The Lakers kept a lid on Trae Young, didn’t allow any of the non-stars to play like one, and Anthony Davis was unstoppable on the block and from distance as the Lakers beat Atlanta and set their sights for Los Angeles.
- Vogel sticking with what works. The short rotation was back and the result was another W. Might not see Wes or ‘Kieff save for back-to-backs or if someone needs a rest day. Maybe they just want to try and get a practice in and iron out the issues they’ve seen in the film room. Regardless the same 9 guys who played in Boston finished the roadie by beating the Hawks. This rotation has a lot of defense and selfless play to it and I have a hard time coming up with reason why Frank ought not to go with it.
- Laker defense fueled our offense and helped give us a big advantage in fast break points. That advantage may well have helped swing the game in our favor. On a night where Clint Capella was a man on a mission and our own transition defense couldn’t quite get a handle on the transition three game the young Hawks play we were able to get key stops and get easy buckets as a result.
- Anthony Davis is fine. He hit shots on the block, lob dunks, hooks and step back jumpers from everywhere. He didn’t make a three and the Lakers struggled from that distance all night, but AD had that shot falling and nobody on Atlanta could get him off his game. Inspired effort from AD.
- KCP’s continued struggles and how he’s going to get out of them. You could tell from the get go the Lakers wanted to get Caldwell-Pope going. They force fed him jumpers, tried to find him on the break, and mainly seemed to make a little extra effort to involve him in the offense. While he didn’t respond with the best game of his career he did shoot 50% from three and was solid on D. The only way you get out of a slump is to keep shooting, playing hard, and filling your role to the best of your abilities.
- The bench mojo. I like this version of the Laker bench for a lot of reasons. Kuzma is playing so cool, so within himself. If he gets minutes he produces, if he only plays 19 minutes he does what he can with the minutes he gets and moves on to the next one. Kuzma is becoming a pro before our very eyes. Caruso kind of came in with a pro mentality but it took his game a lot longer to get the minutes it needed to show what it can be. It’s defense and smart offense. No flash, no highlights (for the most part) just tough defense and make the play in front of you. Trezz is like the living embodiment of a body blow. he just punishes you inside mercilessly.
Day off, maybe a practice. Tough one against Denver on Thursday, Jokic comes into town with a decent MVP campaign hype machine in tow and playing out of his mind. The Nuggets are tough and will be looking for a little playoff payback. Here’s hoping we hold our own and get a W at home for once.
Buba says
The game was blacked out in the Atlanta area so I could not watch it. I can’t even watch the replay until three days after the game ends. These blackout restrictions are very stupid and annoying. Totally ridiculous.
Anyway, thanks for the fiver, Jamie. It helped put away this blackout dungeon and made me feel good about the team’s effort.
I especially like your take on Kuzma’s growth. That’s very encouraging. I also like what AD, Trezz, Caruso brought to the table. A very gratifying win to close out the road trip. As for KCP, he’s going to get out of his slump very soon, and when he does, he’s going to be like a raging wildfire. Cold spells come and go. Look no further than Kemba Walker who also found himself in a slump.
I like what you said about Trezz: “Trezz is like the living embodiment of a body blow. He punishes you inside mercilessly.” Enough said.
How did Shroeder and Gasol do? No need to ask about LeBron because he’s always going to do his thing.
Great write-up, man.
John M. says
Well, ya know, they gotta black out the local market or it might hurt the gate😂. Seeing as how insignificant the TV money is… not to mention the 1000 fans they let in…
Buba says
I totally understand the need for a blackout, but to have to wait 3 days for the replay? The earliest I can watch the replay is either very late Thursday night or around early Friday morning. The Lakers would already have played their next game. That doesn’t make sense. You feel me, John?
It is what it is but it’s very fruatrating.
LRob says
Always love your musical selections as much as the write ups lol. Agree on all points.
AD was great offensively but I thought he was a step slow on defense. It could be the nagging injury but most likely just worn down from the long road trip. Like Bubba I also love the Trezz body blow comparison. Perfect description.
LRob says
Buba – sorry to hear the blackout. Dennis had a good game. He shot it well, didn’t turn it over and did his part not to let Trae heat up. Gasol looked like he was stuck in mud. Tough game for him.
Buba says
LRob, thanks for the update on Dennis and Gasol’s contributions. It’s always great to have you on the blog. Glad you’re doing well.