The Rockets start this game perfectly, relying on Jalen Green in great shape. The guard scores 10 points in a row and ends this first quarter, largely won by Houston (36-22), with already 18 points on his score! For his part, Amen Thompson overwhelms the Lakers, who seem very old and tired in the face of his activity. With a few baskets from Anthony Davis at the end of the first half, Los Angeles limits the damage (67-49).
The break is good for Californian grandpas. LeBron James, very discreet until then, explodes at 3-points with several award-winning baskets, including one on one leg! Anthony Davis also finds the target and the dynamic of the meeting changes. The Lakers are now in the match (91-89). It’s up to the Rockets to react: they do so with a 10-0 run to start the last quarter. Here again, Los Angeles manages to come back.
Jalen Green and Amen Thompson stand out again to take the advantage. But, after a winning shot from Anthony Davis and with a free throw left on the way by Alperen Sengun, JJ Redick’s players had an equalizing ball seven seconds from the end. The throw-in, sent towards LeBron James, is stolen by Fred VanVleet.
On the Lakers’ next possession, an offensive foul will be called for Anthony Davis. Houston came out of it and won 119-115, not allowing Los Angeles to pass three.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– The energy of Jalen Green and Amen Thompson. The two young talents of the Rockets gave an old look to the veterans of the Lakers. Certainly the LeBron James – Anthony Davis duo carried Los Angeles, but the two Texans were stronger with 56 points between them. The second was sparkling with his activity and speed. He constantly overwhelmed defenders and finished with 23 points and 16 rebounds, including 6 offensive ones. His tap on a missed shot from Green and his offensive foul caused on LeBron James in “money time” were valuable.
– Failed end of match for Los Angeles. Having played this game on alternating current, the Lakers took the risk of seeing a cut at the worst time. It happened with these poorly negotiated last seconds. James’ offensive foul on Thompson, the missed throw-in then Davis’ offensive foul, when James had scored at 3-points… Small errors which, when you accumulate them in 40 seconds, pay dearly.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
