Lakers at Pacers (3/15/13)

Last night I said other players would have to step up in Kobe's absense, and that's exactly what they did.  Among key contributions from Steve Blake, MWP, and Antawn Jamison the Lakers defeated the Pacers 99-93 on the road.

Indiana came into the game as the 2nd seed in the Eastern conference. They've gotten that status by having the league's top ranked defense, and they play well at home.  The Lakers were ready to meet that challenge. 

In a move that surprised no one, yet amazed everyone at the same time, Kobe Bryant was in the starting lineup.  Only one day removed from a high ankle sprain received at the hands of Danhtay Jones.  Despite his ankle swelling to grapefruit-like proportions, the Mamba wanted to play.  He only played the first 12 minutes and shot 0-4.  However the emotional boost he provided just by stepping on the court can't be underestimated.  The Lakers fought hard from the opening tip.  The energy could be seen on both ends of the court.

Early on the Lakers shot poorly, and Dwight got into foul trouble.  Indiana punished the Lakers inside with any small ball lineups they ran.  The Lakers D was energized though which allowed them to stay in the game.  They started out with an 11 point deficit in the 1st, then later opened up an 11 point lead of their own in the 2nd behind Dwight's dominance.  Dwight was forced to sit again, and the Pacers trailed by 5 at the break.

The second half was a dogfight with MWP, Blake, and Jamison taking the scoring burden. There were several lead changes, but the score was tied at 87 with 1:30 to go in the game.  Nash threw a pass to D12 who had secured deep post position for an and-1.  On the next Lakers possession Jamison drilled a 3.  The Lakers got a stop on the defensive end and Jamison got fouled.  He made 1 of 2 free throws. Indiana's George Hill then made a 3, but on the ensuing in bounds play the Lakers beat the Pacer's full court pressure to get a Howard dunk on the other end.  It was a free throw shootout from that point on.  Great win.

Notables:

The Good:
- Great team win
- Hustle was evident all over the court
- The offense was decisive.  Guys looked comfortable and aggressive.  Very sharp and crisp.
- D12 was dominant when he was on the court
- Blake, Jamison, and MWP picked up the slack
- Mamba sucked it up for the betterment of the team
- Defense was outstanding

The Bad:
- Nash took a minor injury to his right calf

This was a great win for building chemistry and trust.  We even got to see Coach Kobe on the sidelines again (remember last year?).  Pray that the Lakers continue to get healthy and then the sky is the limit.  The Lakers next play the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.

Go Lake Show!!!