Houston kept the lights on in the Western Conference first round, beating the Los Angeles Lakers 115-96 at Toyota Center in front of 18,055 fans. The Rockets led for 37:45 and stretched the margin to as many as 28, powered by a 34-18 third quarter that broke the game open.

Los Angeles still leads the series 3-1, but this one belonged to Ime Udoka’s group. Houston mixed efficient perimeter shooting with relentless defense, and the numbers tell a clear story.

Tari Eason sets the tone

Tari Eason was everywhere. He posted 20 points, 8 rebounds and 5 steals on 7-of-10 shooting, and finished a team-best +31. Eason’s energy anchored Houston’s switchy defense and turned live-ball turnovers into easy points.

He earned a Sofascore Rating of 8.9, the highest among Rockets starters. Two-way plays in the third quarter, including a dagger three and multiple takeaways, swung momentum for good.

Amen, Reed and Alpi carry the load

Amen Thompson drove the offense with 23 points and 7 assists on 10-of-16 shooting, attacking gaps and finishing through contact. Reed Sheppard added 17 points with four threes and 3 steals, punishing every late closeout.

Alperen Sengun chipped in 19 points, 6 rebounds and a block, drawing fouls and steadying Houston inside. Aaron Holiday gave timely shooting off the bench with three triples. On Sofascore, Thompson checked in with a Sofascore Rating of 8.1, while Sheppard posted 8.0.

Defense, threes and freebies

Houston’s defense flipped the game. The Rockets racked up 17 steals and forced 23 Lakers turnovers, repeatedly turning stops into transition chances. They also owned the math battle, hitting 12-of-30 from deep compared to the Lakers’ 5-of-20, and outscoring the visitors 25-17 at the line.

Los Angeles actually shot a higher overall field goal percentage (51% to 48%), but Houston’s extra possessions and shot profile won out. The third quarter tilt, 34-18 to Houston, was the decisive run.

Lakers’ bright spots and issues

Deandre Ayton was efficient with 19 points and 10 rebounds on 9-of-12 shooting, while Rui Hachimura added 13 points. Marcus Smart filled the box score with 9 points, 5 assists, 3 blocks and 3 steals.

LeBron James finished with 10 points and 9 assists but had 8 turnovers and went 2-of-9 from the field. The Lakers’ 23 giveaways and 25 percent shooting from three left them chasing all night.

What it means

The Lakers still hold a 3-1 advantage in the NBA Playoffs first round, but Houston has life and a blueprint that works: pressure the ball, win the three-point line, and stay aggressive at the stripe. Track every game, the full box score and each player’s Sofascore Rating on Sofascore.