By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
An entirely different Game 2 produced the win, 117-109, for the Los Angeles Lakers over the Houston Rockets in the NBA bubble set up in Orlando. Sunday’s win tied the Western Conference semifinal best-of-seven series to 1-1.
Anthony Davis posted a game-high 34 points, also pulled down 10 rebounds. A 28-point, 11-rebound double-double by LeBron James fell just one assist short from a triple-double.
The Lakers used smaller lineups adjusting to their opponents a couple of days after dropping Game 1. JaVale McGee only played eight minutes due to left ankle pain and will have an MRI, and Dwight Howard did not get on the court. However, small-ball resulted in a “W”.
A fast start to the fourth quarter after the Rockets came back from a large deficit did the trick for the storied organization. James tied the game with a dunk to open the final period and his side went on with an 8-0 run for the last lead change. A following 9-0 spurt made it 113-101.
Apart from McGee, Dion Waiters did not return due to a pulled left groin. Rajon Rondo improving from his Game 1 return to action after his being sidelined hit 10 points, nine assists, five steals, and three rebounds over 29 minutes.
James Harden scored a team-high 27 points and dished seven assists. Eric Gordon followed with 24 points. P.J. Tucker had 18 points and 11 rebounds, Robert Covington 17 points, Danuel House Jr. put up 13 points after his early exit in Game 1, and Russell Westbrook recorded a 10-point, 13-rebound double-double.
Game 3 is set for Tuesday evening.
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