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Fri Jan 7, 2005 · 8:30 PM
Houston RocketsRockets
86
away
Chemistry Steady
Los Angeles LakersLakers
85
home
Chemistry Tense

Box Score

TEAM Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 FINAL
Houston RocketsRockets 11 16 21 38 86
Los Angeles LakersLakers 22 20 26 17 85

After Action Report

In Los Angeles, the Rockets survived the Lakers 86-85. The Lakers couldn't capitalize even when shots wouldn't fall for the Rockets. The Rockets ride keeps rolling — they're catching fire; Rockets' outside barrage was a constant threat. The Rockets bench chemistry carried them. 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 · Glass Eaters Crashing the boards generates extra possessions and second-chance buckets.
  • Rockets · Catching Fire Riding a 4+ game winning streak — confidence is high.
  • Rockets · Tight-Knit Locker-room chemistry is humming — extra trust on every possession.