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:
Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: A Grand Week for Boxing in NY
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Boxlab Promotions Euri Cedeno and Carlos De Leon Castro Shine in San Juan Victories
Wed, 04 Feb 2026National Boxing Hall of Fame 2026 is set to April 26 in Montebello, California
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Vito Mielnicki Jr. Returns Home to Defend WBC USA, IBF USBA and WBO Global Middleweight Championships Against Omar Ulises Huerta
Wed, 04 Feb 2026Noah Lucas Palcis sees action in Bangkok chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Reymond Yanong Edges Out Hayato Ono for Split Decision Win in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 03 Feb 2026“I’m gonna smoke whoever is in front of me, Anthony Wright- Hearn makes his pro debut March 13 at Thunderdome 53
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Pacman's Cue Club Hosts J&P 10 Ball Cup from Feb. 4 to 7
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge is back
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026WILDER AND CHISORA FACE OFF IN ICONIC TIMES SQUARE TO ANNOUNCE APRIL 4 HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN AT THE O2 LONDON
Tue, 03 Feb 2026World Boxing appoints Tom Dielen as new Secretary General
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Sullivan Management signs 19-1 power-punching Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Another Grandeza in MMA is coming
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Gracie meets Zubiri in PH
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 02 Feb 2026International Master Eric Labog Jr. rules FIDE rapid chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 02 Feb 2026