Game 5: Lakers Exact Revenge

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 118-78, taking a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Lakers dominated from the beginning, outscoring Houston 35-24 in the first quarter. The Rockets then scored 15 points in each of the next two quarters. LA put up a .512 shooting percentage, while Houston shot just .326. The Purple and Gold defeated the Rockets in almost every catagory, including rebounds, assists, steals, turnovers, blocked shots, and fouls. Kobe Bryant led all scorers with 26 points, and Pau Gasol added 16 points and 13 rebounds. Andrew Bynum had his best night of the playoffs, scoring 14 points and grabbing 6 rebounds, and Trevor Ariza had 13 and 3 steals. Jordan Farmar, Lamar Odom, and Josh Powell each scored in double-figures off the bench. Aaron Brooks led Houston with 14 points, Luis Scola had 12, and Von Wafer added 13.