Lakers vs. Heat

[slinky]

One of the better games I have seen. Solid win by the Heat, and great preformance by Dwayne Wade. They had some role players step up big, like Udonis Haslem and Christian Laetner. They had a solid 5 players in double figures, with nice balance with Wade getting 29 and Shaq getting 24. The defense on Kobe in overtime was stellar.

But their defense needs to improve, of course Kobe is going to wear down after playing 50 minutes. Also, defensively they were getting burned on picks and rolls. Kobe and Odom got in the lane anytime they wanted to. Overall, it was a solid perfomance.

However, I don't think the Lakers should be ashamed at all. Mihm had a good showing against Shaq, 11 points and 14 rebounds, Odom played wonderful with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists. Caron Butler is suspended for the game, and would have made a difference. Kobe showed some class as well, getting on the court and immedieatly going to Shaq and cheering Shaq on during the starting lineupes... I just wish he would have at least shown the same class.

Unfortunately, the outrageous turnover numbers of Kobe and Odom were unacceptable. 9 and 5 apiece. Some were on the official, some were because of poor decisions. The three point shooting needs to stop, and Kobe should have passed way. Rudy should have made changes also, Jumiane Jones played 48 minutes, most it was guarding Dwayne Wade. Also, after a time out, I can't believe the drew up a desperation three point attempt...

[thechadman2]

It was a good game. Some bad calls from officials, but it happens. I used to say how bad of a shootrer Odom is, but he impressed me today. Having Butler would have been so nice. When Eddie Jones had 5 fouls, they should have gone after him. That would leave Wade all by himself, basically the only option. I'd like to see some better defense from the Lakers though, they could have won that game.

[slinky]

I would have wanted the offense to be ran through Odom, he is a great passer, and can get pass power fowards without needing a screen. Also, he can post up, shoot, etc. He is under used in Rudy's offense which is just iso's...Defensively, I just wished we had someone to guard Wade. He is too strong for Chucky, Kobe had foul toubles, and guys like Jones and Walton guarding Wade was unacceptable.

[thechadman2]

You and your Odom slinky, come on now.

[NomarFan5]

Dwade bustin 42 since shaq fouled out.. plus the big aerostatle blocked the crap outta kobe which was great.. and great picture of it on espn.com hahah kobe eat sh!t dude.. eat sh!t.

[thechadman2]

STFU. Did you watch the game? Kobe was on fire just abot the whole game. Shaq wasn't much of a factor at all. And Dwade busting 42...wtf???

[NomarFan5]

no i didnt watch it.. i just know heat won and thats all that matters.. plus shaq blocked kobe.. which i saw on espn.com

[NomarFan5]

picture of the day..

http://espn-att.starwave.com/media/nba/2004/1225/photo/a_shaq_ft.jpg

[twins15]

STFU. Did you watch the game? Kobe was on fire just abot the whole game. Shaq wasn't much of a factor at all. And Dwade busting 42...wtf???

I echo his sentiments. Well, except Shaq was somewhat of a factor.

[QuickDish15]

Either way the Heat won and got lucky if the Lakers would have cut down on the turnovers and play deffense(which nobody does in the NBA) they would have won.

[thechadman2]

And why is this such an accomplishment for the Heat? They have the best record in the east and played a team who would be the number 7 seed in the playoffs as of right now. Sure it was hyped up, but they should have killed the Lakers.

[slinky]

If your thinking 42 points, it was Kobe, not Shaq. Also, you do know that Shaq fouled out, and was outrebounded by Mihm, the player who is half the size of Shaq. Also, Kobe hit a couple of nice fadeaways on Shaq, etc. Shaq wasn't as big as a factor as Wade, Kobe, or even Odom.

And as for the Heat victory, nobody but the younger fans would really think of this as an accomplishment. Look at the Lakers depth at fowards, Mihm and Grant are the only players who can even play defense, and Grant was injuried. Cook, Slava, or Odom couldn't possibly guard Shaq. And still Shaq got outrebounded. Also, one of the Lakers starter, Butler, was suspended. Obviously he would make a difference in a close victory in overtime.

[lawrencefrank]

I really was impressed by Mihms play, he was doing great saying he was going up against Shaq. Wade also has now proven himself to everyone how good he is. Right now Id take Wade over Melo any day.

[thechadman2]

I think most people already knew Wade was the real deal. He is a great player.

[NomarFan5]

Id take Wade over both Bron and Melo.

[Magus Relmyn]

Id take Wade over both Bron and Melo.

ok, you take Wade and I'll take Bron Bron. I'd take 'Melo over Wade, too. :)

LeBron is on a team of nobodies, and besides Kenyon Martin, who can actually play on the Nuggets besides Carmelo? Wade has the diesel, and isn't it interesting how Shaq has improved Wade's stats? He's a good player, but I'll take LeBron and 'Melo. *nod*

[slinky]

Wade's stats sure have risen, but his shooting percentage is similiar to last years, his assists has gone up not because of Shaq, but better decisions. Also, his rebound number should have gone down with Shaq there, but it went up. His defense is solid on both shooting guards and point guards, while both Lebron and Melo are too slow laterally to improve on defense. Lebron, however makes it up for his offensive contributions. You can take Melo, I'll take Wade.

[thechadman2]

Melo is weak sauce. I'd take Wade over him any day.