• The Lakers knew this could happen. And it did. Down 2-1 in the Western Conference semifinals and lacking a true center (let alone superstar Yao Ming, who’s out with a foot fracture), the Houston Rockets managed to put the L.A. Lakers in their place for at least one game, winning 99-87. “There’s absolutely no surprise,” Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. The Rockets famously fought off adversity last season, pulling off a massive winning streak while Ming was on the injured list. The true test, of course, will be if the Rockets win the series. source

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