12/17: LAKERS vs. Houston Rockets Q-by-Q Reaction

Q4:

HOU 107 LAL 87

When the Rockets build up their leaders, the Lakers attempt to make a comeback. When the Lakers make a comeback, the Rockets respond emphatically. This was the story of the game all night long. The Lakers made this game close early on, but the Rockets just proved to be too much. One thing about this game though, Kobe Bryant pulled a nostalgia act this game and as a Laker fan, it was a sight to behold. Enjoy it while it lasts guys because he's not always going to make magical moments like this all the time this season, but like Reggie Miller said, watching Kobe Bryant is worth the price of admission. Stay tuned for the full recap.

Q3:

HOU 78 LAL 68

Well, we know what the highlight of this quarter was: the man, the myth, the legend himself, the Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant. He truly turned back the clock 10 years, splitting defenders to get to the hoop, dancing one and one against a defender and knocking down a jumper, and we all found out that he could still dunk, even at age 37, putting Clint Capela in his poster that even Dwight had to smile, That was a great sequence for Kobe and provided a lot of nostalgia for the fans. The Lakers' offense fed off that, despite being down by 10 heading into the 4th.

Q2:

HOU 52 LAL 39

During this quarter, the Lakers were trailing only by 4 points. After that, the Rockets responded right back and ballooned the lead a bit. It's just a combination of bad defense and allowing the Rockets 2nd chance opportunities for the Lakers. This is the common theme so far in this game and that's why whenever the Lakers try to make comeback, they allow opposing teams to go on ahead and extend the lead. Onto the halftime report.

Q1:

HOU 29 LAL 18

Well, a decent finish to end the quarter for the Lakers. But, allowing the Rockets 7 offensive rebounds, 62% shooting from beyond the arc is not a good way to start for the Lakers. Early on, their energy was sapped as the offense couldn't click and the defense was sloppy as usual. Luckily, a strong effort at the end to put the deficit within 11 saved this quarter from being mediocre for the Lakers.