LAKERS FIND RIGHT PRESCRIPTION PISTONS ARE L.A.'S ANSWER TO WEEK OF STRESS, FRUSTRATION LAKERS 94, DETROIT 82.Byline: Howard Beck Staff Writer That thin ray of light busting through the dull gray of a mucked-up week came courtesy of the schedule and with kind regards from the East. The Detroit Pistons The Detroit Pistons are a team in the National Basketball Association based in the Detroit metropolitan area. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. Franchise history From Fort Wayne to Detroit , just good enough to rule the Eastern Conference and get the Lakers' attention, just flawed enough to be beaten without expending an inordinate amount of energy, provided the relief to end a stressful week. Eager to put their Texas tumble behind them, the Lakers tightened up their game Friday night and rumbled past the Pistons for a 94-82 victory at Staples Center This article has multiple issues: * Its neutrality is disputed. * It may contain original research or unverifiable claims. * It does not cite any references or sources. . Shaquille O'Neal Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal (pronounced "shak-KEEL") (born March 6, 1972 in Newark, New Jersey), frequently referred to simply as Shaq, is an American professional basketball player, generally regarded as one of the most dominant in the National Basketball Association (NBA). shook off Wednesday's 2-for-10 debacle and scored 28 points on 11-for-18 shooting. Kobe Bryant Kobe Bean Bryant (born July 23 1978) is an American All-Star shooting guard in the National Basketball Association (NBA) who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. added 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Jerry Stackhouse Jerry Darnell Stackhouse (born November 5 1974 in Kinston, North Carolina) is an American professional basketball player who currently plays both shooting guard and small forward for the NBA's Dallas Mavericks. led the Pistons with 21 points. The Lakers beat Detroit for the eighth consecutive time and pulled within a game and a half of West-leading Sacramento, who they visit Sunday. With upcoming games against San Antonio San Antonio (săn ăntō`nēō, əntōn`), city (1990 pop. 935,933), seat of Bexar co., S central Tex., at the source of the San Antonio River; inc. 1837. , Portland and Utah, the Lakers are starting to feel the pressure of the late-season schedule. ``I think we feel that when our back is up against the wall - it's not up against the wall yet, but it's getting close, that we'll be able to respond,'' Brian Shaw Brian K. Shaw (born March 22, 1966 in Oakland, California) is a former professional basketball player. The 6' 6" Shaw could play both guard spots, but was used primarily at point guard over the course of his 14 seasons in the league. said. The victory over the Pistons ended a two-game skid that had coach Phil Jackson openly questioning the mental and physical fortitude of his team. The Lakers were ``cowardly,'' they were ``weak of mind and body,'' they were fading in the race for top seed in the West. Whether honest assessment or mere psychological ploy, the words were harsh. ``I think the guys that have been here know what kind of tactics Phil uses to motivate us,'' Shaw said. ``We understand what he's saying. I don't think anybody really takes it to heart at this point. He's just trying to get us to elevate our level of play right now and not wait until playoff time. CAPTION(S): photo Photo: (color) Kobe Bryant, who scored 18 points, drives around Detroit's Clifford Robinson. Andy Holzman/Staff Photographer |
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