Houston Rockets Force Game 5 With 115-96 Victory Over Lakers
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HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets avoided elimination Sunday night, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 115-96 in Game 4 of their first-round matchup at Toyota Center.
Houston entered the contest trailing 3-0 but seized control after overcoming an early 9-4 deficit. Eight first-quarter turnovers plagued Los Angeles, allowing the Rockets to close the period ahead 26-21.
Rookie guard Reed Sheppard’s three-pointer tied the game at 11 midway through the opening quarter, and center Alperen Şengün consistently scored inside to keep Houston in front. The Rockets expanded their advantage in the second period, taking their first double-digit lead of the series and reaching halftime up 56-47.
The third quarter belonged to Houston. Sheppard heated up from long range, and the margin ballooned to 17, prompting a timeout from Lakers head coach JJ Redick. Los Angeles center Deandre Ayton supplied most of his team’s offense but was ejected later in the quarter after receiving a Flagrant 2 for an elbow that struck Şengün. Moments later, teammate Jaxson Hayes picked up a technical foul as frustration mounted.
By the end of the third, Houston led 90-65. Redick briefly kept his starters on the floor in the fourth in a last attempt to rally before emptying the bench. In the final minute, L.A.’s Adou Thiero and Houston’s Aaron Holiday were also ejected following a tussle for a rebound.
Both clubs continued to deal with significant injuries. Lakers guards Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves have yet to play in the series, while Rockets forward Kevin Durant has appeared only once.
The best-of-seven set now shifts to Crypto.com Arena for Game 5 on Wednesday. Tip-off time and broadcast information have not been announced.
Source: LakersNation.com
