After an exciting win in Game 1, the Lakers lost Thursday night in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals 106-103. It was Denver’s first win against the Lakers since 1985.
The game began similar to Game 1, except this time, the Lakers were in the driver’s seat with a quick start. The Denver Nuggets’ Carmelo Anthony was almost unnoticeable in the first quarter only scoring 2 points and Dahntay Jones began with early foul trouble with 4 fouls in the first quarter alone. Nuggets’ reserve, J.R. Smith entered the game for Jones. Lakers Andrew Bynum and Trevor Ariza were able to make good plays for the team and helped them take an early lead. The Nuggets struggled to create some defensive plays for themselves as well. Sasha Vujacic entered the game with about 2:14 remaining in the first quarter.
But after a sloppy Nuggets first quarter, the Lakers largest lead was 13 points with only 3:45 remaining in the half. Denver then began to slowly pick up some momentum. They created plays which brought the lead closer. After making a few defensive plays, the Nuggets found themselves back in the game. Sasha Vujacic attempted 4 jump-shots before returning to the bench with approximately 10:19 remaining in the half. By halftime, the Lakers’ lead was only 1 point. Kobe Bryant completed with 18 points.
To begin the third quarter, the Nuggets managed to tie the ball game at 56 points. Trevor Ariza shot a 3-point shot to regain the lead. Dahntay Jones also reenters the game and commits his fifth foul. By this time, Carmelo Anthony has become more active and scoring 20 points. After the Lakers manage to pull away, the Nuggets then rally to tie the game once more at 64 points. Forward Trevor Ariza manages to continue his perfect shooting with 6-6 field goal attempts.
Free throw after free throw, both teams manage to keep the game within arms reach. The Nuggets then regain the lead and continue on to win the game.
Although Sasha completed the game scoreless and did not see too much playing time, fellow teammate Jordan Farmar also did not play many minutes.
In Sasha’s post-game interview with the Los Angeles Times, Sasha said, “It was kind of my fault also; I came in and missed 4 easy shots… they (Nuggets) came back in the game and caught momentum.” When asked why he was taking the blame for the game, he responded saying, “I’ll take the blame for tonight’s game, I mean, you know, first half was a total disaster on my part. I can’t wait to play game 3 in Denver.”
The Lakers now travel to Denver, Colorado where they will continue the Western Conference Finals and attempt to capture a few wins away from home. As Kobe stated, not the best road team in the NBA for nothing.
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May 22nd, 2009 at 2:12 pm
I think it’s “Sasha”like of him to take the blame for the game.
And you know what, if he would have been playing how he is capable of playing, we probably would have won. He is a huge difference maker. I do get what he is saying.
That being said, it wasn’t all his fault, the other players didn’t step up and there was a lot of crappy turnovers. Also, who said anything about Jordan Farmar? I feel like he is becoming more and more a benchwarmer. Shannon Brown has replaced him, in my opinion.
Sasha though; you can’t replace that kind of shooting ability. And for that matter, his annoying (in a good way) defense and even his dunking capability (who knew?). And of course his energy& passion& dedication.
So it really does hurt the team that he isn’t playing up to his standards.
But I can honestly say I have faith in him and I feel like the Machine just needs to relax (a little bit) and let the game come to him. However he manages to do it, Sasha the Machine Vujacic will be back, and better than ever.
And just as a side note, none of the other bench players (ie. Walton, what a joke, Jordan, Brown,) even compare when Sasha is on fire. We do need him. Desperately.
I know it.
May 22nd, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Hmmm, is Sasha implying that if he would have made those shots then Lakers would have won? I think Denver would have answered back and possibly still won because it was a game they needed to set the tone for the series. Either way he knows what he’s gotta do - Put the past behind him and do better next time. No more 10:30’s Sasha, just shift into gear hun - We are behind you all the way!