LeBron James scored 28 points as the Lakers defeated the Rockets 101-94.

April 22nd - The Lakers defeated the Rockets 101-94. LeBron James contributed 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Marcus Smart added 25 points, 2 rebounds, and 8 assists. For the Rockets, Kevin Durant scored 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, and Shen Jing had 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists.

In the first quarter, James and Smart scored consecutively to give the Lakers an early lead, but Durant helped the Rockets stay close. At the end of the first quarter, the Lakers led 33-26. In the second quarter, the Lakers briefly extended their lead to double digits thanks to James' three-pointers and Smart's scoring. The Rockets then responded with a 17-3 run led by Durant and Smith, narrowing the gap to just 3 points. At halftime, the Lakers led 54-51.

After switching sides, the Rockets briefly took the lead. However, the Lakers regained control thanks to Kennard and Ayton, and Rui Hachimura's three-pointer helped extend the Lakers' lead. At the end of the third quarter, the Lakers led 75-68 . In the final quarter, Shin Kyung-min and Thompson repeatedly attacked the paint to narrow the gap, but James made crucial drives to the basket to stabilize the situation. Ultimately, the Lakers defeated the Rockets 101-94 .

Rockets player statistics

Durant 23 points , 6 rebounds, 4 assists; Shen Jing 20 points, 11 rebounds , 5 assists; Smith 18 points , 6 rebounds, 1 assist; Thompson 16 points , 5 rebounds, 9 assists; Ethan 10 points, 8 rebounds , 1 assist ; Okogie 7 points , 2 rebounds; Sheppard 3 assists; Capela 2 rebounds; Tate 1 rebound; Holiday 1 rebound .

Lakers player statistics

James had 28 points , 8 rebounds , and 7 assists; Smart had 25 points , 2 rebounds , and 8 assists; Kennard had 23 points, 6 rebounds , and 2 assists; Hachimura had 13 points, 5 rebounds , and 2 assists ; Ayton had 6 points , 5 rebounds , and 1 assist; Hayes had 6 points , 4 rebounds , and 1 assist; La Lavia had 2 rebounds; and Vanderbilt had 5 rebounds and 1 assist .

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