The Houston Rockets refused to go quietly, delivering a commanding performance from the opening tip to keep their playoff hopes alive. On Sunday night, they routed the Los Angeles Lakers 128-98, trimming the series deficit to 3-1.
From the first quarter, Houston set an aggressive tone, racing out to a 38-22 lead. The Rockets shot 54% from the field and connected on 16 three-pointers, consistently beating the Lakers in transition and controlling the boards.
“We knew it was do or die,” said Rockets guard Jalen Green, who led all scorers with 34 points. “Everyone brought the energy we needed from the start.”
Alperen Sengun added a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Fred VanVleet contributed 18 points and 10 assists. The Rockets’ defense stifled Lakers star LeBron James, who finished with 20 points but was held without a field goal for much of the second half.
“They punched us in the mouth, and we never responded,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham admitted. “We have to be better for Game 5.”
Anthony Davis scored 26 points for Los Angeles, but the Lakers struggled from deep, hitting only 8 of 29 three-point attempts. The Rockets’ bench also outscored the Lakers’ reserves 42-24, providing a critical spark.
Game 5 is set for Tuesday in Los Angeles, where the Lakers will look to close out the series. Houston, meanwhile, hopes to carry this momentum and force a decisive Game 6.
“The series isn’t over,” Green said. “We’re going to fight until the last whistle.”