HOUSTON. The Houston Rockets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 115-96 in the NBA playoffs, securing their first series victory and avoiding elimination after falling to 1-3 in this Western Conference matchup. Amen Thompson was the standout performer with 23 points, supported by a balanced effort from the starting lineup.
Houston's victory came on a night of maximum urgency for the Texas franchise, which responded after dropping the first three games and extended the series despite remaining without Kevin Durant, absent for the third consecutive game due to physical issues.
From the opening tip, the Houston Rockets set the pace with defensive intensity, transition energy, and offensive efficiency. The home team built an advantage in the first half and went into halftime with a nine-point lead, displaying a much more solid performance than in the previous matchups.
The decisive blow came after the break. Houston opened the third quarter with a 12-4 run to reach 68-51, punishing Los Angeles Lakers' turnovers and dominating both ends of the floor. The lead grew to 19 points, and another strong stretch left the score at 90-65 heading into the fourth quarter.
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There was no comeback attempt in the final quarter. The Houston Rockets built a 23-point lead and controlled the finish without drama, sealing the final 115-96 victory.
Amen Thompson led the home team with 23 points, while Tari Eason added 20. Houston's offensive depth also shined, with the entire starting five scoring at least 16 points: Alperen Sengun contributed 19, Reed Sheppard added 17, and Jabari Smith Jr. finished with 16.
For the Los Angeles Lakers, Deandre Ayton was the leading scorer with 19 points and 10 rebounds before being ejected in the third quarter for a flagrant foul type 2 after striking Sengun in the head. LeBron James had a rough night with 10 points on 2-of-9 shooting, nine assists, and eight turnovers.
Turnovers were a major problem for the Lakers, who finished with 23 turnovers and made just five three-pointers, far below the level they showed in the first three games.
The Los Angeles Lakers maintain control of the series with a 3-1 advantage, but the Houston Rockets will now travel to California with renewed momentum for Game 5, looking to stay alive in the NBA playoffs.