Heights Sports Corner

Last night kicked off the conference finals for the Los Angeles Lakers playing host to the Denver Nuggets in game one for best in the west.  Kobe finished the night 13 of 28 from the field, 2- 3 from the 3 point line, and 12-13 from the stripe with 40 points, and the Lakers ran away with game one 105-103. Denver’s Carmelo Anthony finished 14-20 with 39 points 6 rebounds 4 assist, and was on fire from everywhere on the floor. Carmelo’s hunger was evident, and this game was a sure fire thriller from beginning to end, and I anticipate the rest of the series will be one for the ages.

Now if you missed the game and you hear it from some other blog or other news column, you’ll hear how L.A. ’stole’ game one. In all actuality Denver getting back to the conference finals after a 24 year drought, had control for majority of the game with 4 of the 5 starters finishing the stat column in double figures with points, while the Lakers only had 3 players finish with double figures. Laker’s Derek Fisher still struggled with his shooting woes early on, however nailed some big shots when they needed them finishing with 13 big points in the game. Dahntay Jones seemed to struggled with the task of guarding Kobe and was very evident. Jones eventually fell to foul troubles and had to sit. Denver coach George Carl made the switch  late in the game to have Carmelo match up with Kobe on the defensive end. Noticeably Carmelo seemed to have a better hold of how to harass Kobe, and  I think we’ll see more of Carmelo guarding Kobe moving forward in the series, which is probably the best move if Devener whats to contain Kobe’s production.

In my opinion I think I make a strong argument when I say Denver lost this game from the free throw line missing 12 for the night which well below their average. Also not to mention a late lack luster inbounds pass from Denver Guard Anthony Carter, with 30 seconds left on the clock down two points which Trevor Ariza easily picked off leading to 2 of the 9 free throws made by Kobe in the 4th quarter, 6 of which were in the last 30 seconds of the game. Chauncey Billups who finished with 18 points nailed a big 3 to pull within one of the Lakers lead 102-103 with 6 seconds remaining. Carmelo fouled Kobe on the inbound and made both free throws spreading the lead to 102-105.  Then Phil Jackson’s late strategy forced J.R. Smith to the free throw line with 3 seconds left in which he made the first, and had to purposely missed the second in hopes of a rebound and quick put back, however the attempt failed and there went game one for Denver.Last nights game clearly shows how crucial free throws are. Give a yard and they take a mile which is what the Lakers did in game one. Mark my words this series will be awesome.