The Lakers faced off against the Rockets in there third meeting so far this season. With the Rockets already having served the Lakers up one loss on their home court, the Lakers should look to start quickly and put it on the Rockets.
First Quarter LAL22 -- HOU15
The defensive intensity early was in stark contrast to the past few games. I hate to attribute this all to the return of Artest, but there was definitely a noticeable difference in the overall team defense. The Lakers weren’t exactly lighting the rims on fire with amazing shooting, but the rebounding and length inside helped the team build their early lead. Just a side note: Farmar picked up two ignorant fouls late in the first which hopefully don’t come back to haunt the rotation.
Second Quarter LAL19 -- HOU18
The early advantage the Lakers established in the post and on the glass continued throughout this quarter. This game should not be this close- the Lakers just can’t make shots. With the huge advantage inside, it was almost depressing to see the team go away from the beast known as Bynum and become “jump shot happy” as the antichrist Kevin McHale stated on NBA TV. The defense was still on point though and allowed the Lakers to keep a decent 8 point advantage going into the half.
Third Quarter LAL18 -- HOU22
The Lakers were able to start quickly after halftime and push the Rockets, building a 53-41 lead until the Rockets were able to surge and cut the lead to 4 heading into the fourth. This quarter saw Kobe pick up some quick fouls, instead leaning on the reserves to carry the team. A strong quarter from Lamar, excellent defense, and some great resolve from the injured Kobe, and the Lakers were able to tread water. Unfortunately, without Pau, our offense just is not as potent, putting up totals of 22, 19, 18 through the first three quarters. Luckily the team was able to put up 29 in the fourth, which eventually contributed to the win.
Fourth Quarter LAL29 -- HOU24
The fourth quarter was a back and fourth battle, which was eventually won in the post by Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom. Bynum was able to produce consistently with Kobe hurt and Pau a DNP, scoring 11 in the fourth and 24 overall. It’s amazing how active he becomes once he knows that the offense will be run through him. You can see him passing more, dunking more, complaining less… We need this Bynum all the time. As far as the Rockets play, you have to give them credit. Having a 6’6’’ Chuck Hayes attempt to guard Bynum for most of the game and him not score 50 is a testament to their team defense and effort.
Overall this was a great win for the Lakers, with Pau being down and Kobe being hurt, the other “big name” Lakers needed to step up, and they did. The bench also played well, with Farmar, Sasha, Brown all playing decent minutes and contributing in key sections.
Not all is well in Lakers land though, and as Phil says, wins mask problems with complacency. We just saw the Lakers score 130+ points yet STRUGGLE to put up 88 tonight- Why? Reliance on Kobe and Pau on too many possessions! With the high screen and roll not really an option tonight, (who was going to hit that pick and pop jumper? Definitely not Powell last night) the Lakers were forced to consistently run the triangle or rely on Bynum to produce in the post.
Final Score Lakers 88 -- Rockets 79
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