Lakers bounce back to beat Rockets 118-78

By BERNIE WILSON, AP Sports Writer May 13, 2:48 am EDT

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LOS ANGELES (AP)—Two days after being blindsided in Texas, the Los Angeles Lakers returned the favor.

Kobe Bryant(notes) needed only three quarters to score 26 points and the Lakers bounced back from their Game 4 flop, routing the Houston Rockets 118-78 on Tuesday night to take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference semifinals.

The top-seeded Lakers did everything they didn’t do in Sunday’s 99-87 loss at Houston—hustled, rebounded and played tight defense on Houston’s smaller lineup, keeping Aaron Brooks(notes) in check and limiting wide-open shots.

On Sunday the Lakers trailed by 29 points. On Tuesday night, they had a 29-point lead by late in the second quarter, on a 3-pointer by Bryant, who led seven Lakers in double figures.

The 40-point margin tied the Rockets’ worst playoff loss ever. They lost to the Dallas Mavericks 116-76 on May 7, 2005.

The Lakers can wrap up the series Thursday night in Houston.

Then again, they’ve been prone to lapses in these playoffs, which is probably why Bryant warned that it’s not going to be easy to finish off the Rockets.

“We’ve got to stay focused and understand that the effort we gave tonight is not going to be enough on Thursday. It’s just not,” Bryant said. “We’re not playing some chump team. I don’t care how many people they have out. This is a tough team, it’s a tough team full of competitors.”

The Rockets played their second game without Yao Ming(notes), who sustained a season-ending stress fracture in his left foot in Game 3.

Bryant looked more like himself after being held to 15 points on Sunday. With the Lakers far ahead after holding the Rockets to only 15 points in each of the second and third quarters, he sat out the fourth period.

“We played just the opposite we did the last game,” Houston coach Rick Adelman said. “We turned it over in the first half, shot it poorly. We said if we turn it over against this team we’re going to be in big trouble. That’s exactly what we did.

“It just kind of fed their energy level. The second and third quarters are about as bad as we’ve played in a long time.”

Pau Gasol(notes) had 16 points and 13 rebounds, Andrew Bynum(notes) 14 points, Trevor Ariza(notes) 13 and Jordan Farmar(notes) 12. Lamar Odom(notes) and Josh Powell(notes) had 10 apiece.

Brooks was held to 14 points after scoring a career-high 34 on Sunday. Ron Artest(notes) had a horrible night shooting, 4-of-15 for nine points. The Rockets shot only 32 percent.

“There are seven games. That is the great thing about the playoffs,” Artest said. “It is not like football where there is one game, so you can only stay positive.”

Houston had an early lead, but Chuck Hayes(notes), who replaced Yao, picked up his second foul by midway through the first quarter.

The Lakers gained control by outscoring Houston 23-6 during the final six minutes of the first quarter. Bryant had eight points, making three straight shots at one point. Odom sank a 3-pointer and Farmar another 3 at the buzzer for a 35-24 lead.

“We just made our adjustments, really,” Bryant said. “The last game they played a different style, a little bit more uptempo, spread the floor out a little bit. They got off to a great start and we never recovered.

“Tonight we did a good job covering for our defensive assignments. We didn’t blow too many of those; made plays.”

The Rockets had nine turnovers in the first half.

“We had a good first couple of minutes and then we started to turn the ball over,” Artest said. “But we are going to adjust. That is the thing with the Houston Rockets.”

With Bryant sitting out at the start of the second quarter, the Lakers didn’t lose any of their intensity, going on an 8-0 run to push the lead to 43-24. Gasol made a hook shot and two free throws, Odom made two free throws and Sasha Vujacic(notes) blocked a shot by Von Wafer(notes), raced down the court and took a pass from Gasol for a slam dunk.

With Houston going cold, the Lakers piled it on, taking a 64-35 lead on Bryant’s 3-pointer with 1:31 before halftime. It was 64-39 at the break.

Notes

Odom didn’t start, but entered the game late in the first quarter in place of Bynum. Odom had been listed as questionable with a bruised back, the result of taking a hard fall on Sunday. … Luke Walton(notes) had six rebounds off the bench for the Lakers. … Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea played the national anthem. He didn’t remove his black hat.

Updated May 13, 2:48 am EDT
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481 Comments

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  1. Joemerando
    481. Posted by Joemerando Mon May 18 5:33am EDT

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    kobe versus king james......i like to see the real younger recorded as be the FLYING WINGS on a basket era...see u guys on the final ball match..
  2. Kevin S
    480. Posted by Kevin S Fri May 15 4:37pm EDT

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    The rockets will win game 7 in la............mark my words.
  3. Arnold
    479. Posted by Arnold Fri May 15 8:21am EDT

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    wow!!!! ang galing mo aaron brooks kahit maliit ka kayamong lumipad... Idol maganda nyan ipagpatuloy mo ... higitan mo na c kobee.
  4. G smacktalk
    478. Posted by G smacktalk Thu May 14 5:10pm EDT

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    Hey ese, I hope the LAkers win Holmes!!! Lakers all the way. My friend junior says they will win.
    Lakers win fool!
  5. G smacktalk
    477. Posted by G smacktalk Thu May 14 5:09pm EDT

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    I hope the Rockets win so that all the ese's are cryin. Smile now, cry later vato!
  6. G smacktalk
    476. Posted by G smacktalk Thu May 14 5:08pm EDT

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    I used to Like the Lakers, then What I saw was certain people liked them because certain people of a certain ethnic group liked them. So they all started liking them to feel part of something instead of being real and liking a team because you actually like them. These same fans also like the Dodgers and Raiders. I'm just saying. Don't get mad and don't hate. Just saying without profanity and prejudice.
    Lakers have no heart and they are not exciting to watch. Houston should bury them and soon.
  7. dhoang
    475. Posted by dhoang Thu May 14 1:23am EDT

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    "Lakers Are Goin All The Way Kobe 4th Ring And He Should Have Been MVP Lebron Just Plays For Stats And The Last 3 Years Lebron Been In The Leauge Kobe Already Won 3Rings So Hes Nowhere Better That Kobe"

    Kobe 4th Ring, but who got the Finals MVPs for his other three? Shaq. LeBron leads a team of average players while Kobe has all-stars and champions to work with. Come on now. LeBron Kobe. And I believe Kobe "won" (with Shaq) those three rings before LBJ entered the league. Nice try.
  8. MARQUISE
    474. Posted by MARQUISE Thu May 14 1:03am EDT

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    Lakers Are Goin All The Way Kobe 4th Ring And He Should Have Been MVP Lebron Just Plays For Stats And The Last 3 Years Lebron Been In The Leauge Kobe Already Won 3Rings So Hes Nowhere Better That Kobe
  9. Nightwolf
    473. Posted by Nightwolf Wed May 13 10:52pm EDT

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    Yo LAKERS go hard especially FISHER and BRYANT
  10. gboy
    472. Posted by gboy Wed May 13 10:43pm EDT

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    hey tsunami be careful of what youre saying....rockets havent won with lakers this season...rockets won only when playoffs came......pffff
  11. ttgrl30
    471. Posted by ttgrl30 Wed May 13 10:33pm EDT

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    WOODY YOU ARE A HATER AND YOU SUCK FOR YOUR COMMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!
    You are a HATER in a major way
  12. tsunami23
    470. Posted by tsunami23 Wed May 13 9:56pm EDT

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    I don't understand the Laker arrogance.

    Boston owns you all time.

    have not won since shaq left town.

    Got demolished last years finals.

    struggling in the playoffs.

    keep up the pep talk it's working...lmao
  13. jamaica
    469. Posted by jamaica Wed May 13 9:25pm EDT

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    wAaahh!!...

    anG gAlinG tlgA ni kObe bryAnT..

    astig!.

    PaTI Nah RIN C LeBRoN JAMES...


    wAlanG mAkAkatalo sKnlA!..

    AhhhOooo..!!!!!!!!!
  14. Ricardo C
    468. Posted by Ricardo C Wed May 13 7:39pm EDT

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    So the next victim will be the Nuggets. Sure, they are very talented, but not much experience at all. Carmelo and K-mart just want to start their vacation and spark up their bong. Lakers in 6!!
  15. <i>rubdog_sal</i>
    467. Posted by rubdog_sal Wed May 13 7:17pm EDT

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    nuggets will get by dallas BUT u got a giant awaiting u theLAKERS will swept melo and co. the rockets woke up a monster. LAKERS GO L.A
  16. monk8
    466. Posted by monk8 Wed May 13 7:04pm EDT

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    lakers in 6, denvers gonna get swept
  17. rhans07
    465. Posted by rhans07 Wed May 13 6:57pm EDT

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    @DAVID C

    in denver-LA series, if what you saw last night is the indication of what the nugs will meet, then the nugs is in deep trouble. however, i'll give you the benefit of the doubt since them Lakers has yet to show their true colors and eradicate their inconsistencies. if they really poses a threat in the next two series to come, that remains to be seen, whewww. but on a night-to-night basis, them lakers are just playing of what the situation is being laid into them. that is, this is what I hate about them, if being pushed that's the only time they'll retaliate, and retaliate that hard. good thing for the next series though, they have homecourt advantage. so, i still give them the edge over den...
  18. JohnnyBlue
    464. Posted by JohnnyBlue Wed May 13 6:45pm EDT

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    Nuggs in 6. Lackers have no heart. Nuggs are too athletic, to explosive. Kobe will get his but all others will struggle. Nuggs bench will be the difference.
  19. Dude!
    463. Posted by Dude! Wed May 13 6:44pm EDT

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    The refs really sucked all of the games. Always calling fouls on the Lakers and not on the Rockets. I saw Artest take 4 steps for a layup. No call on that!
  20. rhans07
    462. Posted by rhans07 Wed May 13 6:41pm EDT

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    come on guys, nobody expected the houston rockets to win anyway, right? nevermind these houston fans or anti-Lakers or them haters or unbelievers, they are just hopefuls and proud enough that this series goes a distance in adverse to what they have expected. The rox make the Lakers work for their hearts out and motivated them to not treating every single game easily(unlike their 40-pt blowout tonight). Thank them rox for showing them Lakers the initial reason why they will land in the promise land, the NBA Finals. Thank them rox for waking up Lakers this early that they still need nine (9) more games and not to be complacent or lackluster in their outings in order to be glorified with their claim of being champions. I for myself don't admire their inconsistencies, but it is just I think is their mentality, yet, for them Lakers. So this series serves as an eye-opener for them, if they really wanted to go all the way! And I know they'll be there. But first, focus on Denver...
  21. tsunami23
    461. Posted by tsunami23 Wed May 13 6:29pm EDT

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    Can't take nights off like L.a tends to do. they have the talent and desire. the question is can they do it on the court constistantly.

    That was really embarrassing to get blown in the finals.

    Nuggets and Cavs are hungry.
  22. <i>chuy963210</i>
    460. Posted by chuy963210 Wed May 13 6:23pm EDT

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    lakers fans relax,your supposed to beat a team that has dhl drivers on it.i mean no mutombo,mcgrady,and yao and your thrilled........
  23. dino
    459. Posted by dino Wed May 13 6:16pm EDT

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    go lakers
  24. craig24
    458. Posted by craig24 Wed May 13 6:09pm EDT

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    wow you over excited laker fans are wierd!
    im a laker fan myself but not like you people.we had a awesome game lastnight no doubt about it all of the starters where in double figures bynum got in the game and played well.but it makes me mad when the lakers PROVE how good they are and SHOW how there a great team but.. why cant we do that every game why do we need to loose to get a little heart from them sorry to sayy but if wanna go all the way we have to play like that EVERY game nuggets have swept by the Hornets and are going right threw the Mavs soo basically there the ones were gonna play.which means we need more from bynum and need to prove that we do have heart and dont need a dam lose to play that good.
  25. Wilbert J
    457. Posted by Wilbert J Wed May 13 6:07pm EDT

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    I have been a Lakers/sports fan all my life and I like to keep it real. I can't take nothing from Houston because they have played with a lot of heart. After game 4 my mouth was shut just like every other Laker fan. But really, is it just me or can anyone else see the main problem with this laker team is the coaching. Phil is so set in his stubborn ways that he has not changed his offense or defense for years. The Lakers offense and defense is so predictable thats why we lost to Boston last year in the Finals. #1 The Lakers have turn overs because of the triangle. That offense keeps the ball rotating through too many different player hands. Not every is a good passer or see the floor as good as your gaurds. #2 The big man, too many times get caught with the ball up top in that stupid offense. #3 - The defense is the worst. Why would you have your gaurds/fowards coming down into the paint to help a 7 footer gaurd a player who is 6-6 to 6-9, dosent make sense. But other teams know what the Lakers will do thats why the put in more spot up shooters because they already know the open shots will be there because Lakers run the SAME D over and over. #4 The stupid rotation needs to stop. In game 4 when your starters made a run at the end of the first quarter, cut the lead to 11 then Phil puts in Luke walton, Sasha, ect and take out Kobe and Gasol. Then he waits 5 1/2 mins let the lead go back up to 18 then he wants to put the starters back in. Phil its to late by then . This is the play offs. Your starters need to spend more time on the court. They are your horses. You don't see Lebron, Wade, Dirk, CP on a regular rotation. Kobe is the best shooting gaurd in the Lead and he needs to stay on the court, especially in close games. Phil wake up, you got out coach in last year finals.
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 Houston
L. Scola Luis Scola
4-10,  12 Pts
13 Rebs, 4 Assists
 LA Lakers
P. Gasol Pau Gasol
5-9,  16 Pts
13 Rebs, 3 Assists

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