Lakers add three straight losses for the first time since Pau was acquired

08/03/2010 0:00:00

Since 1 February 2008, when Pau arrived to Los Angeles, his team never lost three straight. In Orlando, and despite not playing as bad as in Miami and Charlotte, they were always down. At the end, Kobe almost gets another miracle, but the 96-94 illustrates the worst moment in two years.

The symbolic streak is over. Symbol of the mental strength of a team that always reacted in the bad times. In Orlando they tried, and came close, but the answer arrived late. The three-game losing streak is not bad to lose in Orlando, but before losing in Miami and Charlotte, and especially for playing badly in those and other previous games.
The least is to accumulate three more losses (46-18), the best record in the league is almost impossible, even if the Cavaliers also add some defeats. The least is Dallas approaching in the West or even the Magic that could fight for the home court advantage against Lakers if there is an hypothetical Final. The worst thing is that the game is not good, and that some mistakes are repeated.

In Orlando there were less mistakes. There were less turnovers and they were aggressive and wishing to win. But the worse was the poor defense against the outside players and the few alternatives to Kobe and this time also Pau.

Orlando wanted revenge. The game was hot, particularly between Kobe and Barnes, they pushed each other, challenged and were called technical fouls. Until the end was excited Barnes, also with Fisher fighting on one of the last plays and defending Bryant in the last action. Pau was infected with the environment. He fought with Howard, and even was called a flagrant foul. Superman also had problmes with Kobe.

The Lakers returned to the stage where they won the ring 9 months ago in the fifth game of the Finals. They came with the obligation to halt a losing streak and turn an irregular season. But it didn't seem at the beginning, because Los Angeles seemed to be asleep again and lost the first quarter by 7 points. Carter was hot with 15 points and Kobe kept alive his team with 13 points.

Bryant missed and disappeared in the second and the third quarter. Carter also. Lewis then made the points for the Magic and Pau finally reappeared after some games weak. Before the break, Lakers approached and reached the halftime with only a 4 point deficit. Howard was not a determining factor, well defended by Pau and Bynum, and many minutes out by fouls. Magic dominated the match, but never for more than 12 points. The Lakers were always behind and the game seemed very difficult to face the final quarter 10 points down.

But the start of the last period changed everything. Kobe was back to his best and made 18 points that kept alive again his team to the end. Soon the distance was reduced to 2 points. But Carter intoned again, Howard added some points and rebounds. With 1:10 left Barnes made a three pointer and the distance went to 6 points. But then Kobe did more impossible shots, which along with one offensive rebound plus two points by Pau gave the Lakers options. The Magic missed free throws and Kobe, who made what he thought was a 3-pointer, but stepped the line -for the second time for the team in the last minutes- and the video decided were only 2. Carter and Nelson failed free throws and Kobe had a last opportunity again with 9 seconds and down by 2 and trying to tie or win. But the miracle was not possible. Kobe missed, they lost another game in the final seconds. This, unlike the others, was a merit to take it to that end. The problem is that in many other games they shouldn't reach that point, and this is why Lakers are where they are at this point of the season.

Kobe finished with 34 points after 12 of 30 shots, 2 of 5 three pointers, 8 of 8 free throws, 7 assists, 7 rebounds and 3 steals. A remarkable game. Nobody doubted that he would take the final possession, and less having gotten the shots before. Although maybe he should have tried to Pau, who after several weeks, and although he began again weak, was increasing during the game to end quite successful. Had 20 points after 8 of 13 and 4 of 4 free throws, plus 11 rebounds, 6 on offense, and 2 blocks. Worse, few assists, only 1, 3 turnovers, and 5 fouls, necessary, but he is able to defend without them. The strangest thing, how he has to defend the outside game of the rivals to help his teammates, which often creates gaps in the box. Against Howard was good but at times he lacks adjustment, like the rest of the team.

The rest, nothing brilliant, and that was another key. They missed the rebound, 50-39 for the Magic, and the shooting percentages were bad, 37% of 2, 29% of 3. It is very difficult to win with that, and they quite well in spite of it, taking advantage of the 19 turnovers of Orlando and also its bad percentage. Bynum, with 5 fouls quickly, did only 5 points. He made 4 blocks and defended well Howard. Artest premiered new hair, but in the game, except 2 or 3 games, has not made the leap of quality expected. He stood at 8 points and 6 rebounds. Fisher had his moments, with 11 points, while Odom had 8 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists, and Brown 7 points.

Carter scored 25 points, with 13 of 14 shots, just missing the penultimate, which provided the option to Kobe. Howard, with foul problems, finished well with 15 points and 16 rebounds. Nelson missed a free throw in the end but had a great game with 15 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. Lewis scored only three pointers, 4, to finish with 12 points and 6 rebounds, and Barnes completed the scoring in double figures of the starters with 10 points, 6 rebounds and great defense and fights with Kobe. Pietrus off the bench got 7 points and Gortat 6 and 6 rebounds.

This game must be a turning point for the Lakers. With this team they can add two more years without three-game losing streak. But they must defend, playing as a team, not depend so much on Kobe, avoid turnovers, be always aggressive and involve all the players. In Orlando there was a bit of what it's necessary to be again the the team that won the ring 9 months ago. Among other things, Pau's recovery. On Tuesday, against Toronto at Staples, can't do other thing than win. Then they will face three more games away from home against tough opponents. It depends on them that this is the beginning of the second ring.