True it's only my opinion that he's been terrific. But he is averaging nearly a tripple double, JVG has been free flowing with his compliments about Francis' play, even down playing Steve's TO's. I agree that those other teams do match up better against us. But those playoff games still haven't been played. On Paper the Lakers should be 82 - 0 this year. On paper a lot of things should happen that don't. But the games still have to be played. There is no telling how much Steve might have stepped up his game against other teams, what adjustments JVG would have made etc. While those other teams do have better perimeter defenders those other teams don't have better big men clogging up the middle, that would normally stop the penetration. Garnett perhaps fits that role best. Yet despite Shaq Steve has still been effective driving to the hoop. He's even run the fast break a ton better during this series. That is something I never thought we'd see. But it's already too much time wasted speculating on what would've happened with other teams and defenders. What we have is the Lakers and a set of competitive playoff games.
I guess being a FAN allows us to always look at OUR team w/ that "glass half empty" point of view. Before the playoffs, everyone was complaining about Steve holding the ball and shooting as the clock runs down. Now, Steve is driving the lane and you guys are complaining because its the Lakers playing 5 on 5 not double teaming Ming and opening the lane. Lets face it --- Steve has stepped up his game! As several other post have listed.... Steve is almost at a triple double average. What else does he have to do?
I would like to say Boki has stepped up his game. Even though he doesn't play much the 2 times he has been in for at least 5 minutes he has really brought energy to the team.
Aiaing, you LIED. 4th quarter in game 3 from the play by play: http://scores.nba.com/games/20040423/LALHOU/PlayByPlayPrint.html (11:27) [HOU 76-63] Ming Jump Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Francis (7 AST) (9:33) [HOU 80-71] Ming Layup Shot: Made (14 PTS) (3:50) [HOU 90-82] Ming Dunk Shot: Made (16 PTS) Assist: Mobley (5 AST) (1:51) [HOU 92-86] Ming Jump Shot: Made (18 PTS) (0:40) [LAL] Malone Substitution replaced by Cook (0:40) [LAL] O'Neal Substitution replaced by Walton Kobe was on the court till the end. Yao made the shot over SHAQ basiclly seal the win. Keep trolling, let more people to know what kind of person you are.
