Los Angeles Lakers fall to Houston Rockers despite 39 points by Kobe Bryant – NBA Recap
The Los Angeles Lakers continued their struggles this season when they made the road trip to take on the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night, losing 105-107 in a closely fought contest. The Lakers were in control of the game at the end of the third period, but allowed Houston back in the game in the final period, when the Rockets outscored the Lakers 34-22. Kobe Bryant had another big night, finishing with 39 points and 6 rebounds while going 14 of 31 from the field and 2 of 9 from three point range. Antawn Jamison, playing in place of Pau Gasol in the starting line-up, finished with 15 points and 9 rebounds where as Dwight Howard had 16 points and 12 rebounds but was 8 of 16 from the foul line. Toney Douglas scored a team high 22 points coming off the bench for the Rockets, where as Greg Smith finished with 21 points and 9 rebounds and James Harden added 15 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists.
The Lakers started the game well, with Jamison scoring a three pointer and then a layup to put the Lakers up 10-2 as the Rockets went scoreless for almost the first three minutes of the game. Back to back field goals by Kobe Bryant had the Lakers up 18-8, and he later scored another jump shot to put the Lakers up 26-13. The Rockets did put up a run to close the period which helped them reduce the deficit to 22-30 heading into the second quarter.
Douglas scored a three pointer in the early going of the second period and Carlos Delfino added a three of his own as the Rockets trailed 30-36. However, Jodie Meeks responded with a three of his own and the Lakers were back on top, leading 41-31. Bryant then scored a three to put the Lakers up 49-35 as the Lakers led 58-45 at the half time break.
Houston started the third period well, and a layup by Harden had the Lakers lead down to 63-55 in the early going. Metta World Peace then scored a three and Bryant followed with two free throws to put the Lakers up 75-59, but Houston came back with a 9-0 run and cut the lead down to 75-68. Bryant then closed the third period with a fade away jumper, putting the Lakers up 83-73 heading into the final period.
The Rockets came out firing on all cylinders in the final period, and compiled a 10-2 run to trail 91-94 with 4:40 left in regulation. Smith’s layup then out them behind by one, and Douglas scored a three pointer to give the Rockets a 100-99 lead. Howard scored two free throws to put the Lakers up 102-100, but Houston scored the next six points and led 106-102. Bryant then scored a clutch three to have the Lakers trailing by one, but missed the game winning shot as the Rockets held on for a 107-105 victory.
The Lakers shot much better from the field than the Rockets, but were 22 of 34 from the foul line and had 18 turnovers compared to only 10 for Houston.
Tags: