On January 6th, Beijing time, the NBA regular season continued, with the Los Angeles Lakers visiting the Houston Rockets. In the first quarter, Jalen Green stepped up to help the Rockets seize the initiative, as the team scored an impressive 36 points in the opening period, quickly establishing a double-digit lead. In the second quarter, the Rockets extended their lead to 22 points at one point, before the Lakers' starters returned to the court and launched a counterattack. However, the Rockets still held an 18-point advantage at halftime. After the break, the game took a dramatic turn as the Lakers unleashed a 21-8 scoring spree to catch up. In the critical moments, Green and Amen worked together to stabilize the situation for the Rockets, who once again widened the gap to over 10 points. In the final quarter, the Lakers made a desperate comeback, closing the gap, but the game's suspense remained until the end. The Lakers made several crucial mistakes, allowing the Rockets to narrowly secure the victory. Ultimately, the Lakers fell short to the Rockets with a score of 115-119.
The young and fearless Rockets, known for their aggressive play, were not intimidated by the Lakers led by James and Davis. They played to their strengths with full vigor! Throughout the game, the Rockets dominated the boards with a 49-39 rebounding advantage over the Lakers, including an 18-10 edge in offensive rebounds and a 52-40 lead in points in the paint. The Lakers, who went from trailing by 22 points to seeing a glimmer of hope for victory, relied on their hot three-point shooting and experience to create scoring opportunities. In total, the Lakers made 16 three-pointers at a 44.4% clip, while the Rockets shot 14-of-40 from beyond the arc, with a 35% success rate.
The Rockets refused to let a 22-point lead slip away, with Van Jordan's steal in the dying moments leading to a Lakers sideline turnover, which proved crucial. The efficient performances of Green and Amen were equally instrumental. Green played 32 minutes, shooting 12-of-24 (5-of-12 from three-point range) and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line, amassing 33 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block. He started the game like a god descending from heaven, scoring 18 points in the first quarter alone, setting the tone for the match. Even with foul trouble in the third quarter, he added another 10 points. In the decisive moments, his extended three-pointer and turnaround jumper were picture-perfect! Undoubtedly, this version of Green is too good to be true, with his scoring explosiveness and killer instinct being exactly what the Rockets need.
Amen, after serving a two-game suspension, was finally reinstated and coincidentally filled in for the injured Jabari Smith Jr., earning a starting spot under coach Udoka. He played fearlessly and lived up to the task! Over 40 minutes, Amen shot 11-of-19, made 1-of-4 free throws, and exploded for 23 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal. He contributed on both ends of the court, with aggressive offensive rebounding, powerful dunks, and even drawing an offensive foul on LeBron with his slender frame. It was too good to be true! According to statistics, the 23 points set a new personal season-high for Amen, while the 16 rebounds marked a career-high! In another statistical note, when Amen scores over 20 points, the Rockets have a 5-2 record in the new season! As NBA pundit Perkins puts it, Amen has no limits!
The Lakers came agonizingly close to completing a 22-point comeback, which appeared to be due to a world-class error by Christie in the sideline ball turnover. However, it was actually a case of James and Davis lifting the team up and letting them down, as they combined for an impressive 51 points, 26 rebounds, and 11 assists. From trailing by 22 points to catching up, James and Davis led a thrilling 21-8 charge. However, in the decisive moments, LeBron's offensive foul and Davis' screening foul seemed too hasty and careless, leading to the opposite effect! Post-game, Redick and Davis both claimed that Holiday was flopping! But I would say that those who help themselves receive divine assistance, and only then will the referees assist them! The aging Lakers have a low margin for error, while the young Rockets are on an unstoppable rise! What are your thoughts on this, fellow fans? Leave me a comment to discuss it.