LA Lakers took over the lead in the series against the Houston Rockets, following a win in Game 3 last night, 112-102. Once again, the purple and gold solved the match in the final period, once they broke rivals’ resistance.
LeBron James was in the middle of attention, with the four-time MVP setting another NBA record and dominating during the contest. LBJ has 162 playoff victories, the most in the history of the league. With Tuesday’s triumph, he would jump over Derrick Fisher, to capture the top spot in the all-time list.
He and his Lakers showed an incredible defensive effort, limiting the Rockets, arguably the most lethal team in the NBA, to just 38 points in the second half. The critical moment of the match was the fourth quarter, with the LAL outscoring the franchise from Texas 30-20.
A 15-2 run early on in that period was the turning point for the entire event, with Rajon Rondo having an excellent stretch in that sequence on both ends on the floor. After his comeback following a finger injury, the Lakers are looking much better, and their game is more fluid.
Rondo ended the night with 21 points, nine assists missing just three of his 11 shots from the field, all that in 30 minutes of play. He was that much-needed sidekick who helps James and Anthony Davis, and without a doubt, the X-factor in this victory.
LeBron posted 36 points with seven rebounds and five assists, hitting four downtown shots. Apart from that, King James had four blocks. Anthony Davis was controlling the glass with 15 boards but was also excellent in the attack, 26 points, and six assists. Kyle Kuzma also had a solid performance with 14 points off the bench.
James Harden and Russell Westbrook led the way for the Rockets. The Beard scored 33 points, had nine assists and boards each, while Brody added 30 buckets with eight rebounds and six dimes. Unlike previous games, they didn’t have help, and the only noticeable player besides these two guys was Jeff Green with 16 buckets off the bench.
Robert Covington and Eric Gordon both had 10 apiece. PJ Tucker had just three in 38 minutes.
Rockets were inferior in the air, having 13 rebounds fewer than the Lakers, 30-43, and they also allowed their opponents to have 55.1% while shooting from the field.
Game 4 is on Thursday.
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