Lakers-Jazz Game 4: When Kobe And Pau Play Like This, L.A. Can’t Be Beaten

Over at SB Nation’s Lakers blog, Silver Screen and Roll, there was nothing too spectacular about the Lakers’ performance against the Jazz in Game 4. It was just ruthless execution:

If you looked at the box score, nothing stands out. Except two things - points per possession, and turnovers. It’s easy to find that killer instinct when they are knocking down shots again or scoring every possession, and taking care of the ball. The Lakers averaged 1.22 points per possession tonight, and I don’t need to be Dexter Fishmore to tell you that’s pretty damn good. They’re scoring the ball like the team we remember from last year. The Lakers shot 45.8%, 35.3% on threes and 80.6% on free throws this game. The Jazz shot 45.7%, 25%, and 66.7% respectively.

Utah actually outrebounded LA, 45-42, with each team having 13 offensive rebounds. Still, the Lakers took care of the ball, with only six turnovers, and they fouled the Jazz 7 fewer times. That led to 9 more FTA’s (36-29), while making 11 more. That may show you the difference in margin, but watching this game, the Lakers hit shots and played D early while building the lead. I have a feeling these numbers evened out as the game progressed, but by the time it did, the damage was done.

This game was a heavy dose of Kobe and Pau. Both were absolutely spectacular and pretty much did what they wanted. Kobe directed the offense, made the defense collapse on his posting up, found open shooters and slashed his way to 32 points on 11-23 FGAs (10-12 FT). Pau had 33 points (12-18 FGAs, 9-11 FT), 14 rebounds and 2 blocks. If these two are playing like this, the Lakers shouldn’t be beaten.

That last point... Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. When those two play as well as they did this series, combined with some timely contributions from teammates, the Lakers are very nearly unbeatable.

Whether Kobe and Pau can coexist and maximize their talents over another eight playoff victories remains to be seen, but after this series, there should be no doubt: when those two are clicking, it’s just not fair for the opposition. They’re the best. So, can they keep on clicking all the way to a championship? After this week, they’re a step closer...

For more postgame analysis, check out SB Nation’s Lakers blog, Silver Screen and Roll.