http://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/Rockets-not-taking-Lakers-lightly-12442425.php
Rockets not taking Lakers lightly
Published 3:52 pm, Tuesday, December 19, 2017
If the Rockets had any inclination to take the 10-18 Lakers lightly, the Lakers once again helped prevent that.
The Lakers took the Warriors to overtime on Monday, just as they did a few days before playing the Rockets earlier this month.
The Rockets rolled to a 118-95 win in Los Angeles in the first meeting and have won 12 of 14 meetings with the Lakers, but Monday’s game as with the Lakers’ previous meeting with the Warriors, offered a reminder of how dangerous they can be.
“That’s a reminder,” Rockets center Clint Capela said. “I watched the game last night. That Lakers team, you always have to be aware. We know they … can play really well. We have to be aware of that, especially after what we saw last night.”
The Lakers play at the NBA’s fastest pace and lead the NBA in points scored in the paint. But as helpful as it might be for the Rockets’ preparations that the Lakers have played the Warriors so well, the Rockets would prefer if they hung a few losses on the Warriors, who trail the Rockets by just a game-and-a-half in the Western Conference standings.
The Houston Rockets remain undefeated with Chris Paul in the lineup, but CP3's reputation as a winner won't improve unless the Rockets can thrive in the playoffs.
Media: Sports Illustrated“They are a dangerous team because they run you a lot and they drive you,” Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said. “I wish they would win those overtime games.”
