[2.8.06] Rockets-Lakers Game Recap

Bryant, Cook Lead Charge In 89-78 Victory Over Rockets

By Dennis L. Silva, II.
2.8.06


It was a tale of two halves Wednesday night at Toyota Center.

Unfortunately for the Houston Rockets, the Los Angeles Lakers had the better story to tell.

Due to the usual heroics of Kobe Bryant, as well as the outside shooting of obscure forward Brian Cook, the Lakers defeated the Rockets 89-78, ending their five game losing streak and Houston’s four game winning streak.

The first opening minutes of the game were indicative of Houston’s total game effort. The Rockets started the game shooting 1-10 from the floor while Cook scored 11 first-quarter points. The Lakers ran out to an 8-2 advantage early before a barrage of 3-pointers from David Wesley and Rafer Alston allowed Houston to even the contest at 17 points apiece.

LA opened up the game in the second quarter, outscoring Houston 27-16 in the period. Cook would add three more long jump shots while the Rockets were content to let defensive rebounds slip their hands, enabling the Lakers to snare 14 offensive rebounds. The Rockets’ offense was virtually non-existant, mustering 33 points for the entire half while Yao Ming (14 points, 13 rebounds) and Tracy McGrady accumulated a combined 25 points for the entire game on behalf of 12-35 shooting from the floor.

After a lethargic first half that compiled a combined 77 points between the two teams, both offenses looked fresh and ready heading into the second half.

Trailing by 11 at the half, Alston (16 points, 8 assists) inspired his team early by engineering a 17-5 scoring run to open the third period as the Rockets took a brief 54-52 lead midway. Houston’s offense, producing 10 baskets on its first 11 shot attempts, looked rejuvenated and full of life, a complete turnaround from its dismal first half. However, Bryant (32 points, 9 assists, 6 steals) who was held to only eight points in the first half) scored 12 points in the third quarter, leading LA on an 11-0 run of their own as the Lakers’ lead was back up to eight points entering the fourth and final period.

The fourth quarter was essentially garbage time as the Rockets compiled 16 points. McGrady (11 points, 5-18 shooting) was elbowed with 11:12 remaining and clearly was never the same afterward. Bryant continued his offensive awakening with 12 more points in the period, and Cook (27 points, 11 rebounds) added another 3-pointer as LA’s lead grew to as much as 17 points.

The game was disappointing for the Rockets as they look to evening up with the Lakers, who hold the wanted eighth spot in the West. After a successful road trip that seemed as if the team had started to regain its rhythm on both sides of the ball, Wednesday’s game appears to send the Rockets for more soul-searching. Houston’s offense produced only 41% shooting from the floor, and Yao looked tentative and reluctant against the subpar defensive efforts of Kwame Brown and Cook.

The Rockets play a back-to-back set of home games this weekend against Utah and New York.


ROCKETS RECAP

· David Wesley scored 15 points on 3-6 shooting from 3-point range.
· The Rockets outscored LA 34-22 in the paint.
· Houston’s bench outscored the Lakers’ 16-2.
· The Rockets managed only 5-10 from the free-throw line. LA was 12-18.
· Houston outscored the Lakers in transition 16-8.

http://www.nba.com/games/20060208/LALHOU/boxscore.html

 

not sure how you came to that conclusion, but I'll take your word for it

 

I said alston ENGINEERED the scoring run, which he did, as the point guard...I didnt say he was solely responsible for it...I didn't exclusively bash Yao, and everything I said, such as him looking tentative against lesser opponents, was true...

 

OK, maybe 'tentative' was the wrong word...ok, no not really, thats just my opinion...i thought he was a bit tentative because he should have abused kwame and cook down low...but again, just my opinion, its not like it's set in stone or anything...