Amen!: Rockets Edge Lakers, 119-115, to Close Homestand
Hanging On. Prayer Answered. Time to Pack.
After leading by as many as 22 points, the Rockets found themselves in another tight game in the closing minutes on Sunday night. Houston saw their deficit cut to three points, 118-115, with a few seconds left in the contest. And on the final play, Fred VanVleet stole the inbound pass, and nailed a free throw to secure a 119-115 win for the Rockets over the Lakers. Houston withstood strong games from LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who helped fuel a late Lakers comeback attempt. James finished with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists, another near triple-double for the 40-year old legend. Davis scored 30 points, grabbed 13 boards, and had 5 blocks. But the Rockets made sure to close this homestand with a win, and evaded the Lakers late rally.
Jalen Green scored 33 points on an efficient 12-for-24 shooting to lead Houston’s offense, and FVV added 15 points. But in this game, in his return from a two-game suspension, this was Amen Thompson’s night. Twin returned with dominant defense, and had arguably the best game of his young NBA career. Thompson finished with a season-high 23 points, a career-high 16 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal. The Rockets sorely missed Thompson against Boston, and they likely wouldn’t have beaten the Lakers without him. Amen answered Houston’s prayers against L.A., as Thompson was the MVP of Sunday night’s victory. Tari Eason once again sat out due to injury, marking the ninth straight he’s game missed due to lower leg injury management. Head Coach Ime Udoka keeps insisting the injury is nothing serious like last season. Hopefully Eason returns soon, as the Rockets begin a road-heavy stretch of the schedule coming up.
With the victory, Houston finished their homestand with a 2-3 record. Given the suspension to Twin, and the injuries, it’s a respectable record considering the opposing teams, although the Rockets would really love to especially have that Minnesota game back. That loss to the Wolves really stung. Houston will now pack their bags, as the Rockets play six of their next seven games on the road, and thirteen of their next seventeen matchups overall away from Toyota Center. First up, Houston gets what should be an easy start, as they visit Washington D.C. on Tuesday night to face the Wizards, who have the worst record in the entire league. After beating a Lakers team that can be explosive at times, the Rockets should have no trouble beating the Wizards in their next matchup, as the squad prepares to hit the road.