Lakers Lose Game 1 of Series VS Dallas May 2nd 2011

While Dallas has not faced the Lakers in the Playoffs since 1988 when the Mavs had players such as Rolando Blackman aand Mark  Aguirre  running the floor. It seems like the Lakers were standing around watching the face of the franchise Kobe Bryant go 14-29 from the floor for 36 points while Pau Gasol, and Lamar Odom each had 15 points each with 23 rebounds between them. The 2 time defending champions out rebounded the Mavs 44-40 5 Mavs were in double Figures led by Dirk Nowitzky with 28 Pts 14 rebounds on 11-22 from the floor. 2 Fts with 19.5  seconds by the  afore mentioned German sharpshooter sealed the game for the Mavs. The always articulate Phil Jackson said that the Lakers stopped playing defense  and missed a lot of open looks. Kobe Bryant stated in the post game press conference that his ankle was fine but to many turnovers and poor defense to and including poor and late defensive rotations contributed to this
loss.  I did mention prior to the game that I would prefer that Kobe Bryant not take 30 shots per game and the key would be rebounding as Pat Riely used to say No rebounds no rings. While these may not be the Mavericks of my youth, The Lakers may need to regain some of there youth or find themselves down 0-2 by Wednesday. 7.30 PM PDT TNT or around the world check your Sat or Cable listings with roundball reflections I am Mark Alan Janisch WWS