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Thu Apr 7, 2005 · 7:30 PM
Houston RocketsRockets
123
away
Chemistry Steady
Los Angeles LakersLakers
119
home
Chemistry Cold

Box Score

TEAM Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 FINAL
Houston RocketsRockets 28 35 20 40 123
Los Angeles LakersLakers 29 24 24 42 119

After Action Report

In Los Angeles, the Rockets squeaked past the Lakers 123-119. The tempo dragged the Lakers into a rhythm they couldn't survive. The Rockets answered the bell with a bounce-back effort; the Lakers owned the glass, generating extra possessions. The Rockets bench chemistry carried them. Lakers' per-player workload didn't match the gameplan.

What tipped it

  • Lakers · Glass Eaters Crashing the boards generates extra possessions and second-chance buckets.
  • Lakers · Bouncing Back A winning team just got tripped up — expect a response.
  • 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.