Doncic's 36 points shone as the Lakers defeated the Rockets 100-92.
2026-03-17 05:24
March 17th - The Lakers defeated the Rockets 100-92. Luka Doncic had a standout performance with 36 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, while LeBron James contributed 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. For the Rockets, J.R. Smith scored 22 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, while Klay Thompson had 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists.
At the start of the game, Doncic and James led the Lakers to keep the score close. At the end of the first quarter, the Lakers led 29-28. In the second quarter, the Rockets, led by Smith and Durant, scored consecutively to keep the Lakers ahead. The Lakers' offense stalled for a period, and at halftime, the Rockets led 57-51.
After switching sides, the Lakers relied on a combined effort from James and Doncic, with Doncic hitting consecutive three-pointers to take the lead. At the end of the third quarter, the Lakers led 83-80 . In the final quarter, the two teams traded baskets, with Smart hitting a crucial three-pointer and Ayton scoring repeatedly inside to stabilize the situation. Ultimately, the Lakers defeated the Rockets 100-92 .
Lakers player statistics
Doncic had 36 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists; James had 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists; Reeves had 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists; Smart had 11 points and 1 assist; La Lavia had 7 points and 4 rebounds; Ayton had 7 points and 11 rebounds; Hachimura had 6 points and 3 rebounds; and Kennard had 2 assists.
Rockets player statistics
Smith had 22 points and 8 rebounds; Thompson had 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists; Durant had 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists; Sheppard had 11 points and 3 assists; Capela had 9 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists; Finney-Smith had 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists; Ethan had 5 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists; and Okogie had 2 assists.
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