NBA -- Late 3 rescues Lakers over Rockets, 99-98
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 09 Nov 2013
CHICAGO -- Steve Blake drilled a wide open 3 with 1.3 seconds left to play and the Los Angeles Lakers stunned the Houston Rockets, 99-98, Thursday night at the Toyota Center.
"I had confident in Blake. And he was hot," Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni told reporters during the post-game that followed the dramatic triumph.
The 33-year old Blake, a 10-year NBA veteran, finished with 14 points on 5-for-10 shooting, including 4-of-6 from 3-land. The 6-foot-3 guard also had three rebounds and two assists and the Lakers to 2-3 won for the first time on the road this season.
The Lakers' victory got a huge assist from ex-Laker Dwight Howard, who missed 11 of 16 free throws, including 7-of-8 in the last 2 minutes and 30 seconds of the fourth quarter. Howard finished with 15 points and 14 rebounds in his first game against his former team.
"Our free throws were terrible. We just have to keep working. It was terrible tonight," Howard told NBA.com after his team missed a total of 19 free throws.
Jodie Meeks had 18 and led a cast of six Lakers who finished in double figures in points. Wes Johnson tallied 16 while Steve Nash added 12 and six assists. Jordan Farmar and Nick Young contributed 11 apiece.
The Lakers built a 17-point first quarter lead but the Rockets, behind 35 points from James Harden, closed the gap to set up the dramatic finish. Jeremy Lin chalked 16 points, three assists and three steals while Chandler Parsons added another 16. (Homer Sayson)
Photo: The Lakers celebrate after stinging the Rockets 99-98 in Houston.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS’ JAKE PAUL VS. JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR. PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 27 Jun 2025Guro Dan Inosanto: Guardian of the Filipino Fighting Spirit
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Fri, 27 Jun 2025Weigh-In Results: Christian Mbilili vs. Maciej Sulecki
Fri, 27 Jun 2025Unbeaten Philippines Top Prospect Criztian Pitt Laurente Signs with Sanman Boxing
Fri, 27 Jun 2025SALITA PROMOTIONS SIGNS PROMISING AMERICAN HEAVYWEIGHT SARDIUS SIMMONS
Fri, 27 Jun 2025Madoka Wada Halts Chay Rivas in Tokyo, Retains OPBF Belt
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 26 Jun 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: The Grand Prix a Grand Concept
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 26 Jun 2025PHOTOS: Pacquiao Showcases Vintage Form During Media Day Workout at Wildcard Gym
By Dong Secuya, Thu, 26 Jun 2025Press Conference Notes: Christian Mbilli & Maciej Sulecki Collide for Interim Super Middleweight World Title FRIDAY in Quebec City
Thu, 26 Jun 2025Rivas vs Wada: Battle for Women’s OPBF Supremacy Today in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 26 Jun 2025Mexican boxing icon Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez Respects Cuban fighters & rivalry
Thu, 26 Jun 2025Claressa Shields Partners with King Moore to Empower Detroit Youth with the “Follow Your Dreams” Program Presented by SMT Financial Partners
Thu, 26 Jun 2025Saturday’s title defense vs. Yuniel Dorticos could be prelude to mega-fight for Gilberto Ramirez against Jake Paul or Unification showdown with Jay Opetaia or Badou Jack
Wed, 25 Jun 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 25 June 2025: Norman Flattens Sasaki; Simsri Edges Araneta; Rodriguez Outpoints Yafai
By Eric Armit, Tue, 24 Jun 2025FM Daluz rules 7th AQ Prime FIDE Standard Open chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 24 Jun 2025