Rockets Dismantle Lakers in 128-94 Blowout, Win Fourth Straight
Locked Up Lake Show. Selection Show. Easy Recipe.
“Unselfish offense, aggressive defense… it’s a pretty easy recipe,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said after Houston demolished the Lakers in a 128-94 victory. The win is the fourth consecutive for the Rockets, who started the season 0-3, but now stand at 4-3. Despite no Anthony Davis and several other players, Houston’s latest victory was another impressive showing in this early season. LeBron James was held to just 18 points, which for him, is the equivalent of being “locked up.” Dillon Brooks had a stellar game defensively, and the squad did as a whole. This was the third straight game the Rockets prevented their opponent from scoring 100 points. Jalen Green led Houston with his most efficient performance of the season. The Rockets’ young star scored a season-high 28 points on 11-for-15 shooting. Green had added motivation from Coach Udoka before the game, who reminded him that Austin Reaves was selected ahead of Green for Team USA this past summer. Green did his best impersonation of the “Dunkstronaut”, after a steal on Reaves and flashy dunk.
Houston’s new uniforms looked very slick, and the court was a fresh spin on the usual hardwood we see at Toyota Center. In their latest blowout, the Rockets had contributions from nearly the entire team. The squad had 13 different players score on Wednesday night. Even Boban Marjanovic got to wow the crowd near the end of the game. Houston led from the opening tip in this one, and didn’t look back. Alperen Sengun registered 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, as he continues to show people why he’s one of the cornerstones of this franchise. In his first game of the season, Tari Eason was spectacular. Eason scored 9 points and grabbed 9 boards in only 14 minutes of action off the bench. He showed why he should be considered one of the best bench players in the entire league. Fred VanVleet didn’t shoot well, but dished out 10 assists. And Jae’Sean Tate scored 14 points, as he’s quietly been one of the most consistent Rockets so far this season.
Houston still has yet to play a team with a winning record, but one has to be blind to not recognize the difference in this Rockets team this season. Their defense has exponentially improved, and they’re sharing the ball on offense with more fluidity and efficiency, resulting in more controlled, productive play. These Rockets poke bears, spoil contenders’ hopes, and are in the midst of quietly gaining the attention of the NBA world. Up next, Houston hosts the New Orlean Pelicans on Friday night in their first In-Season Tournament game. The Rockets will have a different court on Friday as well, albeit a much brighter one than fans are used to seeing. The Pelicans will prove to be a tough challenge, and most In-Season Tournament games the NBA’s seen so far have been close and competitive. Expect conditions to be a little tougher against the Rockets on Friday night as Zion Williamson, one of the league’s best talents, comes to town. As Coach Udoka said, the Rockets need to focus on playing with unselfish offense, and aggressive defense, a blueprint for success that’s worked for Houston in their past four games… an easy recipe.