Luka Doncic’s 36 points propelled the Los Angeles Lakers to a 100-92 win against the Houston Rockets on Monday night. The game was the opener of a two-game series between the teams. Both are vying for a Western Conference playoff spot.
Los Angeles now hold a 1 1/2 game lead over Houston for third place in the Western Conference. The Lakers have now won their sixth straight game. There were 13 lead changes during the match, which had a playoff atmosphere.
James and Doncic Key for Lakers
LeBron James passed to Marcus Smart for a corner 3-pointer. This put Los Angeles ahead 94-90 with just 2 minutes left on the clock. James ended the game with 18 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Doncic hit consecutive 3-pointers late in the third quarter. This gave the Lakers an 83-80 lead, after they had trailed 57-51 at halftime. Doncic went 4 for 12 on 3s. He requires 11 more to equal D’Angelo Russell’s franchise record of 226 in a season.
Doncic has now scored 30 or more points in six straight games. However, he fell short of his 12th 40-point game this season. He made 14 of his 27 field goal attempts.
Rockets’ Turnovers Prove Costly
Jabari Smith Jr. scored 22 points, leading Houston. Amen Thompson contributed 19 points and Kevin Durant added 18. The Rockets committed 24 turnovers, while Los Angeles had just 12.
Houston played without Alperen Sengun, who has lower back pain. Sengun averages 20.2 points, which is second only to Durant for the Rockets.
Looking Ahead to Wednesday’s Rematch
The Rockets won the first game between the teams this season. They defeated the Lakers 119-96 in Los Angeles on December 25.
The teams will meet again in Houston on Wednesday.