Dec 7, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) cheers for his team on the bench against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Toyota Center. The Houston Rockets won 134 to 95. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
Dec 7, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) cheers for his team on the bench against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Toyota Center. The Houston Rockets won 134 to 95. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Eric Gordon had an outstanding night with 26 points (8-12 3-point field goals) as the Houston Rockets throttled the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Houston Rockets cruised to their fourth consecutive win over the Los Angeles Lakers, Wednesday night, at the Toyota Center. Following the nail-biting victory over the Boston Celtics, the Rockets ended their two-game homestand against the Lakers in blowout fashion.
As expected, the Rockets came out and took care of business early. Behind a combined 21 first quarter points by James Harden (10) and Eric Gordon (12), Houston jumped out to a commanding 43-27 lead.
Despite watching their lead grow as much as 18, Houston started to underestimate the heart of the Lakers. As they took their foot off the accelerator, the Lakers outscored Houston 28-24 and trailed 67-55 at halftime with Lou Williams leading the way.
Unlike their most recent games when up big at the half, the Rockets never gave the Lakers new life in the second half. Houston outscored Los Angeles 39-22 and held a 106-77 lead after the third quarter.
And after another 29 point quarter, the Rockets sailed smoothly to their largest victory over the Lakers in Franchise history.
Although they shot 53.8% percent from the field, the Rockets had their best defensive performance of the season. During the first quarter, Houston forced Los Angeles to commit nine turnovers and converted 15 points off of them. By the night end, the Rockets ended the game with a season-high 20 steals.
Next: Rockets Starting Front Court
Dec 7, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; The ball follows through after Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) dunks against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Rockets Starting Front Court
Next: Rockets Starting BackCourt
Dec 7, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Larry Nance Jr. (7) rebounds the ball in front of Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) in the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Rockets Starting BackCourt
Next: Best Bench/Opponent
Dec 7, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Louis Williams (23) dribbles against Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) in the second half at Toyota Center. The Houston Rockets won 134 to 95. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
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