NBA Playoffs: Lakers Make Statement in Game 5

After being embarrassed by the Houston Rockets in game 4, the Los Angeles Lakers made a statement in game 5 Tuesday night. The Rockets jumped out to an 18-12 lead, but the Lakers quickly responded with a 23-6 run to end the first quarter up 35-24. They never looked back.

Kobe Bryant scored 20 points on just 13 shots in the first half to lead the Lakers to a 64-39 halftime lead, the largest in the series. Unlike prior games, the lead was extended, as the Lakers went up 3-2 in the series with a 118-78 win.

As the game was well in hand, Phil Jackson dug deep into the bench in the fourth quarter. All twelve Los Angeles Lakers played in the game, and every player scored. Kobe Bryant sat out the entire fourth quarter as the Lakers set it on cruise control.

The difference in the game was energy, passion, and desire, all three of which were lacking in game four. Phil Jackson's Lakers came out with all three of these in the first quarter and, for the first time in this year's playoffs, carried it through until the last second ticked off the game clock. Los Angeles players were flying around the court on every play, making plays at both ends of the ball. They shot 51%, had 20 assists, 12 steals, and scored 24 fast break points.

Yao Ming's absence was detrimental to the Rockets, as the Lakers were able to control the post. The combination of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum was too much for the under-sized Houston defenders. Gasol had 13 rebounds and 3 blocks, and Bynum had 6 rebounds in just 20 minutes of playing time.

With Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers having already locked up their series against the Atlanta Hawks, this statement win was much needed for the Lakers. A lack of aggression and that "killer instinct" has haunted the Lakers throughout the playoffs, and had many questioning whether they could make a legitimate run at the Championship. A game like this goes a long way to smooth things over and to establish Los Angeles as a legitimate contender.

The next game in the series is in Houston on Thursday night, where the Lakers can end it with a win. If they do, they will face the winner of the Denver Nuggets series against the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals. Denver leads the series 3-1.