While the pre-game shenanigans were pushing the “could this be Kobe Bryant’s ‘flu game?'” angle, in their never-ending quest to further the inexplicable Kobe/Michael Jordan comparisons–like Mike, Kobe also had flu-like ailments, although he didn’t need his teammates to help him off the court during timeouts. The comparisons don’t end there, either, seeing how Jordan actually won his flu game, bringing us to the topic at hand.
There will be an unlikely Game 7 on Saturday after the Denver Nuggets absolutely trashed the Los Angeles Lakers, 113-96. The Nuggets were led by Ty Lawson’s fantastic 32-point outing, complete with five 3-point buckets. The Nuggets opened the game with a 13-0 run, and never really looked back. As for the upset-stomach-ridden Kobe Bryant, he actually had another great game (31 points); unfortunately for the Lakers, no one on else in purple and gold showed up.
Just ask Bill Plaschke from the LA Times:
It’s Andrew Bynum’s fault, he was horrible again, failing to match the energy of the Nuggets’ little big men, making only four baskets. It was Pau Gasol’s fault, he also inexplicably disappeared for a second game, making only one basket in 10 attempts with only three rebounds.
Not the kind of help a star like Bryant needs–yes, Virginia, basketball is indeed a team sport–to stave up an upstart Nuggets team that’s taking advantage of hot shooting, youth, athleticism, and fantastic point guard play from the aforementioned Lawson and Andre Miller. Here’s a perfect example of this youth and athleticism I was referring to:
And just because, here’s a nice little highlight package of Lawson’s great Game 6, including all five 3-point bombs:
As they are wont to do, the Twitter crowd enjoyed the outcome–well, as long as they weren’t Lakers fans–and like most surprising NBA games, Denver/LA: Part 6 was oft-discussed topic. In fact, the subject “Game 7” was still trending earlier this morning. Unfortunately, the “top tweet” is a perfect example of trolling and hedging your bets, all in one. Long live Skip “I Get Paid To Talk About Sports. Can You Believe It?” Bayless:
Kobe suffering from stomach flu? He just might go MJ in Denver tonite. If not, he’ll go Mamba on Nuggets in Game 7 at Staples.
Way to go out on a limb, Skip. Anyway, apparently, Kobe wasn’t really happy with his teammates. Can you blame him?
#IFWT NBA: After Nuggets Force Game 7, Kobe Bryant Calls Out Teammates – http://t.co/ucxxYhfu
The Lakers need Pau Gasol to show up in Game 7. He had 3 points (1-10 shooting), 3 rebounds and 1 assist in 29 minutes. That’s inexcusable.
Even some of the Lakers players got in on the tweet stream:
Just wanna apologize to all the fans for they way we have been playin lately! No excuse for this. Will get it together game 7!
While some Lakers fans are predicting doom and gloom:
If the Lakers lose game 7, I will single-handedly begin the apocalypse.
How about some Nuggets love? Not so much, actually. It’s mainly a bunch of Lakers fans lamenting Game 7, combined with others hoping the Lakers lose:
It is going to be hilarious when the Lakers lose this game 7!!!
My lakers fell last night,but we will put their ass away game #7 in the staple! Believe that!
Wtf r we goin to game 7 with the Nuggets??
@mlp_platano haha dont worry bro Game 7 is in LA
Well, considering Denver’s been absolutely outplaying the Lakers, especially in the last two games, you might not want to assume victory is secured; but then again, this is Twitter we’re talking about. Most youngster who tweet about the NBA have no sense of history or perspective, especially in regards to the sport they are tweeting about.
Of course, considering many of the trends Twitter endures, and the posts that come of these trends, this isn’t really a surprise now is it? With that in mind, who ya got in Game 7? Denver or the Lakers?
