I told you, I told you, I told you (aka Gm 5 strategy)

I think the Lakers will try to get Chuck Hayes in foul trouble. I know Gasol scored 30 points, but Chuck is our best shot at defending him. Kobe scored only 15 points, largely due to the pick-n-roll helping defense of Chuck Hayes. I think Bryant will look more to find the open 3 point shooters, so we must make sure and not leave those guys open. I noticed a few times where Artest defended Gasol and it looked like he did a very good job. This could be another defensive option for Adelman. Much like Hayes, Artest has the quick feet to help against their P-N-R.

 

^^^ concurred.

As great as this victory is, there are quite a few things to reflect on Adelman's coaching philosophy, especially the substitution pattern. The stubborness to overplay some of his starters is maddening. For example, look at Artest's minutes today, you wonder what Adelman was thinking. Granted Artest is more durable than Yao, but Ron isn't exactly an injury-free ironman either.

 

Gasol got his points in garbage time. 18 points in the fourth quarter. Chuck basically had him on lock the rest of the game. We'll see how it goes on Tuesday again.

 

While I agree that the Lakers probably will post Bryant more as Yao is out, but they would be too stupid to use that as their first option. The Rockets don't worry that much about LA's 3pt shooting, so their defense will stay compacted to protect the lane, that will make it hard for a small player like Bryant to get inside. On the other hand, Gasol can easily get the ball inside over any defender the Rockets have, and he can just turn & shoot. Chuck tried to front him a couple times today, but they lobbed the ball over his head, the Gasol was long & mobile enough to get those passes, scored easily. If the Rockets send double team, then Oden/Bynum and the other Laker will crash the board.

We can count the plays the Lakers will use, Gasol or Bryant, in game 5, see whose prediction is right.

 

everyone keeps saying the Lakers are going to just drive and force the issue next game.

Guess what, they actually tried that this game. AND FAILED, cause we have more athletic bodies, hell even Chuck is more athletic than Yao, guarding the paint.

They tried that strategy and had to run away from it, thats why we won this ball game. If they stick to running, we are going to eat it alive. Please force the issue, that plays into the Rockets hands and gives them the best chance of winning with this lineup.

If Lakers continue running, they are going to lose this series, and their chance at advancing even if they do beat us in this series cause they'll be playing on jello legs.

I expect the Lakers to come out next game and try to establish a more High energy half court offense since they can't do the things they want when Yao is in the game.

Rockets still are getting the better end of that deal also, cause we thrive in half court defense.

 

I agree that most people can't appreciate how smart of a player Hayes is on the defensive end. As high of an IQ as he can have for rebounds (and Scola too, he boxes out very well), I just can't see our team outrebounding the Lakers on a consistent basis. I really do hope I'm wrong though.

Regarding foul trouble, Hayes might have to limit his aggressiveness a bit to stay on the floor longer. I really don't want to see Brian Cook checking Gasol down the block again

 

It's not so much what the Lakers do on Offense that will determine game 5, but how they adjust defensively.

Brooks will not light them up for 30+ again, Phil Jackson won't allow it because he is too proud.

But, Ron Artest will not shoot as terrible as he did today - that's not saying much though.

The key will for someone else to step up - it always is the case. THe Lakers got burned by Scola in game one, and they took him out of the game a bit (until today when he hit his jump shots).

The question is this - can someone like Wafer really step up and contribute more then a short burst. Can he wreak some havoc? Probably not wafer...but who will be the guy that causes the lakers fits and sends their defense into mass confusion?

Or maybe it's just a balanced attack.


One thing is for sure, the Lakers will come out prepared....but so will the Rockets!

 

Anyone say something right now about next game. just next game. not others. let's see it will happen or not. It is easy to say something and not right after many games.

 

ron has to shot well for us to have a chance in g5. the one player that yet has to step up, who i hope and expect, is landry.

 

Great thread and OP. To be brief,

1. Kobe isn't getting a lot of FTs because the Rockets help defense is so quick to get in Kobe's way. The Rockets defense is predicated on Shane playing just close enough to contest Kobe's jumper while giving Shane enough distance to slow down his drives to the basket. This combination makes it almost impossible for Kobe to get near the rim. If Kobe is hitting perimeter shots like a machine, the Rockets have no chance to win game 5. Otherwise, it depends on how well the other Lakers play on offense. If they are hitting mid-range jumpers and 3-pointers like they are capable, the Rockets will be forced to score a lot of points to win.

2. I don't believe the Lakers can force the ball away from AB and I doubt they will even try to do so. It's easy to deny Yao the ball 10 feet and closer, but AB can get receive the ball anywhere across mid-court and get where he wants to go. Trapping a player with his quickness far away from the basket is a recipe for disaster.

The key to the Rockets offense is understanding the Lakers will play with intensity. (1) Turnovers must be avoided and (2) players MUST hit open shots when they have them. Scola, Artest and Battier need to bring their shooting stroke. Ron Ron needs to find his brain and play in sync with everyone else.

On Kobe posting up: I don't see this as a big deal. If he's hitting that 15-foot turnaround the whole game, the Rockets have no chance. If he gets any closer, the double-team will smother him and force the pass.

IMO, the Rockets offense will be the key variable Tuesday. The Lakers will force the pace in game 5. The Rockets cannot afford 2 or 3 scoring droughts and hang with them. Whether it's AB, Shane, Artest or Scola, the ball has to go in the basket at a high rate.

 

Joepatmc,

When did you turn into Peter Gabriel?

 

Someone else mentioned this, but I like the idea of using Lowry to start the offense more in Game 5 and have brooks coming off screens. Since the Lakers will be looking to lock down Brooks, coming off screens will make it harder for their defense to key in on him.

 

Kobe's gotten the ball several times within 15-18 feet. If he's hitting the jumper all game, Shane cannot stop him. Simple as that. On drives, Chuck isn't the only one collapsing, it's a team effort. I'm not that worried about Kobe getting a bunch of FTs. It didn't happen in the regular season and it hasn't in the first 4 games of this series.

I'm not that concerned about them collapsing on AB. If they do, he will whip the ball into the corner or elbow for an open 3-point attempt. AB can make these passes. AB will get his attempts and must make them. The odds of a repeat performance are very slim. PJ knows that. Someone else will likely have to step up on offense because AB and Shane won't do it again.

 

They have to have a great first quarter again. A good start is so crucial to this team.

If they play with a good lead, then the refs wont be able to effect the game as much.

And they are going to try. Hard.

 

I'm still amazed how we dominate to borads with our super short roster last game. Basketball isn't all about skills. its about heart and hustle