Lakers at Knicks (12/13/12)

The Lakers entered Madison Square Garden on a 3 game losing streak, and unfortunately that streak continued.  They lost tonight's contest 107-116.  The Knicks controlled the game essentially from start to finish.  The Lakers cut a 26 point deficit to 7 late in the 4th, but again it was too little too late.  That's one of the most frustrating things about this team lately.  They don't seem to play hard or well unless they are losing.

It's conclusive from where I'm standing that this team is not a contender, and *gulp* maybe not even a playoff team, with Nash and Gasol out. They have no point guard (Morris didn't even get any PT) and older legs which is a bad fit for D'Antoni's offense.  Ironically right about now is when running the Princeton offense would have paid off if they had stuck with it since it less dependent on a true point guard.  Kobe is relied on to do too much and it's starting to take a toll on his body.  Despite suffering from back spasms and showing visual signs of pain, Bryant played the entire 2nd half.  Not good when the Lakers play the Wizards tomorrow night.  Someone else will have to step up. 

Charles Barkley criticized the Lakers for being slow footed defensively.  He acknowledged that you can't really assess this team until Nash, Gasol, and even Blake are back, but questioned how that would help them defensively.  Here's how Chuck: when the offense leads to defense.  When the Lakers take care of the ball they are hard to beat.  By limiting their own turnovers they limit the oppositions fast break opportunities.  It's as simple as that.  They may not get much better in the half court from Nash's impact defensively, but he will insure better ball movement offensively which motivates guys to play harder defensively.

Notables:

The Good:
- Showed signs by playing better in the second half (although Carmelo Anthony sprained his ankle halfway through the 3rd)
-Shot well from the free throw line

The Bad:
-Couldn't get key rebounds after forcing missed shots.
-Allowed the Knicks to have a 41 point 1st quarter
-Couldn't stop the pick and roll
-8 turnovers to only 6 assists as a team at the half

A banged up Lakers team started the game, and an even more banged up Lakers team finished the game.  Hopefully Kobe's body holds up and his team mates play well tomorrow night.