The Los Angeles Lakers play the best three periods of any team in the league.
Too bad there's four in an NBA game.
I don't know how necessary it is to really explain myself again regarding how the fourth quarter defense- or, rather, lack thereof- is tell-tale sign that any ordering of purple and gold confetti for the Staples Center in June might be premature.
Once again, the stage was set to shut me up. Playing in Washington, a team who to put it nicely has struggled to find it's identity since Carter was in office, this should have been a game where I had to struggle to find something to write about.
But nooooooo, the Lakers comply and let the Wizards hang a 32 spot on them in the final frame.
The most frustrating part? Coach Phil Jackson's remark after the game that apparently the second unit can't handle a fourth quarter on the road.
What about the games at home against Dallas, Sacramento, and the offensive juggernaut that is the Chicago Bulls?
What about all those years of coaching, Phil, that were supposed to give you all this experience and ability to spot these trends before they happen?
Why am I the only one talking about this?
The Lakers almost lost to a 3-13 Wizards team that is already on its second coach of the year. They could have gone to overtime with them if Caron Butler had found another inch and a half to put on his jumper at the buzzer.
Tonight they return home to face the 9-12 Milwaukee Bucks. Is anyone else thinking this is a trap game?
At least they picked up 3 hours of rest on the way home.
It will be curious to see how many reserves are playing in the fourth quarter, regardless of the scoreboard. It will also be curious to see the effects on the rotations throughout the game if Phil wants his starters somewhat fresh in the fourth.
What could prove to be scary if it's really not the second team's fault. After watching the Celtics-Blazers game the other night, I actually got a little worried about the big Christmas Day matchup.
That game is really the only barometer as to whether or not Anderw Bynum was/ is the difference. And the last time I checked, that game will have four quarters as well.
Keywords: Los Angeles Lakers, NBA
