The Lakerhead

Lakers VS Celtics Media Wrap

It’s that time again.  Time to look around the web to check the current buzz on the Lakers beating the Celtics.

The La Times makes a great point about the Laker defense.  I’m still trying to digest the fact that it showed up.  It seems putting Kobe on opposing teams’ short, quick point guard really works.

“The Lakers limited the Celtics to 46.8% shooting from the field.

They blocked nine shots, three by Pau Gasol, and two each by Andrew Bynum, Luke Walton and Lamar Odom.

“Boston Coach Doc Rivers conceded that the Lakers were solid on defense.

“It was good,” Rivers said. “We rushed shots, but they were there. You’ve got to give them that credit.  We can say we were sloppy, we can say we missed shots.  But at the end of the day, Bynum was in the right place.  He was long and they made us miss shots.”

The Daily News thinks that the Lakers needed this game more than the Celtics

“On Thursday, the Lakers were a team eager to step up.  To prove the addition of Bynum and Ariza is significant.  That their bench truly is superior to Boston’s.  That they have learned past lessons. “Tonight they just outhustled us and worked harder,” said Celtics center Kendrick Perkins. “They were just hungrier than us.”

There will be a rematch Feb. 5 in Boston.  And if all goes as the Lakers hope, another in June when psyches and true improvement will be tested again.

“We wanted to win, but this game doesn’t change our minds on what we feel we can do,” Rivers said.  “It was a fun game to be a part of.  Good lesson for us.  We have to give the Lakers credit.  “We’ll see them again.”

And of course, I have to check on my favorite frenemy, #1 Celtics fan, the Sports Guy, Bill Simmons, as he answers mailbag questions.

“Q: Did my favorite homer columnist have a good Christmas watching the Lake Show get its revenge on Boston? Hahahahahahahaha. Doc forgot to start Pierce’s wheelchair in the second half. Good news: You still have the streak going, it’s just in your pants. Check your undies. KOBE RULES!
– Every Lakers Fan

SG: Sorry, I had to condense the 400 taunting Lakers e-mails from Thursday night into one super-annoying e-mail. Look, I think we learned one thing other than it’s hard to beat a good team at home when they’re getting every call — when Kobe is the best guy on the floor, the Lakers win. He was brilliant Thursday. That’s why the Lakers won. For whatever reason, he didn’t do it in the Finals and that’s why they lost. So basically, I learned nothing other than that my dad has a new nickname for Tony Allen: “The Heart Attack.” And just an FYI: You can’t get revenge for a 39-point loss in the deciding game of an NBA Finals by beating someone in a regular-season game at home. I am almost positive.”

Also, a bit off-topic, but since so many movies are coming out today, check out this email he got.

“Q: I had a stunning realization when I awoke this morning: Isn’t Greg Oden the real Benjamin Button? I mean the injuries, the 45-year-old face, the creaky knees and geriatric hobble? This means for us Blazers fans things will only get better as he gets “younger.” Phew.
– Phil Taylor, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Why yes, yes he is.