Editor’s note: Shortly after the end of select NBA games this season, Joe Vardon will offer his “First Thoughts,” a dissection of the important things you should know about what you just watched. These will be a running diary of news, notes, quotes and insight and will include observations gathered from the site of each game. Vardon is covering his sixth NBA season and formally joined The Athletic’s national team in September.
HOUSTON — Twenty-three thoughts for Kyle Kuzma’s 23 points in the Lakers’ 124-115 win over the Rockets on Saturday.
1. A dark cloud hangs over this great sports city and its teams. Forget the Astros. In the moment, while the games count, it’s the Rockets who are all wet.
2. “We’re not in a bad spot, so don’t let anybody put us there,” Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said. “We’re in a good spot.”
3. Either the Lakers put them in a bad spot, or the Rockets did it to themselves. But they are now…
