{"id":166342,"date":"2026-04-27T16:48:59","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T20:48:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/queonnda.com\/theyre-still-alive-rockets-crush-lakers-115-96\/"},"modified":"2026-04-27T16:58:50","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T20:58:50","slug":"theyre-still-alive-rockets-crush-lakers-115-96","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/queonnda.com\/en\/theyre-still-alive-rockets-crush-lakers-115-96\/","title":{"rendered":"They’re still alive! Rockets crush Lakers 115-96"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Houston Rockets, without Kevin Durant and with their backs against the wall after losing the first three games, gave themselves extra life Sunday with a 115-96 win over the Los Angeles Lakers to take the West’s first-round playoff series to Game 5. No team in NBA<\/a> history has ever won a series after losing the first three games, but Ime Udoka’s Rockets didn’t throw in the towel and extended the fight at least until next Wednesday, when the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles will host Game 5.<\/p>\n

With Durant sitting on the bench because of a left ankle injury suffered in the second game of the series, the Houston Rockets triumphed over the Lakers led by 23 points from Amen Thompson and 20 points, eight rebounds and five steals from Tari Eason. Alperen Sengun contributed 19 points, Reed Sheppard scored 17 and Jabari Smith added 16.<\/p>\n


\nLakers without Doncic and Reaves<\/h2>\n
\"Houston
PHOTO: Houston Rockets Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Lakers, who are still without Luka Doncic, out with a hamstring injury, and Austin Reaves, who is bothering his obliques, paid for their 23 turnovers against the Houston Rockets.<\/p>\n

Reaves was in doubt until the last minute, but ultimately did not compete after warming up on the Toyota Center track.<\/p>\n

He is expected to return to play in the next game, while Doncic is further behind in the recovery process.<\/p>\n

LeBron James, the hero of Game 3, was held to 10 points, four rebounds and nine assists on 2-of-9 shooting from the field in 33 minutes.<\/p>\n

Deandre Ayton was the leading scorer for the Lakers with 19 points and ten rebounds, but ended up ejected for a flagrant foul.<\/p>\n

The Lakers were without Luka Doncic, out with a hamstring injury, and Austin Reaves, who is bothering his oblique muscles.<\/p>\n

The Ime Udoka-led Rockets didn't throw in the towel<\/p>Qu\u00e9Onnda.com<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n

Turnovers doom the Lakers<\/h2>\n
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A post shared by Houston Rockets (@houstonrockets).<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n