Lakers vs Rockets (4/17/13)

Game number 82 usually has little significance for the Lakers franchise.  This year however has been anything but "usual".  In the off season the Lakers acquired future Hall of Famers Dwight Howard and Steve Nash along with it some lofty expectations.   Fast forward 7 months through a myriad of injuries, coaching changes, and media driven drama and the Lakers would be fighting for their playoff lives on the final day of their season. With the Staples Center crowd supporting them, the Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 99-95 in overtime, and they claim the number 7 seed in the Western Conference Playoffs.

Just before the game the Lakers received news that the Utah Jazz had lost their game.  This guaranteed that the Lakers would at least receive the 8th spot in the playoffs.  Many believed this would lead to an emotional let down for the Lakers.  However, with a win against the Rockets, the Lakers would overtake them and move into the 7th spot.  That would have the Lakers playing the Spurs in the first round instead of the Thunder. So there was still some motivation for the team.  I also think it's nice to end the season with a win.  Jamison echoed my sentiments after the game in an interview.

The Lakers won this game on the strength of their defense.  LA shot only 37% from the field, but they held the highest scoring team in the league to under 100 points in overtime.  That's outstanding.  You can't mention the Lakers' D without mention the big D, Dwight Howard.  He had several key defensive plays including a strip of Jeremy Lin and several stuffs on Harden driving to the rim.  With Nash and Bryant out the offense was ran heavily through Gasol.  He responded with a triple-double (17 points, 20 rebounds, and 11 assists).  This was the Spanish national team Pau Gasol.  It really shows his value when he's being utilized correctly.  Kobe tweeted his support for Pau after the game, "Can the talk of trading @paugasol come to a cease now??" Hopefully so.

Notables:

The Good:
- Huge games from the Laker bigs.  Triple-double from Pau and 16 points, 18 rebounds, and 4 blocks for Dwight
- The Blake Mamba strikes again with 24 points
- Lakers were + 11 on the boards
- Defense was impeccable

The Bad:
- Still no Nash
- Poor shooting percentage

It's been a crazy year for the Lakers, but they've battled through and stuck together.  As a result they have the opportunity to compete in the NBA playoffs.  With tonight's win they avoid OKC in the first round.  However, San Antonio is no picnic. The Lakers will have their work cut out for them, but there is a way they can win the series...Stay tuned for a playoff preview to come tomorrow.

The Lakers finished the closing stretch of the season in great fashion (8-1).  They have tons of momentum.  They'll need it all to knock the Spurs out.  GO LAKERS!!!