Lakers vs Blazers (12/28/12)

It was a blowout win for the Lake Show in their final game of 2012.  They beat the Portland Trail Blazers 104-87.  The Lakers jumped on them early and energy was never a problem.  Smiles were frequently seen on the faces of the Lakers players, as is usually the case when the team is winning.  It was a great game from the Lakers stars as they all focused on what they do best.  Nash was facilitating (10 dimes) and money on his jumpers.  Dwight was dominant defensively and in the low post (21 points, 14 rebounds).  Pau got a few buckets in the low post, dropped 5 dimes, and hit 2 threes.  Kobe was in Mamba mode and dropped 27 on 50% shooting, and added 4 dimes of his own.  To top it all off, the only one of the stars that played in the fourth was Pau.  Morris, Hill, MWP, and Meeks also played well.  As a result of the good offensive flow, the defensive effort was there all night.

In the last game against the Blazers Howard scored 33 points.  They went to him early and often in this one, and he delivered after being kicked out of the game against the Nuggets on Wednesday.  The Blazers tried to slow him by resorting to the Hack-a-Dwight with about 6 minutes to go in the second quarter.  He responded by hitting 4 of 4 free throws in that stretch.  It prompted the Blazers to end that strategy.  From there the Lakers onslaught continued. They scored at will and held the Blazers to 41% shooting.  It was a good win, and an example for how the Lakers should play everynight.

Notables:

The Good:
- Dominant bounce back game from Dwight
- Great ball movement for 95% of the game
- Gasol 3 ball is looking like a real threat
- Rest for the stars in the 4th quarter
- Good defensive hustle

The Bad:
- Free throw shooting can still improve
- In a blowout game, Jamison still cannot get any minutes.  You just hope this doesn't mess with his confidence for when he is called upon.  He's a pro's pro though so he should be alright.

You can definitely see the improvement.  Especially with "El Mago" Steve Nash at the helm.  All the pieces just fit.

And congratulations to Jamaal "Silk" Wilkes for getting his #52 retired to the rafters of Staple's Center tonight.  The 4-time champion (1 w/ Warriors, and 3 w/ Lakers) definitely deserves the honor.