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2009 Western Conference Semifinals Game 3, May 8, 2009 | The small rivalry between the Lakers and Rockets began to intensify following a very physical game 2 that featured two ejections and five technical fouls. Both teams entered game 3 in Houston looking to take a 2-1 lead in the series, and the physicality continued. The leading scorer for the Rockets was Ron Artest who scored 25 points and pulled down 6 rebounds after being ejected in game 2. Kobe followed up a stellar game 2 with 33 more points in game 3 to go along with 6 boards, 2 steals and 3 blocks. The Lakers led nearly the whole way through and pulled away in the 4th to win 108-94 in the Toyota Center, taking the 2-1 series lead.

BOX SCORE -
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