Rockets 125, L.A. Lakers 112

Posted: January 8, 2013 -- 10:04 pm CST.

HOUSTON, TX -- The Los Angeles Lakers tried to beat the Houston Rockets at their own game. Tried.

The Rockets raced past the Lakers and outscored the Lakers 125-112 for the Rockets' fifth straight victory.

James Harden scored a game-high 31 points shooting an efficient 11 for 19 from the field and 8 for 8 from the foul line. Kobe Bryant scored 20 points (8 for 22 field goals, 2 for 8 from three, and only 2 for 2 from the foul line).

The Lakers (14-19) were without Dwight Howard (torn labrum); Pau Gasol (concussion) and Jordan Hill (hip); so, rookie Robert Sacre started at center.

The Rockets (21-14) began the game sluggishly; and, the Lakers raced to an 18 to 4 lead which caused Kevin McHale to go to his bench players. Toney Douglas came in the game for Jeremy Lin and Patrick Patterson subbed in for Marcus Morris. The Rockets pulled within seven points twice before the Lakers' Jodie Meeks scored six straight points for a 29-16 Lakers'  lead.

Enter Carlos Delfino.

Delfino sank two straight three-point shots in between to lay-ups from James Harden; and, in mere moments, the Rockets trailed by only six points (34-28) at the end of the first quarter.

The Rockets shot 60.9% (14 for 23) from the floor in the second quarter; but, they only outscored the Lakers by three points (31-28) as the Lakers shot 56.5% (13 for 23) from the floor in the quarter.

The Rockets tied the Lakers at 69 and at 71 in the third quarter; but, after Chandler Parsons nailed a three-point shot to put the Rockets ahead 82-80, the Rockets never trailed the rest of the game.

A 12-2 run by the Rockets boosted the lead to 94-82; and, the Rockets led 96-88 after three quarters.

The Lakers were able to get within eight points (102-94) in the fourth quarter; but, Delfino splashed in another three-point basket for an 11 point lead. The Rockets' led by as many as 16 points; and, they cruised to the victory.

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