Houston Rockets 134 – Los Angeles Lakers 108 (Recap)

Feb 19, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets forward Chandler Parsons (25) and Los Angeles Lakers guard Jodie Meeks (20) battle for the ball at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Fresh off All-Star weekend the Houston Rockets rolled into Los Angeles to face the Lakers and played their best basketball of the season. Houston set a season high in points, field goal attempts, and makes, winning in a blowout 134 – 108.

In Dwight Howard’s first return to Los Angeles following his signing with the Rockets in the off-season, the Staples Center crowd showed their love.

Dwight was definitely motivated, and so were his teammates.  Howard finished with 20 points, 13 boards, 3 blocks, and 2 steals. Dwight earned his 36th double-double of the season, the last Rocket to reach 40 double-double was Charles Barkley (42) in 1997-98.

Houston was on fire from the start and racked up 64 points in the first half. Tonight was the 19th time this season the Rockets have had a 60+ point 1st half (15-3 record in the previous 18).

James Harden finished with 29 points, 11 dimes, 6 boards, and 4 steals. Rockets are 8-0 when he goes for 20 and 10. Chandler Parsons finished with 18 points and 5 boards. Houston had 7 players in double-figures.

Omer Asik trade watch is on fever pitch, but thanks to the hefty lead, Asik played 23 minutes finishing with 7 points and 12 boards.

If there was ever a moment when trading a Rockets player appeared far from happening, tonight set a standard, Houston shot an astounding 52-104 from the field (50%).

The Rockets now head north to face the Golden St. Warriors tomorrow night, as they go for their 9th win in a row.