2009 NBA Playoffs: Western Conference Semifinals, Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets, Game 6

Information about game 6 of the L.A. Lakers vs. Houston Rockets series in the 2009 NBA Playoffs, with score, recap, pictures, stats, highlights, quotes and Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol performance.

Los Angeles Lakers

2009 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets

Series Index:

Game 1: Rockets 100, Lakers 92 at L.A.   Game recap & pictures
Game 2: Lakers 111, Rockets 98 at L.A.   Game recap & pictures
Game 3: Lakers 108, Rockets 94 at Houston   Game recap & pictures
Game 4: Rockets 99, Lakers 87 at Houston   Game recap & pictures
Game 5: Lakers 118, Rockets 78 at L.A.   Game recap & pictures
Game 6: Rockets 95, Lakers 80 at Houston Game recap & pictures
Game 7: Lakers 89, Rockets 70 at L.A.   Game recap & pictures

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Los Angeles Lakers 3 - 3 Houston Rockets

GAME 6: Houston Rockets 95 - L.A. Lakers 80

The Rockets don't give up.

Leaders Points Rebounds Assists
Lakers Bryant: 32 Odom: 14 Bryant: 3
Rockets Brooks: 26 Scola: 12 3 players: 4
1st 2nd 3rd 4th Tot
LAL 15 21 29 15 80
HOU 27 25 22 21 95
click for Lakers 2009 Playoff pictures (LA Daily News), Western Conference Semifinals vs. Houston Rockets Game 6
Picture Gallery (LAT)

May 14 - HOUSTON - Their lack of effort on the defensive end was lethal again for the Lakers and they will have to go to a 7th game after the Rockets got the win 95-80 at Houston. It was their second victory without Yao Ming and against all odds they tied the series 3-3.

It was like watching game 4 again, with the Rockets giving all they got and making every shot and the Lakers just watching and playing pathetic defense. And while size is supposed to be one of the Lakers best advantages (even more without Yao) it all began with forward Luis Scola who sent Bynum, Gasol and Odom to school with his movements in the post. The Argentinean scored 14 of his playoff-career high 24 points in the first quarter showing the way for his team who took a and early 21-3 lead and won the period 27-15. Scola also took 7 of his 12 rebounds in the quarter.

The damage was done it was irreversible. With the Lakers as mere spectators the Rockets went to halftime with a 52-36 margin. L.A. started the second half with a different attitude and in the next 6 minutes outscored Houston 16-2 to get within two points 52-54. Kobe Bryant scored 7 of his 32 points in that streak but it was a little too late, the Rockets went to the fourth leading 74-65. Pau Gasol layup made it 71-79 with 7:15 left but they would never get closer. Aaron Brooks was very active again and scored 26 points, 8 of them in the final 4 minutes to keep L.A. at distance.

Among all the doubts that this loss raise for the Lakers there it is Andrew Bynum's situation. The young center who had his first solid performance in game 5 was a non-factor again. He had 0 points and 7 rebounds in 19 minutes playing against 6-6 forward Chuck Hayes. The other absence that is hurting the team Sasha Vujacic who can't find his outside shot.

The Quotes

Phil Jackson (LAL Coach): "There's nothing to worry about, we are just going to go out and play. It's our home court and it's what we play for. We play a different game on our court, and that's pretty obvious to see"

Kobe Bryant (Lakers): "They all have the same mentality, they all fight for everything that they get. That's why we're in the position that we're in right now. They don't quit. So Game 7 is going to be exciting."

Pau Gasol (Lakers): "I have faith in our team. I think we're going to respond to this loss. We're going to be mentally ready."

Shane Battier (Rockets): "I've stopped trying to figure this team out, just when you think we're down and out, this team comes with an unbelievable effort. We may not have the most talented team, but there's not a team with more heart in this entire league. We've shown it again and again and again

Highlights

Los Angeles Lakers Houston Rockets
Leaders: Pts Reb Ast St Bl More
Kobe Bryant 32 2 3 1 3  
Pau Gasol 14 11 2 - -  
Jordan Farmar 13 2 - 1 -  
Lamar Odom 8 14 - 1 2  
Trevor Ariza 7 4 2 2 -  
Leaders: Pts Reb Ast St Bl More
Aaron Brooks 26 3 4 2 -  
Luis Scola 24 12 2 - -  
Ron Artest 14 3 3 2 -  
Carl Landry 15 9 - - 2  
Shane Battier 5 5 4 1 -  

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