After trailing throughout Sunday’s loss at Los Angeles, the Rockets were much more competitive in Tuesday’s rematch at Staples Center. But despite holding a small lead into the fourth quarter, Houston didn’t have enough to finish it off versus LeBron James and the Lakers (5-3).
James had 30 points (61.9% FG) and 10 assists, and the veteran-laden Lakers were a game-high +8 in his 36 minutes, leading to the 119-117 win (box score). Anthony Davis added 27 points (61.1% FG) and 9 rebounds, while Russell Westbrook tallied 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Despite an encouraging and much improved showing, the young Rockets fell to 1-6 after suffering a fifth straight loss. Christian Wood led Houston with 26 points (57.9% FG) and 16 rebounds in 37 minutes, while rookie Jalen Green snapped his recent slump by scoring 24 points (60.0% FG) and dishing out 5 assists. Second-year forward Jae’Sean Tate scored 20 points on 60% shooting, and Kevin Porter Jr. had 11 points and 8 assists. KJ Martin added 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting off the bench.
After trailing by seven points with under 50 seconds left, Green drilled a pair of 3-pointers to bring the Rockets within a point. But after Malik Monk split a pair of free throws, Porter just missed his look at a 3-pointer in the closing seconds, which could have won the game for Houston.
See below for extended highlights from Tuesday at Staples Center. Houston will play the third game of its five-game road trip on Thursday night in Phoenix, with tipoff scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Central.
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