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This is what the fourth quarter of a Laker game should look like. AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli
LA Lakers defeat Sacramento Kings 122-104. I worried about this game a couple of weeks ago, and after falling behind 12 points in the first quarter it seemed justified. But the Lakers hung up 40 in the second quarter while only allowing the Kings to score 18, and they were on their way to a rout. Pau Gasol led the Lakers with 26 points and 12 rebounds while Kobe Bryant scored 22 points. Remember at the beginning of the decade when all that could heard at Arco Arena were cowbells and chants of "Beat LA"? Now they've been replaced with MVP chants to Kobe Bryant. So sad. The Lakers are now half a game behind Cleveland for the best overall record in the NBA.
Minnesota Timberwolves defeat LA Clippers 87-77. In the Premier League, the three worst teams are demoted to the the Football League. Perhaps the NBA should adopt a similar system to put everyone out of their misery of having to watch a game like this. Former Bruin Kevin Love posted a double-double for the Wolves with 13 points and 15 rebounds.
San Diego Padres defeat LA Dodgers 4-2. Randy Wolf got roughed up giving up four runs in 5 1/3 innings against the Padres. Manny Ramirez hit a double in the fourth inning, his first hit of the season, and scored on Russell Martin's double. The bright spot for the Dodgers was reliever Ronald Belisario who pitched a scoreless eighth getting a strike out while throwing heaters. Meanwhile the Padres took the lead in the sixth inning when Adrian Gonzalez hit a single to left field that would have been playable had the Dodgers not played in a defensive shift. The Padres would plate three in that inning punishing the Dodgers for their ways. By the way panic time. Manny is 1-for-7 to start the season. THE SKY IS FALLING!
Oakland A's defeat LA Angels 6-4. It's not like Oakland took advantage of every opportunity. They had 16 hits but only scored six runs and left 12 runners on base. Their bullpen bailed them out by pitching three scoreless innings and giving up one run in the ninth while giving up only four hits. Meanwhile the Angels bullpen didn't hold up giving up three runs in three innings.
LA Kings defeat Edmonton Oilers 2-1. The Kings wore the shit-eating grin as they played spoiler eliminating the Oilers. Wayne Simmonds scored a goal and had an assist in the opening minutes of the game. It was all they would need as Jonathan Quick was magnificent in saving 38 of 39 Edmonton's shots. The Kings play their final home game Thursday night and close the season at San Jose.
Notable Notes
Tonight's Action
LA Dodgers at San Diego Padres. Chad Billingsley vs. Walter Silva. 7:05 pm FS Prime Ticket, AM 790 KABC.
Oakland A's at LA Angels. Dana Eveland vs. Nick Adenhart. 7:05 pm FSWest, AM 830 KLAA.
