Los Angeles @ New York -- 2/28/05

[Mamba]

Figure I would help y'all out
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<div align="center">

@

<font color="purple">The Los Angeles Lakers (28-25)</font> @ <font color="orange">The New York Knicks (23-33)</font>
Time: 4:30 PM Pacific (game will be on tape delay)
Place: Madison Square Garden
TV: KCAL, NBATV</div>

<div align="center"><font size="5"><font color="purple">Lakers' Head Coach</font></font>

<font color="purple">Frank Hamblen</font></div>


<div align="center"><font size="5"><font color="purple"> Lakers' Projected Starting Lineup</font></div></font>
<div align="center">

<font color="purple">Chucky Atkins: 13.3 ppg, 4.4 apg, 2.7rpg
Kobe Bryant: 27.5 ppg, 6.6 apg, 6.1 rpg
Caron Butler: 14.5 ppg, 1.7 apg, 5.3 rpg
Lamar Odom: 15.5 ppg, 3.5 apg, 10.3 rpg
Chris Mihm: 10.5 ppg, .5 apg, 6.5 rpg</font></div>

<div align="center"><font size="5"><font color="orange">Knicks' Head Coach</font></font>

<font color="orange">Herb Williams</font></div>

<div align="center"><font size="5"><font color="orange">Knicks' Projected Starting Lineup</font></font>

<font color="orange">Stephon Marbury: 21.1 ppg, 8.3 apg, 3.0 rpg
Jamal Crawford: 18.4 ppg, 3.8 apg, 2.7 rpg
Tim Thomas: 10.7 ppg, 1.3 apg, 3.4 rpg
Kurt Thomas: 11.8 ppg, 2.0 apg, 10.2 rpg
Mike Sweetney: 8.0 ppg, .5 apg, 5.0 rpg</font>
</div>

<div align="center"><font size="5"><font color="purple">Bench</font><font color="orange"> Factors</font></font>

(<font color="purple">Jumaine Jones</font>,<font color="orange">Penny Hardaway</font>)
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<div align="center"><font size="5"><font color="purple">Key</font><font color="orange"> Players</font></font>

(<font color="purple">Kobe Bryant</font>, <font color="orange">Stephon Marbury</font>)
Projected Stats
<font color="purple">Kobe Bryant: 31 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds</font>
<font color="orange">Stephon Marbury: 23 points, 9 assists, 4 rebounds</div></font>

<font size="5">Keys to the Game</font>
<font color="purple">Los Angeles:</font>
<ul>
[*]<font color="purple">Defend the 3</font>- In their last game against the Raptors, the Lakers allowed them to shoot 7-7 from 3 in the 2nd quarter, we can't let the Knicks do that.
[*]<font color="purple">Season on the Line?</font>- We have to treat this game like it is the defining moment in our season. If we lose this one, I really don't think we will make the playoffs. Denver is playing good ball under George Karl and have been on a roll lately.
[*]<font color="purple">Stay out of Foul Trouble</font>- It isn't that hard guys, especially Mihm and Odom, don't commit stupid fouls, it kills the Lakers when they do.
[/list]

<font color="orange">New York:</font>
<ul>
[*]<font color="orange">Attack Mihm and Odom</font>- Sweetney and Kurt Thomas need to take it to Mihm and Odom early, try to draw them in foul trouble.
[*]<font color="orange">Come out Strong</font>- The Lakers are coming into this game after a hard fought, depressing loss to Toronot. If NY can come in here and hit shits right away, force L.A. to make turnovers, they should have control of the game.
[*]<font color="orange">Marbury</font>- I have a feeling Marbury could explode for a huge game against Chucky. If Marbury gets going early and doesn't try to force things, he could lead the Knicks to a win.
[/list]

<font size="5">Random Movie Quote*: </font>
Igor: You know, I'll never forget my old dad. When these things would happen to him... the things he'd say to me.
Dr. Frederick Frankenstein: What did he say?
Igor: "What the hell are you doing in the bathroom day and night? Why don't you get out of there and give someone else a chance?"

*Idea stolen from Supersonic

<font size="5"> Prediction</font>
L.A. needs this win. This win means their season in my eyes, if they come in here and lose, start looking at draft picks. They are coming into this after a heartbreak loss to the Raptors so there is some motivation for them, I take L.A. 103-98.

 

[Platehpus]

Sweet preview, cool to see someone other than a Knick fan do one for us! I'm going to say the Knicks win by less than 6, could it really be that Nazr was the one thing holding us back all season? Well, no, probably not..but we're on a roll and the Knicks will keep it that way.

 

[Mr. J]

Yeah, it's interesting to see other perspectives on the game, but honestly, I'm taking NY. They have come out with absolute passion in the past few games and check this out: They were playing DEFENSE! That shows improvement. Even though some of the players were missing, the old Knicks would have let the game go down to the wire and might not have come out sucessful. The Knicks are capable of beating the Lakers, however the fact that thy are playing at home, is why I'm choosing them by 10. Their new found confidence and with new energy and options off the bench from Mo, and Rose will help them.

Basically, the Knicks traded 3 players that get little burn for some decent players. The X factor in this game has to be Rose. I never realized how good this guy was. I never sat back and actually analyzed him, but this guy brings so much experience and veteran leadership. This guy has won rings with the best team in basketball and played with arguably the best player Tim Duncan, for years. He practiced with him all the time so you can imagine what kind of defensive expereice he brings for us. What he did to Jermaine O'Neal yesterday was a good exmple. Many of the things he does, don't show up on the stat sheet. You actually have to watch him play and you know what, I think he brings more energy than Jerome Williams. He got deflections, grabbed rebounds (8 in 9 minutes), and played great defense. I wouldn't mind taking on his contract with all of the things he brings to us.

Now Mo Taylor, I have not seen him play more than 5 minutes with us. From what I've seen, he looked lost, but that is to be expected. He didn't even have aa full practice. I think with some time he'll be producing well and with Aguirre's work out plan, he'll be pretty good. Don't know if he'll be much of a factor during the game though, but in the near future, I think we can rely on him.

I see us taking this victory just because of our new players and this confidence that the Knicks took so long finding. We are also playing at home in front of a pretty big crowd which will go in our favor. This seems like a very winnable game and if we can just get Kobe out of it a bit, I see us wining this game by a fairly big margin. It's all about heart and I think the garden crowd tommorow will be the main factor in pulling out the hearts of the Knicks tommorow and getting us a victory.

 

[Beat]

If the Knicks want are actually gonna try and make the playoffs they'll win this game if they lose they are just going to make it look like they tried. I think the knicks will take this one though.

 

[Tribute to H2O]

I want them to lose this game but I just dont see it. Lakers arent playing well at all whereas we're coming off two wins and looking for more. This is do or die for the Knicks so I see us coming out with some fire and desire. Knicks will win this one handily by double digits.

 

[JWohl]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">I want them to lose this game but I just dont see it. Lakers arent playing well at all whereas we're coming off two wins and looking for more. This is do or die for the Knicks so I see us coming out with some fire and desire. Knicks will win this one handily by double digits.</div>
pretty confidant in a sub-.500 team .... me too

we win this one by at least 8,9

 

[TnNeG]

we win this one by 6.

 

[VintageNYK]

I think we can get a win here. Knicks win by 7.

 

[Beat]

Yeah we should when this by about 6-7

 

[JWohl]

right now

right now early fourth quarter we got a fifteen point lead.......jea

 

[Tribute to H2O]

What a treat! I come home and tune into the Knicks game and I see Kobe's sad face then the score. By the way did TT drink a few cans of Red Bull?! Because he's playing very well! Is it the shoes?!?! Like I said I just dont see the Knicks losing this one.

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting JWohl:</div><div class="quote_post">pretty confidant in a sub-.500 team .... me too

we win this one by at least 8,9</div>

Just because I want to go to the lottery doesnt mean I dont have faith in my beloved Knicks. I do think were better than the Lakers and that were still a pretty good team. I'd rather just tank the rest of this season and have a chance at the man who's supposed to be the next Tim Duncan.

 

[Tribute to H2O]

Is anyone else watching this???? WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED????

 

[Platehpus]

Ah, the feeling we all experienced right before the basketball gods slammed us back onto the pavement of reality. Was good while it lasted.

 

[Mr. J]

What in the world happened!

Marbury + Clutch situations = FAILURE

Knicks + These Sitations up by 11 with 1:30 left +OT or LOSS

Knicks + Screw this one up = Lottery

 

[Sex Panther]

14 points in what? a minute and a few seconds.

 

[crazyrussianz]

Some One Make Me A Tim Thomas Avatar I Will Show It Proudly My Respect Level For Him Just Hit The Top Of The Barrr.... Please Im Me And Send It To Me, I Am Dead Serious Lol

 

[Nasty]

The Knicks were a bit too cocky at the end.

 

[JWohl]

Wtf

what the **** happened? I went to the bathroom with the game safely in hand and had some other things to take care of I come back with 12 secs left in OT and we are up 2?! Thank god we pulled it out!! But WTF?

<font color="Red">No cursing - K.A.</font>

 

[Knicks Analyst]

Great game. Got my blood pumping like crazy. Everyone had a good game, with all the Knick drama.
Sweetney was excellent over all, as was Crawford and TT! Wow. Great game. Would say more but I'm kind of dizzy with excitement.

 

[Beat]

I knew the knicks would win this game. Just ask ming

 

[Tribute to H2O]

The Knicks won finally. That was a great play by Kobe Bryant at the end though. Where he was getting mad at Walton and shouting at him when he's to blame as well. During any other stage of the game Kobe would have attacked the basket and got his two points but he decided to pass it to Luke Walton this time around. But whatever this is a good win by the Knicks I had a feeling we were going to make the playoffs looks like I just might be right.

 

[Mr. J]

Scary win for us. At least we came out with the W. hew:

 

[VintageNYK]

This is Tha Knick, just got my username changed...again! lol Anyway...

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">Scary win for us. At least we came out with the W. hew:</div>

Amen

I wouldve went so crazy if the Knicks lost. I was so upset when the Lakers tied it so quick and when the game went to o.t.. Some of the o.t. scared me also. Man, thank god we have our front line and bench, because JCraw and Marbs didnt play that well offensively, though Marbury did have a good amount of assists.

And how about Tinny Tim??

 

[JWohl]

thought

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">Scary win for us. At least we came out with the W. hew:</div>
I think you expressed all of our (knick fans) feelings in that phrase...

 

[VintageNYK]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting JWohl:</div><div class="quote_post">I think you expressed all of our (knick fans) feelings in that phrase...</div>

lol haha I think so too.

 

[Shapecity]

I can't say the Laker loss surprised me tonight, but the way they lost is very frustrating. The Knicks are a strong home team, and they are great at the pick and roll. Unfortunately the Lakers cannot stop any team from the pick and roll and losing the points in the paint battle 42-26 cost the Lakers a victory.

What's gotten into Tim Thomas lately? He's been amazing for the Knicks since the All Star Break. He's shooting almost 65% since the break and is 9 for 10 from behind the arc. If he continues to play like this I'll have to take back my original prediction and give the Knicks a chance to get into the playoffs.

Tribute to H2O if you are going to blame Walton and Kobe, why stop there? How about Caron Butler for making Tim Thomas look like an All Star? How about Atkins taking some terrible shots when the Lakers had the 4 point lead in OT? How about Odom shooting only 8-20 from the field and having 5 turnovers? How about Chris Mihm who couldn't do anything despite having a huge height advantage over any Knick on the floor? The point is, it's a team game, neither Luke or Kobe lost this game for the Lakers. The team lost this game because it's terrible at defense and they continue to turnover the ball far too, much as a team.

 

[KnicksUK]

Didn't get a chance to watch the game but damn TT has really upped his game last few matches. 35 pts what the ****! Nice to see Marbury getting less points and more assists now, as he should be. We all know he can score loads of points but now that he's contributing more on the assists we are winning games. Coincidence? I think not.

A few weeks ago the Knicks I don't think would have won this game, credit to the team for turning it round.

 

[crazyrussianz]

I am soo excited for the next game.... i am finally looking forward to these games, and I want to see Tiny.... I mean Tim Thomas play like he did these past games. Cmon people someone make me a TT sig....lol

 

[Platehpus]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">But whatever this is a good win by the Knicks I had a feeling we were going to make the playoffs looks like I just might be right.</div>
Er, weren't you the one saying the Knicks season was over and that the smart option was to tank it?

I wish we would've won by 10+, but the heart pumping OT win will boost our morale. I expect some VERY rough practices this week, the emphasis on defense now that Nazr and the failure four are gone will be extreme now that our bench is full of productive contributors. Oh yeah, I don't want to get everyone too rattled up, but I think Tim Thomas is on more than just a streak. It looks as if he's changed his entire philosophy...he's no longer settling for jumpers and is attacking the hoop. Also, he's putting more into his defense than he has been. Marbury once again played team ball and that is why we dominated the game untill the end. I'll admit it, I was watching 24 during the breakdown, so maybe someone could explain to me what exactly happend.

All ball. All determination. One team. Knicks pride.

 

[crazyrussianz]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Platehpus:</div><div class="quote_post">Er, weren't you the one saying the Knicks season was over and that the smart option was to tank it?

I wish we would've won by 10+, but the heart pumping OT win will boost our morale. I expect some VERY rough practices this week, the emphasis on defense now that Nazr and the failure four are gone will be extreme now that our bench is full of productive contributors. Oh yeah, I don't want to get everyone too rattled up, but I think Tim Thomas is on more than just a streak. It looks as if he's changed his entire philosophy...he's no longer settling for jumpers and is attacking the hoop. Also, he's putting more into his defense than he has been. Marbury once again played team ball and that is why we dominated the game untill the end. I'll admit it, I was watching 24 during the breakdown, so maybe someone could explain to me what exactly happend.

All ball. All determination. One team. Knicks pride.</div>


I agree ... Tim Thomas Looks rejuvinated, like when he was on the buck, penetrating the defense and taking smart jumpers. He looks like a new player on the court, anyone see that little conflict between him and penny, but then they hugged after the crazy win.