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Fri Jan 7, 2005 · 8:30 PM
Houston RocketsRockets
97
away
Chemistry Steady
Los Angeles LakersLakers
86
home
Chemistry Tense

Box Score

TEAM Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 FINAL
Houston RocketsRockets 29 22 21 25 97
Los Angeles LakersLakers 22 18 21 25 86

After Action Report

The Rockets handled the Lakers 97-86. The Lakers couldn't capitalize even when shots wouldn't fall for the Rockets. The Rockets answered the bell with a bounce-back effort; Rockets' old heads steadied the ship in the swings. Rockets' rotation plan looked deliberate, and the right guys made the most of their roles. Ugly, but it counts the same in the standings.

What tipped it

  • Lakers · Rim Wreckers A trio of high-flyers run, dunk, and tilt the pace.
  • Lakers · Bouncing Back A winning team just got tripped up — expect a response.
  • Rockets · Bouncing Back A winning team just got tripped up — expect a response.