Bill on Phil:
Games without Kobe showed to me Phil's coaching genius: players hustle for their coach and strive to play in the system Phil teaches. Why does Bill Plaschke try insert himself with loved / unloved subject? No idea! It is so out of touch especially after those couple special games where team oriented basketball was so dear to my heart. If you are basketball fan, you love Phil Jackson and his coaching staff. Apparently Mr. Plaschke isn't true basketball fan: one day he writes about basketball, another about baseball, third day about love...
Why he or other sport analysts does not discuss team plays and strategies we all witness? That's because basketball strategies are too tough stuff for him to grasp. It is easier to chat about person's belongings than game strategies. NBA without Phil Jackson would loose its charm in a second. Lakers even faster... we saw it already once or twice... Enjoy the spirited Lakers game while our BELOVED coach Phil Jackson is still with us in Los Angeles.
ArtuM,
basketball coach
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12 for 31 shooting:
My comment in Los Angeles Times blog on 2010.01.22, Friday:
NBA All Star voting: Bryant had 2.46 million votes but was passed in recent weeks by Cleveland forward LeBron James (2.55 million) to finish second in overall voting!
After Cavaliers' sweep of Lakers I look forward to the tone change in the playful cartoons on Bryant-LeBron. That will definitely impact the Kobe's attitude toward 12 for 31 shooting and self-indulgence on being right when teammates are something to blame for... for what? That you, Kobe, don't empower them with your play-making and quality passes? We know you are better than that and we saw it in your game before.
You should drop the childish "I am hungry and they know that now". Strive to be a teammate that will do anything to empower your guys. When you strive, you may succeed, but it is not granted... basketball is a team sport and I don't like watching you alone shooting the hoop during the game. Every self-respected player know that there are days when you are in a groove and when you are not. When you are at 50%, stop shooting and play for your teammates. Respect YOURSELF, respect our intelligence.
Wish the best!
