Make That 0-for-3 on the Road

Playing with perhaps a little chip on their shoulders, the Los Angeles Lakers still fell short to the Orlando Magic, 96-94 at Amway Arena. Andrew Bynum’s (5 points, 6 rebounds, 4 blocked shots in 20 minutes) activity level was high coming out of the gates as he crashed the boards and made his presence felt in the middle with 2 blocked shots on Dwight Howard, one in particular that he sent back “airmail special.” He effectively opened up the paint to allow Kobe Bryant (34 points, 7 assists, 7 rebounds, 3 steals) to operate under single-man coverage where he was able to easily beat his defender. But even with [picappgallerysingle id="8162742"]his increased ferocity, Bynum picked up two early fouls and was forced to the bench in favor of Lamar Odom. LO (8 points on 3-7, 6 rebounds, 4 assists) quickly picked up two cheap fouls himself and the next thing you know, the Lakers were digging deep into their rotation. For however better focused the Lakers appeared, their offensive woes continued. Players appeared unsure of their shot selections and the confusion that ensued was often a 3-second violation, a clear sign of an open shot passed up. Vince Carter (25 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist) was the recipient of ten free throws in the first quarter alone as Orlando took a 24-17 lead behind a Howard (15 points, 16 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocked shots) monster put-back dunk. Superman picked up his second foul with 2:07 remaining and the Lakers tried to take advantage by forcing the ball into the paint. The calls by the referee crew were very tight, as inconsequential bumps and moving screens were called with increasing frequency. Carter’s three-pointer closed out the period to give Orlando a 31-24 advantage.

With both Bynum and Odom on the floor to start the second period, the Lakers opened the quarter by allowing Marcin Gortat (6 points, 6 rebounds, 1 blocked shot) to waltz to the basket and slam one home. Shannon Brown (7 points, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 rebound) momentarily got free for a fast break layup but Orlando began increasing their lead with a barrage of deep threes. Phil Jackson quickly called a time-out to stress the importance of extending the help defense and fighting through the numerous screens that the Magic ran. Howard picked up his third foul seconds after checking into the game. The crowd moaned in unison as replays clearly show he was nowhere close to making contact. As if on cue, a bad call on Bynum forced the young center to the bench with his third foul as well. But all the while, the Lakers were slowly chipping away at the lead as Orlando continued to fire away from deep. Rashard Lewis’ (12 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists) three-pointer was countered by a Derek Fisher (11 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal) deep two, then followed by another unusual offensive foul call against the Magic. Ron Artest’s (8 points on 2-10, 6 rebounds, 1 assist) trey narrowed the lead to 46-41 but Jameer Nelson (15 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists) answered with a top-of-the-key jumper. Sporting a do reminiscent of Dennis Rodman, Ron Artest’s colorful, team-inspired purple and gold crown presented a new challenge for the ABC/ESPN crew as they attempted to describe the unique “defense” inspired scribbles on his head. The two teams exchanged baskets as the pace quickened to the delight of the fans, momentarily halting the constant pitch of the referees whistles. Carter blew by Artest for a 52-44 lead and PJ called another time-out to implore his team to fight through the screens. Pau Gasol’s (20 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocked shots, 1 assist) dunk, then subsequent fast break dunk after his blocked shot drew the Lakers to within 52-48 heading into halftime.

Things got chippy early as Matt Barnes (10 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal) and Kobe were called for double technical’s after getting tangled up under the basket. Kobe went into Don’t-F-with-me-mode as he nonchalantly allowed Barnes to continue with his animated histrionics and drew him into committing another foul. Barnes appeared on the verge of swinging as Kobe causally stared back without uttering a word as the two were separated by the referees for a second time. Bynum’s fourth foul was met with more raised eyebrows and indifference from the Lakers coaching staff as they allowed him to stay in the game. Lewis’ triple pushed Orlando’s lead back up to 65-57 as both teams tried to regain the momentum and their composure. Another moving screen call benefitted the Lakers but Orlando capitalized with another barrage of deep shots to extend their lead to 71-59. Lewis drained a corner three-pointer but was unable to complete the 4-point play after the foul by Odom. Gasol drew Howard into committing his 4th foul as the third period mercifully came to an end with Orlando holding on to a 74-64 lead.

Kobe’s off balance jumper opened the quarter after an impressive block by Bynum. Kobe then banked in a shot over Mickael Pietrus (7 points, 2 rebounds, 2 blocked shots, 1 steal) and then Jordan Farmar (0 points on 0-4, 0 rebounds, 0 assists in 16 minutes) batted the ball away for an Orlando turnover on the defensive end. LO’s corner pull-up cut the deficit to 74-70 and the Magic were calling a time-out in an attempt to quickly regroup. Bynum picked up his 5th foul trying to slow up Howard through the lane and was forced to take a seat. Howard’s dunk and flagrant foul on Gasol gave Orlando an 81-74 lead. But he was unable to convert any of his free throws and Orlando turned the ball over on the ensuing possession. Kobe splashed a trey over Barnes, and then drew the 5th foul on Howard with an up-and-under move on the block. Kobe answered Howard’s tip-in with a floating jumper to trail 83-81. Carter’s dribble drive was answered by a Fisher trey that was later changed to a deep deuce as replays show Fish’s foot narrowly touching the line. Carter increased the lead with a pair of free throws with 2:50 left in the game. Kobe attacked the basket for a lay-in but Howard got loose for another basket deep in the paint for a three-point play and 90-85 lead. Gasol got credit for a tip-in although Howard inadvertently knocked the ball into the basket. Barnes 3-pointer was the icing on the cake to a tumultuous afternoon of trying to slow down Kobe and the Lakers. Kobe drained a corner three with Barnes all over him to draw them within 94-92 and after Nelson converted only 1-2 free throws, Kobe toed the 3-point line on a deep jumper for a 95-94 Magic advantage with 12.9 seconds left. Carter was fouled on the in-bounds play and promptly missed 1-2 for a slim 96-94 lead. With all eyes fixed on him, Kobe danced at the top of the key, evaded Barnes but his pull-up jumper from the top of the key missed slightly wide left as Orlando held on for the win.