Lakers vs Knicks (12/25/12)

Is it safe to say the Lakers have turned the corner? They are only 14-14, but after the return of Steve Nash it certainly feels that way.  Today they won a tough battle against the resurgent New York Knicks at home 100-94.  Of importance to note as well, it was a Christmas day game, which aren't usually friendly to Lakers' fans.

The Lakers played well all game from an energy standpoint, as did the Knicks, which made for an enjoyable game.  There weren't many times when the ball became stagnant.  Steve Nash is having that affect on this team and it's offense. The Lakers ran a variety of play combos that were pretty lethal and kept the Knicks on their heels.  The Nash/Howard high screen & roll was unguardable because they can't leave Dwight to receive a lob, nor can they leave Nash because he will kill you with his shooting/runners.  The Lakers also took advantage of MWP in low post opportunities.  Kobe was able to attack 1-on-1 when matched up with the smaller Felton.  Even Pau got his touches in the post when Melo was guarding him.  Pau was also highly effective facilitating from the elbow with Nash setting screens.  Finally we are seeing glimpses of how the weapons of this team can fit together, and I really don't think we have even scratched the surface yet. Credit Coach D'Antoni for taking advantages of mismatches.

Late in the game defensive juggernauts from both teams fouled out (MWP and Chandler), but the Lakers just had too many options with seasoned players who have to be respected.  Nash running the high pick and roll resulted in a Howard dunk, a Nash shot, and another good look on a runner for Nash which barely rimmed out.  Kobe found Pau at the free throw line for a key jumper.  Perhaps most surprisingly was the play that sealed the game for the Lakers.  With the Lakers up 3 and only 14 seconds in the game (6 seconds on the shot clock), Pau received the inbounds pass from Nash.  Two defenders (Kidd and Anthony) went for Kobe and Pau attacked the basket strong with a two handed dunk to seal it.  He even got fouled which was not called.  It was a great play for the Spanish Wonder.

Notables:

The Good:
- Great team effort/intensity all night
- Howard dominated on the defensive end securing rebounds, and blocking/altering shots
- Kobe & MWP led the way offensively
- Nash & Pau facilitated the offense very well
- Coach D'Antoni made the proper adjustments when the Morris on Melo experiment was clearly not working
- Only 11 turnovers
- Dwight's free throw shooting (especially in the clutch) 6/9

The Bad:
- Only won the rebounding battle by 2.  Should be more against the shorter Knicks
- Allowed J.R. Smith to score too much
- No bench contributions outside of MWP and Meeks

Overall good game from the Lake Show.  Even when they were down it didn't seem like they were going to lose this game.  They can't relax and celebrate though, they've got to play the Nuggets in Denver tomorrow night.