Lakers secure play-off spot as they leapfrog Rockets into 7th.
The Los Angeles Lakers secured their place in the Western Conference play-offs on Wednesday night, following their 99-95 win over the Houston Rockets.
Having been assured of their spot prior to tip-off following the Utah Jazz’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, the Lakers went one better as they defeated the Rockets to take the 7th seed in the Western Conference.
Pau Gasol led the way with a triple double consisting of 17 points, 20 rebounds and 11 assists, while Steve Blake had a team-high 24 points to ensure they got over the line.
The Lakers won eight of their final nine games to get into the post season, and have been rewarded with an opening round series against the San Antonio Spurs. They went 2-0 without Kobe Bryant, and will need to continue in that form without their star player throughout the remainder of their campaign.
James Harden had a game-high 30 points on the night for the Rockets, and was well supported by Chandler Parsons (23), but it wasn’t enough as Houston now prepare for a play-off series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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