Makes Love to Pressure

Tonight’s loss was frustrating on many levels. From the missed opportunities in the beginning of the game to the botched call at the end.

Stephen Jackson was hot in the first half, scoring 17 of his 29 points on drives to the hoop and threes. But, the other Warriors couldn’t seem to find the bottom of the net on point blank shots. Andris Biedrins, normally money within two feet of the basket, missed a couple layups. Monta Ellis couldn’t finish above the rim and Baron Davis had a number of runners rim out.

Taken by Rocky Widner (NBAE/Getty Images)

The second half did not come easy for Jackson nor the Warriors as a whole. The Lakers stepped up their defense and forced the Warriors to over dribble and settle for contested jumpers. None more glaring than the back-to-back threes by Davis and Jackson that allowed the Lakers to close the lead within 5 midway through the 3rd.

Only on the inspired play of Kelenna Azubuike in terms of points off the bench and rebounding along with Ellis’ quick hands were the Warriors able to climb back from an 8 point deficit to send the game into overtime.

There were two plays which the Warriors would probably want back. The botched alleyoop from Davis to Ellis which would have pushed the lead to four and Ellis losing vision on Derek Fisher in the corner that shaved a 4-point lead down to one. If Davis could have taken care of the ball and Ellis stayed with his man, the Warriors wouldn’t have been in the situation at the end where the game could be decided by the referees.

There is a lesson to be learned from this type of game, though. When defending a staggered screen, grab and hold onto your man until he falls on top of you, clutch a body part in pain until the whistle blows in your favor, then hop up and run back on offense.

Stephen Jackson’s Line:

Tags: 2007-2008 Season, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA
Posted under On the Court |