Zhengi
11-10-2004, 09:24 PM
The Grizzlies desperately needed this win. They were 0-4 coming into this game and going down 0-5 would have been bad. Unfortunately, they did got their 1st win of the season against the Lakers :)
I think last night affected the starters a bit. They didn't look too insync and an indication of this is that Kobe missed 3 free throws when he hadn't even missed any in the last two games. Not to use their being tired as an excuse, but it had some effect on their defense and play. Also, I think the Lakers missed Jumaie Jones. He was put on the IR before the game started and Slava was brought back onto the bench. The only problem is that Slava wasn't ready to play tonight and Rudy wanted him to rest a little more.
At least tonight the Lakers could rest their starters early and let some of their bench players play in an actual game. This will be important because of the next set of back to back games coming up.
Lastly, the team needs more time to gel, especially on defense. Their transition defense against the Grizzlies wasn't up to par and the Grizzlies took it to the Lakers. So the Lakers are back to 3-3, and I'm expecting, or hoping actually, that they finish November at .500.
I think last night affected the starters a bit. They didn't look too insync and an indication of this is that Kobe missed 3 free throws when he hadn't even missed any in the last two games. Not to use their being tired as an excuse, but it had some effect on their defense and play. Also, I think the Lakers missed Jumaie Jones. He was put on the IR before the game started and Slava was brought back onto the bench. The only problem is that Slava wasn't ready to play tonight and Rudy wanted him to rest a little more.
At least tonight the Lakers could rest their starters early and let some of their bench players play in an actual game. This will be important because of the next set of back to back games coming up.
Lastly, the team needs more time to gel, especially on defense. Their transition defense against the Grizzlies wasn't up to par and the Grizzlies took it to the Lakers. So the Lakers are back to 3-3, and I'm expecting, or hoping actually, that they finish November at .500.