Give Sam and TA their due

[TerreHaute]

Sam and TA played really well tonight. Sam only took one bad shot. TA played great in an almost impossible situation due to limited PT the last month.

[TerreHaute]

Let me add that I am not a big fan of Cassell on the floor over House. He has been much better lately in looking to get people involved as a PG should rather than shoot, however.

[RockinRyA]

tony did really well, he made them pay when they left him.. when kobe was guarding him he attacked him... he held kobe scoreless when he defended him

[wdleehi]

Cassell and TA both played well when put in the right position.

[Chris]

Cassell and TA both played well when put in the right position.

Absolutely.  And as a big Allen detractor, I have to say I was impressed.  He was able to keep his focus...and when he keeps his focus, he has the ability to be one of the best players on the floor.

[WedmanIsMyHero]

In terms of value above replacement player, I am not sure Cassell added much value.  It seems like the offensive flow disruption probably loses them a couple of baskets whenever Cassell is on the floor, so that offsets.  House passes the ball and is a better 3 point shooter.

Basically, Cassell scored some points, but many of them seemed like bailout points -- tough shots he took after pounding the ball into the floor for lots of shot clock time. . .

[wdleehi]

I think the opposite happened to Powe.

He either had to go against the much bigger Gasol or the quicker (and still bigger) odom.



I thought when the Lakers went with the smaller PFs (Walton), that was the time to bring back in Powe (he abused him last time). 

but the team on the floor at that time worked. 

[Steve Weinman]

Sam and TA played really well tonight. Sam only took one bad shot. TA played great in an almost impossible situation due to limited PT the last month.

No question.  I've been critical of both (particularly TA) at times (though I'm also likely more of a SamIAm booster than most and have gone on record as saying such), and they were both pleasant surprises in the minutes they played tonight.  Props to Doc for having the rocks to trust them and to the fellas themselves for doing their jobs.

-sw

[Bahku]

Sam and Tony both had some positive contributions tonight ... well done, guys!

[Chris]

Sam and TA played really well tonight. Sam only took one bad shot. TA played great in an almost impossible situation due to limited PT the last month.

No question.  I've been critical of both (particularly TA) at times (though I'm also likely more of a SamIAm booster than most and have gone on record as saying such), and they were both pleasant surprises in the minutes they played tonight.  Props to Doc for having the rocks to trust them and to the fellas themselves for doing their jobs.

-sw

I think Doc made a lot of gutsy calls tonight.  He has really stepped into the "who cares what anyone says, do whatever you can to try to win mode".  I am impressed.  And the many of the players are making him look good.

[Change]

As long as sam stays within the game, and not start raining shots i'll show my appreciation
Go Sam

[SamuelAdams]

TA played well. I was happy for him.

[Oldschoolkid]

Ha, it is as i have been saying all along, especially to one big clownsy here....Ta played as he had all season, very well, our best slasher, and a very efficient defender. Why he was benched all playoffs is only insider info.....He did not hurt his achilles tendon, then come out a week later and play like that, the achillies is very unforgiving...no matter wehat your age...! Ta should have been in there on kobe from the start, especially when the Celts get stale and go to that hated, "just shoot from outside and no one underneath" mentality, TA will always drive for a layup AND finish....! Sparking some offense...!!! Sam looked strong too!

[cdif911]

Sam played in a way that you didn't even notice he was on the floor, that was a huge positive

One thing that I've noticed is Ray and Paul generally bring the ball up, especially in crunch time. Do we really need a pg in there for those situations?  If Paul was bringing it up and there's no pg out there, do you assume the Lakers will start trapping?

[EJPLAYA]

Sam was decent tonight. I wouldn't say he was great, but he didn't hurt us. House was every bit as good however with much better defense. Let's not forget the first play Sam was in there the PG (Farmar I believe) blew past him and scored down the middle. When he laid it in Sam was still at the foul line. House was all over his man.

TA on the other hand surprised me. He looked much better than I thought he would after all that bench time. He actually added value to the team while in there and didn't kill us with his usual turnovers. I'll give him props for that one game.