Too Much LeBron Powers Lakers Past Rockets, 132-123
Fit For a King. Bright Futures. Sliding Back.
Two days before his 37th birthday, LeBron James continues to refuse to surrender to Father Time. “The King” put on another legendary performance, securing the 103rd triple-double of his legendary career. But well into this contest, it didn’t seem James was destined for another iconic performance. After holding a one-point lead through the first quarter, 35-34, the Rockets allowed the Lakers to control the second and third quarters, before mounting a comeback in the final frame. L.A. built an 11-point edge, but Houston rallied to tie the game, 113-113, midway through the fourth quarter. However, LeBron James absolutely dominated clutch time, and the Lakers staved off the Rockets, 132-123, dealing Houston their fifth straight loss in the process. L.A. snapped their own five-game losing streak, and wouldn’t have won without LeBron. James had his third triple-double of the season, registering 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. The Rockets showed some resolve fighting back in this game, but going against one of the all-time greats proved too much for this young Houston squad. In dominant fashion, LeBron scored 14 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter, including 10 points in the final 100 seconds of the game. James also scored 12 of the Lakers final 14 points. Russell Westbrook also garnered a triple-double in his return to Houston. Westbrook added 24 points, 12 boards, and 10 dimes for Los Angeles. Another former Rocket, Carmelo Anthony, also performed well with a vintage 24-point, 9 rebound performance for the Lakers. But the biggest thorn in Houston’s side throughout the entire game, aside from LBJ’s late takeover, was Malik Monk. L.A.’s second-leading scored on Tuesday night, Monk scored 25 points on 50% shooting from the field and proved to be the X-Factor for the Lakers.
Despite losing their fifth consecutive game, there are positive signs to be drawn from Houston’s latest loss. Kevin Porter Jr. returned after missing 12 games with a thigh injury and didn’t miss a beat. Scoot supplied 22 points, including a 5-for-9 shooting performance from distance, while dishing out 9 assists and grabbing 5 boards. After sitting out the Monday’s game for cautionary reasons regarding his return from injury, Jalen Green was stellar in his second game back. Green scored 24 points to lead the Rockets, while shooting an efficient 50% from the field, improving on one of his weaker aspects of his game before the injury. If KPJ and Green can stay healthy, Houston will be competitive every night. Christian Wood scored 22 points to round out H-Town’s “Big Three”, who combined for 68 points, accounting for 55% of the Rockets offense. Josh Christopher continues to improve in increased minutes. Christopher chipped in 14 points for Houston, and also showed his knack for the defensive end, with 3 steals on the night.
The Rockets have now lost five games in a row, and are 2-9 since their seven-game winning streak. Houston will get two days off to rest before a weekend back-to-back against tough competition to ring in the New Year. Lucking for the Rockets, they’ll stay in Houston for the weekend, as both the Heat and Nuggets are coming to town. It will be tough especially, against Miami. The Heat are hot, winners of four straight, including 8 of their last 10. Denver, on the other hand, is hit pretty hard by COVID. Their last game on Thursday was postponed because the Nuggets didn’t have the minimum amount of players to play. Hopefully the two off-days give the Rockets a boost… At least they won’t have to deal with the King during these next two games.