LAKERS vs MAVS (POST-GAME REPORT)

LAKERS 107 - MAVS 100

A preview of what could be the first round match-up of the NBA Playoffs for the Lakers. The Lake show does it again. Aside from a little scare in early in the fourth(when Mavs took a 6pt lead), the Lakers cruised through the it making the game look easy. And eventually took the win in the end, giving the Mavs the 6th consecutive game loss against this L.A. team.

The Lakers started off like they started against the Spurs. Shooting around 60% in the first quarter. Gasol in the first half was at 100%, literally. He went 10-10 in the first half and finished with 25pts, 8rebs, and 3blks on 12 for 13 shooting. Are you kidding me? If someone is that hot, shouldn't he have more than just 13 attempts? Well maybe you can blame that on the Zone defense the Mavs threw at the Lakers when they got tired of being punished inside the paint. Kobe was Kobe and finished with 28pts, 8rebs, and 5asts. Kobe was clutch and crucial in this Laker win. Odom didn't shoot too well but still managed 10pts, 14rebs, and 4blks. I guess he isn't in a slump anymore.

But the story isn't Kobe's clutch shots, Odom's comeback, nor was it Gasol's efficient play. Ariza scored a career high 26pts and 3stls. He also shot 3 of 5 from 3-point range. Ariza was a part of the 12-0 run the Lakers went on when down 6 in the fourth. Trevor contributed 6 consecutive points in that crucial run. When Kobe was asked about Ariza's performance, "It doesn't surprise me at all," Bryant said. "He just knocked down the shots that we see him knock down in practice all the time."

The Maverick starters were held to horrible numbers. None of them shot over 50%. But it can't be all credited to the Lakers' defense, the Mavs had plenty of open shots, they just couldn't hit them. Dirk did have 20pts but missed 14 of the 20 shots he attempted. J Kidd played all but 2 minutes of the game and only had 9pts, 9asts, and 7rebs. Their bench was a different story. All 3 shot over 50%. James Singleton added 16pts and 10rebs and hustled whenever he was in. But it was Jason Terry who was what they needed and led the Mavs to a 21-2 run that started midway through the third and carried on in the fourth with a bunch of 3-pointers, including a buzzer beater to end the third on a Laker turnover.

But like in most Laker stories, Kobe saves the day and led a run of 12-0. And also hit a downtown three. Sorry for you Jason Terry. Go suck one Mark Cuban. Not in our house. Up next is the Philly Sixers.


I'd also like to say congrats to the Clippers, for ending their 7 game losing streak on a great win over the Nets. Baron Davis could have easily taken a open 3 but gave it up for a better open and shooter in Steve Novak. It was all smiles yesterday in Staples Center.