For all that has happened since opening night in Los Angeles, for the records set and games won, that night had not been forgotten. The Rockets might not have wanted to forget it and the lessons it offered.
The Rockets had scored with impressive ease for a half that night, but hit a wall far too early. The loss was an embarrassing way to start the season, especially coming before the NBA knew the Lakers would be up to that sort of thing.
Still, the Rockets had not let go of that memory. On Tuesday, Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni said, "We owe them one," and presumably expanded on the idea behind closed doors.