NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
You can’t fake desperation. The Rockets fought hard in Game 3, but lost and were down 3-0 entering Game 4. With their season on the line, Houston decided they’d rather head back to LA instead of clearing out their lockers as they demolished the Lakers, 115-96.
The Rockets got offensive contributions from their top players with Alperen Şengün finishing with 19 points and Amen Thompson with 23. What made this performance even more gutsy for Houston was that they won despite Kevin Durant not playing, as he remains out with a sprained ankle.
Advertisement
They showed some fight, earned a win with the kind of ease many expected from them before this series began.
Here are the biggest takeaways from the blowout loss…
Smoke and mirrors aren’t enough
So far, the Lakers have gotten unusual performances, and it’s led to wins. Luke Kennard scored 27 points in Game 1 and Marcus Smart had 25 in Game 2. In Game 3, the Rockets collapsed, and the Lakers won in overtime.
All of this was unexpected, admirable and inspiring. It’s also unsustainable.
On Sunday, a hard dose of reality hit the Lakers. Los Angeles couldn’t get any threes off and when they took them, they bricked. They ended the night going 5-22 from deep.
Advertisement
LeBron James showed his age. He looked exhausted and sleptwalked through the game, ending the night with just 10 points on 2-9 shooting.
With few other options, the Lakers’ offense had no one else who could step up and produce, and the game essentially ended early in the second half.
This was an elimination game for Houston, and LA has shown it responds well to adversity and adjusts.
However, this offensive display was concerning, and even before this, they hadn’t exactly been elite in that department. Through three games, LA has an offensive rating of 110.3, which is middle of the pack in the playoffs. It hasn’t cost them a result until now. Hopefully, it’s not a precursor of what’s to come.
Advertisement
Lakers will get good center play in the postseason
One player who did have a good game until his night ended prematurely was Deandre Ayton. He was doing a great job in the pick-and-roll…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/3-takeaways-lakers-game-4-045059727.html
Author :
Publish date : 2026-04-27 04:50:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
