NBA – Scola leads Rockets into Game 7; Howard’s 20-20 night forces Magic v Celtics decider
HOUSTON (NBA) - The Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic each forced deciding seventh games in their respective NBA play-off showdowns with the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. In what has been a thrilling post-season, the Rockets won for the second time in three games since losing their China national team center Yao Ming to a foot ...
HOUSTON (NBA) - The Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic each forced deciding seventh games in their respective NBA play-off showdowns with the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics.
In what has been a thrilling post-season, the Rockets won for the second time in three games since losing their China national team center Yao Ming to a foot injury.
Argentina international Luis Scola had 24 points and 12 rebounds and Aaron Brooks poured in 26 points as Houston won Game 6 against LA in Texas, 95-80.
Team USA's Kobe Bryant scored 32 and Pau Gasol of Spain added 14 points and 11 boards for the Lakers, who will now try to advance to the Western Conference Finals by winning Game 7 back in LA.
Houston's Shane Battier, one of the most underrated players in the NBA and a member of the USA side that won bronze at the 2006 FIBA World Championship, said: "I've stopped trying to figure this team out.
"Just when you think we're down and out, this team comes with an unbelievable effort.
"We may not have the most talented team, but there's not a team with more heart in this entire league. We've shown it again and again and again."
Another Team USA star, Dwight Howard, made sure the Orlando Magic forced a Game 7 against Boston by scoring 23 points and pulling down 22 rebounds in an 83-75 win for his team.
Howard was voted to the All-NBA First Team earlier in the week.
"My gosh," Boston coach Doc Rivers said. "He was unbelievable."
Denver have already booked a spot in the Western Conference Finals while Cleveland are in the Eastern Conference Finals waiting to face either Boston or Orlando.
FIBA