Here is a by-the-numbers look at the Lakers’ 99-87 loss to the Houston Rockets.
1
Number of 3-pointers made by the Lakers. L.A. was held to just one triple for the first time since going 1-for-15 against Boston on Feb. 9, 2012. The Rockets — who entered the game holding opponents to the NBA’s second-lowest percentage from 3-point range (31.7) — suffocated the Lakers into a 1-for-13 (7.7 percent) night from deep. By the final period, L.A. had all but abandoned the long ball, as they only shot two 3’s in the fourth quarter, both of which were missed.
Lakers Shot Chart (3-pointers)
25
Houston’s biggest lead of the night, which it reached twice, including with 10:21 left in the game. However, the Lakers fought back, going on a 16-2 run led by Jeremy Lin, who scored six points while the Rockets missed all eight of their shots. Despite this 14-point swing, Houston still led, 89-78, with 5:34 remaining and was able to close out by trading buckets the rest of the way.
18
Points scored by Carlos Boozer, who led all Lakers. Boozer, who went 9-for-13 on the night, did most of his work down low, where he scored a team-best 12 points in the paint and a game-high 10 second-chance points. The 33-year-old was particularly effective in the second quarter when he hit all four of his shots for eight points. He also grabbed 11 rebounds to finish with his seventh double-double of the season.
21
Turnovers committed by the Lakers. In the second start of his career, rookie Jordan Clarkson was overwhelmed by the defensive-minded Patrick Beverley, as Clarkson finished the game with a career-high five turnovers. However, his teammates experienced similar issues against Houston’s defense, as three Lakers — Jeremy Lin, Nick Young and Tarik Black — turned the ball over three times. The Rockets, meanwhile, racked up 13 steals for the sixth time in the 2015 calendar year.
“The effort, like I said, that hasn’t been an issue,” head coach Byron Scott said. “The turnovers, that has been an issue. … When we’re turning the ball over at that high of a rate, we’re not giving ourselves a chance. We’re battling. We’re playing hard. But when we turn the ball over like that, we’re just giving teams that many more opportunities.”
37
Points scored by James Harden. The NBA’s scoring leader went 12-for-20 from the field and 9-for-10 at the foul line to bolster his season average of 27.3 points per game. Harden added to his point total by nearly every means, leading all players in points in the paint (14), on fast breaks (13) and off turnovers (12). The Los Angeles native also contributed off the scoreboard with eight rebounds and five assists, though he did surrender a game-high six turnovers.
“He just makes you pick your poison because he’s so talented offensively,” said Lin, who was Harden’s teammate in Houston for two seasons. “He’s tough to guard one-on-one, but the minute you double team him, he’s a willing passer. He’s hitting the pocket passes a lot. At that point, you’re playing four-on-three on the weak side, and you’re trying to figure it out.”