BY: LEO BATO – SPORTS ON AIR USA CORRESPONDENT
LOS ANGELES — The Houston Rockets kept their flickering playoffs hopes alive with a 135-119 romp over the visiting LA Lakers on Monday night at the Toyota Center.
Jalen Green had the hot hand with 34 points on 12 -of 23 shooting from the field including four triples. Jabari Smith Jr and Dillon Brooks combined for 35 points to compound the Lakers woes.
It was a dominant performance for the 22-24 Rockets who lit up Los Angeles for 42 first-quarter points, setting the tone on offense and putting the Lakers in a position to fight an uphill battle.
“I’m building on it. That’s what he (coach Ime Udoka) wants from me. That’s what I want for myself. Brick by brick, just going to keep learning and keep growing each game,” Green told reporters of his continued improvement.
Speaking of improvements, another young Rocket soared in front of a full capacity crowd of 18,055 in their home building:: Alperen Sengun.
The 6-foot-11, 243-pound center imposed himself in the middle with 31 points, 12 rebounds and 7 dimes. The 21-year old from Turkey outplayed superstar Anthony Davis who finished with 23 points and 7 rebounds.
Coming off an emotional 145-144 squeaker over the Golden State Warriors last Saturday in San Francisco, the Lakers couldn’t catch-up with the fresher Rockets in an up-tempo game.
LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell had 23 points apiece while Austin Reaves settled for 9.
“We just didn’t get back. We didn’t have no care factor,” LeBron said of his team’s sloppy start at Chase Center
