NBA: Rockets’ Defense Sparks Life as Lakers Falter in Game 4
The Houston Rockets turned the NBA Western Conference series narrative on its head with a dominant 115-96 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4, using defensive intensity and forced turnovers to avoid a sweep.
Houston, still without Kevin Durant, overwhelmed the Lakers with pressure, forcing 24 turnovers and converting them into 30 points.
The Rockets also tied a franchise playoff record with 17 steals, disrupting Los Angeles’ offensive flow from start to finish.
Coach Ime Udoka pointed to improved focus as the difference. “A little bit of everybody doing their job, a lot of switching,” he said. “But the focus was better.”
The Lakers, who had controlled the first three games, looked out of sync offensively. LeBron James had a rare off night, scoring just 10 points on 2-for-9 shooting while committing eight turnovers.
He lacked support from Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard, who combined for zero made three-pointers as the team struggled from long range.
“We didn’t want that last 30 seconds to carry over,” Udoka added, referencing the Game 3 collapse. “My guys responded the right way.”
Rockets Show Fight Ahead of Game 5
Amen Thompson led the charge with 23 points, continuing his breakout postseason, while Alperen Sengun added 19 after delivering a pre-game rallying message.
“He didn’t want to go home,” Thompson said. “That pushed us.”
The series now returns to Los Angeles, where the Rockets must win again to extend their season, while the Lakers will look to regroup after their most disjointed performance of the playoffs.
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