Swamigp’s Weblog

Rafer Alston had one of his best games of his career, posting career highs of 31 points, and 8 threes, to help the Rockets beat the Lakers 104-92, to increase their winning streak to 22 games. With Tracy McGrady struggling Rafer Alston took the reigns early hitting three after three to help the Rockets keep the streak rolling. The Rockets took control in the first half, pulling out to a 59-44 halftime lead behind Alston, even with McGrady scoreless for the first 24 minutes. The Lakers Kobe Bryant was shut down throughout the game by the stifling defense of Shane Battier, who held the shooting guard to 24 points on only 11-33 shooting. This win for the Rockets puts them in sole possession of 1st in the Western Conference, their 10 straight win without center Yao Ming. Rookie Luis Scola had a nice game to pace the Rockets behind Alston, posting 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Bobby Jackson had a great game off the bench with 19 points including some huge baskets late in the 4th quarter to help the Rockets keep the streak on. Dikembe Mutombo, Yao’s replacement, didn’t score any points, but made his contribution on the defensive end grabbing 9 rebounds and blocking one shot as well as affecting many others to help the Rockets. Shane Battier was really the biggest factor in the game by shutting down Kobe Bryant, hounding him on every defensive possession, therefore forcing him, and the Lakers, into a bad game.

The Lakers crept back into the game in the 3rd quarter, starting the 2nd half on a 12-0 run to cut the Rockets lead to 3, 59-56. They stayed in the game throughout the third quarter, down only 2 until Rafer Alston’s three pointer at the buzzer made it 71-66. They continued to stay that close during most of the 4th but the Rockets put them away with a 13-6 run to end the game.

The Rockets continue their tough stretch this week by playing the Celtics, Hornets, Warriors, and Suns as they try and continue this streak.