Lakers vs Rockets: Three things to know
By Keith Rivas
Inability to close out and finish strong
If the saying about not focusing on how you start but rather how you finish has any bearing, the Lakers better start listening to that advice. Playing sound basketball means playing consistently, but also playing well.
Going into halftime, Los Angeles was only down by 12 points, but watched it evaporate in the third quarter. Not only that, but Houston’s momentum leaked into the fourth quarter, where the Lakers weren’t able to find the basket.
Instead of making a late game push, Los Angeles only scored 18 points in the fourth quarter.
Lou Williams scores 24 points in an otherwise rough night for the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/Z1vlriT4JG
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 8, 2016
Compare that to Houston’s 28 in that quarter combined with a 39-point performance to start the second half and you have a problem.
It’s not that the Lakers didn’t finish well, it’s that they finished how they started.
The Rockets opened up the game with 43 points heading into the second quarter, and frankly should’ve been up by more.
If they continue that trend against the Suns, they’ll only extend their losing streak.