Get ready boys and girls, the Lakers are heading to the NBA Finals. Game 5 was scary at first since the Spurs were showing signs of a steal like in Game 3. But because the Spurs fell apart in the second half from poor energy and from the Lakers finally regaining their touch, Kobe Bryant and the rest went into a rampage. Shot swished in one by one and the Lakers caught up back from a seventeen point deficit to win the game. To read some highlights and description of some great plays of tonight's game, click here.
Anyway, lets look at how this all came together from the start of the season.
The Lakers bench has been a real asset to the team. Vujacic, Walton, Turiaf, and Farmar have been big pluses for the team this season. If I looked at this bench three years ago, I would have thought the Lakers would have been in deep trouble. However with vast improvements of the young second unit, critics call this Lakers' bench the best in the league right now. Who would have known.
But who would have expected Pau Gasol. There was little talk about Gasol becoming a part of the infamous purple-and-gold. Rather, the rumors were circling around Odom, Bynum, and Kidd. In the end though, it was Kwame Brown and Pau Gasol. What luck.
And luck it was when the Lakers signed Derek Fisher. Smush Parker is a great kid, but he lacked a lot of qualities that a starting point guard should have. Leadership, determination, experience, and respectability was missing and was desperately needed. But Derek Fisher brought all the qualities the Lakers were longing to have. With him, the Lakers had the puzzle pieces to form a contending team.
And the man forming it all together was our MVP, Kobe Bryant. With Bryant, the best player in the league right now, it's difficult to not stop and stare and watch this superstar. Kobe Bryant's time in the NBA is slowing being shut, but every night he plays there has always been a play where we all go "Wow."
It's time to see another championship. Although the NBA final series won't start in Lakers' homecourt, the day has come for the Lakers and I and hopefully all of you will watch and cheer them on.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Oh Wow Lakers
Because its choir week, I was unfortunately unable to watch tonight's Game 4 match of the Spurs vs. the Lakers. I've looked at the box score and it seems to have been a close game the entire night. So with the series now in a 3-1 favor for the Lakers, a win for the purple-and-gold makes a Game 5 series victory looks very doable. Even though Fisher's last play seemed questionable, it is still a win to celebrate. So for those who missed the thrilling game, like myself, lets enjoy some clips that surely would have captivated a similar feeling of tonight's game. The clips are of what most of us have seen, but because it is completely AMAZING and completely REAL, it still is enticing to watch even for the 500th time. Oh the Black Mamba!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Offseason Updates
Hey everyone,
First, GO LAKERS!!!!
Now, since that is out of the way, GameDay is going to be attempting to be making some changes for next year. I plan to write an article about our game plan for next year, or rather some of our basic ideas for improvements. But, any input we can get from you would be greatly appreciated.
So then, what would you like to see? How do you think we can improve?
Also, if you are interested in joining GameDay and not in the class of 2008 or 2009 then please, send either James or me an e-mail expressing your interest. We will begin recruiting runs soon. Someone is going to have to take over once our class graduates.
I'll try and keep everyone posted on what is going on within our organization in terms of how what we are doing may affect you.
-Seth
First, GO LAKERS!!!!
Now, since that is out of the way, GameDay is going to be attempting to be making some changes for next year. I plan to write an article about our game plan for next year, or rather some of our basic ideas for improvements. But, any input we can get from you would be greatly appreciated.
So then, what would you like to see? How do you think we can improve?
Also, if you are interested in joining GameDay and not in the class of 2008 or 2009 then please, send either James or me an e-mail expressing your interest. We will begin recruiting runs soon. Someone is going to have to take over once our class graduates.
I'll try and keep everyone posted on what is going on within our organization in terms of how what we are doing may affect you.
-Seth
We Want Tacos!
Tonight was a big upset. It was game 2 of the series for the Spurs vs. Lakers and the Lakers SLAUGHTERED the Spurs by winning with a THIRTY point lead. That was way too easy. Garbage time started about eight minutes into the last quarter and the only thing that was suspenseful by then was the chance for free tacos for the fans. By the time the Lakers surpassed the 100 points, there was only about four seconds left of game play, how lucky.
If you don't know, when the Lakers score over 100 points and the opponents score less than 100 points, the audience is able to receive a free Jack-in-the-Box taco. It isn't much, but it is something to cheer about. I like it. Actually I love it. Watch the clip to see what I mean:
Haha. Beautiful...
If you don't know, when the Lakers score over 100 points and the opponents score less than 100 points, the audience is able to receive a free Jack-in-the-Box taco. It isn't much, but it is something to cheer about. I like it. Actually I love it. Watch the clip to see what I mean:
Haha. Beautiful...
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
KKKKKKKK KOBE!
What a game. Actually, what a half. After down as much as twenty points in the third quarter, the Lakers, especially Kobe Bryant, was able to utilize a breakdown of the Spurs to steal the game and take the lead of the series.
The first half for the Lakers was at best, mediocre. Kobe Bryant was the facilitator, but a passive one for the first two quarters. He lacked that aggressiveness he always had, leading to his three field goal attempts and two points. But all that switched off after halftime and Kobe Bryant was able to lead his team in the style that earned his MVP title.
Phil Jackson has a series record of 40-0 when winning game 1. Lets hope it goes 41-0.
The first half for the Lakers was at best, mediocre. Kobe Bryant was the facilitator, but a passive one for the first two quarters. He lacked that aggressiveness he always had, leading to his three field goal attempts and two points. But all that switched off after halftime and Kobe Bryant was able to lead his team in the style that earned his MVP title.
Phil Jackson has a series record of 40-0 when winning game 1. Lets hope it goes 41-0.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Playoffs
Well, the girls softball team lost today 3-4 in a tough nine inning match against Paraclete. I must say, it was an extremely good game, one of the best I have seen played actually. Paraclete was good, they had nice arms and the pitcher was definitely a bit faster than many pitchers the team had faced before. They also had some good plays and their catcher was very aware, throwing behind often and even catching a runner or two off the bag.
But our team was more than up to the challenge. Some amazing plays were made, particularly a diving catch Alex Skinkis made. Cassy Coleman also had a nice play when she got a flyball on the run and caught the runner before they could get back to the base for a double play. A few sweet hits, both from Cassie Oregel, Lauren Dandridge, and of course scored our teams runs and really kept them in the game.
It was close the whole game and as it went into extra innings, it only becaem more interesting.
I was also very glad to see the turnout for today, it was far better than the previous games and I know all the players appreciate it. Thanks for coming out, and for all you who didn't, be sure to catch the recap, which should be up tomorrow.
-Seth
But our team was more than up to the challenge. Some amazing plays were made, particularly a diving catch Alex Skinkis made. Cassy Coleman also had a nice play when she got a flyball on the run and caught the runner before they could get back to the base for a double play. A few sweet hits, both from Cassie Oregel, Lauren Dandridge, and of course scored our teams runs and really kept them in the game.
It was close the whole game and as it went into extra innings, it only becaem more interesting.
I was also very glad to see the turnout for today, it was far better than the previous games and I know all the players appreciate it. Thanks for coming out, and for all you who didn't, be sure to catch the recap, which should be up tomorrow.
-Seth
Sunday, May 18, 2008
CIF Round Two
Well, I know many of you didn't go to the game on Thursday (Don't lie, I was there) and you are really missing out. For one, our softball team went undefeated in league play and at the very least everyone should be wishing them luck after having another good season. But even more so, we are extremely lucky to be having two CIF games in a row at home. The biggest thing, however, is coming out and watching to show our support.
Again, I really do urge you to try and go. It just makes me kind of sad how we have a good team in the playoffs now and no one still seems to be out there at all. Don't miss it, it will be over soon. CIF is a big deal, no matter how you look at it. And it should be a good game like last time, so it can only be more interesting now than ever to go and watch.
I'll be there. I hope you will be too.
-Seth
Again, I really do urge you to try and go. It just makes me kind of sad how we have a good team in the playoffs now and no one still seems to be out there at all. Don't miss it, it will be over soon. CIF is a big deal, no matter how you look at it. And it should be a good game like last time, so it can only be more interesting now than ever to go and watch.
I'll be there. I hope you will be too.
-Seth
The Freeway Series
With this weekend concluding the Freeway Series, it was interesting to watch the Angel's finally go against L.A. Dodger's manager, Joe Torre. Notoriously, the Angels are Torre's worst record against and now managing the Dodgers for the first time, the results could repeat itself once again. And it did. Angels won the series 2 to 1.
But hey, if the Dodgers have the type of farm players like in the video below, Joe Torre's mishap with the Angels shouldn't be too much of their problems.
That's a sick curveball. Oh yes indeed.
But hey, if the Dodgers have the type of farm players like in the video below, Joe Torre's mishap with the Angels shouldn't be too much of their problems.
That's a sick curveball. Oh yes indeed.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Lakers and Prom
With majority of us done with AP's, we can now look foward to another great event, A LAKERS GAME! Wait... NO! Of course not! This Saturday is Prom! And as the Lakers will play Game 6 the night before our spectacular event, lets all hope we can relax knowing the Lakers are in the Western Conference Finals by then.
As Prom nears, why not see some Prom pictures of old NBA players? If you've been watching the NBA playoffs closely or you're a Youtube freak, you probably saw this, but for those who have not seen it yet, enjoy.
As Prom nears, why not see some Prom pictures of old NBA players? If you've been watching the NBA playoffs closely or you're a Youtube freak, you probably saw this, but for those who have not seen it yet, enjoy.
Confirmation?
Well, after talking with various individuals, I am almost 100% sure the CIF softball game is tomorrow (Or so Clifton and the athletic dept. have told me). Again, please come out and support them, especially if you are not doing anything else. I think it is really dumb the dodgeball tournament would be on the same day though, simply ridiculous. They see fit to take away from an already small crowd.
Well, at any rate, I will be at the game to cover it so you can always come out and talk to me should you choose to come. Don't worry, I'll make excellent conversation.
On another note, I have been helping out the junior high volleyball team. It has been rather fun actually. The guys are pretty laid back and they really are out on the court just to have fun. I like helping them too because I really enjoyed all the help I got from upperclassmen when I was still a fledgling player. It is always good to help someone who may not know as much as you. Besides, these eighth grade guys might even go to camp and will probably choose to play next year. It would be good to get to know them now. It will also make them more comfortable in the transition, because the difference in the type of volleyball play is indeed very different.
They have some cool kids. I am glad to get to play with them. Oh, and now we are in the gym finally! We had to be outside because of AP testing. It feels good to be back in the gym too. It seems like so long.
Hmm, maybe we will actually have something about them on the site because I will probably be talking to them about how their season is going anyway.
-Seth
Well, at any rate, I will be at the game to cover it so you can always come out and talk to me should you choose to come. Don't worry, I'll make excellent conversation.
On another note, I have been helping out the junior high volleyball team. It has been rather fun actually. The guys are pretty laid back and they really are out on the court just to have fun. I like helping them too because I really enjoyed all the help I got from upperclassmen when I was still a fledgling player. It is always good to help someone who may not know as much as you. Besides, these eighth grade guys might even go to camp and will probably choose to play next year. It would be good to get to know them now. It will also make them more comfortable in the transition, because the difference in the type of volleyball play is indeed very different.
They have some cool kids. I am glad to get to play with them. Oh, and now we are in the gym finally! We had to be outside because of AP testing. It feels good to be back in the gym too. It seems like so long.
Hmm, maybe we will actually have something about them on the site because I will probably be talking to them about how their season is going anyway.
-Seth
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Date Correction
Edit: There is confusion on the date. I am not exactly sure when the game is. I will confirm as soon as possible the definite date.
Sorry, the softball game is actually on Thursday or Friday, not on Wednesday.
I'll be out there covering the game, I hope to see you guys out in the stands too! It is always a big thing to go to CIF and you do not want to miss any of the playoff action. You will be in for a good game so do not miss it!
-Seth
Sorry, the softball game is actually on Thursday or Friday, not on Wednesday.
I'll be out there covering the game, I hope to see you guys out in the stands too! It is always a big thing to go to CIF and you do not want to miss any of the playoff action. You will be in for a good game so do not miss it!
-Seth
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Softball CIF
So next Wednesday, varsity softball will be having their first round of CIF. They will find out who they play on Monday and will for sure have a home game because they won their league(going undefeated for the second year in a row, very nice ladies).
Unfortunately, very few people attend their games as it is. Even senior night had less of a turnout then I would have hoped. It is really a shame, especially with this tam in particular. With many young players on varsity, they have gotten substantially better since the beginning of the season. It was very noticeable for me, seeing them play in the preseason and then their last couple games.
Yeah, they may not have been playing as strong of teams, but the team did get better. Another interesting note comes in how the softball team has worked on their intangibles the entire season, particularly their team dynamics.
Though only time will tell how well they will do in CIF, I expect the team to be up to the challenge. The opponents they will face will be significantly stronger then any of the teams in their league. Regardless, I expect Wednesday to be a good game. I know I'll be out there, and I would hope others would make efforts to do the same.
-Seth
THE BLITZ
Unfortunately, very few people attend their games as it is. Even senior night had less of a turnout then I would have hoped. It is really a shame, especially with this tam in particular. With many young players on varsity, they have gotten substantially better since the beginning of the season. It was very noticeable for me, seeing them play in the preseason and then their last couple games.
Yeah, they may not have been playing as strong of teams, but the team did get better. Another interesting note comes in how the softball team has worked on their intangibles the entire season, particularly their team dynamics.
Though only time will tell how well they will do in CIF, I expect the team to be up to the challenge. The opponents they will face will be significantly stronger then any of the teams in their league. Regardless, I expect Wednesday to be a good game. I know I'll be out there, and I would hope others would make efforts to do the same.
-Seth
THE BLITZ
Friday, May 9, 2008
Whoops! Game 3
An undefeated record in the playoffs has come to an end. With the Lakers losing in Utah, 99-104, an ugly game has left the Lakers in a 2-1 series.
Reasons Why The Lakers Lost
-Lakers were sloppy in the first half. (10 turnovers by halftime)
-Gasol, Vujacic, Radmanovic, and Farmer were ineffective. Each played with a lack of tenacity.
-Boozer was not in foul trouble (Led to his 27 points, 20 rebounds)
-Couldn't stop the pick-and-roll. Jazz had a lot of high % shots in the game.
-The crowd was loud. Annoyingly loud. I had to mute the broadcast.
Comments: Game 3 was a hard game to watch. It was not the fact that the Lakers played such a poor game, but because the Utah fans are insane. There are moments that make sense to yell, boo, scream, or whatever, but doing all of that at once for THE ENTIRE GAME drove me nuts. It wasn't entertainment, it felt more like a bad horror movie. Dumb, frustrating, and pathetic. I don't expect the Utah fans' insanity to change in Game 4, so don't expect me to be watching the next game. But for Game 5, I will of course.
Next Game: Sun, May 11. 12:30 pm Pacific. TV: ABC
Reasons Why The Lakers Lost
-Lakers were sloppy in the first half. (10 turnovers by halftime)
-Gasol, Vujacic, Radmanovic, and Farmer were ineffective. Each played with a lack of tenacity.
-Boozer was not in foul trouble (Led to his 27 points, 20 rebounds)
-Couldn't stop the pick-and-roll. Jazz had a lot of high % shots in the game.
-The crowd was loud. Annoyingly loud. I had to mute the broadcast.
Comments: Game 3 was a hard game to watch. It was not the fact that the Lakers played such a poor game, but because the Utah fans are insane. There are moments that make sense to yell, boo, scream, or whatever, but doing all of that at once for THE ENTIRE GAME drove me nuts. It wasn't entertainment, it felt more like a bad horror movie. Dumb, frustrating, and pathetic. I don't expect the Utah fans' insanity to change in Game 4, so don't expect me to be watching the next game. But for Game 5, I will of course.
Next Game: Sun, May 11. 12:30 pm Pacific. TV: ABC
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
A night where K24 was awarded the MVP trophy, the Lakers overwhelmed the Jazz on home court in Game 2 of the series. A little overview of what happened tonight:
The Good
-Laker's acrobatic plays in the paint. Layup after layup. Too easy.
-Kobe and Fisher were on fire. Combined 18-28. (64%)
The Bad
-Utah's composure in the first half. They look liked they quit after the first two minutes of game.
-Radmonovic's game. A strange inbound pass in the first minute of gameplay continued with more funk.
The Ugly
-Carlos Boozer was completely off. Went in foul trouble early and never got into rhythm.
-Jazz shot 16 free throws. Lakers shot 43 free throws.
Conclusion
Plain and simple, the Lakers rocked the house tonight. They controlled the first half and was able to contain the Jazz in the second. With a 2-0 series now in the books, I still wouldn't take out the brooms just yet. The Jazz were horrible the last two games, but with a 17-24 record for away games, it's easy to see why they were so bad. The Jazz have a 37-4 home record, so there is a small chance for the Jazz to come back. Will the Jazz overcome and make a push like the Hawks? Not the way it's been going.
Next Game: Fri, May 9. 6:00 PM Pacific. TV: ESPN, KCAL
The Good
-Laker's acrobatic plays in the paint. Layup after layup. Too easy.
-Kobe and Fisher were on fire. Combined 18-28. (64%)
The Bad
-Utah's composure in the first half. They look liked they quit after the first two minutes of game.
-Radmonovic's game. A strange inbound pass in the first minute of gameplay continued with more funk.
The Ugly
-Carlos Boozer was completely off. Went in foul trouble early and never got into rhythm.
-Jazz shot 16 free throws. Lakers shot 43 free throws.
Conclusion
Plain and simple, the Lakers rocked the house tonight. They controlled the first half and was able to contain the Jazz in the second. With a 2-0 series now in the books, I still wouldn't take out the brooms just yet. The Jazz were horrible the last two games, but with a 17-24 record for away games, it's easy to see why they were so bad. The Jazz have a 37-4 home record, so there is a small chance for the Jazz to come back. Will the Jazz overcome and make a push like the Hawks? Not the way it's been going.
Next Game: Fri, May 9. 6:00 PM Pacific. TV: ESPN, KCAL
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Laker's Semi-Finals
Well, it's my first post for the blog. I am a Junior and I like sports. I live about 30-45 minutes away from Oxford so it is difficult for me to watch an Oxford game and still have happy parents driving me home. So whenever I post, I'll likely be posting about the outside world of sports. You can count on me, I know my stuff.
As an avid Lakers fan and a soon-to-be AP Tester, I still couldn't resist flipping on the television to have my 1 on 1 time with a good o' basketball game.
Game 1 was pretty much a dominant Lakers game, leading throughout the 48 minutes of gameplay. With already beating the Enver Nuggets (No D my friends) and now up against the Jazz, the Lakers made me scared to see the match-ups of a Deron-Boozer powered team, but there wasn't much tonight. There were no technical fouls either, what a pity.
However, as I watched the game there were some issues that worry me:
- Lakers were way over rebounded (41 compare to 58)
- Allowed too many offensive rebounds. (25 offensive rebounds!?!!? 25!!!!!!!!!)
- Jazz couldn't make the open shot (.379 field goal %)
The issue on rebounds was expected as Carlos Boozer was a hassle for a weak-PF Laker's Lineup. But what worries me most was that a .379 field goal % allowed the Lakers only a 11 point win. Should have been at least a 20 point lead, but a win is a win and I'll take it any day. Game 2 of L.A. Lakers Vs. Utah Jazz is on Wed. May 7th, broadcast on TNT. Let's see if the Lakers fix their problems up.
Luckily Game 2 is going to be on TNT (BARKLEY!), because I can't stand watching ESPN/ABC telecasted games (Stu come back!!!) . Like for game 1, ESPN annoyingly kept going on and on about the fact about 79% of the teams that win Game 1, wins the series. Eh, I guess that was good to hear. Maybe we will get to see a Lakers vs. Celtics NBA Finals.
Oh boy.
As an avid Lakers fan and a soon-to-be AP Tester, I still couldn't resist flipping on the television to have my 1 on 1 time with a good o' basketball game.
Game 1 was pretty much a dominant Lakers game, leading throughout the 48 minutes of gameplay. With already beating the Enver Nuggets (No D my friends) and now up against the Jazz, the Lakers made me scared to see the match-ups of a Deron-Boozer powered team, but there wasn't much tonight. There were no technical fouls either, what a pity.
However, as I watched the game there were some issues that worry me:
- Lakers were way over rebounded (41 compare to 58)
- Allowed too many offensive rebounds. (25 offensive rebounds!?!!? 25!!!!!!!!!)
- Jazz couldn't make the open shot (.379 field goal %)
The issue on rebounds was expected as Carlos Boozer was a hassle for a weak-PF Laker's Lineup. But what worries me most was that a .379 field goal % allowed the Lakers only a 11 point win. Should have been at least a 20 point lead, but a win is a win and I'll take it any day. Game 2 of L.A. Lakers Vs. Utah Jazz is on Wed. May 7th, broadcast on TNT. Let's see if the Lakers fix their problems up.
Luckily Game 2 is going to be on TNT (BARKLEY!), because I can't stand watching ESPN/ABC telecasted games (Stu come back!!!) . Like for game 1, ESPN annoyingly kept going on and on about the fact about 79% of the teams that win Game 1, wins the series. Eh, I guess that was good to hear. Maybe we will get to see a Lakers vs. Celtics NBA Finals.
Oh boy.
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