The Los Angeles Lakers are proving they can't score without Kobe Bryant, and are now facing an ignominious sweep at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs, followed by a headache of an offseason that will be filled with speculation about Dwight Howard's future.
The Spurs topped the Lakers 120-89, handing Los Angeles the worst home playoff loss in franchise history. Tim Duncan showed no signs of aging, dropping 26 points on the Lakers and grabbing nine rebounds while dealing with the large frontcourt of Howard and Pau Gasol. Tony Parker was efficient, knocking down 9-of-14 shots and finishing with 20 points and seven assists.
The Spurs have not let up on the depleted Lakers at any point in this series, and according to Tim Duncan, that isn't going to happen in Game 4. "We respect these guys, and we're not trying to give them any momentum whatsoever," Duncan said. Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich echoed that sentiment, saying, "Whether the team you're playing is whole or banged-up like the Lakers are ... we have to bring the energy and the professionalism to play."
Howard elevated his play from a disappointing Game 3, scoring 25 points and pulling down 11 rebounds, but it was not nearly enough to steal a game away from the well-oiled machine that is the Spurs. "It's been a very tough year, but we're not going to make any excuses, and we're not going to quit," Howard said.
Pau Gasol stepped up as well, putting up a triple-double with 11 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists, but the razor-thin backcourt of the Lakers does not appear to be up to snuff. Bryant, Steve Nash, Jodie Meeks and Steve Blake all sat out due to injury, and the starting duo of Andrew Goudelock and Darius Morris combined for 44 points, but was lit up by San Antonio's guards.
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