Jalen Green scored a game-high 28 points and Alperen Sengun added 19 as the Houston Rockets cruised to a 128-94 victory over the injury-ravaged Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. The Rockets shot an impressive 55.9% through three periods and held a commanding 28-point lead going into the fourth quarter. Green was highly efficient, making 11 of 15 attempts, while Sengun matched him with eight out of 10 shots.
Despite Rui Hachimura’s team-high 24 points in his return from a concussion, the Lakers struggled to mount any comeback threat. The Rockets dominated from the outset, amassing 20 paint points in the opening period, committing only two turnovers and playing sticky defense. The Lakers shot just 36.8% in the first quarter and missed five of six 3-pointers and six of ten free throws.
Green’s catch-and-shoot 3-pointer followed by a pickpocket of Austin Reaves resulted in a transition dunk, extending the Rockets’ lead to 47-29 in the second quarter. This helped Houston to stretch their advantage to 51-29 and they finished the half with a commanding 44-24 lead on paint points, a 12-1 margin for second-chance points and a 15-2 cushion in fast-break points.
The Rockets continued to dominate in the third quarter, with Green adding two dazzling forays to the rim to give them a 99-71 lead going into the fourth quarter.
Overall, it was a convincing victory for the Houston Rockets against a depleted Los Angeles Lakers side who have now lost three games on a four-game road trip.
