'Big Smack' was turnt-up against Nuggets in game 1 of NBA playoffs!
In the Laker's first game of the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Denver Nuggets, Lisa Leslie said of L.A. Laker's center: "Andrew was 'Bynumite'!" Leslie also said she "had to give 'props' to my twitter followers for that one", referring to Bynum's explosive play during the Laker's 103 - 88 victory over Denver.
[Stat: winner of game 1 wins series 78% of time]
And even though [the] 'Black Mamba' did his usual thang ('sho-nuff' cold as ice until the second half, scoring a total of 31pts), it was BIG Andrew Bynum who dominated and flossed hard in the paint, earning a triple-double, a first since Laker legend - Magic Johnson did it in the '91 NBA finals, with 10 big blocked shots, 10 points and 13 rebounds in game one against Denver!
With 30 points scored against the Nuggets on 4.13.2K12, in spite of his 10 buckets today, "his timing was impeccable", said Kobe about 'Big-Bang's' blocking and rebounding ability in today's game. According to Laker head coach - Mike Brown, "The difference in the game was Adrew Bynum."
With 30 points scored against the Nuggets on 4.13.2K12, in spite of his 10 buckets today, "his timing was impeccable", said Kobe about 'Big-Bang's' blocking and rebounding ability in today's game. According to Laker head coach - Mike Brown, "The difference in the game was Adrew Bynum."
"He was an absolute BEAST down there!" -Coach Mike Brown, L.A. Lakers
Talk about doggin'-um, number 17 caused Nuggets to crumble with just 16 of 44 shots scored in the paint; he was blocking, dunking and rebounding with high energy. Laker legend - Michael Cooper said, "his play was stellar"!
The other 7 footer - Pau Gasol also put-in-work on 'D', as he almost triple doubled, too, but laced-up a nice set of digits to help his team secure the 'dub':
13 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 blocks
__________________________________
was harshly and just about routinely criticized for his perceived lack of will, strength and endurance. Many fans, critics and analysts forgot that although he joined the NBA in a mans frame, he was still a developing 'youngsta' trying to figure out how to run with the big doggs.
With tutelage from The Cap (Kareem Abdul Jabbar), experience, growth, dedication to his craft, and maintaining good health (*this year only one game missed due to injury) - he'll likely continue to reek havoc on the opposition!
And as Bynum becomes more confident and settled in his physicality (coordination, reflexes, etc.), the evolution of his 'b-ball' I.Q. will allow him to continue to dominate the middle for seasons to come.
Think about it: Andrew Bynum has been playing pro ball for six years, most of which has been spent healing battle wounds his developing frame wasn't used to absorbing from more powerful and physically seasoned NBA centers. But at 25 years old, 'Big Drew' is poised to become one of the NBA's next [most] dominating 'Big Men' to play the game - go hard, 'Big Bang'!