Lakers outlast Rockets in close 4th quarter.
The Lakers survive tonight's tight 4th quarter over the Rockets, 119–117, winning their 3rd straight game after Kevin Porter Jr's last-second shot rimmed out to win the game. In tonight's win, the Lakers big three, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook, accounted for more than half of the Lakers' production, all combining for 84 points, 20 assists, and 22 rebounds.
While shooting their season-low 24% (6 for 25) from beyond the arc, the Lakers scored 78 points in the paint and 23 fast break points, shooting 53% (49 for 93) total from the field. Lakers head coach Frank Vogel gave praise to the Rockets young group, not backing down in their second straight matchup against the Lakers:
"Credit the Rockets, man. Our defense wasn't good in the first half, but even when it was, they made tough shots."
In the 4th quarter of tonight's win, LeBron James was a focal point in lifting the Lakers past the Rockets, scoring 10 straight points and 14 total in the final quarter. In 36 minutes, James scored a game-high 30 points on 13 of 21(62%) shooting overall while adding 10 assists and 4 rebounds. LeBron spoke on how he felt in the 4th quarter, where he erupted for 14 points, explaining:
"Just about the moment, loved the moment and tried to make the best plays to help our team win. At that point in time, it caused for me to score, and I was able to bring us a few buckets."
Only one true center, Anthony Davis, was able to take advantage of a small Rockets lineup, having his way inside the paint against Rockets Alperen Sengun, finishing the night with 27 points on 11 of 18 (61%) shooting overall. Davis continued his impact on defense, grabbing 9 rebounds and adding 3 blocks and a couple of steals in the win.
Russell Westbrook had another stellar night for the Lakers, being everywhere on the floor, scoring 27 points on 10 for 21 from the field. Westbrook also added 9 rebounds and 7 assists while going 7 for 8 from the foul line. Westbrook explained the offensive balance from the big three in tonight's victory over Houston:
"Just rhythm, getting shots that we want and finishing. First games of the year, we missed a lot of chippies (shots) amongst us three, and we just focused on finishing a little more and making shots."
Carmelo Anthony has continued to be a stellar spark off the bench for the purple and gold, scoring over 20 in the Lakers' two previous wins. In tonight's victory, Melo scored 15 points on 6 of 9 shooting from the field in 29 minutes. Melo's hot streak has come from beyond the arc to start the season, shooting over 50%. In tonight's win, he continued that, going 3 for 5 from three.
The Lakers will stay at home and face the Oklahoma City Thunder this Thursday at 7:30 PM. Look for the Lakers to come out huge out the gates hot as they look to get payback against the team that completed their biggest comeback in their teams' history in last week's embarrassing come from behind loss. Russell Westbrook didn't appreciate a late-game dunk by Thunder's rookie Darius Bazley that caused him right after to get ejected. Look for him to have a huge night and get his revenge.