The Los Angeles Lakers managed to halt the Houston Rockets, who were riding high with 12 wins in their last 13 games, by winning the game on Monday, March 31, 2025, with a score of 104 to 98. The first quarter at Crypto Arena was balanced, but not in a positive way, as neither team managed to score over 20 points. However, things heated up in the second period. The Lakers, who started the quarter three points behind, began to grow on the court, especially with Luka Doncic leading the attack and Dorian Finney-Smith shining on defense. The game went to halftime tied at 48 points.
In the second half, the intensity continued. The Lakers took the lead, but both teams exchanged it frequently, with the score remaining very close. Doncic, who was being marked by Dillon Brooks’ trash talk, accrued four fouls in the third quarter and had to sit out for a while. LeBron James then took over the offensive duties, while Finney-Smith focused primarily on defense without neglecting his offensive contributions. This allowed the Lakers to finally create a gap.
The last quarter was anything but calm, and at several moments it seemed the game could go into overtime, although the Rockets never managed to tie it, despite closing the gap multiple times. The final minutes were tense for both fan bases. Doncic returned to the court and reached 20 points but also picked up his fifth foul. Coach JJ Redick opted to keep him in the game regardless. In the dying seconds, LeBron committed a turnover with a poor pass, which Brooks intercepted to cut the deficit to just two points.
In a moment of redemption, LeBron then blocked a shot from Alperen Sengun. To seal the victory, Finney-Smith grabbed a rebound, drew a foul while going for the basket, and converted both free throws, putting the Lakers ahead by six points at the end. With the Memphis Grizzlies losing, the Lakers maintain the fourth position in the Western Conference, now with a two-win cushion.
Dorian Finney-Smith made a significant impact in the game. After the return of Rui Hachimura, Finney-Smith went back to the bench, but he continued to contribute greatly in games. Against the Rockets, he was one of the standout players, especially on defense. The forward played for 31 minutes and recorded 20 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and three blocks, effectively filling the gaps in the paint, which was the Rockets' strongest point.
Gabe Vincent and Dorian Finney-Smith combined for back-to-back threes, showcasing their sharpshooting capabilities. The duo hit eleven threes between them, adding to the Lakers' offensive arsenal. The Lakers' performance was crucial in stopping the Rockets' momentum and securing a vital win as they head into the final stretch of the season.
In terms of individual performances, Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 20 points, six rebounds, and nine assists. He was closely followed by Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent, who also scored 20 points each. LeBron James contributed with 16 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, showcasing his all-around game.
On the other side, the Rockets were led by Amen Thompson, who also scored 20 points, along with five rebounds and four assists. Dillon Brooks added 16 points, while Jabari Smith Jr. had a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Alperen Sengun also made his mark with 14 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
The first quarter of the game was characterized by poor shooting from both teams, with the Rockets narrowly winning it 19-16. Jabari Smith Jr. opened the second quarter strong, scoring five points in the first two minutes to give the Rockets an early eight-point lead. The Lakers responded with their own three-pointers but struggled to take the lead. With just over two minutes left in the half, Gabe Vincent tied the game at 41 points, and both teams went into halftime even at 48.
As the second half unfolded, the teams continued to trade baskets, maintaining the close scoreline. The Lakers took a five-point lead before the fourth quarter, but the Rockets kept pushing back, reducing the deficit to just two points with 20 seconds remaining. LeBron's crucial free throws extended the lead back to four points, and his defensive play against Sengun sealed the game for the Lakers.
This victory not only reinforces the Lakers' playoff positioning but also serves as a statement that they can compete with the best as they approach the postseason. With their roster clicking and key players stepping up, the Lakers are looking to build on this momentum as the NBA season heads toward its climax.
The Lakers' next challenge will be to maintain this form as they face tougher opponents ahead. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if this win is a sign of things to come for a team with championship aspirations.
