⏱️How it unfolded
The score against the pace we expected, quarter by quarter.
The score, against the pace we expected
The Lakers stayed within a few baskets of the pace we expected all game.
Where it moved
▲ HOU better than we expected
▼ LAL better than we expected
The fourth quarter was where it moved most, 9 points worse than our numbers for the Rockets.
⚖️What decided it
Why the Lakers won, and why the Rockets did not.
From the game
Lived at the line, 24 free throws to their eight
Key battles
🏀Good plays, bad plays
The plays that went each side's way, and the ones each side did to itself.
Rockets
Good plays
- Go-ahead
Shane Battier hit a 23-foot three jumper, Rafer Alston with the assist
Q4 0:47 · HOU 100-99 LAL
Bad plays
- Turnover
Shane Battier turnover
Q4 3:40 · HOU 93-95 LAL
- Missed FT
Rafer Alston misses free throw 1 of 2
Q4 0:09 · HOU 100-102 LAL
- Missed FT
Rafer Alston misses free throw 2 of 2
Q4 0:09 · HOU 100-102 LAL
Lakers
Good plays
- Winner
Kobe Bryant hit a 27-foot three jumper, Derek Fisher with the assist
Q4 0:27 · HOU 100-102 LAL
Bad plays
- Technical
Kobe Bryant technical foul (2nd technical foul)
Q2 0:00 · HOU 54-54 LAL
- Missed FT
Pau Gasol misses free throw 1 of 2
Q4 0:07 · HOU 100-102 LAL
📊The numbers
| HOU | LAL | |
|---|---|---|
| 53% | Shooting from the field | 51% |
| 6 | Threes made | 5 |
| 43% | Three-point accuracy | 45% |
| 6 | Free throws made | 18 |
| 47 | Rebounds | 40 |
| 9 | Offensive rebounds | 9 |
| 25 | Assists | 22 |
| 50 | Points in the paint | 50 |
| 8 | Fast break points | 10 |
| 9 | Points off turnovers | 16 |
| 12 | Turnovers | 7 |
| 5 | Steals | 4 |
| 4 | Blocks | 4 |
