It was a tough loss for the Lakers. The Lakers led the Clippers for most of the game. The Clippers kept hanging on thanks to tough shots by Jamal Crawford. The Clippers made a concerted effort to get the ball into the post with Blake Griffin, and he dominated.
But it was a different Laker team on the floor. We saw Jeremy Lin taking good shots, and with more volume. We saw Kobe Bryant looking like, himself. We saw Jordan Hill hitting at least eight mid-range jumpers, which must have caught the Clippers off-guard. Wesley Johnson had fouled out. Ed Davis, Carlos Boozer, and Jordan Hill all with foul trouble. The Lakers had sent their frontline to Blake Griffin, and every foul was used.
Upside?
Jeremy Lin finished with 17 points and 9 assists. He showed great aggression attacking the basket, confidence in his jumpshot, and made great passes. Once he turns the corner, the defense is at their heels.
Ronnie Price made a few defensive plays. More importantly, when the Lakers were stagnant at the end of the first quarter, it was Price waving off Kobe Bryant and going into isolation against Jordan Farmar. He hit a pull-up midrange jumper from 17′. He hit another from 20′. Three-point range is just outside of his norm, but was aggressive tonight.
Although Blake Griffin usually has a field day against the Lakers, tonight’s game was different. He loves going against the length of Pau Gasol, knowing he can’t compete with strength. This time, Boozer was there to match him in the post. Yes, Griffin still burned him a few times, but it was Boozer that was coming back on the offensive end, attacking Griffin on the drive, and drawing And-1’s.
Wayne Ellington suffered a terrible concussion not too long ago. He needed the rest. He looked far too high strung, which is never good as a shooter. He came out in the last game looking better, but looked far more aggressive and self-assured on the offensive end, especially with his jumpshot.
Then, Kobe looked like himself.
As if the dunk wasn’t enough, Kobe had more to show.
Admittedly, the first two losses of the Laker season were tough to watch. They were horrible losses with nothing to learn from. This Laker team showed grit, determination, and assertiveness. Yes, they look a bit lost on offense. Yes, their defense was inconsistent, but they were able to hang with one of the league’s best teams with two players having great nights, in Jamal Crawford and Blake Griffin.
What’s scary is, Julius Randle could have impacted this game. The Lakers needed more fouls, more muscle in the paint, and a player who can run in transition. It was the perfect situation.
Sure, it can be considered a moral victory, but a string of moral victories is what gels a team together, and improves them in the long-term, even if it doesn’t show in the win column.