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In a game befitting the wild Western Conference, the Lakers and Rockets played a game that was more like a saloon fight where they bust chairs over each other's heads.
When the dust cleared, it was the Lakers left standing, 94-92 winners Thursday night in the playoff opener before 17,505 in the Forum.
Byron Scott hit the shot heard 'round L.A., a 19-footer beating the 24-second clock with 3.5 seconds left and the Lakers clinging to a 91-90 lead.
Scott's goal was first ruled too late, then a good three-pointer, then a good two-pointer.
Actually, the replay suggested that it was late. However, you can check the playoff standings today: It counted.
The Rockets were outraged.
"After reviewing the tape," a somber Coach Don Chaney said, "we basically confirmed what we thought all the time-on that last shot by Byron Scott, the clock had expired.
"Jack Madden made the first call. It was the correct call. He was overruled, which was a shame.
"I think it's ridiculous, a veteran official makes the correct call and he allows it to be overruled.
"It is not even close. It's very obvious."
Mike Dunleavy said he hadn't seen the replay.
"There...