Rockets Blast Off on Lakers

Well it's only fitting that the Lakers-Rockets series is going to seven games. After all, who wouldn't expect this since the Rockets are playing without Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady? Oh wait, you mean the Lakers have gotten blown out in the two games in Houston since Yao's injury? The only word that can describe the Lakers performance tonight is pathetic. I'm pretty sure the Clippers could have given a better effort than the Lakers did tonight. I was disgusted watching this team play, and really for the first time was ashamed of the team and the coaching staff. I guess the past two games in Houston have given me an inside look on what it's like to be a Clipper fan. They're used to mediocre performances from their team, and it sure looked like the Lakers were trying to give them some competition tonight.

Tonight's game was a virtual repeat of Game 4. The Rockets dominated from the start, and led by as many as 18. The Lakers were resilient though, as they cut the lead down to two at one point in the 3rd quarter. The Lakers were never able to get over the hump and now must find a way to regroup for Game 7. What bothers me the most is that it's not even the Rockets superstars that are beating the Lakers, it's guys like LUIS SCOLA and CARL LANDRY. Give me a freaking break Lakers! I mean at least let Ron Artest beat you. The way the Lakers played in Game 5 is exactly how they should have been playing all series. Tonight they looked flat, they were horrible on defense, and they could not make shots to save their lives. 

I love Derek Fisher, but it's about time Phil Jackson starts Jordan Farmar. Fisher has played like absolute garbage this series. Tonight he shot 1-7 from the field and went a stellar 0-5 from 3-point land. Kobe Bryant had 32 points for the Lakers, who lost for the third time in the past 18 games when they have had a chance to close out a series.

The Lakers focus now shifts to Game 7, which is in Los Angeles on Sunday. Despite how poorly the Lakers played tonight, I can't say I'm terribly worried that they will lose the series. Sure anything can happen in a Game 7, but if there are two people I want on my team for a Game 7, it's Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson. Kobe has averaged more than 35 points in games after the Lakers have lost. Kobe simply will not let this team lose in the second round, especially to a Rockets team that the Lakers have dominated at times in this series. In Game 5, the Lakers won by 40 points. Staples Center will be rocking, and the Lakers will advance to the Western Conference Finals to face Denver, guaranteed. If they lose, so help me God.