By Kyle Soppe
The Houston Rockets overcame a sluggish defense start to defeat the Lakers by a final tally of 107-104.
The Lakers poured in 40 first quarter points, shooting a blistering 68% and scoring 13 points off of Rocket turnovers. The Lake Show saw their scoring output drop by 24 points in the second quarter (the largest drop in consecutive quarters in the NBA last night) as the Rockets held them to 33.3% shooting. In fact, the Lakers scored 39 points in the next 24 minutes, after scoring 40 in the first 12.
Goran Dragic is proving he is more than a serviceable point guard. He is a pass first leader that a team can build a winning team around, and his current seven game stretch is evidence of just that. Dragic has recorded double double in three of his past four games, and 7+ assists in seven straight. He totaled more assists last night (13) than the top three Lakers combined. No body is going to confuse him as a great rebounder, but his seven rebounds (three on the offensive end) were a season high. He’s scrappy and dependable, and should get even better when Kevin Martin returns.
Courtney Lee, who averages 10.2 points per game, has doubled that number in three of his past five games. He has buried 3 threes per game over that stretch, a vital part of his game as he is the only reliable Rocket from downtown.
Chandler Parson grabbed seven rebounds, and the Rockets have won their last six games when the rookie records at least that number in a game.
Marcus Camby is a solid pro, but he was no match for the Lakers front line. He was on the floor for less than 16 minutes, and his Rockets were outscored by 15 over that short period of time.
Speaking of that dominate front court in LA, why don’t they simply punish teams in the paint? Seems like a simple game plan, especially when Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum combined for 37 points on 68% shooting. But Kobe Bryant is unwilling to adjust to the teams new strength, and continues to force things on the perimeter. Bryant took more shots than the towering duo, but he converted on only 37% and scored eight fewer points.
The Lakers “Big Three” scored 88% of the starting fives points.
Bynum recorded only seven rebounds, ending a streak of six straight double-doubles. Bynum has shot over 50% in 17 of his last 19 games … cough cough … get him more shots.
Despite the Lakers inconsistent play, they had a chance to win this game, but gave away five points via technical free throws. A big difference in a three point game.
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