NBA Playoffs 2012: Andrew Bynum's Triple-Double Trouble Against Denver No-Gets

So, what do you think Mike Brown has to say for Bynum’s outstanding performance for the Lakers today against the Denver Nuggets?

His thought was not to bench him during the fourth quarter this time, that’s for sure.

Andrew Bynum, the 7'0", 285-pound center for the Lakers, put up a triple-double with 10 points, 13 rebounds and 10 blocks. His triple double was the first one seen in a Lakers playoff game since the ‘91 finals against the Bulls.

Surprising? No, not at all. With six years of experience, Andrew Bynum should be performing at this level on a regular basis and the fact that he fails to is disappointing. His size is nearly impossible to matchup against as we saw in all three Nuggets’ centers, McGee, Koufos and Mozgov, who all had difficulty scoring and defending. JaVale McGee, who averages 11 points and seven rebounds per game, went 0-6 from the field, scoring only two points from a pair of free throws.

We all know that Andrew Bynum has the potential and ability to have double-doubles in every game. Again, he has the experience and the size, but his personality is not quite matching up. We have witnessed all the ups and downs throughout Bynum’s career due to his quick temper.

Recently, Bynum has been at odds with coach Mike Brown because of his decisions to bench him. Because of Bynum’s three-point shot attempt with plenty of time left on the shot clock against the Warriors along with other stunts of immaturity, Brown felt it was best for the Lakers to pull Bynum out of the game. If he’s not going to take the game seriously, then coach Brown will put someone in who will.

Last week, Bynum was also benched against the Oklahoma City Thunder for the fourth quarter and overtime while watching Jordan Hill take his place, scoring 14 points and 15 rebounds. Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol put on game-winning performances combining for 46 points, 17 assists and 20 rebounds, resulting in a 114-106 victory.

Today, however, Bynum responded with a triple-double. Alongside him were his fellow starters Bryant, Sessions, Ebanks and Gasol, who all combined for 80 points. Together, the Lakers displayed teamwork through their overpowering communication and active ball movement. With a team total of 22 assists, it’s safe to say every player got their hands on the ball.

Jordan Hill was another performer who played an exceptional game today after producing a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds in 24 minutes of play.

Teamwork was not quite the game plan for the Nuggets considering their starters. Afflalo, Gallinari, Lawson and Faried combined for an embarrassing 45 points due to the Lakers' 41 defensive rebounds and 15 blocks. As for their fifth starter, Kosta Kousfos, his contributions were limited to ZERO points, five rebounds, one block, one turnover and three personal fouls. Denver took their name, "No-Gets," to a new level. 

Of course, it was Bynum who rejected any Denver Nugget who tried to drive to the basket. There is no doubt that Bynum is the best center in the NBA right now, but he needs to be more consistent and not take his coach’s decisions too personally. Instead of Bynum acting salty about being benched, he should think for a moment and ask himself, “why?”

Props to coach Brown who has done an outstanding job incorporating every player into the game. He has his starters who have chemistry along with his bench who have learned to play well together.

Mike Brown does know what he is doing. Say what you want about him and his coaching strategies, but we must not ignore the fact that the Lakers ended their regular season with a 41-25 record with Mike Brown as their coach. We have also seen the Lakers perform at an explosive, more competitive level which was witnessed in today’s 103-88 win against the Denver Nuggets.