Rockets Crush Lakers in Christmas Classic
The Houston Rockets dominated the Los Angeles Lakers with a resounding score of 117-96 in the traditional Christmas Day game, securing a victory that ends their losing streak.
From the start, the Rockets took control of the game, without relinquishing the lead at any moment.
Amen Thompson led Houston’s offense with 26 points, accompanied by five other players who also achieved double figures. Thompson also added seven rebounds and five assists.
Kevin Durant also had an outstanding performance, contributing 25 points and nine assists. This victory improves the Rockets’ away record to 7-7, demonstrating their strength away from home.
On the Lakers’ side, Luka Doncic scored 25 points and LeBron James contributed 18. This was the Lakers’ 27th Christmas game, and the 52nd in their history.
However, the loss extended the Lakers’ losing streak to three consecutive games, leaving their season record at 25-27.
Doncic and James, although they scored points, struggled from the three-point line, with four successful shots out of 11 attempts. In addition, they were responsible for nine of the Lakers’ 16 turnovers, which affected the development of the game.
Doncic returned to the court after missing the previous game due to a left leg injury.
The encounter also had historical significance by pitting James and Durant, the two top scorers in the NBA, against each other in an unprecedented matchup.
In the paint, Alperen Sengun was fundamental to Houston’s dominance, capturing 12 rebounds. The Rockets outrebounded the Lakers 48-25, matching the number of rebounds of the entire starting lineup of the home team.
