Houston brushed past an overmatched LA Lakers team today 114-93. Always politically correct, Houston coach Bob stated simply "We just managed to do what we needed to get done out there. The players had solid execution all around, and Thompson's effort helped set the pace. LA Lakers is a team we've had success against in the past, which I think gave us a bit more confidence coming in."

LA Lakers coach Andreas Helmle was a little more frank. "We knew going in that we'd need a miracle to beat Houston, and we didn't get it. They have better players and a better coach, and did what they were supposed to do out there. I'm just glad the final score wasn't even worse."

Houston was led by Thompson (14 points, 18 boards, 2 assists, a steal, a block), Sims (17 points, 6 boards, 1 assists, a steal, 4 blocks), Smith (17 points, 6 boards, 0 assists, a block). LA Lakers was led by Miller (24 points, 11 boards, 2 assists, a block), Monroe (15 points, 7 boards, 1 assists), Lisa (18 points).

With the win, Houston improve to 35-10 and 23-1 at home. They stay at #1 in the Southwest and remain at #1 overall in the Western Conference. LA Lakers ended their winning streak at 7 games, and fall to 33-16. They stay at #1 in the Pacific and stay at #3 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Houston roster LA Lakers* roster