Fri Jan 7, 2005 · 8:30 PM
Houston RocketsRockets
106
away
Chemistry
Steady
Los Angeles LakersLakers
96
home
Chemistry
Cold
Box Score
| TEAM | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | FINAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston RocketsRockets | 22 | 31 | 21 | 32 | 106 |
| Los Angeles LakersLakers | 22 | 26 | 17 | 31 | 96 |
After Action Report
The Rockets outlasted the Lakers 106-96. The tempo dragged the Lakers into a rhythm they couldn't survive. The Rockets came in with something to prove after a loss; Rockets' Run-and-Gun identity dictated the tempo. The Rockets bench chemistry carried them. The Lakers rotation plan worked against them — wrong guys, wrong night. Survive-and-advance type win.
What tipped it
- Lakers · Locker-Room Rift Tension in the locker room — poor ball movement and streaky play.
- Rockets · Bouncing Back A winning team just got tripped up — expect a response.
- Rockets · Tight-Knit Locker-room chemistry is humming — extra trust on every possession.