WIZARDS -at- LAKERS - 3-11-22 - Thoughts and :-)) Ratings

 
Post new topic    LakersGround.net Forum Index -> Thoughts and Ratings Reply to topic
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
DancingBarry
Editor-in-Chief
Editor-in-Chief


Joined: 07 Sep 2001
Posts: 40188
Location: O.C.

PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2022 11:17 pm    Post subject: WIZARDS -at- LAKERS - 3-11-22 - Thoughts and :-)) Ratings

Dropping 50... A Friday night Laker game is supposed to be a fun night out. Lately, it’s been anything but entertaining to watch this team.

Tonight, LeBron put on a show, dropping 50 and dominating the visiting Wizards.

The Lakers squandered a 9-point first quarter lead and ended up trailing by 7 at the half. Russell Westbrook’s poor 1-9 shooting in the first half came into play during a bad stretch of ball to close the second quarter.

Just 2 turnovers in that first half for the Lakers, but they gave up 13 second-chance points as they found themselves down 59-52..

Midway through the third quarter, Bron got a bounce in his step. It came after an elbow turnaround. He was feeling good and started to take over. With that came a flurry of scores from all around the floor and at the rim -- bucket after bucket, 19 points in the third. That powered the Lakers out of their hole and to a 7-point lead.

That was their lead as they headed into the fourth.

The Wizards flirted with making it game, trailing by 4 when Vogel sat Westbrook. Once LeBron came back to drop another 14 points in the fourth quarter, the Lakers ran away with it. It was a virtuoso performance with that turnaround jumper dropping again and again. And when that wasn’t happening, he got to the rim for scores.

His 50th point came on his 6th three of the night -- 50 points on 25 attempts. The Lakers won 122-109.


LeBron -- -- Damn. A fun one to watch from LBJ tonight. Strong first half with 17 points and 6-9 shooting. He had the three ball going and also worked some chemistry with Reaves. Some excellent passes, including a nice one where he no-looked to Monk cutting baseline for a dunk. The key on that play was keeping Monk’s defender guarding the corner as LeBron also kept his eyes on that corner while Monk was vacating it. But the first half was just a warm up. In the third quarter, he went off for several scores in a row. Threes, turnarounds, drives -- it was all going down and he dug the Lakers out of a hole as a one-man scoring machine. Vogel went to try to sub him out with 3 minutes left in the quarter and LeBron said nope. He’d go out shortly later with 19 of his 36 points (on 19 total attempts) after three quarters. Fourth quarter that fallaway jumper was looking automatic. He drilled a tough baseline turnaround. He dropped a nasty high turnaround over Kuzma on iso. He went around three defenders for a layup. He’d hit another sick turnaround. He’d attack, spin and score an And-1 layup next time down. He’d get his 50 on a handoff from three on the wing with 1:41. The net barely moved. He’d hunt matchups on some switches, but I don’t think it really mattered too much. If you were looking for some Friday night entertainment, he put on a show. We might need a few more of these in order to drag our sorry butts into the playoffs. The Stats: He scored 50 on 18-25 shooting (6-9 from three, 8-8 from the line) to go with 7 boards, 6 assists, 1 block, 3 turnovers and 3 fouls in 36 minutes. He was a +22.

Westbrook -- -- He and Bron combined for 55. An awful first half with 3 points on 1-9 shooting. Near the end of the half, he missed two layups he should have had, missed an open three and then clanked a horrible fading bank attempt (his second such off-balance fading shot from that spot in the half). There was a stretch before this where LeBron was sitting that Russ should have put the team on his shoulders. It was a small ball lineup where he was the primary ball handler. He gave the team no impact. He’d get a layup in the third quarter and make 1-4 from the line. He did have some good passing sequences, a couple to Reaves cutting for layups and another kickout to Gabriel for a three. Got to like the 9 assists with 1 turnover. But once he sat with 8 minutes left, he did not return and the Lakers rolled from there. The Stats: He scored 5 points on 2-11 shooting (0-1 from three, 1-4 from the line) to go with 3 boards, 9 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 turnover and 3 fouls in 31 minutes. He was a +2.

Monk -- -- Really well-rounded game tonight. Some foul trouble. First defensive play of the second half, he picked up his fourth foul. But outside of that a strong effort. I loved the drives to find teammates cutting for layups or dunks. That’s just making your team better when you can set the table for some easy ones. Meanwhile, draining 5-7 from three… Occasional off ball cut or attack of the close out to keep the D honest... Just a smooth, all-around effort. Again, defensively we are really aware of his size on the switches and trying to avoid bad matchups there. The settled in better on that as the game went along. “When he’s doing things like that, we all got to follow,” Monk said of LeBron’s energy tonight. The Stats: He scored 21 points on 8-12 shooting (5-7 from three) to go with 3 boards, 4 assists and 5 fouls in 30 minutes. He was a +17.

Johnson -- -- Quiet but steady minutes. He’d hit a three, sink a floater attacking quickly against the zone, and he’d get a layup on a dive cut off a Monk drive. We need those young, active legs out there with big minutes. We got that from multiple sources tonight. The Stats: He scored 7 points on 3-5 shooting (1-3 from three) to go with 6 boards (2 offensive), 2 steals and 2 fouls in 27 minutes. He was a +20.

Reaves -- -- Some excellent chemistry with both LeBron and Russ tonight. The two-man action with LeBron led to some layups as he rolled to the hoop. With Russ, he kept burning the D with backdoor cuts on the baseline. Layup after layup. We have soooo little of this chemistry on the floor. It’s nice to see the team able to find these small actions with consistency. More continuity in the roster would give you 5 to 10 times more of these types of actions with multiple players. In the offseason, you want him to work on that three ball so he hits those wide open ones at a higher clip. He missed a few of those tonight, which kept this as a good game rather than a great game. The Stats: The Action: Layup on screen roll with LeBron. Hit Lebron for a dunk. Another layup rolling from LeBron. Layup after cbselin cuton slob and Russ hit him. /// Layup onearly offense pass from Russ. Got beat on change of pace for a layup. Did it again with backdoor cut and and Russ found him for a layup. Attack from corner and was about to hammer but laid it in. Challenge on Porky on help to get stop at rim.

Anthony -- -- Probably still too many minutes ideally, but at least we didn’t have him out there with a target on his back like we see often on the defensive end. He had a couple makes in the first half. He bullied his way for a layup and he hit a transition three on the wing. The Stats: He scored 7 points on 2-6 shooting (1-4 from three, 2-2 from the line) to go with 3 boards, 1 turnover and 2 fouls in 21 minutes. He was a -14.

Horton-Tucker -- -- In theory, the floor spacing lineups and small ball should help THT as much as they should LeBron or Russ. Combine that with not a lot of rim protection and THT was getting after it. A lot of scores at the rim. He did put a defender on skates with a pull-back dribble early before knocking down a jumper. But for the most part it was all THT getting to the rim. Highlight play of the night was him spinning around KCP, then one-handing a dunk over Kuz at the rim. Nice to give his former teammates a little something as a welcome back home gift. He’d get another dunk next time down on a drive and dish from Monk. In the offseason, we’ll move Russ. THT’s value will likely go up next season as we see more of this. But, ultimately, he needs to continue developing that perimeter game to keep the D honest. The Stats: He scored 15 points on 7-16 shooting (1-3 from the line) to go with 5 boards, 3 assists, 2 steals and 4 fouls in 30 minutes. He was a +5.

Augustin -- -- Don’t have a lot of notes for him tonight. He missed his only attempt from three. The Stats: He didn’t score on 0-1 shooting to go with 1 board and 1 foul in 20 minutes. He was a +3.

Gabriel -- -- He came in 2 minutes into the second quarter and also late in the third. So some key stretches of ball with the game still on the line. He had a brief moment where he knocked down a three on a kickout from Russ. Next play down, he attacked a close out and dunked. Good stretch of ball. I like the idea of him, but he still leaves me a little to be desired on the defensive end. He was a bit foul prone. He’s okay on that end, but I want to see more recoveries, alterations and making opponents uncomfortable. The Stats: He scored 5 points on 2-5 shooting (1-2 from three) to go with 4 boards (2 offensive), 1 turnover and 4 fouls in 13 minutes. He was a -2.

Vogel -- -- Key Moment: Bron gave him a couple tonight. That stretch of 12 points in a row in the third, though, pulled the team out of the hole and on their way to a 7-point lead. They kept the Wizards on their hips from there the rest of the game.

Key Substitution: Probably sitting Russ to close the game. The team got into a groove in those final 8 minutes, playing with hustle and flow.

Key Stats: Just 7 turnovers tonight on their 25 assists.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Lakers#1Team
Retired Number
Retired Number


Joined: 24 Jun 2005
Posts: 36360
Location: Nomad

PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2022 11:25 pm    Post subject:

First! Thanks DB!!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
waterman40
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 17 Jun 2003
Posts: 6280
Location: Central Coast

PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2022 12:53 am    Post subject:

Thanks DB! Wow, a win in March.........
_________________
LAKERS 2019-2020: NBA World Champions!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
ChefLinda
Moderator
Moderator


Joined: 20 Sep 2006
Posts: 24113
Location: Boston

PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2022 5:10 am    Post subject:

Quote:
He and Bron combined for 55


lol
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
PenG_
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 01 Feb 2020
Posts: 10387

PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2022 5:21 am    Post subject:

Thanks DB!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
ribeye
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 10 Nov 2001
Posts: 12611

PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2022 6:36 am    Post subject:

ChefLinda wrote:
Quote:
He and Bron combined for 55


lol


I missed that on my read. Yep, lol.
_________________
"A metronome keeps time by using a Ringo"
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Laker7
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 24 Feb 2003
Posts: 6393
Location: Past left field

PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2022 6:37 am    Post subject:

I find it interesting that Augustin and Gabriel are getting playing time over Ariza, Ellington and Bazemore. Either management wants to see what they can do before making an off season decision to retain or release OR Ariza, Bazemore and Ellington have checked out for the season and the coaching staff does not want to put them in.
_________________
Keep winning!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
pio2u
Retired Number
Retired Number


Joined: 26 Dec 2012
Posts: 54519

PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2022 6:47 am    Post subject:

Thanks DB!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
wolfpaclaker
Retired Number
Retired Number


Joined: 29 May 2002
Posts: 58318

PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2022 6:55 am    Post subject:

So all we need to win games is Lebron putting on 50 to 55 points a game.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Reply with quote
wolfpaclaker
Retired Number
Retired Number


Joined: 29 May 2002
Posts: 58318

PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2022 7:00 am    Post subject:

Nice to see THT, Reaves, Monk and Stanley all have solid to good games. That's the youngest guys on the team around Lebron and AD, all of whom theoretically could be back next year.

Short minutes for Gabriel, but so far I like what I see.

One thing I wanted to note. A lot is said about our coaching staff struggles, but if you see the young players on this team they have responded well and improved their play around Lebron over the year. We've seen some progress from guys like Reaves, Monk, Stanley, and THT is starting to have some decent games (this is his second big game in the last few he has played).

Westbrook continues to be what he is, and that just shows you how age and habits are what they are. The vets on the team already play a certain way and can't get younger, more active on D and moving off the ball on O. What this team needs around AD and Lebron are younger guys that will do just that. So Vogel is utilizing Monk, Reaves, Stanley and THT off the bench in that way. But the issue this season has been even though Vogel knows these guys are the closest to KCP/Kuzma/Caruso etc he will ever get, they're still not on that level.

Perhaps if AD comes back strong, the rotation of AD/Bron + young active guys + Westbrook in 25 minutes a game role can make us respectable.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Reply with quote
governator
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 28 Jan 2006
Posts: 24995

PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2022 7:10 am    Post subject: Re: WIZARDS -at- LAKERS - 3-11-22 - Thoughts and :-)) Ratings

DancingBarry wrote:

Westbrook -- -- He and Bron combined for 55


LOL
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
A Mad Chinaman
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 07 Apr 2005
Posts: 6121

PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2022 7:51 am    Post subject: Re: WIZARDS -at- LAKERS - 3-11-22 - Thoughts and :-)) Ratings

governator wrote:
DancingBarry wrote:
Westbrook -- -- He and Bron combined for 55
LOL
Should Westbrook be playing the Rajon Rondo role??? They both can’t shoot but seemingly can get assists

Seeing Westbrook missing layups after layups must be wearing on LBJ. If Melo can’t consistently hit clutch shots at the end of games . . . . .

Would having Caruso (hope he will get back on the court soon) on this team, with Westbrook, make any noticeable differences - probably not

Would having Kuz, KCP and Caruso on the team, without LBJ/AD for long stretches, result in a much better record - maybe not since Kuz’s role is the 2nd or 3rd best offensive option on a legitimate title-contending team

Kuz, rightfully so, wanted a bigger role and wasn’t (didn’t deserve it) in LakerLand with LBJ/AD on the roster and playing. Wish Kuz the best and he’s on the right team and can grow as a player when being far away from the glare and scrutiny of LaLa Land.

Ellington, Bazemore and Ariza don’t have the motivation or energy to play in these games. Their roles would have been short MPG during games where LBJ/AD are taking their rest.

The young guys are showing that Vogel is just as good as Lue - IMHO. They are younger, hungry, have holes in their games but they are learning

Seemingly Vogel is using these games as prep for the Play-In Games as the 10th seed - good decision. Hopefully AD/Nunn’s minutes will limit the necessity of LBJ always needing to get 50 points for the Lakers to win games

As we have seen with the Nets and Warriors, missing one key player for an extended period of time can dramatically change a team’s fortunes
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
LakerDYnasty72
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 18 Jul 2006
Posts: 4562

PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2022 9:44 am    Post subject:

ribeye wrote:
ChefLinda wrote:
Quote:
He and Bron combined for 55


lol


I missed that on my read. Yep, lol.


I didn't
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
danzag
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 28 Apr 2013
Posts: 22244
Location: Brazil

PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2022 11:16 am    Post subject:

Thanks, DB
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
TDRock
Retired Number
Retired Number


Joined: 27 May 2010
Posts: 48596
Location: LA to the Bay

PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2022 12:13 pm    Post subject: Re: WIZARDS -at- LAKERS - 3-11-22 - Thoughts and :-)) Ratings

governator wrote:
DancingBarry wrote:

Westbrook -- -- He and Bron combined for 55


LOL


Aww Russ lol

Anyway Yay Winning

Thanks DB
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
TooMuchMajicBuss
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 17 Sep 2008
Posts: 21064
Location: In a white room, with black curtains near the station

PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2022 2:22 pm    Post subject:

Thanks DB! Excellent to see a win, and LBJ what a great game. Excellent write up as always.

- yeah, 55 points combined. What a tandem.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic    LakersGround.net Forum Index -> Thoughts and Ratings All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Page 1 of 1
Jump to:  

 
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum






Graphics by uberzev
© 1995-2018 LakersGround.net. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Use.
LakersGround is an unofficial news source serving the fan community since 1995.
We are in no way associated with the Los Angeles Lakers or the National Basketball Association.


Powered by phpBB