Published: May 21, 2009
In debating how best to sum up the events and repercussions of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, this correspondent conjured up a number of potential taglines.
I could be satisfied with, “The Taking of Staples Center 123.”
Alternatively, the Laker fan in me could sarcastically christen this contest “Derek Fisher and the Ghosts of Game Winners Past.”
The most amusing forename I though of was “Linas Kleiza’s Big Night Out.”
Ultimately though, I’ve settled on “Game 2: Where Carmelo Happens.”
Agreed, it is not so much a homage to as a forced reference towards what is sure to be a forgettable summer tentpole action film. But it holds meaning nonetheless based on what Denver did last night. They took the crowd out of the game, then they took the game itself.
The Nuggets took the Lakers best shot earlier, and then methodically chipped away at it with a level of execution that is to be admired by even the most biased Los Angeles fan.
Denver showed patience and persistence in clawing their way back from a lead that at one time was as large as 14. Primarily, they moved the ball around the perimeter effectively, finding Carmelo Anthony in rhythm and ready to score, but when that broke down they were also successful in turning to Chauncey Billups’ attacks on the rim, often against a Laker defense that was slow to pick up their man or caught of a position without much help defense.
What Anthony did on offense was remarkable, but it was bested by what he was able to accomplish defensively. Kobe Bryant was fantastic, but Anthony forced him to work harder for his looks than he has had to all postseason. Bryant didn’t force his own offense, but it was primarily because he wasn’t even given the opportunity: Anthony actively used his size to turn the former MVP away from the ball at every opening, bullying him away from the post where he had been so effective in Game 1. It is a testament to Bryant that he was as successful as he was with Anthony crowding his sightlines, particularly since he found most of his success off of stand-still three-pointers that came out of rhythm.
In keeping with the “taken” theme, many a pundit around the ‘Net might think that this terrific performance by Denver has also let them take control of the entire series. Towards that suggestion I would suggest caution.
It is true that the Nuggets have taken home court advantage as a result of their impressive crunch-time performance on Thursday. It is also true that the Lakers were the best road team in the NBA this season.
Many questions remain to be answered over the next two games before it can be said that anyone has fully taken command in this contest.
Can Anthony continue to dominant play on both ends of the floor for the duration of the series? After playing so many games over the last 24 months, does Bryant have enough left in his tank to carry the Lakers onward? Will the Lakes’ bench produce with any consistency? Will George Karl continue to make head-scratching substitutions so late in games?
None of these answers is known yet of course. Indulging my own fragile subject premise, these answers will have to be taken as they come (Ed. Note: Forced, I know).
The only certainty we have as the series shifts back to Denver this weekend is that NBA fans everywhere will be treated to an electrifying battle of wills, where each team’s strength mirrors the other’s and where the superstars are performing at the highest level.
Let us hope it continues.
One Comment on "Game 2: Where Carmelo Happens"
Hoops Addict Article – Where Carmelo Happens | The On Deck Circle on Wed, 15th Jul 2009 9:50 am
[...] Lakers/Nuggets Game 2 review by the T-to-the-ohhhh-rev. Share and Enjoy: [...]