due to an injury and surgery, but made a very quick recovery. The time table for his return was set after the All-Star game, but like a superhuman came back almost 3 weeks early. His return was no gradual come back. No my friends, "Ear" Jordan played like he never left and added 14pts of his own on 5 for 7 shooting to help the Lakes break open the game in the second half.

With Farmar back, Fish gets rest and we gain speed again when we face the more quicker PGs in the league. This game reminded me of the Lakers we saw at the beginning of the season. Excellent defense with even more excellent offense. Like I said before, they just need to keep it up with consistency. Up next we face the wild Charlotte Bobcats who are athletic and unpredictable. And with the acquisition of Diaw and Bell, just makes them that much better than the last time we played them in the preseason.