vlaze.com

Kobe Bryant went for 38 points in game 1 but the story were the Lakers 46 shots from the foul line. If one were looking at the stats they would blame the refs. This wasn't the case. The Lakers are running the court very well and setting up their offense early in the clock. The Jazz are not getting back quickly enough on defense allowing the quickness of the Lakers to drive to the basket. And on defense the Jazz are fouling to prevent baskets. That's why you did not hear Jerry Sloan complain a bit about the officiating. The Denver series helped the Lakers because you cannot be sluggish against the Nuggets. It forced them to be in outstanding condition because they had to hurry back on defense and set up their offense rapidly against the Nuggets. Their conditioning will help them big time in this series. The Jazz held a huge rebounding edge 58-41 in game 1 and had 25 rebounds on the offensive end. That is usually deflating to a team but the Lakers were able to win and cover despite of it as the Jazz shot just 38% from the field. The Lakers defense forced the Jazz away from their basket, which forced many jump shots. Phil Jackson has depth and developed a bench that is young and with their speed creates space on the offensive end. When you add great passing you get open looks at the baskets. The Jazz cannot win running with the Lakers but whatever Sloan adjusts to probably wont make much difference in game 2. Remember the winner of game 1 adjusts as well and you know darn well Phil Jackson will address the Jazz offensive rebounding. Take LA –6 ½.