Lakers Overpower the Rockets

What a difference a day makes as the Los Angeles Lakers used a decisive 2nd quarter to defeat the Houston Rockets, 109-101 at the Toyota Center. Bouncing back from yesterday’s embarrassing loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Lakers held the Rockets to only 11-points in the second period while putting up 35-points en route to the relatively easy win. Houston came out red hot behind the shooting of speedy point guard, Aaron Brooks (26 points on 8-22, 7 assists, 1 steal), and for a while, it looked like a replay of last night’s contest as Brooks put up 12-points in the first period alone. Houston would run out to a 34-27 lead after one, but unlike last night, the game appeared to be in control with the Lakers. They were making a concerted effort to slow down the speedster, and as the game would wear on, the step-out on the high pick and roll effectively halted Brooks penetration. Trevor Ariza (9 points on 3-11, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals) had another difficult night trying to get out from Ron Artest’s jumble of arms and Kobe’s nudging on the block. He still doesn’t appear to be completely comfortable in the Rockets scheme of things, but that could have a lot to do with newly acquired Kevin Martin out with a sore shoulder. Martin’s offense will really open up scoring opportunities for Ariza as a slasher and cutter, both areas in which he excels.

Tonight, the Lakers were alert on defense and awake on offense. With them distributing the offense and helping one another on defense, it was only a matter of time before Brooks would cool down. Kobe Bryant (17 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal) moved the ball well and found his open teammates. And tonight they made their shots. Derek Fisher (15 points on 6-8, 3-3 from behind the arc, 3 assists, 1 rebound) bounced back from a horrible game and actually took it to Brooks to try to defend him. Pau Gasol (30 points on 11-17, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 blocked shots) also reappeared after missing in action last night. Lamar Odom (13 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 blocked shot) cleaned up the boards as well as kept the Rockets from collapsing on Bryant in the post. And when the double-team arrived, Kobe obliged and found the open man. The Lakers went on a 20-0 run in the 2nd period to put this one to bed. The defense clamped down on the guard penetration and Artest (7 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals) became a one-man wrecking crew again. He poked and prodded the Rockets into coughing up the ball or caused them to panic and make errant passes. He was strong enough to knock Scola off the block, quick enough to bother Ariza, and determined enough to even chase down a loose ball in a foot-race with Trevor. Artest would come up hobbling after tweaking an ankle but luckily, he was able to walk it off after a few agonizing minutes.

Jordan Farmar (14 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist) and Shannon Brown (9 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists) led the resurgent bench and took turns slowing down Brooks. But Luis Scola (28 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists) would become the offensive focal point in the second half as the Lakers shut down the guard play of the Rockets. And with nothing in the middle, Gasol continued waltzing to the basket for easy shots. Houston would make a run but the Lakers simply regrouped and extended the lead. And with the Lakers controlling the backboards 43-32 and neutralizing Houston’s penetration, the Rockets ran out of weapons to fight back. The Lakers would take a commanding 89-69 lead after the 3rd quarter and coast the rest of the way. The Lakers travel to New Orleans tomorrow for a Monday contest against Chris Paul and the Hornets.