Lakers take game 1 versus Nuggets

So we all watched it. Sitting through nearly 4 quarters of agony interspersed with abbreviated moments of relief. But in the end it was the Lakers muscling to a slim 105-103 victory after falling behind 7 in the 4th quarter. So what are we to take from this victory as a precursor to the rest of the series?

While we all want answers there is only ONE thing we can take from this victory. It happened on the final free throw of the game by JR Smith. Attempting to rebound his own miss he was undercut and sprained his right knee. He will be reevaluated today. But why is this huge? Perhaps Denver's biggest weakness is their bench. They were outscored 14-27 last night, and given a gimpy right knee of their best 3 pt option, and only offensive option off the bench, the Nuggets might begin to crack. Keep your eye on this development.

Now in terms of what the Lakers CAN control. It was apparent that the Nuggets game plan was to concede mid range jump shots to Odom and Walton to pack the paint and neutralize the Laker's front court. Among other defensive approaches, this was the most revealing. Putting the pressure on Odom to take and make the big shot. Now let’s see if LO can play like it's his contract year.

Bynum and Gasol controlled the boards, but it has become clear that Bynum, at this stage in his career, and more importantly, stage in rehab, will be nothing more than a role player that MIGHT get you 10/10 on a good night. While I think we all are frustrated by his play, I will defend his starting spot as he altered several early shots by the Nuggets. In other words, he helped keep them close.

Ref grade: D+: Simply put - horrible. Kobe was called for a phantom technical along with a number of touch fouls which he would never get on the other end. Chauncy was clearly out of bounds on his 3 in the last minute of the 4th. While the final foul count was even, the free throw discrepancy was in Denver's favor 35-23. However midway through the 4th the Nuggets held a better than 2-1 advantage at the line.

ESPN Grade: F: And we did't even get the sound. The sight of Van Gundy, eating crow after predicting the Rockets would beat the Lakers practically made me vomit. But I still find it amazing that their replays are typically 2-3 plays late. It makes you really appreciate the Fox West crew during the season. Seriously this is the NBA SEMIS! Why aren't the best production and commentator crew covering these games? It's really pathetic. Thanks to LGO for not heeding my request and keeping these knuckleheads muted.