9 Jan 11 The Verdict: Phil Jackson Answers The Critics Result Lakers Win.

Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesThe Zen Master has finally awaken out his slumber, just in time for the final stretch leading into the playoffs. Like always with Phil he doesn't make the adjustments when you would like but his fine tuning of the Laker is always on time.This evenings game against the Nuggets unlike the many games before it, when Gasol starting playing soft Phil benched him. When its was apparent that Fisher was going to be beat to the punch by Billups all night, benched him. Right on Phil!Josh Powelland Mbenga steppedin for Bynum adding, Buffalo Bills jersey
6 points a piece. Their biggest influence was down low where they contested every shot and went after every rebound an energy that was deseperately needed.The biggest surprise of the night was Lamar Odom exploding for 20 points12 rebounds 1 block shot and 4 steals. Hopefully this type of performance is something the laker can look forward to in the future.The my vital keys to the Lakers sucess during the course of this game would have to be the stifling defensive effort by Ron Artest who had 6 steals and forced numerous turnovers. He also held Anthony to 21 points of 7-19 shooting, while adding 17 points 12 of the points coming from behind the three point strike.The most important key of all was Kobe Bryant the Mamba transforming to Kobe Bryant the Facilitator. Because of various well placed traps, and zones Carolina Panthers jersey
Kobe suffered from the field going for 14 points off 17 shots. Kobe being Kobe he still found a away to bury the competition finding fellow Lakers all night for easy buckets, finishing with 12 assist.He wasn't a slouch on the defensive end either, gathering 3 steals and 2 block shots he more than made up for a sluggish performance on the shooting end.I think its safe to just when you think ole Phil is losing his touch he shocks us once again making all the right moves just in the nick of time.