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- about 1 year ago
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NBA Playoffs 2012, Lakers Vs. Nuggets: Fans React To Game 7 Win
In the opening round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers had one of their strangest and most stressful postseason series in recent memory. After taking a 3-1 lead in the series and putting up an historically dismal showing, the Denver Nuggets forced an all-or-nothing Game 7.
At the Staples Center on Saturday night, the Lakers looked fallible but ultimately were able to hang on for the win. C.A. Clark at Silver Screen and Roll had this to say about the victory:
Coming into tonight's contest, there was much talk about the negative ramifications of a loss. After all, it would be an historic collapse for a team of this talent level to lose a series after going up 3-1. Now, with a round 2 match up on the horizon, the Lakers have staved off the apocalypse for at least a little while. Now its time to find out what happens next.
The Lakers will face a much tougher opponent in the Western Conference semifinals, as they will face off with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
For more news and notes on Lakers basketball or on this first round NBA playoff series, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.
- about 1 year ago
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Lakers Vs. Thunder, NBA Playoffs: Round 2 Series Schedule & TV Info
It wasn't easy, but the Los Angeles Lakers found a way to advance in the NBA playoffs. The Lakers beat the Denver Nuggets Saturday night in Game 7 of their first round series at Staples Center, but there is no rest for the weary. The Lakers now advance to play the No. 2 seed Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round.
Thanks to the truncated schedule brought on by the NBA lockout, there was a possibility of back-to-back games in the playoffs. That is the case in this series, as the Lakers and Thunder play Friday and Saturday in Game 3 and Game 4, respectively, in Los Angeles. Here is the full schedule for the second round series (all times PDT):
- Game 1: Monday, May 14 at Oklahoma City, 6:30 p.m. (TNT)
- Game 2: Wednesday, May 16 at Oklahoma City, 6:30 p.m. (TNT)
- Game 3: Friday, May 18 at Los Angeles, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
- Game 4: Saturday, May 19 at Los Angeles, 7:30 p.m. (TNT)
- Game 5*: Monday, May 21 at Oklahoma City, TBD (TNT)
- Game 6*: Wednesday, May 23 at Los Angeles, TBD (ESPN)
- Game 7*: Sunday, May 27 at Oklahoma City, TBD (TNT)
*if necessary
For more news and notes regarding Lakers basketball, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.
- about 1 year ago
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Lakers With Game Under Control, Getting Celebrities Involved
The LA Lakers have finally gotten the game under control. The Denver Nuggets fought valiantly, but the Lakers simply proved too much for them in the end. The Lakers have outscored Denver 27 to 13 since Denver opened the fourth with a 5-0 run to open the fourth.
Kobe Bryant has had to deal with constant Denver double teams, but is still managing to have a bit of fun. Here he is after his first bucket of the fourth quarter:
At a way Justin Timberlake! You’re the sixth man!
- about 1 year ago
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Denver Nuggets Heating Up, Lakers Still Lead But Frustrated
The Denver Nuggets have stormed back to cut the lead down to five as the third quarter draws to a close. Ty Lawson finally found a way to get to the rim, is hitting threes, and drawing fouls. The Lakers went from 6:21 left to 2:54 without getting a field goal, and the frustration has started to show.
Meta World Peace is the hardest working guy on the floor. But he’s also the most akward.
- about 1 year ago
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Kobe Bryant Does Amazing Things, Lakers Starting To Pull Away
The LA Lakers are starting to pull away from the Denver Nuggets. They’re up 64-51 in the 3rd quarter, starting the third quarter on a 14-4 run. Meta World Peace is hitting jumpers, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol are pulling down rebounds. Everything is starting to click. Oh, and Kobe Bryant can still fake people out of their shoes.
- about 1 year ago
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Lakers Vs. Nuggets: Kobe Bryant No Stranger To Game 7
Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers try for the third consecutive game to eliminate the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night in Game 7 of their first round NBA playoff series at Staples Center. This is the 24th Game 7 in Lakers history, and the club is 15-8 all-time in Game 7.
Bryant is 4-1 in Game 7 in his career, averaging 23.2 points on 38.1% shooting, plus 9.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. In Kobe's career, the Lakers have won in Game 7 against the Boston Celtics (2010 NBA Finals), Houston Rockets (2009 second round), Sacramento Kings (2002 Western Conference Finals, on the road), and Portland Trail Blazers.
The only Lakers' loss in Game 7 came against the Phoenix Suns in 2006, when Phoenix eliminated the Lakers with a 121-90 victory that marked the only time in Lakers franchise history that they lost a series after holding a 3-1 lead.
The Lakers are 14-1 all-time at home in Game 7, including winning their last 10 such occurrences. The only Game 7 home loss for the Lakers came courtesy of Don Nelson and his shot that caromed high off the rim into the basket for the deciding margin in the Boston's 108-106 victory at the Forum in Game 7 of the 1969 NBA Finals.
The Lakers are 43-42 all-time in elimination games, including 8-6 in such games since 2000.
For more news and notes on Lakers basketball or on this first round NBA playoff series, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.
- about 1 year ago
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2012 NBA Playoffs, Lakers Vs. Nuggets Game 7: Game Time, TV Schedule And More
The Los Angeles Lakers were overwhelming favorites heading into their opening-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets. Just a short time later, the Lakers put on their worst postseason performance in years and the Nuggets have forced a Game 7.
As the final game returns to the Staples Center on Saturday, the Lakers will need to buckle down and play lights-out basketball. The Nuggets are a younger, faster and hungrier team and made Los Angeles look their age on Thursday night. Kobe Bryant proved that he clearly cannot do everything alone.
Both teams have their backs against the wall and the decider in Game 7 may very well come down to which squad will blink first. If the Lakers are bounced out by this Nuggets team in the first round, the humiliation of that loss will sting for quite some time.
Saturday night's game tips off at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be televised nationally on TNT.
For more news and notes on Lakers basketball or on this first round NBA playoff series, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.
- about 1 year ago
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NBA Playoffs 2012, Nuggets Vs. Lakers: Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum Under Fire After Game 6
The Los Angeles Lakers fell behind by as many as 28 points Thursday night in their ugly 113-96 Game 6 loss to the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. After the game, much of the talk revolved around intensity and effort. As in, the Nuggets had it, and the Lakers did not.
Well, except for Kobe Bryant, who shook off the flu to score 31 points on 13-of-23 shooting. "Kobe had two IV bags before the game and two at halftime," tweeted Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times. "And he still played better than anyone else on the team. By far."
Pau Gasol was a no-show with three points, on 1-of-10 shooting, with three rebounds. Andrew Bynum had 16 rebounds to go with is 11 points, but made just 4-of-11 shots from the field. "We're going to need a lot more out of our two bigs to try and win the series," said head coach Mike Brown after the game.
Alex Kennedy of Hoops World called Gasol's game "inexcusable," and Bill Simmons of ESPN joked, "I think Pau Gasol is saving his legs for the Olympics."
What did Kobe think of the performance of Gasol and Bynum in Game 6? Well, the team gets Metta World Peace back for Game 7, as his seven-game suspension has been served. Kobe offered this telling thought, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN:
Kobe on Metta in Game 7: "He's the one guy that I can rely on night-in and night-out to compete and play with that intensity"
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 11, 2012
Game 7 is Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. PDT at Staples Center, and will be televised by TNT and Fox Sports West.
For more news and notes on Lakers basketball or on this first round NBA playoff series, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.
- about 1 year ago
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2012 NBA Playoffs, Nuggets Vs. Lakers: Could Mike Brown Get Fired?
The brand of basketball played by the Los Angeles Lakers Thursday night against the Denver Nuggets in Game 6 of their first round NBA playoff series certainly wasn't pretty, as the Lakers' 17-point loss would attest. There is still a chance for the Lakers to advance, and with Game 7 at home odds are in their favor to do so.
But if the Lakers lost on Saturday night, will first-year head coach Mike Brown get fired? As Dexter Fishmore at Silver Screen and Roll pointed out, it probably won't come to that, but it could get ugly with the Lakers:
if the Lakers do fall in Game Seven, some nasty shit is going to come raining down. [Andrew] Bynum might demand a trade. Kobe [Bryant] might demand to be amnestied. Either guy might point to Brown and say, "It's him or me." If the Lakers don't advance, one of the Brown-Bynum-Kobe threesome will be gone next year. Maybe more than one. There's way too much talent making way too much money for a first-round exit, and how much more of Kobe's amazing career are people willing to see go to waste?
In NBA history, home teams are 86-21 in Game 7, an 80.3% winning percentage. Brown better hope that trend continues, just to be on the safe side.
For more news and notes on Lakers basketball or on this first round NBA playoff series, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.
- about 1 year ago
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Lakers Vs. Nuggets, 2012 NBA Playoffs Game 6 Final Score: Ty Lawson, Denver Blow Out L.A. 113-96
Maybe the Los Angeles Lakers hope the third time will be the charm.
The Lakers had their second chance to close out the Denver Nuggets, but were blown off the court Thursday night in Game 6 of their first round NBA playoff series, falling 113-96 at Pepsi Center. The Lakers trailed by as many as 28 points in the fourth quarter.
Ty Lawson torched the Lakers with 32 points, six assists, and five rebounds for the Nuggets. Lawson made two early three-pointers as part of an 11-0 run in the first two minutes to begin the game, and ended up shooting 13-of-18 on the night.
Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 31 points on 13-of-23 shooting, despite battling the flu, and he sat out the final 7:52 of the game. Bryant's teammates shot just 36.1% (22 of 61), bad enough to wear Kobe out:
Pau Gasol had just three points, on 1-of-10 shooting, and three rebounds for the Lakers. Andrew Bynum had 11 points and 16 rebounds for the Lakers, but made just four of 11 field goals.
Corey Brewer added 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting off the bench for the Nuggets, who shot 51.6% for the game and outrebounded the Lakers ... in the game.
Game 7 will be held Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. PDT at Staples Center in Los Angeles.
For more news and notes on Lakers basketball or on this first round NBA playoff series, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.
- about 1 year ago
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Kobe Bryant Sells Mask For Charity
A mask can be handy, after all.
Kobe Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers veteran guard, sold his famous mask he wore for a brief period after breaking his nose and suffering a concussion. Bryant was hit in the face, following a hard foul by Dwyane Wade during the NBA All-Star Game on February 26.
The five-time NBA champion auctioned it off to eBay for charity, after he was medically cleared to play without the plastic face mask that was worn to protect his fractured nose. The funds are an investment into the Bryant Family Foundation to assist the homeless in Los Angeles. By the time the auction concluded Tuesday, it was quite staggering that a mask, which had become a trademark for Bryant, raised $67,000.
The starting price was only $250, but the mask was worth more and sold for a high price to enrich the growth of his charitable activity. The protective headwear he wore for 11 games will now help others vastly in need.
It's definitely worth money when he averaged more than 31 points per game and notched his 29,000th career point while sporting the protective mask. Along with an autograph, he selflessly sold it and realizes that the demographic of homeless people living on the streets is staggering.
The mask that once felt like a sauna on his face is now a treasure to many displaced people.
For more in depth discussion and analysis of the Los Angeles Lakers, make sure to check out Silver Screen and Roll and SB Nation Los Angeles. For more on the NBA Playoffs in general, make your way over to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.
- about 1 year ago
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2012 NBA Playoffs: Kobe Bryant Misses Shootaround, Status Uncertain For Game 6
With the Los Angeles Lakers barely hanging on to their playoff lead over the Denver Nuggets, some bad news out of Laker land this morning regarding Kobe Bryant.
Per Scott-Howard Cooper on Twitter:
Kobe Bryant misses Lakers shootaround with gastroenteritis and Lakers unable to say his status for Game 6 tonight.
— Scott Howard-Cooper (@SHowardCooper) May 10, 2012
Gastroenteritus is a fancy way to say that the Black Mamba has a stomach virus, which may occur due to consumption of improperly prepared foods, contaminated water, or with contact with infected individuals. Hydration is one of the key components to this as it is usually accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting, which is why Kobe was getting an IV in game five and still scored 40 points on the Nuggets.
Kobe has essentially been putting the team on his back all season long, and this playoff series has been no different. Hopefully he can get those fluids in him and get out there tonight.
For more in depth discussion and analysis of the Los Angeles Lakers, make sure to check out Silver Screen and Roll and SB Nation Los Angeles. For more on the NBA Playoffs in general, make your way over to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.
- about 1 year ago
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Kobe Bryant Misses Game-Tying Shot Late As Lakers Fall To Nuggets
The Los Angeles Lakers trailed for just about all of game five against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night, eventually falling by a score of 102-99. The Lakers mounted a furious comeback attempt late, but missed 3-pointers from Kobe Bryant and Ramon Sessions in the final seconds forced a sixth game in what has been a thrilling series thus far.
Bryant went off for 43 points, needing 34 shot attempts to do so. Andrew Bynum was invisible for most of the contest, but came up big in the fourth quarter on his way to a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Matt Barnes came off the bench to score 11 points. Pau Gasol struggled for most of the game, finishing with only nine points and 10 boards.
The star of the game was Nuggets center JaVale McGee. Not only did come up with huge baskets down the stretch, but his presence was felt all night on the defensive end. The box score may say he only had two blocks, but if felt like many, many more to the Lakers. The lanky big man scored 21 points and brought down 14 rebounds.
Andre Miller led Denver with 24 points and also dished out eight assists. Aaron Afflalo scored 19, Kenneth Faried added 10 and nine rebounds and Ty Lawson distributed eight assists.
Now facing a road game in Denver, the Lakers will look to regroup and get back on track.
If there is a positive side to all of this, it does mean that Metta World Peace will be available to play beginning in either game seven of this series or the start of the Thunder series should L.A. advance.
For more news and notes on the Lakers or this first round playoff series against Denver, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.
- about 1 year ago
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Lakers Vs. Nuggets Game 5 Score: Kobe Bryant Scores 18 But L.A. Trails 49-43 At Halftime
Kobe Bryant scored 18 points but thanks to poor shooting the Los Angeles Lakers trail the Denver Nuggets 49-43 at halftime in Game 5 of their first round NBA playoff series Tuesday night at Staples Center. The Lakers lead the best-of-seven series three games to one.
Bryant shot 5-of-13 in the first half for the Lakers, who shot 33.3% (15 for 45) as a team. Bryant did make 8-of-9 free throws. Andrew Bynum had seven points and seven rebounds for the Lakers. Pau Gasol added five rebounds, but scored just three points on 1-of-7 shooting.
Arron Afflalo had 13 points to lead the Nuggets, who shot 41.3% (19 for 43) in the first half. Kenneth Faried had 10 points and six rebounds for the Nuggets, while JaVale McGee added seven points and eight rebounds off the bench in the opening half.
Matt Barnes had eight points and four rebounds off the bench for the Lakers.
For more news and notes on the Lakers or this first round playoff series against Denver, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.
- about 1 year ago
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NBA Playoffs, Lakers Vs. Nuggets Game 5: By The Numbers
The Los Angeles Lakers look to close out the Denver Nuggets in Game 5 of their first round NBA playoff series Tuesday night at Staples Center. The Lakers seized control of the series with a 92-88 win Sunday night in Game 4 in Denver, giving them a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Here is a look at some numbers heading into Game 5.
Commanding Lead: The Lakers have a 3-1 lead for the 35th time in a best-of-seven series in their franchise history. They have won 33 of the first 34 series, losing only in 2006 to the Phoenix Suns, when the Lakers were the No. 7 seed.
Home Court Advantage: Since moving into Staples Center for the 1999-2000 season, the Lakers are 78-17 at home in the playoffs, a winning percentage of .821.
Kobe Scoring: Kobe Bryant has averaged 28.3 points per game in the series against Denver, including a pair of 30-point games in the first two games, both at Staples Center. Bryant has 83 playoff games of 30 points or more in his career, second only to Michael Jordan's 109 games. Bryant has averaged at least 20 points per game for a Lakers franchise record 30 consecutive playoff series, dating back to 2001.
Bynum In The Middle: Despite getting just 12.5 shots per game, Andrew Bynum is averaging 18.5 points per game in the series, thanks to 60% shooting (30-for-50) and a 63.9% true shooting percentage. Bynum is also shooting 77.8% from the free throw line (14-for-18), and averaging 10.3 rebounds and 4.3 blocks per contest.
Team Offensive Efficiency: Lakers, 107.3 points per 100 possessions; Nuggets, 105.0
Team Shooting: Lakers: 44.5% FG, 47.3% eFG%, 50.3% TS%; Nuggets: 41.1% FG, 43.5% eFG%, 47.2% TS%
Free Throws: Lakers, 56-for-79 (79.0%); Nuggets, 62-for-84 (73.8%)
Three-Pointers: Lakers, 19-for-74 (25.7%); Nuggets, 17-for-68 (25.0%)
Dominance of Denver: The Lakers are looking for their sixth playoff series win against the Nuggets in six tries. In their postseason history, the Lakers are 20-5 all-time against Denver, including 11-2 in Los Angeles.
For more news and notes on the Lakers or this first round playoff series against Denver, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.
- about 1 year ago
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Lakers Vs. Nuggets, Game 4 Halftime Score: Denver Up 51-45
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets are playing close up on one another, but the home team has managed to take a six point lead into halftime. Denver has been shooting well from the field and they've managed to get the shots they've wanted against the Lakers, and despite not hitting any three point shots they've shot 51% from the field. Danilo Gallinari scored 12 points and Andre Miller put up 11 points to lead Denver. Kenneth Faried, Timofey Mogzov and Ty Lawson provided six points in support.
Kobe Bryant leads the Lakers with 12 points, but has needed 13 shots to get that total. Andrew Bynum has 11 points on a more efficient 5-6 shooting, and Pau Gasol and Ramon Sessions each have seven points, but the Lakers are falling behind on the scoring pace, shooting only 44% from the field.
Here are some highlights. Al Harrington tossed away his mask after it sort of lost form.
Kobe used some amazing footwork to score an incredible bucket.
And a woman walked onto the court. Wait, what?
Discuss Game 4 with Lakers fans over at Silver Screen and Roll. To talk about the game with Nuggets fans, head on over to Denver Stiffs.
- about 1 year ago
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NBA Playoffs, Lakers Vs. Nuggets Game 4 Score: L.A. Up 37-36 Early
We're early in the second quarter, and it looks as if the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets might be involved in a tight contest in Game 4 of the Western Conference Playoffs. Neither team has really distanced themselves from the other, and both teams are shooting fairly well from the field. The Nuggets are shooting 53%, the Lakers 46%, but Los Angeles is managing to stay close thanks to their offensive rebounds (11 to six, four from Jordan Hill) and generate extra possessions.
Andrew Bynum has hit all four of his buckets, and leads Los Angeles with nine points. Kobe Bryant has struggled from the field early, shooting 3 of 9 from the field with seven points, and Pau Gasol has added seven points. Danilo Gallinari and Andre Miller have 10 points apiece for the Nuggets.
Javale McGee did manage to do this though.
To talk about the game with Laker fans, head on over to Silver Screen and Roll. To see how Nuggets fans feel about this contest, check out Denver Stiffs.
- about 1 year ago
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NBA Playoffs, Lakers Vs. Nuggets Game 4 Preview: Andrew Bynum Firepower Needed
Fighting to stay alive by tying the series in Game 4 on Sunday, the Denver Nuggets expect Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum to make some noise. Bynum, after blocking 10 shots and registering a triple-double in Game 1, followed up with a playoff career-high 27 points in Game 2.
But Bynum said he had no firepower and wasn't prepared for Game 3 at Denver, where he finished scoreless in the first half of a 99-84 loss to the Nuggets. The only way to control the tempo early is pure dominance from Bynum, who can get off to a good start by staying disruptive inside that could limit the Nuggets from driving strongly to the basket. It wasn't easy without Bynum's toughness in Game 3, a game that the Nuggets finished at the rim.
The seven-footer is substantial to the Lakers' run for a championship, and can rebound with great footwork and energy. The 24-year-old center, who overcame a slow start in the first half, scored all 18 of his points in the third and fourth quarters and finished Game 3 with 18 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocked shots.
He is their star, and his absence has diminished the Lakers. His weakness was exposed, when he was confused by Denver's double-teams, attempting only three shots in the first half. He couldn't corral rebounds, as well, but he wasn't too pleased with himself after it was over.
The Lakers, with their big man citing that he'll be ready on Sunday, have insisted they will be much better than the prior loss that raised a few eyebrows. When Bynum is playing at full strength, JaVale McGee, who had 16 points and outrebounded him in a breakthrough performance, won't have a chance at bullying or even scoring double-digit points.
He's really that player who can change the dynamics of a game with his size, balance and footwork. McGee knows that all too well. If Bynum plays superbly, McGee and the Nuggets are no match for him.
For more news and notes on the Lakers or this first round playoff series against Denver, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.
- about 1 year ago
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2012 NBA Playoffs, Nuggets Vs. Lakers Game 4: Game Time, TV Schedule And More
The Los Angeles Lakers have their eyes set on yet another deep run in the postseason during the 2012 NBA Playoffs. They will first need to get past their opening round opponent the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers coasted to easy victories in the first two games of the series but lost the first game in Denver on Friday.
The Lakers still have a 2-1 lead in the series and are overwhelming favorites to take the series, but they certainly can't afford to get lax or underestimate their much hungrier -- and much more desperate -- opponents. The "Big Three" of Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum will all need to contribute, not just on Sunday, but for the duration of the postseason. There is no room for error for the 2012 Lakers squad, particularly with much larger threats looming in the conference in the form of the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder and, yes, even the Los Angeles Clippers.
Game 4 will happen on Sunday and will once again take place in Denver. The game will tip off at 6:30 p.m. PT and will be televised nationally on TNT.
For more news and notes on the Lakers or this first round playoff series against Denver, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.
- about 1 year ago
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2012 NBA Playoffs, Nuggets Vs. Lakers: Fans React To Friday's Loss
The Los Angeles Lakers were caught by surprise on Friday night when they visited the Denver Nuggets in the opening round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs and lost by a final score of 99-84. The Lakers still have a 2-1 lead in the series, but the loss was unexpected and a bit embarrassing.
C.A. Clark at Silver Screen and Roll had this to say about the loss:
The Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Denver Nuggets by fifteen in Game 3 of their first round playoff series, the very same margin of defeat which was their margin of victory in a Game 1 performance many labeled as dominant. I'm almost more impressed by the losing. Denver ended up destroying the Lakers in a game in which they failed to shoot 40% from the floor. They throttled the Lakers despite getting out shot from the free throw line. Make no mistake, the Denver Nuggets won, and won handily, on a night when they were way, way below average.
The Lakers were also below average. They were also below interest. The entire first quarter was an ode to the merits of effort, and the Lakers trailed by 16 at its conclusion. The fourth quarter was much of the same. Denver is severely undersized in this series, but that didn't stop them from picking up 19 offensive rebounds on the evening. The Nuggets ranked 18th in the league at turning the ball over, but did so only 6 times on the contest. Put those two numbers together against the Lakers' 13 O rebounds and 15 turnovers, and it adds up to an extra 15 possessions with which to do your business. The final score was a 15 point deficit. Go figure.
The Lakers will try to go up 3-1 in the series on Sunday in Denver.
For more news and notes on the Lakers or this first round playoff series against Denver, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.
- about 1 year ago
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NBA Playoffs, Lakers Vs. Nuggets Game 2 Score: Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum Lead L.A. To 55-48 Halftime Lead
Kobe Bryant scored 21 points on 9-of-12 shooting in the first half, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 55-48 halftime lead over the Denver Nuggets Tuesday night at Staples Center in Game 2 of their first round NBA playoff series. The Lakers led 32-25 after one quarter.
The Lakers hold a 1-0 series lead.
Andrew Bynum had 16 points, on 7-of-9 shooting, and six rebounds in the first half for the Lakers, who shot 53.3% (24 for 45) in the first half. Pau Gasol added six points and three rebounds.
Ty Lawson had eight points and five assists for the Nuggets, who shot 38.5% (20 for 52) in the opening Half. Kenneth Faried added eight points and six rebounds for the Nuggets.
The Lakers are 18-4 all-time in the playoffs against the Nuggets, including 10-2 in Los Angeles.
For more news and notes on the Lakers or this first round playoff series against Denver, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.
- about 1 year ago
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NBA Playoffs First Round, Lakers Vs. Nuggets Game 1: Game Time, TV Info And More
A well-rested Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers look to open the 2012 NBA playoffs on a high note on Sunday afternoon as they host the high-scoring Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of their first round playoff series at Staples Center. Here are the relevant details of Sunday's nationally televised game on ABC.
Records, Seeding: Lakers (41-25, No. 3 seed); Nuggets (38-28, No. 6 seed)
Game 1 Location: Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles
Time: 12:30 p.m. PDT
TV: ABC, with Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy on the call.
Offensive Efficiency: Nuggets, 109.2 points per 100 possessions (third in NBA); Lakers, 106.0 (10th)
Defensive Efficiency: Lakers, 104.4 (13th); Nuggets, 106.2 (21st)
Home vs. Road: The Lakers were 26-7 at home this season; The Nuggets were 18-15 on the road.
First Round Dominance: When the Lakers have home court advantage in the first round, they have won 34 of 36 series. When winning Game 1 in the first round, the Lakers have a series record of 33-1.
Kobe Scoring Streak: Kobe Bryant narrowly missed out on his third NBA scoring title, opting to sit out the final game in Sacramento rather than try to score 38 points to overtake Kevin Durant. But Bryant has another scoring milestone in play as well. He has scored in double figures in 159 consecutive playoff games, the second longest streak in NBA history behind Michael Jordan's 179 straight. Kobe has averaged 20 or more points per game in a franchise record 30 consecutive playoff series.
Series History: The Lakers beat the Nuggets in three of their four encounters during the regular season, including two wins at Staples Center. These two teams have met in the playoffs five times (1979, 1985, 1987, 2008, and 2009), with the Lakers winning all five series. The Lakers are 17-4 in the postseason against the Nuggets, including 9-2 at home and 8-2 on the road.
Game 1 tips off at 12:30 p.m. PDT. For more news and notes on Lakers basketball, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.
- about 1 year ago
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Lakers Vs. Nuggets, NBA Playoffs First Round: Game 1 Preview
The NBA playoffs have arrived, and this is always the best time of the year. The Los Angeles Lakers strive to add to their history of victories, mystique and championships, beginning Sunday afternoon against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center in Game 1 of their first round Western Conference series.
The Lakers are playing the Nuggets in the playoffs for the third time in five years, and while Denver is looking for a major playoff upset, they are facing a different Lakers team than in years past.
The roster is completely different after the trade of Lamar Odom that sent him to Dallas and after the more recent deal that ended a long-term relationship with point guard Derek Fisher. But the Lakers are fortunate to have arguably the best scorer in the game with in Kobe Bryant, who averaged 27.9 points per game this season in 38.5 minutes per game.
At the beginning of the regular season, the Lakers struggled under new head coach Mike Brown, but they were able to win their fifth straight Pacific Division crown and secure home court advantage for the first round. Which means Games 1 and 2 are at Staples Center, where the Lakers have played firmly all season.
Considering that the Nuggets have won a number of games with point guard Ty Lawson, they may be a tough opponent for the Lakers. What they also have is the newly acquired center Javale McGee, one of the seven players who can score in double-digits.
If the Lakers plan to win the series, they will simply have to shutdown a Denver team that led the league in points scored in a game and committed to driving to the basket.
Game 1 tips off at 12:30 p.m. PDT. For more news and notes on Lakers basketball, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.
- about 1 year ago
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Lakers Vs. Nuggets, NBA Playoffs: Matt Barnes (Ankle Sprain) Cleared To Play Game 1 Sunday
The Los Angeles Lakers will begin their 2012 NBA playoff run on Sunday afternoon at Staples Center, opening their first round series against the Denver Nuggets at home in a nationally televised game on ABC. The Lakers received some good news on Saturday, the eve of their first game, as Matt Barnes has been cleared to play, per Mike Trudell of NBA.com.
Barnes sat out the regular season finale Thursday with a sprained left ankle, and didn't even make the trip to Sacramento. But he will play on Sunday, which is good news for a Lakers team that will be without the suspended Metta World Peace at small forward for the next six games.
Barnes averaged 7.8 points and 5.5 rebounds in 22.9 minutes per game this season, while shooting 45.2% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range. Barnes played in 63 of the Lakers' 66 games and started 16 times. The Lakers were 9-7 in games started by Barnes.
For more news and notes on Lakers basketball, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.
- about 1 year ago
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2012 NBA Playoffs Schedule, Lakers Vs. Nuggets: First Round Game Times, TV Info
The Los Angeles Lakers won their fifth consecutive Pacific Division crown this season, and with that came the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. The Lakers will open their 2012 NBA playoff run with a first round matchup against the Denver Nuggets, who clinched the No. 6 seed with a win in their regular season finale on Thursday night.
The series opens Sunday afternoon at Staples Center with a nationally televised game on ABC. Here is the full first round series schedule for Lakers vs. Nuggets (all times PDT):
- Game 1: Sunday at Staples Center, 12:30 p.m. (ABC)
- Game 2: Tuesday at Staples Center, 7:30 p.m. (TNT, Fox Sports West)
- Game 3: Friday, May 4 at Pepsi Center, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN, KCAL)
- Game 4: Sunday, May 6 at Pepsi Center, 6:30 p.m. (TNT, KCAL)
- Game 5: Tuesday, May 8 at Staples Center, TBD* (Fox Sports West locally, national TV TBD)
- Game 6: Thursday, May 10 at Pepsi Center, TBD* (KCAL locally, national TV TBD)
- Game 7: Tuesday, May 12 at Staples Center, TBD* (TNT, Fox Sports West)
*if necessary.
For more news and notes on Lakers basketball, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.
- about 1 year ago
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NBA Playoffs 2012: Los Angeles Lakers To Face Denver Nuggets In First Round
The Los Angeles Lakers new they would begin the 2012 NBA playoffs at home Sunday afternoon at Staples Center. What they didn't know is which team they would face, until now. The Denver Nuggets picked up a 131-102 road win Thursday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, clinching the No. 6 seed over the Dallas Mavericks.
The No. 3 seed and Pacific Division champion Lakers will host the Nuggets beginning Sunday at Staples Center, presumably an afternoon game. The full NBA playoff schedule will be released later Thursday night.
The Lakers won three of their four matchups against the Nuggets during the regular season, including both games in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 92-89 on December 31 and 103-97 on April 13, both at Staples Center and the latter without Kobe Bryant, who was out with an injured shin.
Bryant has had shooting woes against Denver this season, shooting just 27.5% from the field in three games, including a 6-for-28 game in a 99-90 loss on January 1.
For more news and notes on Lakers basketball, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.
