Top Seed Falls in Game 1

Last night the Rockets took an early lead in the series against the number one ranked Lakers, beating them 100-92. This ended the Rockets drought of losing to the Lakers in the regular season, so now they are 1-4 against them this season. The game was pretty close all the way through even until the last few seconds of the game but the Lakers missed a few key shots and gave up some easy baskets that led to the Rockets victory. Kobe had a game high 32 points with 22 of those coming in the fourth quarter. Although he had a game high he shot 14-31 in a losing effort and the Lakers are now 2-7 in the playoffs when Kobe shoots more than 30 times. The Rockets were led in scoring by Yao Ming with 28 points and 10 rebounds. The had a scare in the fourth quarter when Yao and Bryant collide with their knees and Yao had to be helped off the court but then came back within minutes to help lead the Rockets to a well needed victory. Ron Artest also had a big game with 21 points, twelve of them coming in the first half which was a game high at that point. The young point guard for Houston, Aaron Brooks, also played a good game scoring 19 points for the Rockets.