LeBron, Westbrook Propel Lakers Past Rockets Again, 119-117
LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James scored 14 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter, Russell Westbrook added 27 points and the Los Angeles Lakers swept back-to-back games against the Houston Rockets with a 119-117 victory Tuesday night.
Anthony Davis had 27 points and nine rebounds for the Lakers, who have won three straight and five of six after an 0-2 start to their reboot season. After dominating Sunday's visit from Houston, Los Angeles struggled through the first half and trailed by 11 in the third quarter of the rematch before they were spurred to the win by Westbrook and James, who put LA ahead to stay while scoring 10 straight points midway through the fourth quarter.
Rookie Jalen Green scored 24 points for Houston, but the second overall pick was scoreless in the fourth until he hit back-to-back 3-pointers in the final minute, abruptly slicing the Lakers' lead to one point with 8.2 seconds left.
Malik Monk then made just one of two free throws for the Lakers, but USC product Kevin Porter Jr. missed a step-back 3-pointer for Houston to end it.
James, Davis and Westbrook scored at least 20 points apiece for the first time in their new Big Three partnership, while James added 10 assists and Westbrook contributed nine rebounds and seven assists. Carmelo Anthony also provided yet another impressive performance off the bench, hitting three 3-pointers while scoring 15 points.
Christian Wood had 26 points and 16 rebounds for the Rockets, who have lost five straight and six of seven to begin this rebuilding season. Houston still played 2 1/2 impressive quarters against the star-studded Lakers led by Wood and Jae'Sean Tate, who had 20 points.
Two nights after Los Angeles held Houston to 85 points, the Rockets had 70 by halftime against a thoroughly unimpressive effort on defense by the Lakers, whose consistent defensive investment has already appeared to be a problem this season for a veteran roster.
Alperen Şengün had four points for Houston in the Turkish teenager's first NBA start.
The Lakers came out with none of their defensive focus from Halloween, allowing Houston to score 53 points in the first 1 1/2 quarters. Houston led by 11 in the third before Westbrook led the Lakers back with a 13-point quarter.
