The Houston Rockets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 119-115 on Sunday night thanks to 33 points from Jalen Green and a crucial late steal from Fred VanVleet.
Houston barely won after leading by as many as 22 points because to 23 points and a career-high 16 rebounds from Amen Thompson, who returned from a two-game suspension.
With eight seconds remaining, LeBron James’ shot brought the Lakers within 117-115. After that, Los Angeles had an opportunity to tie the score, but Alperen Sengun missed one of two free throws.
However, the inbound pass meant for James was stolen by VanVleet. VanVleet won the game by making one of two free throws.
For the Lakers, Anthony Davis finished with 30 points and 13 rebounds. James contributed nine assists, 13 rebounds, and 21 points.
With four minutes remaining, Los Angeles pulled within two points thanks to an 11-2 run that included six baskets from Davis. With two minutes left, a 7-2 run led by a dunk by Thompson increased Houston’s advantage to 115-108.
About a minute later, a 3-pointer by Davis reduced the advantage to 117-113 before James’ score, but the Rockets were still ahead by seven points.
Takeaways
Lakers: James found it difficult to get going early in the game and finished with just five points at the half, despite Davis’ dominance throughout.
Thompson’s performance for the Rockets Houston’s performance on Sunday was encouraging. Jabari Smith Jr., who broke a bone in his hand on Friday and might be out for up to two months, is starting in place of the second-year player.
Key moment
VanVleet’s steal that made the difference.
Key stat
The Rockets outscored the Lakers by 52 points to 40.
Up next
On Tuesday night, the Rockets travel to Washington, and the Lakers travel to Dallas.
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