The Los Angeles Lakers finally manage a win against the league worst Wizards, their first in five attempts. Kobe Bryant credits Mike D’Antoni for spurring the team on.
"Every good offense is a rhythm, and our rhythm is offbeat right now. It's like we've got two left shoes, trying to dance."
This was what Mike D’Antoni told his team before they went on to take the Washington Wizards on Friday night. He also called them "lackadaisical" and "lethargic."
D’Antoni they kept on urging his players to spread the floor and at one point in the game, he even kicked the floor in desperation.
The results were immediate. Lakers broke their way out of the four game losing skid and climbed to a 10-14 record with a 102-96 win. More importantly, the win was not all about Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard. Although the duo did
do a major share of work – Kobe with 30 points and 7 assists and Howard with 12 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks – the Lakers also got decent contributions from Jodie Meeks ( 24 points) and Metta World Peace (13 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals).
The Lakers also broke the tradition of losing when the Black Mamba scores 30 of more points and the star shooting was relieved after the game. He gave a lot of credit to Mike D for the win.
"I felt like we had a pretty good feel of how Mike, today at morning brunch, kind of communicated how he wanted the offense to flow. Moving the ball, and if you have a shot, take it. If not, continue to let the ball hop," Bryant
said. "We got the message. We did a pretty good job of it. That's why you saw Meeks have a big game."
The win will come as a big morale booster for D’Antoni, who has been under the cosh off late. The Lakers might not have had played their best game, or even close to it, on the night, but the important thing was a ‘W’. With help
expected to arrive soon in the form of Steve Nash and Pau Gasol, this just might be the opening this team needs.
Tags: