Balance. Balance. Balance. The Lakers defeated the Sacremento Kings 113-102 with an offensive attack that came at all angles.
From the onset the Lakers looked sharp, agressive, and comfortable. They ran a bevy of scren/rolls, drive and kicks, and low post touches for Dwight. Dwight was frequently doubled so he kicked it out to the open man who knocked down the shot with regularity. This is what's meant by the term "inside-out" basketball. The idea is you force the defense to respect your inside game so much so that they have to abandon defending the perimeter as well, thereby giving you open looks.
This means nothing however if your players don't make those shots. Last night the Lakers had no problems in this area converting 57% of their field goals. It should be noted that the Kings are not exactly know for their defense (to say the least). However, the Kings can score the ball in bunches, and they also have a glutten of the Lakers perennial achilles heel: speedy guards. The Kings's guards that fit this mold include Tyreke Evans, Isaiah Thomas, & Marcus Thornton. For the most part that threat was neutralized by Mr. Dwight Howard. He blocked 5 shots, but just his presence alone altered several more. The Kings tried to take advantage when he was out of the game, but the Lakers did a decent job of defending the paint in his absense. It also helped that he was not in early foul trouble in this game.
The bench duo of Blake and Jamison really hurt the Kings, and they've been coming into their own as of late. Jamison had 27 points and 9 rebs off the bench. That is HUGE. Blake? Well he only had 16 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds. Not too shabby huh? I think the key for him has been being agressive. I always thought Blake could play. It would drive me insane though when he would drive through the lane only to pass up a wide open layup to kick it out to someone for a three. I'd pull my hair out when he would receive a wide open three point opportunity from a kick out and then hesitate to shoot. Which would undoubtedly throw off his timing and wind up in a missed shot. I'm glad to say that Blake is no more. The current Blake has confidenc galore, and it's only helping his team. Good job Steve.
Notables:
The Good:
- Ball movement and offensive flow was simple, and executed well
- 6 of the 7 Lakers who played were in double figures
- Dwight showing DPOY type performances
- Watching the team enjoy playing together
- Another win while awaiting Kobe and Pau's returns
The Bad:
- Up until the 4th, couldn't really stop the Kings from gettim good 3 point looks
- Some bad defensive lapses. On a few plays the Lakers perimeter players left shooters to help Dwight stop dribble penetration. Don't do that. Dwight's got it.
The Lakers are in action again tonight taking on the Suns in Phoenix. Still no Kobe, still no Pau, but the Suns are without some players too. The Lakers need to get this win, adn then they'll get a few days off before Friday's game.
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