Rocket Redemption

The Houston Rockets slowed the Los Angeles Lakers down at Staples Center in 2009. The 2010 Rockets weren’t so lucky in their second trip to Hollywood last night. Houston topped the Lakers by ten points last November, but fell to a banged-up Los Angeles 88-79 Tuesday. The Lakers picked up their fourth straight win without Pau Gasol. Los Angeles’ Kobe Bryant was playing with an injured finger, yet still managed to break a tie with Patrick Ewing for 15th best all-time on the NBA scoring list. Forward, Lamar Odom, came up one assist shy of his 13th career triple double a day after battling flu-like symptoms. Ron Artest returned from a five-day sideline stint and contributed seven points for the 28-6 Lakers. The Rockets shot a dismal 40% and hit a dreary 11 of their first 36 shots on the night. The undersized Rockets were without Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, and were no match for the defending champions.
Los Angeles massacred the Dallas Mavericks with a season high 131 points two nights ago. Tuesday, they defeated Houston by scoring their fewest points in a victory this season. Houston handed Los Angeles one of their three home losses so far this year. The visiting Rockets never lead in the contest last night. Phil Jackson’s team zipped to a 12 point first quarter lead. Bryant took a breather in the second quarter as the Rockets closed to within four, but returned to extend Los Angeles’ lead with nine points. The Lakers coasted to a 41-33 halftime lead but neither team put together excellent offensive showings. The 20-15 Rockets actually outscored the Lakers in the third quarter. Luis Scola scored seven points in Houston’s run. Houston trimmed the lead to 59-55 by the end of the third before things continued to click for the Lakers. Andrew Bynum took more feeds and found the open lane to finish with a game high 24 points. Without Gasol, the lane was less clogged. Bynum stepped up with a solid shooting effort in place of the big man. Odom deposited 17 points and 19 rebounds in an uncharacteristic poor shooting night the Los Angeles. Still, the NBA’s best squashed the Rockets’ comeback attempt to preserve another Staples Center win.
The Rockets twice got within two points of taking the lead in the fourth quarter. Reserve Carl Landry carried Houston with 19 points. The gritty Rocket personifies the physical toughness of the Rockets. Houston didn’t look very gritty hitting 36% in the first half, however. Former Laker, Trevor Ariza, doled out 12 buckets, but was just five-of-fourteen on shooting. Aaron Brooks and Scola snagged 18 and 15 points, respectively. It was a basket by Scola and two 3-pointers by Shane Battier that drew the Rockets close in the fourth quarter. The Lakers led 73-71 when Odom responded with a three pointer and Bynum drilled a soft hook with 2:11 remaining in the game. Bryant mixed in a fadeaway jumper to cap the 15-8 game-ending run for the Lakers. Brooks hit a runner with 66 seconds to give the Houston one final chance. Battier even slapped the ball, stripping Bryant. But, Bryant recovered the loose ball and tacked on a jumper for a six point Lakers lead. The former MVP added a free throw with 35 seconds left but missed his second attempt. Odom recovered the rebound and was perfect on his two from the charity stripe for a game-sealing nine point lead.
Battier scored just seven points in 39 minutes. Former Villanova Wildcat, Kyle Lowry, grabbed nine rebounds. The Rockets were 4-for-23 from the arc in the loss. The Rockets have a talented team and have been a bit surprising this season. They are among the league leaders in points in the paint and can launch second-chance baskets with the top teams. They remain the games and keep the score within reasonable limits. Tuesday, they couldn’t put away the Lakers and complete a fourth quarter rally. The Rockets scored their fewest first half points of the season at Staples Center last night. They were successful on four of eleven free throws in the first half. The problem with Houston is they lack a late-game closer. They sometimes hold on during the crucial part of games, but just do not have that playmaker. Tuesday’s game was within their grasp in the fourth when Bryant was called on his fourth foul, and third offensive foul. They did little with their improved second half and overabundant opportunities.

Parting Points: Roberto Alomar is a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer. The voters got that one wrong. Congrats to “The Hawk”, Andre Dawson, on getting in.

Listening to the entire “Murmur” album by R.E.M….again, of course.