LAKERS vs NETS (POST-GAME REPORT)

LAKERS 103 - NETS 95

In Phil Jackson's 728th game as a Laker head coach, the Lakers go on to 4-0 on their road trip with a win last night against the Nets. While at the same time, clinching the best record in the west receiving home-court advantage up until the playoffs. "It's just one more step toward our goal," said Gasol. I like that.

With less than a minute left to go in the half, Kobe took a collision with Devin Harris and landed awkwardly on his right foot. With everyone in lala land in a scare, everyone then let a sigh of relief when Kobe came back in the 3rd to play. Kobe had bad shooting night, hitting only 5-19 but was a big part of a 24-2 run the Lakers went on in the 3rd hitting 3 consecutive threes. Kobe scored more than 12 this time against the Nets. This time around he scored 14! And of course added 9asts, and 4stls.

The man of the game was Purple Spain. Which the Nets had absolutely no answer for. First they tried fronting him; sorry PAU! Scores! Then they play him straight up; sorry PAU! Scored! Oh, you want to double him? PAU! Give the man his assist! He finished up the night with 36pts, 11rebs, 7asts, 2stls, and 2blks, on 14-19 shooting. SON! Odom, also had himself a double-double with 12pts and 11rebs. Fish was great with 18pts hitting 8 for 12. Ariza added 11pts, which is only one point less than what the entire Lakers bench produced. Last time was 56, and this time only 12? And every time they don't play well, makes Phil give the starters more minutes than they need. Step up bench mob.

Lakers were able to allow Vince Carter 20pts and 7reb. Not very good but not too bad either. Devin Harris put up 13pts while dishing 14ast on his first time back from his 5 game injury hiatus. Rookie and also starting center, Brook Lopez, did quite well and had himself a double-double with 16pts and 10rebs on an efficient 8-11 shooting. He has Devin to thank for that, giving him easy baskets no more than a foot away from the rim. Every one else did okay. Except for Jarvis Hayes who added 19pts off the bench. He also jacked up a couple of threes late in the game to bring them closer but they just weren't enough.

I thought the Lakers did an alright job. I mean their starters did, I'm not too sure about their bench. Kobe and Pau played +40 minutes, while Lamar and Ariza used up 36 minutes a piece. I can't stress it more that the bench needs to step it up. If they don't, then goodbye Finals. Up next is Joe Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks.