Howard and Rockets Quiet the Boos in Rout of Lakers

The Houston Rockets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night 134-108 in Dwight Howard’s first return to the Staples Center since his single season with the Lakers. Houston led by 21 at the half and 29 after three quarters.

Howard did not disappoint his Houston teammates as he scored 20 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and blocked three shots in just 28 minutes of play. His play dismissed the loud boos he received from the LA fans.

Howard had a less than stellar season with the Lakers. He did not play up to his standards as he was still trying to get his timing and leaping ability back after back surgery.

Howard today says he wished he had waited to play until he was healthier when asked about his season with the Lakers. He wanted to show is new teammates and the fans he could play and was worth the signing by Los Angeles. Unfortunately, he says he was not healthy nor was the team.

During the season, he tore his labrum, but managed to play in 76 games. That total was 26 more than Steve Nash played and he outlasted star Kobe Bryant who tore his Achilles tendon with two games left in the season. Even playing below par, Howard averaged 17 points, 12 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game for Los Angeles.

Howard is not only healthier in Houston by he is happier and that shows in his demeanor on and off the court. His statistics are close to those of last season, although he is scoring 18 points per game this season.

His coach Kevin McHale said Howard plays better when he is happy and he did not seem happy while in Los Angeles.

Howard scored on Houston’s first possession with a hook shot with his left hand and then blocked Kendall Marshall and grabbed a rebound in the same defensive sequence, as well as adding a steal. In just the first two minutes of play, Howard scored six points, grabbed two boards, blocked a shot and had one steal.

Howard was booed during introductions and each time he touched the ball. His turnovers and missed shots were all cheered. Some fans switched their Howard shirts to read “Coward” and that was shown on the scoreboard screen to the delight of the home fans.

Howard did not even play the fourth quarter as he and his Rockets teammates took apart the Lakers who are riddled with injuries and had just eight players active after they traded guard Steve Blake to Pacific division rivals Golden State.

The win was the eight straight for Houston, while Los Angeles lost for the eight straight game at home. The Lakers season has become so bad that it makes the underachieving, tumultuous season of last year seem like the good days of the past.

Howard said his only good memory of his time in LA was Sprinkles, the cupcake shop he frequented often.

What a difference a year makes, at least for Houston. Howard and the Rockets are battling San Antonio for first in the Southwest and sit third in the Western Conference. The Lakers on the other hand are tied for last in the West and sinking quicker with each game.