Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets

Rockets' Ball-Hawking Defense, Balanced Scoring Overwhelm Lakers

Houston beat LA 115-96, forcing 24 turnovers from the Lakers while committing just 13 of its own and racking up 17 steals to LA's 6. Amen Thompson led the Rockets with 23 points and 7 assists, Tari Eason added 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting, and Alperen Sengun contributed 19. Houston also shot 40% from three compared to LA's 23%. Deandre Ayton had 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers, but it wasn't enough.

Final score: Los Angeles Lakers 96, Houston Rockets 115. Primary win factor: Defense.