For James Harden, it was destined to come to this. In a perfect world, he would return to his hometown, and in front of Denzel Washington and Norm Nixon, dazzle in a spectacular way. Unguardable, unstoppable, and, without an offensive scorer to make him work hard on the defensive end, Harden did whatever he wanted. Drive to rim. Pull up three. Dribble in the paint and dish. It was the James Harden story on Sunday night.
In attack mode as soon as the ball tipped, Harden shot 61% though he was sloppy with the ball and had 6 turnovers to go with his 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 37 points.
Jan 25, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) guards Los Angeles Lakers forward Nick Young (0) the first half of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Conversely, the other Los Angeles native, Nick Young, was the opposite of James Harden spectacular. He was dazed and his body language was bordering on wish-I-was-home-washing-the-dishes. Young played 8 minutes and didn’t score. The last time that happened was April 2012 against Memphis. Young was so unreliable his coach called him out after the game was over.
Byron was still miffed by what happened at halftime. The coaches showed Young a defensive assignment with Corey Brewer in the corner and Scott got that glazed look.
"“I asked him what were you thinking on this play and the answer he gave me I couldn’t figure it out. With his body language I figured he didn’t want to play tonight.”"
Wiz of Awes
Nick Young, left the arena without talking to reporters, perhaps bitter at his playing time but you earn minutes and Byron was old school tonight. Young’s speedy exit lacked professionalism and leadership. He has the longest contract of any current Laker and has to stand there and take his lumps like everyone else.
Rookie Jordan Clarkson did want to play. He was the starting point guard but the glow from his performance against the Spurs had worn off. Clarkson looked every bit the rookie that he is. He struggled with the speed of the Rockets perimeter players who wouldn’t let him go where he wanted. It caused him to turn the ball over five times. He struggled controlling the pace of the game and playing against the Rockets athletic defense.
Byron Scott expected it.
"“He’s going to have ups and downs. We tried to give him a warning. They got him to speed up and make mistakes. This is not surprising. He’s going to go through this.”"
Jordan Clarkson who has to carry a baby around for his rookie hazing named his baby Ree Ree, after Rhianna. He had it at his locker as he talked about the game.
"“I didn’t take care of the ball that well. They pressured us. We just have to play better and have a short memory.”"
Jeremy Lin returned to game action after his one game coach’s-decision and played an aggressive game. He shot 22% but was a frequent visitor to the line where he sank 10 free throws. To go along with his 6 assists, a team high, Lin also had three turnovers and 14 points. All Byron wants from Lin is consistency from game to game.
"“His effort has been great. Trying to get in the flow each and every night is what we talked about.”"
Lin was disappointed not to play in the game against San Antonio.
"“A DNP changes your perspective on things. I tried to play my heart out and have fun.”"
He praised his former teammate, James Harden, admiring how much he has grown as a basketball player but was unhappy with the game’s outcome.
"“We didn’t follow through on our game plan. They attacked us on all angles. It’s tough to guard Harden one on one. He is a willing passer. I feel like whatever lineup is out there you have to do your best and not worry about the little things. Just go out there and attack and play hard. We’re acclimated to the system.”"
Surprisingly, a bright spot in the horror show were the Lakers forwards. Without Dwight Howard (ankle) in the paint, Carlos Boozer had his way: 18 points on 69% shooting and 11 rebounds. Jordan Hill had 10 points on 55% shooting and 7 rebounds.
The Lakers are 2-11 in the month of February. They have been outscored by 63 points in the first quarter. Houston kept that trend in tact, leading by 15. Nevertheless, Byron is going to keep the starting lineup of Clarkson, Ellington, Kelly, Hill and Sacre at least for the next month, even if they are offensively challenged. Wins are going to be hard to come by.
As bad as last year was under Mike D’antoni, the Lakers never lost 8 games in a row.
Next: Game Grades: Lakers Handed 8th Straight Loss By Rockets