Christmas Day brought a decisive victory for the Houston Rockets as they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 117-96 in a game that saw Amen Thompson lead the way with 26 points. Kevin Durant also contributed a strong performance, adding 25 points and nine assists, while the Rockets never trailed from the first quarter onward.
Dominant Performance by Houston
The Rockets’ offense was firing on all cylinders. Thompson’s 26 points were the highest on the floor, and he also grabbed seven rebounds and dished out five assists. Durant’s 25 points were complemented by nine assists, and he and Thompson both had 16 points at the half, keeping the Rockets ahead. Houston’s 14-point advantage in the first quarter set the tone for a game that would never see the Lakers pull ahead.
Lakers’ Struggles
Luka Doncic scored 25 points while LeBron James added 18, but the Lakers’ overall execution fell short. The duo combined for only 4 of 11 attempts from beyond the arc and contributed to nine of the team’s 16 turnovers. Rui Hachimura did not score any points, and Austin Reaves exited early with a sore left calf after scoring 12 points. The Lakers finished with a 25-27 record for the season, marking their 27th consecutive appearance on Christmas Day and the 52nd overall in the tradition that began in 1949. They have also dropped three games in a row overall.
Rebounding Battle
Alperen Sengun dominated the glass with 12 rebounds, a number that matched the entire Lakers’ starting lineup combined. Houston’s 48-25 advantage on the boards helped them control the tempo and limit the Lakers’ second-chance opportunities.
Game Flow and Key Moments
The Rockets opened the third quarter with an 18-5 run that pushed their lead to 23 points. At halftime, Houston was up 63-53, with James having only eight points. Durant and Thompson both posted 16 points in the first half, and the Rockets never relinquished their lead. The 14-point first-quarter advantage and the 63-53 halftime score were key to the Rockets’ final 117-96 victory.
Historical Note
The matchup between James and Durant was billed as the highest-scoring encounter in NBA history, with no two opposing players ever entering a game with more combined career points.
Key Takeaways
- Amen Thompson’s 26 points and 7 rebounds led Houston’s offensive surge.
- Kevin Durant’s 25 points and 9 assists were pivotal for the Rockets.
- The Lakers’ 4 of 11 from three and 9 of 16 turnovers contributed to their loss.
- Alperen Sengun’s 12 rebounds matched the entire Lakers’ starting lineup.
- Houston improved to 7-7 on the road, ending a two-game skid.
The Rockets’ win on Christmas Day underscores their resilience on the road and sets a strong tone for the remainder of the season, while the Lakers face a challenging stretch as they continue their streak of losses.
