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Rockets Dump Lakers For 22nd Straight Win
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Published: March 17, 2008
HOUSTON - The Houston Rockets did more than extend their winning streak Sunday. They validated it.
Rafer Alston scored 31 points and hit eight 3-pointers, both career highs, and the Rockets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 104-92 to extend their winning streak to 22 and claim sole possession of first place in the Western Conference.
Kobe Bryant scored 24 points for the Lakers and smothered Tracy McGrady on defense, helping hold the Houston star to 11 points.
The rest of the Rockets made up for it. Shane Battier scored 14 points and shadowed Bryant most of the game. Backup point guard Bobby Jackson added 19 points and Luis Scola had 13 points and 11 rebounds.
The Rockets have won 26 of their last 27 games and 31 of their last 34. They've won 15 straight at the Toyota Center, 10 straight since Yao Ming went out with a broken foot and 11 of their last 13 games by double digits.
The Lakers have lost three of their last four. They played without Pau Gasol, who's out indefinitely with a sprained ankle.
Even with McGrady struggling, the Rockets built a 15-point halftime lead.
HEAT: Pat Riley was back with Miami on Sunday, coaching his team against Dallas. He missed Friday night's game against Orlando because he was midway through a three-day trip to evaluate top college players who likely will be available in the NBA draft.
The Associated Press
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