Game 4: Lakers Go Silent in Loss

The Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Houston Rockets 99-87 in Game 4 of the Western Conference semi-finals, evening the series at two games apiece. The Lakers were quiet right from the start, exiting the first-quarter trailing 29-16, and entering halftime down by 18. Only a 33-16 fourth quarter made the final score respectable. LA was only 11-for-18 from the free-throw line, and Houston was 17-for-20. Both teams were evenly matched in shooting percentage, turnovers, and blocked shots, while the Rockets won in rebounds, assists, and fouls. Pau Gasol dominated with the absence of Yao Ming, scoring 30 points, and Kobe Bryant was quiet with just 15. Shannon Brown added 14 off the bench. Without Yao Ming, the Rockets took advantage of their back-court offense as Aaron Brooks scored 34 points. Shane Battier had five 3-pointers and finished with 24 points, and Luis Scola added 11 and 14 rebounds.