Great Fiver, Jamie. And the game was a needed breath of fresh air and hope for Lakers fans. What I loved most was zero intimidation. Not when the game started. Not when they fell behind by 4 late in the first quarter and then fought back to get the lead. Not when the dumb ref kicked Dennis out with only a 4-point lead. In fact, our response to the ejections compared to the Net’s reaction said everything about which team wanted this game more.
1. The ejections. Agree 100% that Dennis should not have been ejected. Waving good bye to Kyrie is not taunting. This is like suspending THT for coming a feet onto the court. The league needs to look at these situations with some common sense.
2. The run. Have to give the Lakers credit for not folding when they lost Dennis, who had been having his best game of the year. Lots of credit goes to THT for his playmaking and running the offense but the entire team responded like they had done all game long. I’m hoping this was one of those transcendent moments on the road when this team said enough is enough.
3. Ben! It’s actually rare when a team can add a player via the buyout market who becomes a real difference maker. The Lakers were able to do that last year with Markieff Morris. This year, it looks like Rob was a magician as he appears to have landed not one but two difference makers in Dre and Ben. Every Lakers fans needs to realize we would NOT have won that game without Dre and Ben. Not taking away from the rest of the team but they were the Calvary that gave this team newfound confidence.
4. 8 players in double figures. Right on, Jamie. Balance is a bitch for teams to handle, especially teams who don’t play good defense. Lakers dominated like they were playing the Kings. The defense was great, doubling KD and forcing him into 8 turnovers and shutting down Brooklyn’s 3-point shooting to 0-15 for the second half. Message and Finals preview sent to Nets.
5. Buyout Blues. Ef the small market teams. Don ‘t they remember they were the ones who negotiated these buyouts. Want to blame somebody, blame the Cavs and Piston’s front offices. Don’t blame the Lakers. There’s enough allowing the tail to wag the dog already. Enough with the losers trying to dictate more advantages. They’re being carried enough already.
Lakers need to keep this mojo going tonight and tomorrow night. Can’t allow any letdown and blow two winnable games. Finish the road trip with a pair of blowout wins and a 5-2 record.
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