Rockets Fall To Lakers As Anthony Davis Scores 40

The Houston Rockets dropped their 60th game of the season in a 134-109 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets have faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers twice before Sunday's contest inside the Toyota Center. But for the first time this season, the Rockets were taking on the Lakers with Anthony Davis and LeBron James in the lineup together.

With two future Hall-of-Famers, coach Stephen Silas knew the Rockets were going to see the best version of the Lakers. The outcome led to Houston sustaining a 134-109 loss to Los Angeles.

The Rockets struggled to defend Davis. The All-Star big man scored 11 points within the first five minutes, and his production led to an early 19-point deficit for Houston by the 10:02 mark of the second quarter.

The Rockets picked up their momentum on both ends after a slow start. They outscored the Lakers 39-35 during the quarter and came within 10 points (70-60) by halftime. But a lousy third quarter led to the Rockets trailing the Lakers 101-83 entering the final period.

Davis finished the night with a game-high 40 points on 15-for-20 shooting, 10-for-12 from the foul line, in 30 minutes. James finished with a triple-double of 18 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds.

Jalen Green scored 24 points to lead the Rockets despite their 60th loss of the season. Alperen Sengun finished with a double-double of 18 points and 15 rebounds, while Kevin Porter Jr. scored 20. 

All five starters scored in double-figures for the Rockets, but Houston did not receive any contribution from their bench unit. But the same cannot be said for the Lakers. 

Rui Hackimura came off the bench and added 20 points on 10-for-14 shooting and 12 rebounds, while Malik Beasley added 13 in the win.

Season recap vs. Lakers:

With the loss, the Rockets dropped their three-game regular-season series 1-2 against the Lakers. Houston's lone victory came in a 114-110 win on March 15 inside the Toyota Center. The Lakers also ended a two-game losing streak in Houston.

Jae'Sean Tate's Injury Update:

Jae'Sean Tate missed his seventh consecutive game due to a sore left knee. Silas said Tate is trying to work his way back, but his recovery is taking longer than expected.

Up Next:

The Rockets will play their final home game of the season Tuesday night against the Denver Nuggets. Houston will close their 2022-23 campaign on the road against the Charlotte Hornets (Friday) and Washington Wizards (Sunday).

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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