The Rockets were thought to be done with Yao Ming out for the postseason, but they rallied and defeated the Lakers 99-87 on Sunday afternoon.

Houston dominated the game's first three quarters, and withstood a late rally by Los Angeles to preserve the victory.

The Game 4 win allowed the Rockets to tie their semifinal series at two games apiece.

Aaron Brooks led with 34 points, Luis Scola posted 11 points and 14 rebounds, and Shane Battier added 23 points on 6-for-12 shooting.

The Rockets outrebounded the Lakers by six, and both teams shot 44% from the field and committed 11 turnovers.

Pau Gasol had 20 points and 9 rebounds for the Lakers, who got just 15 points on 7-for-17 shooting from Kobe Bryant in the loss.