Lakers Win 6th Straight, 1st of 2 in Series with Houston behind Doncic 36 Points in H-Town

Written By Malcolm Xavier of The Lakers Room

Luka was- well Luka scoring 16 of his game high in the 36 points to pace the Lakers in the opening quarter. Jabari Smith Jr led the Rockets with 22. LA led 29-23 with 1:10 remaining in the period before the pesky Reed Sheppard closed the quarter on a 5-0 run on his own to close the first with LA up one 29-28. Clint Capela led Deandre Ayton 3-0 after one in their individual hilarious side battle that you could feel from the tip off. DA wouldn't score his first point until a free throw in the third with 8:33 to go.

Houston took control in the 2nd quarter outscoring the Lakers 29-22 in a quarter that seen the Lakers offense go cold. Durant scored 8 of his points for Houston in the period, Capela added another 3 if you're keeping score. The Rockets took a 57-51 lead into halftime and continued to control the game into the third leading 70-61 after a bucket and free throw from Tari Eason. LA went small ball shortly after and went on a 19-4 tear capped by a Luka Doncic 24 foot bomb to take back control and lead 80-74, Houston responded with a 4-0 run on buckets from Sheppard and Thompson before another Doncic bomb. LA led 83-80 after the third.

The fourth period began as a slugfest. Both defenses clamped down and the went stop for stop at the 7 minute mark the score moved only to 85-83 LA. Jabari Smith Jr converted a 5-0 run on a dunk and 3 to give Houston the lead and momentum at 88-85 with the crowd now involved. LeBron quieted them momentarily and cut the deficit to 1 at 88-87. LA went on a 13-4 tear behind Luka Doncic, LeBron and two dagger shots from Deandre Ayton to end the game and extend their streak to six and nine of the last 10 to win the game 100-92 in the first of two at Houston. LeBron finished with 18, 5 and 5 Austin Reaves struggled offensively going 0-8 from deep in the victory. Oh yea, Ayton finished with 7 but 4 crucial points and offensive rebounds in the final moment - winning plays!