HOUSTON — Amen Thompson poured in 23 points and the Houston Rockets dominated the Los Angeles Lakers 115–96 on Sunday night, extending their Western Conference first-round series to a Game 5.
The victory cut Los Angeles’ lead to 3-1, sending the matchup back to Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday. Houston, which had dropped the first three games, prevailed despite playing a third consecutive contest without Kevin Durant, sidelined by a sprained left ankle.
Balanced attack fuels Houston
All five Rockets starters scored at least 16 points. Tari Eason finished with 20, Alperen Sengun had 19, Reed Sheppard 17 and Jabari Smith Jr. 16. The group capitalized on 23 Laker turnovers and never trailed after halftime.
“Backs against the wall, we came in and performed,” Thompson said. “Tonight we made shots and took advantage of their mistakes.”
Lakers stumble offensively
Deandre Ayton paced Los Angeles with 19 points and 10 rebounds but was ejected for a flagrant-2 foul on Sengun with 5:32 remaining in the third quarter. LeBron James struggled, managing 10 points on 2-for-9 shooting along with nine assists and eight turnovers before exiting with 7:32 left.
The Lakers hit only five three-pointers after combining for 35 in the first three games. James missed all three of his attempts from deep, while Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard were a combined 0-for-5.
“If we want to win this series, we have to protect the ball and rebound,” James said. “The turnovers killed us from start to finish.”
Rockets seize control in the third
Houston held a 55-46 edge at halftime, then opened the third quarter on a 12-4 run to push the margin to 17. The Rockets closed the period ahead 90-65, prompting Lakers coach JJ Redick to empty his bench midway through the fourth.
Coach Ime Udoka credited his team for bouncing back after a heartbreaking overtime defeat in Game 3. “We played a really good three quarters last game,” Udoka said. “The focus carried over tonight.”
Durant, who missed Game 3 while receiving treatment, watched from the bench in street clothes.
The series resumes Wednesday in Los Angeles, where the Lakers will get a second chance to advance, and the Rockets will try to force a Game 6.
Source: ESPN
