Chumps Fail to Show up, CP3 Lead Hornets to Upset

Well, looks like the Champs start playing like Chumps earlier than usual and CP3 and company took advantage of it leaving the Lakers in shock and traling in the playoffs opener. No one outside Mamba and Artest showed up to play for the Lakers. Size advantage? You'd never know it as the smaller Hornets played bigger than the defending Chumps led by CP3 who had as many rebounds as Gasol and Odom combined. Have I mentioned that New Orleans second best player and primary post option, David West is out for the playoffs? What about the next best options, Ariza, Bellenli, and Landry were a combined 12 for 35, and still they won the game by 9, but only because Odom hit a late 3 pointer to end the game, if not they lose by double digits. The bench for the Chumps was abyssmal with only Lamar reaching double figures and losing that battle 39-18. Jarret Jack and Aaron Gray combined for 27 points 10/11 shooting, not that's efficiency. The worst was sidekick Pau Gasol who in 37 minutes could only muster 8 points and 6 rebounds, by far the worst I've ever seen him play in Laker uniform. As a unit, the Lakers looked sluggish and out of rythem and now have lost home court advantage for failing again to bring it every game. The Chumps did not deserve this game, and one can hope they take the Hornets seriously. A team with nothing to lose is pretty dangerous.

Player of the Game: CP3, toyed with anybody that dared try to guard him, led Hornets with 33 points on 11/18 shooting, 14 Dimes, 7 Boards, and 4 steals along with 9/12 from the stripe.

X-Factor: Aaron Gray i n 20 minutes did more than any of the big men for the Lakers, he was +25 when on the floor and finished a perfect 5/5, unfortunately he went down at end of game, we'll see how bad the injury is as the days go by, at least game 2 is not 'til Wednesday.

Should Have Been Benched: All Lakers save for Bryant and Artest, but specifically Pau. As part of the 1-2 combo he has to play better than this.

Laker Hater: Aaron Gray hit a season high on Sunday, the last time he reached double figures, way back in March 24, he reached double digits only 4 times all season including game 1. Amazing what playing the purple and gold do.

Overtime: The Lakers have never lost game 1 of an opening round in any of their title runs. Phil Jacksons teams have never lost game 1 of round 1 in any of their runs either. Conerning? Not really before last year, the Celtics had never lost a game 7 in the Finals, and that history stat didn't affect the outcome.

Real Season Begins

30 teams start, 16 teams earn the right to play for the Larry O'Brien Trophy. The real season is finally here in what looks to be a very promising post season.

First the Leaster Conference.

Power changing to east ha! What a crock. 1 team is barely over .500, 1 IS at .500, and one sub .500 team actually made the playoffs. While the West has three teams that have a better record than the 8th place team, and one more that is only 1 game worse than the last Least contender. The 8th seed on the West would actually be seeded fifth on the East. Why do East always have the top seed in the league? I wonder how the cHeat woud do fare in the west playing the likes of the Lakers, Spurs, Thunder, Mavs, Nuggets, Blazers, Rockets, Grizzlies, Suns and the even the upcoming Warriors and Clippers 3 to 4 times a year? There would be more crying in the locker room.

Anywho, let's take a look at matchups:

Bulls vs. Pacers - I'm glad for the Pacers getting back to the post season, but they're sus .500 team and only hardcore fans actually believe they have a chance in hell to ever threat the rising Bulls. Pacer Danny Granger says that all they have to do is contain MVP candidate D Rose and they have a chance. Actually no, the only thing that will do is decrease the amount of the ass kicking they're about to get, still they steal one emotional close game. Bulls in 5.

cHeat vs. Sixers - Coach of the year candidate Doug Collins did an amazing job with Philly this year. Their reward is a date with the Miami Thrice and an early exit in their return to playoffs. I would love for the Sixers to upset the overhpyed cHeat but not gonna happen, I do believe The Sixer can steal a couple of games, Elton Brand is the key, but in the regular season he was terrible against them. cHeat in 6.

Leprechauns vs. Knicks - A rivalry renewed? Not quite, still should be an entertaining series, while the Knicks are improved they just don't have the depth and more importantly enough time playing together to seriously threat Boston. Still I think the Knicks steal a game and make the Leprechanus work for each win. Leprechauns if 6.

Magic vs. Hawks - A rematch of the semi-finals last year, and a chance forthe Hawks to redeem themselves of the the embarrasment they suffered last year. The Magic are no longer among favorites to win the east, they should however get to the second round. Still an "upset" by the Hawks is not unlikely, this one will go the distance, no domination this year. Magic in 7.

Western Conference

Spurs vs. Grizzlies - The Grizz are back in the post season, had some help with Yao falling yet again but still was very impressed they still reached it without Olympian Rudy Gay. The Grizz actually match up pretty well against the #1 seed Spurs and will finally record it's first post season victory. After going through the regular season injury free, the vet Spurs may have to start without Ginobili and who knows how long it will be before he can start wrecking havoc. Still a 80% Manu is better than a lot of players. This should be a good series, Los Spurs prevail in 6.

Champs vs. Hornets - The Champs get the matchup and route that benefits them starting with the undermanned banged up Hornets. This is the least exciting of the West matchups and should end quickly, unless the Lake Show is still playing in regular season mode. CP3 may have a different say and actually make the Lakers play with his ability to dictate the tempo and make players around him better. All in all CP3 can attack the Champs biggest weakness, the point guard. This is an excellent series for Shannon Brown to make a mark, not optimistic about it though. If the Lakers do as their supposed to do and use the size, it will fast and they can get some rest. Lakers in 5.

Mavericks vs. Blazers - The series most likely to be upset according to experts. Not buying it though, if Brandon Roy was healthier, I'd pick them to upset the Mavs, but that's not the case. I also think Dallas is pretty much tired of hearing how bad they choke. Should be a pretty good series, both squads are solid and can attack in many different ways, should and hope it goes the distance. Mavs in 7.

Thunder vs. Nuggets - The toughest series of the post season, just hope all remain healthy for both teams for this has the potential to be a memorable series. The favored high expectation Thunder have more pressure on this series as anything less than a second round date with the Spurs would be dissapointing. The Nuggets' unpredictable offense is what's most danerous, you never know who will be the go to guy and they have multiple players who can light it up any given night. This is the series I am most excited about. Thunder in 7.

I'm Back

Hey there hoops fans, after a long hiatus I am done with distractions and I can finally get back to hoops just in time for the playoff push. First off I'd like to do a revisit my original preview and ammend it as there was many changes come trade deadline.

Atlantic Division

Toronto Raptors
Predicted Division Finish: Last
Current Seed: Last

Like any team, Raptors have surprised a few oppenents, but nothing will keep them out of the lotto.

Brooklyn Nets
Predicted Division Finish: 3rd
Current Seed: 4th

Missing both the King Crab and now the Melo sweepstakes, at least the future looks bright for the Brooklyn bound Nets. The arrival of All Star Deron Williams gives hope, the key will be resigning him, will still miss the playoffs.

Philadelphia 76ers
Predicted Division Finish: 4th
Current Seed 3rd

The surprising Sixers may squeeze into the playoffs with a sub .500 record, current coach of the month, Doug Collins has surprised critics.

New York Knicks
Predicted Division Finish: 2nd
Current Seed: 2nd

Amare has silenced critics by showing he can exist without Steve Nash. The playoff bound Knicks will likely be dismissed in the first round, but with Melo finally coming on board and the speculation of CP3 joining them this summer, the Mecca of Basketball is back.

Boston Leprechauns

Predicted Division Finish: 1st
Current Seed: 1st

The leprechauns are still top favorites to win no only the East but the title as well. They have lost some low post D with the departure of Perkins, but did get younger with the addition of Jeff Green. There is still no one in the East that poses a bigger threat to the champs and the hyped Miami Trio due to their committment to defense. If both O'neals are available, Boston will return to the Finals.

Central Division

Cleveland Cavaliers

Predicted Division Finish: Last
Current Seed: Last

Funny things is some "experts" say LeBum James should be MVP due to what his absence has done to Cleveland. I guess Ilgauskas, Shaq, Mo Williams (injury), Varejao, and Delonte West were just spectators last year. It's gonna be a long rebuilding process.

Detroit Pistons

Predicted Division Finish: 3rd
Current Seed: 4th

I did not expect the drama out of Motor City, it's a shame too, they have always been a proud franchise and now its' become an embarrasement to their fans. Hard to believe just 3 years ago they were still contending.

Milwaukee Bucks

Predicted Division Finish: 2nd
Current Seed: 3rd

Injuries sure have hurt last year's surprise team. Currently out of the playoffs, they can still make a push and lose to one of the top 3 teams. The return of former All Star Michael Redd will make for a bright spot in this dissapointing season.

Indiana Pacers

Predicted Division Finish: 4th
Current seed: 2nd

Boy I was way off on this one, no team has surprised more than the Pacers. To their fans, it was great hearing they will be remaining in Indiana. Not a lock for playoffs yet, but they have a great chance.

Chicago Bulls

Predicted Division Finish: 1st
Current seed: 1st

Da Bulls are becoming legit conteders to the east and are currently the #3 seed. With the collection of talent and history, Da Bulls are in route to be contending beyond this year. Top seed in East is key for those at the top, as 2nd seed will have to deal with the younger Bulls in the 2nd round and they are the real deal.

Southeast Division

Washington Wizards

Predicted Division Finish: Last
Current Seed: Last

Well, at least they got some pretty good young players to build around.

Charlotte Bobcats

Predicted Division Finish: 4th
Current Seed: 4th

With the daparture of Gerald Wallace and inconsistent play, don't think MJ's boys will go back to playoffs this season.

Atlanta Hawks

Predicted Division Finish: 3rd
Current Seed: 3rd

The Hawks got a good upgrade with the arrival of Kirk Hinrich, but still have to contend with the top four in the east. Their streak of 2nd round exits is in serious jeapordy, the other 4 teams are just better.

Orlando Magic:

Predicted Division Finish: 2nd
Current Seed: 2nd

The Magicians have shipped out some key members of their title run and replaced them with some pretty good players on paper. It has not translated to wins however, Superman is doing his own, but has not had consistent help. A third consecutive trip to the East Finals is unlikely.

Miami cHeat

Predicted Division Finish: 1st
Current Seed: 1st

There will be no 34 game win streak or 73 win total. Still the cHeat are poised for a deep playoff run and are legit contenders. They are 0-3 against the hated Leprechauns and even with the addition of Mike Bibby it still doesn't fix their liability in the point guard position, especially if they face Rose or Rondo.

Northwest Division

Predicted Division Finish: Last
Current seed: Last

As mentioned before, the Timberpups if continue to flourish will be a very good team in 2 years, for now though, they'll remain in the cellar. All Star Gold Medalist Kevin Love is a beast.

Utah Jazz

Predicted Division Finish: 2nd
Current Seed: 4th

Just don't seem the same without Hall of Famer Jerry Sloan. Sucks for Al Jefferson who was about to taste playoffs and are currently out of it. Still have a good core but if they squeeze into playoffs, they'll be dismissed in the first round.

Portland Trailblazers

Predicted Division Finish: 3rd
Current Seed: 3rd

Regardless of the injuries the Blazers are still a lock for playoffs. Aldridge should have been an All Star and with the return of Roy, will be a tough opponent for one of the top seeds.

Denver Nuggets

Predicted Division Finish: 4th
Current Seed: 2nd

Life after Melo has started pretty positive as the Nuggets still have a load of talent. Without the distractions they should play more relaxed, make the playoffs, but be ousted in the 1st round again.

OKC Thunder

Predicted Division Finish: 1st
Current Seed: 1st

The team of the future has has some lapses, but now get a legitimate solution to their biggest weakness, a solid post presence with the arrival of grumpy, Kendrick Perkins. There should be no excuse for making to the second round where they will give their oppenent a run for their money.

Pacific Division

Sacramento Things

Predicted Division Finish: Last
Current Seed: Last

Other than Tyreke Evans, not much can be said of the Kings, who may not be Sacramento's much longer, bummer, they have awesome fans.

The other LA

Predicted Division Finish: 3rd
Current Seed: 4th

The Clips have made for must watch TV with Blake Griffin's air show. As they start getting healthier and experienced, LA may just have to share the spotlight. Naaaah. These are the Clips afterall.

Golden State Warriors

Predicted Division Finish: 4th
Current Seed: 3rd

The City has had flashes but still has a long way to go before playoff talk begins.

Phoenix Suns

Predicted Division Finish: 2nd
Current Seed: 2nd

Originally I picked the Suns to make the playoffs, currently they're out of it, still have a chance to make it, they have enough fire power, but no sign of D.

Los Angeles Lakers

Predicted Division Finish: 1st
Current Seed: 1st

The champs finally look awake after some lackluster perfomances that were just right embarrasing. The result of the uninspired play has them needing to go through both top Texas teams just to get back to the Finals, on their home court. Still with Matt Barnes coming back, and everyone seeming to get focused, the Lake Show is still favored to win it all with only the ever depandable Spurs being their biggest threat.

Southwest Division

Houston Rockets

Predicted Division Finish: 3rd
Current Seed: Last

The loss of Yao Ming yet again screwed up my prediction, send packing also was stopper Battier, and explosive little man Aaron Brooks. Houston will not make playoffs, but have some nice pieces.

Memphis Grizzlies

Predicted Division Finish: 4th
Current Seed: 4th

The talented Grizzlies would be a top contender in the East, instead they play in the toughest division, still they are currently #8, and have been playing well even without Gold medalisth Rudy Gay.

New Orleans Hornets

Predicted Division Finish: Last
Current Seed: 3rd

I never expected New Orleans to be contending for the playoffs. The biggest concern though is if CP3, will be following Melo and Amare in NYC next year.

Dallas Mavericks

Predicted Division Finish: First
Current Seed: 2nd

The Mavericks have posted multiple 10+ win streaks this year while fighting injury to future HOF Nowitzki and season ending loss to Caron Butler. A second round date with the Lakers is almost guranteed. They are more than capable of representing the West, bad luck on Butler's injury, they would sure be scary with him in the line up and 100%.

San Antonio Spurs

Predicted Division Finish: 2nd
Current Seed: 1st

The old Spurs have have quietly hung on to the top seed and are on pace to own home court advantage throughout the playoffs. Unfortunately they have suffered their first adversary with Tony Parker missing a few weeks. Jefferson's improved 3 point shooting has played a big part in their success as well as contributions from role players who really know how to take advantage of playing time.

Goliath Falls, Small Lineup Topple Lakers Size

The defending champs built on a 5 point half time lead increasing to 14 during a stretch and leading by 11 with 10 minutes to go only to give up 16 unanswered points and lose for the first time this season. I haven't seen Pau play too many bad games but on this one time and time again he could not buy a bucket even though he scored 17 points. It's bad enough to have their Robin have an average game but when the supporting cast doesn't show up, things don't end well. Lamar hit only 1 of 6 shots and bench support Blake and Barnes combined for just 9 points on 4/10 shooting. Kobe had to resort to old ways launching 32 shots missing 21 of them. The depleted Nuggets playing without K-Mart and the Birdman still produced 43 points from the reserves, led by Ty Lawson's 17, who orchestrated the deciding run. The Lakers won the rebound battle, but lost the assist as they looked to their MVP to bail them out and Denver used a team effort. 118 so far is the most post point the Champs have allowed, disappointing finish.

Player of the game: Carmelo Anthony, did not seem distracted led the Nugs with 32 pts 13 rbs.

X-Factor: Ty Lawson, scored 11 of his 17 pts on the 16-0 run, and also had 5 assists.

Should Have Been Benched: Bench quarterback Steve Blake was pretty much non existent in 16 minutes 3 points in 1/3 shooting 1 assist.

Laker Hater: Nene is one of the few non-Laker players I've liked, but he picked a hell of a time to have his season high points, 18. Thanks for nothing Nene, hater.

Overtime: Kobe Bryant became the youngest player to reach 26, 000 pts, he is currently 12th all-time. Even if he averages just 20 pts for the rest of the season and plays all remaining games he will still end up as the 6th all time leading scorer, behind one time one-two punch The Big Once Was.

Since arriving in LA Ron Ron has had his share of shut downs against the NBAs elite, one player he was brought in to stop was Melo. Hasn't been that way though in 4 meetings, the Nugs have taken 3, with Melo averaging 27 pts per game, scoring only 21 pts in his only loss. Melo has scored 25 pts or more in all wins and shot over 50% on all three as well. Clearly Melo is not impressed with Ron Ron's resume.

8-0

At worst, the Champs still managed to win against one of the leagues poor teams. Playing their poorest game of the season, the Lakers escaped with a vicotory against former Lakers blue collar player turned coach, Kurt Rambis. While the young T'pups have a nice collection of talent, they are still haunted by the curse of KG and gave the Lakers a much tougher battle than expected. Again the Lakers were outrebounded and only a way too high final tally of 25 turnover by the Pups saved them from embarrassment. They better get focused for the next game when they visit Mile High.

Player of the Game: Kevin Love, outstanding game for the young gold medalist on a loosing cause, 23 points 24 rebounds, 11 offensive.

X-Factor: Newcomer Matt Barnes played well during Odom's foul plagued night coming off with 2 stls and hitting 4 of 5 shots to lead the bench with 9 points, he had the hightest +/- for the team.

Laker Hater: Lottery bust Donnie Darko hit double figures for the first time this season, and first since April.

Overtime: Kevin Love is the first player to record a 20/20 against the Lakers since Superman did it back in January 2009.

Games 3 to 7

Have had a pretty hectic schedule and have not been able to do a full analysis of the Lakers perfect record thus far. The defending champs are perfect so far taking advantage of their favorable schedule, much to haters dismay and have looked pretty good doing it except for a surprisingly tough game vs. the Raptors. After squeezing by the Houston Rockets on ring night, the Lakers went and took care of division rival Phoneix in a rematch of the West Finals last season.

Golden State

The next victims were another division rival, young guns Golden State Warriors in the new unis and also bringing a perfect record. The champs showed that perfection this early means squat as they stormed to 20 point first qtr lead and did not look back. All starters except Ron Ron reached double figures, Odom & Gasol finished with double doubles. The improved bench only chipped in 25 pts, but at least did not give the lead back as last years bench was accustomed to.

Player of the Game: The Spaniard, 26 pts 12 rbs, making it look easy.

X-Factor: Lamar Odom, when he plays like an All-Star, good things happen, 16 pts, 14 boards, and shooting great, perfect from downtown 2/2

Should Have Been Benched: Rookie Devin Ebanks finished with a -12 and missed all 4 shots in 12 minutes of play, he's not gonna get much double figure playing time, he needs to make the best of if when it happens.

Laker Hater: Brendan Wright scored more points in this game that in the first two combined, typical.

Overtime: Rookies Ebanks and Caracter logged in their first points as pros, Caracter with a FG, and Ebanks from the stripe.

Memphis

Two franchises that forever will be linked due to the last name Gasol. The offensive talented Grizzlies became the latest victim as the Lakers led by as many as 29 in the first half to cruise to their 4th straight victory. If anything negative about the champs can be said it is that they gave up 105 pts & turned the ball over 19 times.

Player of the game: What can Brown do for you? Shannon continues his good play scoring in double figures for the second time in four games, including 3/3 from downtown, he finished with 13 total.

X-Factor: Newcomer UCLA alumni Matt Barnes led the team in rebounds while coming off the bench. Barnes added 16 pts to go with his boards, 9 of his 16 were off the offensive glass.

Should Have Been Benched: The forgotten Machine, logged in 3 minutes of play missed his only shot, turned the ball over, and hit only 1 of 2 freebies.

Laker Hater: Gold medalist Rudy Gay tallied his season high with 30 pts, going perfect from downtown (3), and the stripe (3) , and 12/18 overall. I mean I know he's capable of big numbers, but he sure didn't shoot the well the previous 3 games

Overtime: Lamar Odom scored his 11,000th career point, and became the 10th fastest to that many points, 6,000 rbs, and 3,000 assists.

Sacramento

Queens. Cow Town. Purple Paupers, don't matter how Lakers fans know them, it is still fun to beat Sacramento years after C-Webb & company moved on. Sac-town is one of those teams that no matter how lousy they are you know they're gonna play big when Lakers are in town. The young Kings actually made the game interesting after Ron Ron's 3 gave the a 20 point lead capping 13-1 run. With another victory in place, the Champs grew bored or needed a challenge, for they played just awful for an extended period allowing Kings to come within 7 points. All World Pau Gasol couldn't hit, Odom scared the fans when he hunched over in pain and he also couldn't hit in the ocean. Future Hall of Famer Mamba decided to take matter in his own hands, but again failed to score, so who comes to the rescue? The ever dependable, old, Derek Fisher. Fish would score 6 quick points after the lead was cut before Mamba put the game away with a 3 point play of his own, but it was Fish clutch shooting and defense who ignited the run, not bad for an "overrated" flopper eh? All starters hit double figures, bench scored only 14 pts, hope this is not a trend of back to back nights.

Player of the Game: Kobe Bryant, while shooting bricks in the fourth, still finished with his 17th career triple double 30 pts, 10 rbs, 12 assts

X-Factor: Derek Fisher scored only 11 pts, but scored when was needed putting the game away finishing with a game high +24.

Should Have Been Benched: After his great shooting the previous game, Shannon Brown came back to Earth going 0/3 in just 12 mins.

Laker Hater: Francisco Garcia, had shot a combined 3/8, 0 from downtown the previous 2 games, his tally for this game 6/10 including 3/6 from treys and 1 less rebound than his overall total so far, yes, definitely hatin'

Toronto

Their All-Star is gone, they're top free agent last year traded, their #1 pick has 1 more season before being declared a legit bust, they came in with just 1 victory going against the undefeated, loaded, defending champs, should be a blow out right? WRONG. Nothing's ever simple for the boys from La-La Land. The champs face a tougher game than expected and escaped with a victory against the 1 win Raptors. Lamar Odom had his first bad game of the season and the Raptors got a huge boost from their bench which had 3 playes in double figures, Amir Johnson 15 boards, 9 offensive, to go with his 12 points. The Raptors out rebounded the Lakers by 18! Are you kidding me, they got a total of 19 offensive rebounds, how in the hell did the Lakers win, well, the 21 turnovers by the Raptors had something to do with it.

Player of the game: The Spaniard 30 pts, 7 boards, 2 blks, perfect from the stripe.

X-Factor: Newcomer, Steve Blake 4-6 from downtown, I remember how much it used to piss me off to see him do that to the Lakers, glad he is doing it for them now.

Should Have Been Benched: Big man, Theo Ratliff, just cannot seem to find his spot.

Laker Hater: Amir Johnson's previous high in Off Rebs? 6, almost 3 yrs ago, previous high in boards? 14, January 2009. Numbers against the Lakers? Career highs in both 15 total rebounds, with 9 offensive, along with 12 points, last double double for him came in April. Hatin' indeed.

Portland

After their lackluster performance against the Raptors, the champs opened up a can o' whup ass against Conference rival Rip City Blazers. The Lakers ended with 7 players in double figures leading by as many as 29 pts and some extreme garbage time. Ron Ron along with 11 pts, pretty much took All Star Brandon Roy out of the equation and the Blazers never recovered from a big first quarter deficit. The Spaniard finished with his 4th career triple double, 2nd with the Lakers. The new bench mob produced 45 points.

Player of the game: Pau Gasol, 20 pts, 14 rebs, 10 assists and an the highlight of the night, catching a off the board pass from Steve Blake.

X-Factor: Ron Artest was brought for this reason, to make life a living hell for the opposing team's All stars while he's guarding them, just like he did to Brandon Roy who was only able to take 6 shots all night making just 1.

Should Have Been Benched: How could you not score a single point in garbage time? Ratliff continues to struggle for the champs, get well soon fast 'Drew!

Laker Hater: Rudy Fernandez is very capable of scoring runs, he just hasn't done it this season, of course he plays the Lakers and he hits double figures for the first time shoot over 50% for the first time this season. It's funny what the purple & gold cause players to do.

Overtime: The last time Lakers were 7-0 was on 2002, when they were also going for a three-peat.

Lakers win 2010 WCF rematch

Five months after last meeting, the West finalists met again, this time with some new faces. Gone is big man Amare Stoudemire for Phoenix and the Champs strengthened their bench with 2 key additions, and are still missing their starting big man. The Lakers won or tied every quarter and almost ran away with it before the Suns made one last run. The Suns back court shot poorly all game and even though their new big man, Robin Lopez chipped in nicely 18 pts, 14 rebs, the Lakers best post player, Pau Gasol, pretty much did whatever he wanted on the block. The Suns bench still won the scoring battle, but the Lakers starters all go to double figures, and even though they only won the rebound battle by 3, at times the Lakers length made it look to easy.

Player of the Game: Pau Gasol, near triple double, 21 pts, 8 rbs, 9 asts, dictated from the post.

X-Factor: Lamar Odom, continues his stellar play following the World Championships, his final tally was 18 pts, 17 rbs, 5 assts.

Should Have Been Benched: New face vet Theo Ratliff was the only low point for the Lakers, 8 minutes 0 pts, 0 rbs.

Laker Hater: Robin Lopez had more pts, rebs in this game, than the first two combined.

Overtime: Phil Jackson became the fastest to reach 1,100 wins as a head coach, accomplishing it 1,560 games. Only 4 other coaches have reached that milestone, former Lakers Coach & current Miami mastermind, Pat Riley, the great Jerry Sloan, Don Nelson, and Lenny Wilkens.