NBA playoffs news: Houston Rockets bounce back in Game 4 to avoid sweep v Los Angeles Lakers
The Houston Rockets picked up a crucial win against the Los Angeles Lakers 96-115 in Game 4 on Monday to stay alive in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
The Rockets’ play was a lot more consistent, particularly when capitalising on errors for transition buckets, which hurt the Lakers all game.
Kevin Durant missed out again for Houston, and was absent due to an ankle sprain.
Sengun and Thompson the stars
Alperen Sengun was solid all night long, whether that be in iso situations or in transition. He had 19 points and six rebounds on 50% shooting.
Additionally, Amen Thompson pulled up clutch with important buckets, ending with 23 points and seven assists. Thompson was 10-16 from the field.
Jabari Smith Jr struggled in his shooting efficiency overall, but still had 16 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
Conversely, Tari Eason had stronger shooting splits, 20 points and picked up eight rebounds as well.
However, Smith Jr and Eason’s most notable interventions came on the defensive end, with the two collecting a total of eight steals. Eason had five of them.
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Udoka: ‘We kept focus’
"We said we didn't want to let that last 30 seconds defeat us in another game, and we kind of put that behind us," Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said, referring to how his team crumbled in their Game 3 loss.
"The focus was good today, and I think just in general, guys have pride, so you don't want to obviously get swept.
"We understood how well we played last game, and that was the big-picture perspective we had. We played a really good three quarters, and don't let that last 30 seconds take away from what you did.
“I think it was a good carryover tonight."
The Lakers’ offensive shortcomings
The Rockets forced 24 turnovers for 30 points, with the Lakers struggling from three (22.7%) as well.
The Lakers have done incredibly well over the course of the series to put Houston under pressure at key moments, but the well has seemingly run dry in the last two games.
However, the introduction of Austin Reaves on Thursday, if he is ready to go, can be the linchpin to bury the Rockets’ playoff hopes, and close out this series with a gentlemen sweep in Los Angeles.
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