A lot happened at the Staples Center tonight. Shaquille O’Neal’s jersey was retired, ZZ Top attended, and the Lakers and Mavs were fighting for a spot in the post-season. The Mavs came in having won six of their last 10 games and currently sit at #10 in the Western Conference standings, right behind the Lakers. The Lakers needed this win so the Mavs keep their distance from the Lakers chance of getting into post-season. Kobe and the Lakers rose to the occasion with a win, 101-81 victory.
Key Points:
Kobe Bryant- Kobe played for his 47 minutes for his second game in a row. His production and the production he exorcises out of his team when he plays the whole game have ended 2-0 so far. Kobe is able to help his teammates play their best when he is on the floor. Kobe not only scored 23 points but also grabbed 11 rebounds, 11 assists, and racked up four steals and two blocked shots. Kobe contributed to his team and his teammates tonight.
Double Doubles- Earl Clark, Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol all reached double doubles, combining for 55 points and 34 rebounds.
Earl Clark- With Metta World Peace and Steve Nash sitting out, the team looked for someone to step up, and Clark was able to deliver with 17 points, 12 rebounds, 5 blocks, 5 assists, and 5 steals. Clark was able to give the team energy and hustle and did an all-around work for the Lakers.
Paint Points- The Lakers outscored the Mavs 44-26 in the paint.
Dwight Howard- Howard had a lot of motivation for playing at his top level because of the jersey retirement of Shaquille O’Neal. He dominated by putting in 24 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Howard has taken a lot of jabs from O’Neal and now that the #34 is hanging at the Staples Center will serve as a constant reminder of the dominant center that Shaq claims he was, and also claims that Howard is not and will probably never be.
Defense- The Lakers actually played defense this game. Hopefully they will be able to commit to it throughout the regular season and continue through post-season. The most they gave up was 21 points in a quarter. The Mavs had a low scoring game with Chris Kaman leading the team with just 14 points. The Lakers also dominated the glass 57-37.
Key Points:
Kobe Bryant- Kobe played for his 47 minutes for his second game in a row. His production and the production he exorcises out of his team when he plays the whole game have ended 2-0 so far. Kobe is able to help his teammates play their best when he is on the floor. Kobe not only scored 23 points but also grabbed 11 rebounds, 11 assists, and racked up four steals and two blocked shots. Kobe contributed to his team and his teammates tonight.
Double Doubles- Earl Clark, Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol all reached double doubles, combining for 55 points and 34 rebounds.
Earl Clark- With Metta World Peace and Steve Nash sitting out, the team looked for someone to step up, and Clark was able to deliver with 17 points, 12 rebounds, 5 blocks, 5 assists, and 5 steals. Clark was able to give the team energy and hustle and did an all-around work for the Lakers.
Paint Points- The Lakers outscored the Mavs 44-26 in the paint.
Dwight Howard- Howard had a lot of motivation for playing at his top level because of the jersey retirement of Shaquille O’Neal. He dominated by putting in 24 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Howard has taken a lot of jabs from O’Neal and now that the #34 is hanging at the Staples Center will serve as a constant reminder of the dominant center that Shaq claims he was, and also claims that Howard is not and will probably never be.
Defense- The Lakers actually played defense this game. Hopefully they will be able to commit to it throughout the regular season and continue through post-season. The most they gave up was 21 points in a quarter. The Mavs had a low scoring game with Chris Kaman leading the team with just 14 points. The Lakers also dominated the glass 57-37.
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