Rockets on Verge of Shocking World

HOUSTON -- Let's be honest: This wasn't supposed to be this difficult for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Add up talent level, star power and experience and the Western Conference's top team should have taken the Houston Rockets out in five, maybe six games tops. But here we are staring at an upcoming winner-moves-on Game 7 after the Rockets put forth an astounding performance at home Thursday night to prevail 95-80 in Game 6 of their semifinal matchup with the Lakers.

The series unexpectedly moves back to Los Angeles tied 3-3 Sunday with the winner moving on to face the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals.

"For the last two days all I've heard is that we weren't going back to L.A. and guys in our locker room didn't believe that," said Rockets coach Rick Adelman.

Rockets 95, Lakers 80: Recap | Box Score
Rockets' MVP: Rick Adelman
Series Tied 3-3 | Next Game: Sunday @ Los Angeles, 3:30 PM ET

It shouldn't be a surprise the Rockets are thinking upset, despite the sting of a 40-point loss at the Staples Center on Tuesday night. Who could blame them for the illusions of grandeur after another convincing wire-to-wire dismantling of the Lakers at the Toyota Center?

Very reminiscent of Sunday's stunning home win, the Rockets came out and pounced on the Lakers from the start Thursday night. Houston led 17-1 before the Lakers converted their first field goal on a Kobe Bryant drive with 6:19 left in the first quarter.

This time it was Luis Scola scoring at will in the low post early on, while the Lakers couldn't get on track. Scola scored 14 of his playoff career-high 24 points in the first quarter. Later it was Carl Landry coming off the bench and dominating inside after Los Angeles had reduced a one-time 18-point first quarter deficit to just two points late in the third quarter.

So any idea who will be the team playing loose Sunday?

"I think it's fun, we enjoy it," said Rockets point guard Aaron Brooks, who had another impressive outing with 26 points, which included 3 of 4 shooting from 3-point range. "We've got them on their heels, the pressure is on them. We're going back to LA.

"Whatever we did today, we have to bring it to LA. We've got to be aggressive, be smart and play Rockets basketball."

Exactly what that would have entailed after Game 3 of this series would have been anybody's guess. With Yao Ming, the Rockets' only real offensive threat, shelved for the playoffs with a broken foot coming into Game 4, the Rockets fate seemed sealed. The Rockets obviously didn't get the memo.

Since then, Houston has received some big play from some players who are thought of as little more than bit pieces. Shane Battier and Brooks took over in Game 4. Then Thursday it was Scola and Landry in spurts, while Brooks' speed and quickness to the basket continued to give the Lakers fits.

Bryant scored a game-high 32 points, but he had to take 27 shots to get them thanks to some excellent defense by Battier. The problem for Bryant and the Lakers is there wasn't any consistent help from anywhere else on the floor with Gasol missing often from point blank range and Andrew Bynum going scoreless on 0-for-3 shooting.

Curiously, Lakers coach Phil Jackson was asked if he was worried. The Zen Master replied no and even tried to play the we've-got-'em-right-where-we-want-'em card.

"It's nothing to worry about, it's just a game and you go out there play," Jackson said. "It's our home court and the last time we were there, we beat them by whatever. We play a different game on our home court, it's obvious."

What he might be overlooking is playing a team that feels it has nothing to lose. Remember no one ever thought this series would be at this point.

"We just have to go out there and play, go out there and leave it all out on the court," Brooks said. "When we don't do that, that's when we get embarrassed.

"We can't allow the Lakers to work harder than we do because their talent is superior than ours right now. I just think when we come out, we have to play hard. We got to scrap, we got to be aggressive. We didn't do that in Game 5, but we did that today and it showed."

Latest NBA Playoff Photos

ORLANDO - MAY 14: Rafer Alston #1 of the Orlando Magic reacts during a break in play against the Boston Celtics in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Amway Arena on May 14, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rafer Alston

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ORLANDO - MAY 14: Hedo Turkoglu #15 and Rashard Lewis #9 of the Orlando Magic celebrate during a break in play against the Boston Celtics in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Amway Arena on May 14, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Hedo Turkoglu;Rashard Lewis

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Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson (R) and guard Jordan Farmar protest an official's call during their loss to the Houston Rockets in Game 6 of their NBA Western Conference semi-final basketball game in Houston, Texas, May 14, 2009. REUTERS/Donna Carson (UNITED STATES SPORT BASKETBALL)

Reuters

Houston Rockets forward Luis Scola (R) of Argentina and guard Brent Barry celebrate their team's Game 6 win in their NBA Western Conference semi-final basketball against the Los Angeles Lakers in Houston, Texas, May 14, 2009. REUTERS/Donna Carson (UNITED STATES SPORT BASKETBALL)

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ORLANDO - MAY 14: WWE professional wrestler John Cena watches play between the Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Amway Arena on May 14, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** John Cena

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Los Angeles Lakers forward Trevor Ariza, bottom, and Houston Rockets forward Ron Artest lock arms as a shot goes in during the second half of Game 6 of their NBA Western conference playoff basketball series in Houston, Thursday, May 14, 2009. The Rockets won 95-80. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Houston Rockets guard Ron Artest loses control of the ball as he goes up for a shot against Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom (L) and center Andrew Bynum (R) during the Rockets Game 6 of their NBA Western Conference semi-final basketball game in Houston, Texas, May 14, 2009. REUTERS/Richard Carson (UNITED STATES SPORT BASKETBALL)

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HOUSTON - MAY 14: Guard Ron Artest #96 of the Houston Rockets takes a shot against Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Six of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 14, 2009 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ron Artest;Pau Gasol

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Houston Rockets forward Luis Scola puts up a shot against Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum during the Rockets win in Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semi-final basketball game in Houston, Texas, May 14, 2009. REUTERS/Richard Carson (UNITED STATES)

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant reacts in the fourth quarter of their Game 6 loss to the Houston Rockets during their NBA Western Conference semi-final playoff basketball game in Houston, Texas, May 14, 2009. REUTERS/Richard Carson (UNITED STATES SPORT BASKETBALL)

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

5-15-2009 @ 3:55AM

GILES ! said...

The Houston Rockets are playing with a lot of determination and heart, and the Lakers aren`t. Bynum is playing little and poorly, like an injured athlete, and that is part of what was not expected. Walton hasn`t made a comeback after his injury, either, like Rick Fox failing to do so cost the Lakers a championship his last season when no one took up the slack. That is also part of what was not expected. Neither team is running their offense very well, and that should not have been expected, either, even though Yao, Ming, and Tracy McGrady are out for Houston, as well as Dikembe Mtumbo. Adelman has been a good coach, Jackson a great coach, their teams should be led by two or three times as many as the 4 and 3 assists they were led by. DON`T credit the defense, but Artest and Battier for Houston, and Bryant for Los Angeles are certainly good defensive men. The Laker starters flanking Bryant at point guard and co-wing forward/guard also need to be replaced with starting quality athletes in the off season, but that should have been expected. I expect the Lakers to bounce back and win at home, but I salute the Rockets. They know it is win or go home, and have worked hard for everything they`ve won.

5-15-2009 @ 4:03AM

GSTARR PROD. said...

The Lakers are not getting defensive stops in the paint. Gasol has been playing terrible defense and Bynum needs to be more aggressive in denying penetration. However, the Rockets don't shoot nearly as well in Staples, so overall it looks like the Lakers will move on if they decide to defend.

5-15-2009 @ 4:09AM

gstarrpro said...

Gasol,no way a 5'10 guy (Brooks) should take you to the hole.. What the heck is wrong with you? Stop playing like a wuss!

5-15-2009 @ 5:32AM

Bob said...

Goog God, people, IT'S FIXED!!! NO Nascar Sunday. Tiger isn't playing...so of course there will be 2 Game 7's.

The NBA is no better than the WWE!! Wake the hell up!!

A Laker/Cleveland Final is a guarantee!!!!

5-15-2009 @ 6:03AM

libslie13 said...

ROCKETBALL.......YES ! ! !!

5-15-2009 @ 7:40AM

obamaizadope said...

Kobe has created a monster. They all think 'Kobe will bail us out' of any deficit, but not against Battier he won't..

aurapoi said...

It doesn't matter, Cleveland is going to take it all anyways

5-15-2009 @ 8:47AM

marylulu325 said...

The rockets are running fast and low and all over the floor and the lakers have to stop them.
The Lakers defense is horrible and they better step up or they will lose this series. Defense, Defense, Defense and leave the shooting to Kobe.
The rockets are playing like they dont care whether they win or lose and they are no leaving any stone unturned with their players. Get Smart Lakers.................

5-15-2009 @ 8:48AM

gsmrmm said...

The Fakers are the most overrated team in the history of the NBA. Kobe's a great player (but not close to MJ or LeBron), Gasol is just okay and everyone else is average. If you call rotating 12 average players "depth", then you might want to change your definition of "depth".

5-16-2009 @ 5:47PM

Paul said...

Hey man, are you naive or just blank out of your mind? Like many have said, it's all about TV rating. You should get it through your thick head by now. What wrong with you? You should know better.

5-15-2009 @ 9:20AM

Martin said...

Three things the Lakers must do to win:
(1) Phil Jackson needs to give up on Fisher (1-7 shooting) and Walton (0-5) and go with Farmar and Brown, both of whom have the quickness necessary to keep up with the Rockets.
(2) The Lakers need to start EVERY possession with a pass into the low post.
(3) Kobe has to realize that he can't break down the defense of Battier with the dribble and either use screens or multiple passes to break down the defense and get him and his team mates open looks.

5-15-2009 @ 9:55AM

rdfreeman570 said...

Martin is right: I love Derek Fisher but he's past his prime and Walton has too many liabilities. Farmar should have been starting all year and then he'd be ready to lead in the playoffs.
Lamar Odom should be taking more shots and driving more. He should be getting 20 pts a game.
The Lakers need to play better defense with Gasol stepping up. I think they'll win game 7 but the Nuggets will beat them unless they play a whole lot better.

5-15-2009 @ 10:42AM

cabinetec said...

Im The BIGGEST Laker fan on the planetbut Im also realistic. Yes the Lakers are the most taltnted team. Yes their going to be home for the last game BUT!!!!!!! The HEART and DESIRE to win a championship doest seem to be present.Where does the WILL to win go every other game. They had better focus during the regular season than they do now and thats just a fact. I feel bad for LA fans because we just NEVER know what team is going to show up for the game.. Jeckle or Hyde

5-15-2009 @ 10:44AM

SUPERMAN said...

It is hard not to agree with some of the conspiracy theories about an already determined outcome on these NBA playoff games. Since the the recent decline of revenues and current state of affairs. You need not look to far to see the pattern of fines dished out this year for coaches & players who have spoken out against this years refs & PHANTOM like calls.
Getting back to the Fakers vs Rockets series, if there is a shred of fair play left, the absolute truth is that Portland played a more tightly contested series with Houston than the Lakers are showing us. No matter that the series is tied 3 - 3. Portland was simply a 3 point shot away from making that series a 3 - 3. And really only one big blow-out which happened in game 1. Portland had to contend with yao Ming,who definitely makes Houston a better team.
Any way you slice this , the Lakers have the wrong mental chemistry to ever get the championship, there are way too many teams out there that have more heart than the boys from La La land. Boston, Orlando, Portland, Denver, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, & Houston. All have more heart, maybe not talent , but better attitude.

5-15-2009 @ 10:55AM

I have to say one last comment about this tied 3 - 3 series with Houston & LA.
Aaron Brooks , what a difference he makes. No one seems to be able to guard him, and he has been demonstrating the ability to be a threat at any position on the floor, both outside and inside, Passing, cutting, he is all over the place.
And if Kobe has a bad game, it is Brooks who makes the biggest difference in showing up the Lakers. Since he seems to control the game with his quickness and ability to keep the No defense Lakers standing tall with no movement.
What a player, and fun to watch, a great play maker who also knows how to share the ball, something Kobe still struggles with at times.
But when you play with the attitude of these Laker boys, who think they just have to put on a yellow and purple uniform and that the balls will automatically drop in the hole, really don't get it.

5-15-2009 @ 5:44PM

Oliver G said...

The Lakers did not come to play last night. The Rockets came out with energy, played solid defense and made their open shots. The Lakers struggling against this Rockets team should be embarrassing for them no matter how Phil Jackson brushes everything off like their are no worries about his team.

5-15-2009 @ 11:13AM

phil said...

i dont care for lakers

5-15-2009 @ 12:38PM

dmtrsh said...

Gasol ooh my God, man stop being so damm SOFT! I now see why Memphis got rid of him, how in the hell you let a 5-10 guard come inside over and over and over and a 6-6 forward/center out play you in the paint! Dammit jump sometimes and stop turning you back to them when they come inside. Those guards should be knocked on their asses when they come inside. And as for Phil Jackson,...START FARMAR! Fisher can't do shit..with Houston guard. Fisher is slower and don't make his open shots. Dammit its time for Kobe to start coaching this team such as Magic did with Riley! Jackson is not a good coach, he makes the team play too hard when their behind with the (play through it crap). Gasol kills me game after game with this soft lay-up crap, dunk the ball every time, go strong to the hole and finish strong dammm you... I wish there was a email/web site for jackson to read because jackson is being out coached. Jackson don't know when to call for time-out and why isn't Mebanga in? I would use him to guard Artist get inside his head with physical play. I bet my job on that Artist won't be in Mebanga face. Mebanga will put artist on the floor soo fast that it will aguar his kinfolks in jamicia or where ever that cry baby is from. and the Ref oooohh hell don't let me start on them, with their phanton tech. fouls the lakers have to man up and stop being the BITCHES especially Gasol. As for Bynum i really think that he is still hurting. I hope the lakers take it at Staples but if not, they deserve to loose. Lakers in 7

5-15-2009 @ 12:47PM

I agree with you Martin...those phantom call and the ball Should go inside the post EVERY TIME! Fisher is done Walton plays scared and slow. Farmar and Brown should be the starting back court! and Gasol (weak, soft ass S.O.B.) should jump and back people down instead of being back down and MAN THE HELL UP!