Staples Center had a familiar aura Monday night. Tons of celebrities were present, Lamar Odom checked in off the bench to a standing ovation by the Lakers’ sold out arena, and Derek Fisher hit yet another dagger three point shot to hoist the Los Angeles Lakers (10-5) over the defending champion Dallas Mavericks (8-6).
The only differences were the absence of Phil Jackson sitting on his throne, a fluid offense, and the fact that Lamar Odom was checking in for the other team. Derek Fisher would remind his team of what happened last May early Monday, and after his heroics at the end of the night, it would appear he intended on doing something about it.
The game was quite ugly, to say the least. With neither Dirk Nowitzki (21 points) or Kobe Bryant (14 points, seven assists) scoring in the first quarter, both teams lacked for offense. Odom checked in for the Mavs to a very well deserved standing ovation by the Staples Center crowd. He was greeted with a hug by former teammate Derek Fisher, and was visibly touched by the emotional ovation. Bryant finally scored in the second quarter off of an errant pass by Shawn Marion which led to an easy slam. This seemed to spark him, as he began shooting, and making his next few shots.
The Lakers would finally find a way to score in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Mavs 27-19, led by the man of the hour, or should we say, the man of the fourth quarter, Derek Fisher.
Always a topic of criticism in L.A., the resilient Fisher scored 9 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter.
After stealing a pass and going all the way for a layup at the other end, Fisher (13 points, three steals) scored another basket, then earned two free throws during a Lakers 17-6 run. Moments later, with the game tied 70-70, Bryant got the ball and passed it to his long time backcourt mate, who hit his patented three point dagger at the expense of the Mavs with just 3.1 seconds left on the clock. The Mavericks were unable to score on a three point attempt by Vince Carter as time expired.
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When asked in a post-game interview about his game winning shot, Fisher replied, “This is what I do.” The ever-confident Derek Fisher, whose scoring average and minutes have taken a hit this year (4.9 points per game in 25 minutes), once again proved his worth to the Lakers.
He is constantly the target of Lakers’ fans, as he is seen as the biggest liability on defense. Perhaps he is, but no one can question his heart, late game heroics, or leadership. At 37 years-old, the guy still comes to play and comes to win every night. He is always there to make game changing plays on offense and defense. And when the Lakers are in need of a big shot, he is perhaps the only person Kobe Bryant truly trusts besides himself to take it and make it.
Next Page: The Breakdown
The Mavericks were noticeably weaker than last year, as the losses of defensive force Tyson Chandler and crafty point guard J.J. Barea have seemingly taken their toll. Unlike the many three point baskets Lakers fans were left to have nightmares about at the end of last season, Dallas managed only 4 makes on 26 attempts. Lamar Odom (10 points) hasn’t found his rhythm yet in his team’s new system, and Jason Kidd and Jason Terry combined for just 10 points.
As for the Lakers, Andrew Bynum had another solid game, earning 17 points and 15 rebounds. Pau Gasol struggled from the field with 8 points on 3-11 shooting, but played strong defense against Dirk Nowitzki, most notably in the fourth quarter. Josh McRoberts proved to be the best member of the Peace Corps (the unofficial nickname given to the bench as an ode to their delegated leader, Metta World Peace) on Monday night. However, the leader of the Peace Corps scored only two points on 1-7 shooting as his minutes continue to decline as Matt Barnes (nine points, five rebounds) and Jason Kapono’s increase. World Peace was out on the floor for the last play though, and played solid defense on Vince Carter to prevent a game-tying three pointer at the buzzer.
The defense for the Lakers looked solid, holding Dallas’ field goal percentage to 35 percent and three point percentage to just 15 percent. The Lakers didn’t shoot much better, connecting on just 38 percent of their shots. Derek Fisher’s game winning three was the Lakers only made three point shot out of 10 attempts.
It is evident that Kobe Bryant is currently the Lakers’ offensive system, as head coach Mike Brown has recently acknowledged to be fact until the team gets settled in its new offense. As he failed to continue his scoring spree of 40-plus games (four games consecutively), the Lakers struggled to score as well. He did manage seven assists, however, which has also been an increased role asked of him this season. This gives the “Kobe System” a whole new meaning.
Overall, the Lakers were able to pull out an ugly, defensive minded game.
Although Lakers fans have been clamoring for a new point guard, they don’t look to be getting one anytime soon. In the mean time, the Lakers’ guards must look to increase the opportunity for the big guys down low.
First, the big guys must be aggressive, especially Pau Gasol. Gasol has been on cruise control much of the season, which is fine as he’s allowing Andrew Bynum to progress, but he must also assert himself in the fourth quarter much more, as we have seen him do in past playoff performances.
Second, the guards must look to not just dump the ball in the post for Gasol or Bynum to go to work, but also run some pick and roll type plays for them. We saw more of this tonight as opposed to Saturday night against the Los Angeles Clippers, and this must continue.
The Lakers were out rebounded 49-44 and gave up five more offensive boards (11-6) against the Mavericks. Although Gasol, Bynum, and McRoberts combined for 26 rebounds, the team as a whole must step up and grab more rebounds.
More importantly, they must limit offensive rebounds. With two seven footers down low, there is no reason the Lakers should not out rebound any team they face every night. If they can use their biggest asset, their length, to their fullest abilities, it gives the Lakers a chance to win every night.
And having guys like Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher, who seemingly share a killer instinct, doesn’t hurt either.