Obviously they are the best team in the leauge in the early season and it is gonna be tough for us to get a win, especially considering the fact that we haven't played well at all. They are favoured to win this one, but remember we are also a great team (maybe even better) but we just gotta make it together.
The difference right now is pretty much the same as it was early last year. They are playing well because they are hitting their shots. We maybe are not that bad either but we just don't make shots, that's it. They put the 2nd unit in and bench is so agressive with Farmar, Ariza. They are playing with a great effort and they are making shots. And it is not only Kobe, actually his role is not that big anymore.
They have played great defense so far too or maybe it is just the teams they played. Obviously 2xClippers, Portland and Denver is not a tough schedule.
Now I wanna look at matchups:
Yao - Bynum --> Well lately Yao hasn't play well at all. Bynum also hasn't been impressive but at least he is a monster inside and that is what I am afraid of. I mean Yao has had his troubles playing inside, he's been missing dunks, etc. Hopefully Yao will only play better and rebound well.
Scola - Gasol --> This is probably the only match up I am not afraid of. Scola's jumper has been money. He was obviously our best player in win against Clippers. And Luis knows Gasol so well and actually I belive he can shut him down.
Ron - Kobe --> Well finally we saw something good from Ron against Clips. It will be a game when Ron has to step up. Not only on defense but also on offense which will allow Tracy to do more. He gotta make sure Kobe's not going to the ft line, he need to make him a jumpshooter and as a team we can't be afraid of doubling Kobe. Offensivly he has to attack. He is too strong not to that.
McGrady - Odom --> Don't need to comment his game on Friday but he was obviously sick or something. Nobody expect that to happen again and I am sure it won't. Hopefullu his jumpers will only get better, but the main thing for him is to attack the basket. It just opens up so many things for this team, and now when he is hitting his free throws he is pretty much unstopable. Tracy, one advice for you, guard your man.
Rafer - Derek --> This one goes for the Lakers. Fisher is more consistant shooter but Rafer (the last two games) has improved a lot.
But the main thing is this game will be freethrows and rebounds. If we will be able to grab some on the offensve end control the defensive ones, than I belive we have a big chance of winning.
Free throws, well we all know that strory with Lakers. They have no problems with getting 40-45 times a game to the charity stripe and sometimes refs really help them (and they hate us). So we have to be careful and control the paint. If we limit their free throws shooting (especially Kobe's) than we will probably win.
Your thoughts?
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LMAO @ The Luis Scola can shut down Pau comment.
