Lakers Secure 3-0 Series Lead with 112-108 Victory Over Rockets in Overtime Thriller HOUSTON -- — LeBron James scored 29 points, including a tying 3-pointer with 13 seconds left in regulation, Marcus Smart had eight points in overtime, and the Los Angeles Lakers capitalized on a Houston Rockets team missing Kevin Durant for a 112-108 win Friday night to take a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference first-round series. The Lakers rallied from a six-point deficit with under 30 seconds remaining and can sweep the series Sunday night in Houston. The game’s momentum shifted dramatically in the final moments of regulation. With the Lakers trailing 101-95 and 25 seconds left, Smart was fouled on a 3-point attempt after a Houston turnover. He made all three free throws to tie the game at 101-all. James then stole the ball from Reed Sheppard and hit a 3-pointer to send the game into overtime. Houston’s Alperen Sengun missed a 7-footer, giving the Lakers possession, but James’ 3-point attempt bounced off the rim, forcing overtime. In overtime, the Lakers opened with a 6-2 run, highlighted by Smart’s 3-pointer to take a 107-103 lead. Smart added two free throws with 35.5 seconds remaining to make it 111-105. Houston’s Reed Sheppard cut the lead to three with a 3-pointer, but Smart sealed the victory with 1 of 2 free throws to push the lead to 112-108. James, who played more than 45 minutes, emphasized the challenges of the Lakers’ depleted roster. “Everyone has to do a little bit more because of how much we’re missing,” he said. “It’s a challenge for all of us and just trying to figure it out together.” The 41-year-old forward also added 13 rebounds, including an alley-oop pass to his son Bronny for a basket in the first half.#lebron_james #los_angeles_lakers #houston_rockets #alperen_sengun #marcus_smart
Lakers Edge Rockets in Playoff Opener as Kennard Shines LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 107-98 victory over the Houston Rockets in the first game of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Saturday night, taking a 1-0 series lead. The win came despite the Lakers being without their top two scorers, LeBron James and Kevin Durant, and highlighted their ability to adapt and execute under challenging circumstances. Luke Kennard, acquired by the Lakers in early February, delivered a career playoff-high 27 points, while LeBron James contributed 19 points and 13 assists. The fourth-seeded Lakers capitalized on the absence of Durant, who was ruled out due to a bruised right knee, and the prolonged absence of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, both sidelined with injuries since April 2. The Lakers’ performance was defined by their shooting efficiency and defensive intensity. They shot 60.6% from the field, compared to the Rockets’ 37.6% shooting, and limited Houston to just 21 offensive rebounds. Despite attempting only 66 field goals—the fewest in an NBA game in the past three seasons—the Lakers’ balanced attack and relentless defense proved decisive. “With so much firepower missing, we all had to step up,” James said after his 19th NBA postseason. “We protected each other offensively and defensively, and that’s what it takes to win in the playoffs.” Houston’s fifth-seeded squad, led by Alperen Sengun (19 points) and Jabari Smith Jr. (16 points, 12 rebounds), struggled to find consistency. Despite a strong start, the Rockets’ shooting woes persisted, and their inability to capitalize on opportunities left them trailing. Coach Ime Udoka acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, stating, “We won a lot of areas, but just shot poorly.#lebron_james #los_angeles_lakers #houston_rockets #alperen_sengun #luke_kennard
Houston Rockets Evolving Offense: A Shift Toward Fluidity and Motion Play The Houston Rockets are undergoing a transformation in their offensive approach, and the results are beginning to show. Over the past month, the team has started to embrace a more dynamic style of play, moving away from its previous reliance on isolation scoring and offensive rebounding. This shift has led to a noticeable improvement in their ball movement and overall efficiency, marking a potential turning point in their season. The article highlights the challenges the Rockets faced earlier in the 2025-26 NBA season. Their offense was criticized for being overly simplistic, often dependent on offensive rebounds to sustain scoring. This approach, while effective in the short term, lacked sustainability and failed to maximize the team’s strengths. The Rockets’ struggles to exploit mismatches and create high-percentage opportunities were a recurring issue, despite the presence of key players like Alperen Sengun, who has proven to be a formidable isolation scorer. A critical factor in this evolution has been the development of Amen Thompson, whose role on the team has been a subject of debate. If Thompson is positioned as a point guard, the Rockets’ offensive identity could shift toward a more traditional playmaking style. However, the article suggests that Thompson’s potential as a wing player is more promising. In that scenario, the Rockets would gain positional versatility, allowing them to leverage their passers—such as Sengun and Reed Sheppard—to execute motion offense effectively. This flexibility could unlock new scoring opportunities and create a more balanced attack. The team’s recent offensive improvements are reflected in their statistical performance. During their last ten games, the Rockets’ assist percentage surged to 67.#houston_rockets #amen_thompson #alperen_sengun #ime_udoka #reed_sheppard
Alperen Sengun Flirts with Triple-Double in Sunday's Win Over Warriors The Houston Rockets secured a narrow 117-116 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night, with Alperen Sengun delivering a standout performance that brought him perilously close to a triple-double. The 23-year-old forward recorded 24 points (10-19 from the field, 1-5 from beyond the arc, 3-3 from the free-throw line), six rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks, showcasing his versatility and impact on both ends of the floor. Sengun’s ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game highlighted his growing importance to the Rockets’ offensive and defensive schemes. Sengun’s performance continued a remarkable stretch of dominance, as he has consistently posted double-digit points, rebounds, and assists in each of his last five games. During this span, the Turkish international has averaged 13.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per contest, while also contributing 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks. His ability to create opportunities for teammates and secure crucial rebounds has made him a reliable fantasy asset for managers seeking reliable production from the Houston starting five. The Rockets’ victory over the Warriors marked a pivotal moment in their season, as the team continues to navigate the competitive Western Conference. Sengun’s contributions were instrumental in the Rockets’ ability to maintain their lead in the standings, particularly in the fourth quarter when the Warriors mounted a late rally. His 24 points and seven assists helped Houston sustain its offensive momentum, while his defensive presence—highlighted by two blocks—prevented Golden State from gaining a critical edge in the final minutes. Sengun’s season averages of 20.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.#nba #houston_rockets #golden_state_warriors #alperen_sengun #western_conference
Alperen Sengun notches double-double Saturday against Heat Alperen Sengun recorded a double-double in the Houston Rockets’ 123-122 victory over the Miami Heat on Saturday night. The center contributed 19 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and shot 9 of 13 from the field along with 1 of 2 free throws. His performance helped secure the win for the Rockets, who edged out the Heat in a tightly contested matchup. Sengun has been a consistent force for Houston, posting double-double numbers in each of his last five games. In those contests, he has averaged at least two rebounds, three assists, and 10 points per game. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor has made him a valuable asset for fantasy managers, as he continues to showcase his versatility. The 25-year-old center is currently averaging 20.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game this season. His 26.3% usage rate highlights his efficiency as a playmaker, while his rebounding and scoring contributions solidify his role as a key piece of the Rockets’ starting five. Sengun’s recent performance underscores his importance to the team’s success. With his combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive presence, he remains a critical factor in Houston’s offensive and defensive schemes. As the Rockets continue their season, his ability to consistently deliver double-doubles will be crucial in maintaining their competitive edge in the league.#nba #miami_heat #double_double #houston_rockets #alperen_sengun
Houston Rockets vs Chicago Bulls: Durant's Historic Game and Viewing Guide Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets will face the Chicago Bulls on Monday, March 23, 2026, in a matchup that carries added significance as Durant recently surpassed Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list. The game marks the culmination of a four-game road trip for Houston and the final contest of Chicago’s four-game homestand. The Rockets, with a record of 43-27, enter the matchup after securing a 123-122 victory over the Miami Heat, where Durant contributed 27 points. This win propelled him to fifth place in NBA history in scoring, though he remains 1,350 points away from overtaking Kobe Bryant for fourth place. The Bulls, with a 28-42 record, have struggled during their homestand, losing two of their first three games. This encounter will be the final matchup between the two teams this season. Durant has a strong historical record against Chicago, having played 32 games against the Bulls. Over his career, he averages 26.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, with a 21-11 record against the team. The game will be broadcast on Space City Home Network and Chicago Sports Network, with live streaming available through Fubo. The event takes place at the United Center in Chicago, starting at 8:00 p.m. ET. Fans can also follow the game’s progression through live updates and highlights, as the Rockets aim to extend their winning streak against the Bulls. In their previous meeting on January 23, 2026, the Rockets edged the Bulls 119-113. Durant led the charge with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, shooting 12-of-23 from the field. Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson each added 23 points, combining for 13 assists and 12 rebounds.#kevin_durant #chicago_bulls #houston_rockets #united_center #alperen_sengun
Bulls vs. Rockets Game Preview: Prediction and Key Factors A high-stakes cross-conference matchup takes place at the United Center on Monday, March 23, at 8 p.m. ET. The Chicago Bulls, with a 28-42 record and a 12th-place finish in the Eastern Conference, face the Houston Rockets, who sit at 43-27 and rank fourth in the Western Conference. The Bulls are 17-20 at home, while the Rockets are 18-17 on the road. The game will be a critical test for both teams as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season. The Bulls have shown inconsistency in recent games, with a 115-110 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday. Despite a late-game rally led by Josh Giddey’s 19 assists and a strong fourth-quarter push, they fell short. The Rockets, meanwhile, ended their road trip with a 123-122 win over the Miami Heat, secured by Amen Thompson’s buzzer-beating tip-in. The Rockets’ recent performance highlights their resilience, particularly in clutch moments. This matchup has historical context, as the Rockets have dominated the series, winning four straight games since their January 13 matchup. In that game, Kevin Durant scored 28 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Alperen Sengun added 23 points and 11 assists. The Rockets’ recent success underscores their offensive firepower and ability to close out games. For the Bulls, Josh Giddey remains a key asset, averaging 17.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 9.0 assists. Matas Buzelis contributes 16.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, providing a reliable scoring option. The Bulls’ offensive rhythm is built around pace and ball movement, with an average of 28.7 assists per game and a 101.8 pace. Their ability to create open shots and maintain a fast tempo could challenge the Rockets’ slower style of play.#kevin_durant #chicago_bulls #houston_rockets #josh_giddey #alperen_sengun
Rockets' Kevin Durant admits he 'lost the game' in loss to Lakers The Houston Rockets suffered a crucial setback against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, dropping them further behind L.A. in the race for the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. The Lakers now hold a 1.5-game lead over Houston, which has struggled in its last 10 games with a 5-5 record. The Rockets also trail the Nuggets and Timberwolves by a half-game for the No. 4 spot in the West. The loss was attributed to a stagnant offensive performance by Houston, with Kevin Durant taking full responsibility for the team's struggles. Durant, who finished with just 18 points and seven turnovers, admitted he felt like he single-handedly cost the Rockets the game. "I just felt like I lost the game for us tonight," Durant said after the contest. "It's that simple. Of course we probably could make more 3s, but it's on me. I mean, to be honest, I'm the offense and the opposing team is going to use all their resources and not let me get comfortable." Durant’s uncharacteristic performance was marked by his inability to score efficiently in the second half, where he managed just two points. The Lakers’ defensive strategy of using two defenders to guard him throughout the game disrupted Houston’s rhythm. Despite Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson combining for 41 points, the Rockets couldn’t overcome the challenge. "First half, I got comfortable in iso, comfortable coming off of pindowns, pick-and-rolls, and they decided not to let me get comfortable no more," Durant explained. "So I got to be smarter, better with the ball.#los_angeles_lakers #kevin_durant #houston_rockets #alperen_sengun #fred_vanvleet
Kevin Durant takes blame as Lakers disrupt Rockets' offense The Los Angeles Lakers' defensive strategy in the fourth quarter of Monday night's game against the Houston Rockets left Kevin Durant searching for answers, as the Rockets' offense struggled under relentless double-teams. The Lakers, aiming to solidify their defensive identity after a shaky season, focused their efforts on limiting Durant's impact, a decision that backfired spectacularly for Houston. The Rockets committed nine turnovers and scored just 12 points on 4-of-16 shooting in the final frame, allowing the Lakers to extend their winning streak to six games with a 100-92 victory at the Toyota Center. Durant, who finished with 18 points, admitted he felt responsible for the loss. "I just felt like I lost the game for us tonight," he said. "It's that simple. Of course we probably could make more 3s, but it's on me. I mean, to be honest, I'm the offense and the opposing team is going to use all their resources and not let me get comfortable." Durant scored only two of his points in the second half and committed seven of the Rockets' 24 turnovers. He acknowledged the challenge of adapting to the Lakers' defensive tactics, which forced him to adjust his approach. "First half, I got comfortable in iso, comfortable coming off of pindowns, pick-and-rolls, and they decided not to let me get comfortable no more. So I got to be smarter, better with the ball. I got to maybe shoot over some of them double-teams, but space out, be ready to catch and shoot, be ready to be a screener, just be in a dunker spot, just being able to be there as a resource for my teammates to provide space. I didn't need to have the ball as much as I did tonight." The Lakers' defensive improvements have been critical to their recent success.#los_angeles_lakers #jj_redick #kevin_durant #houston_rockets #alperen_sengun
Houston Rockets Set Starters for Lakers Clash After Alperen Sengun Injury The Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers are set to face off in a high-stakes matchup on Monday, March 16, with both teams vying for control of the Western Conference standings. The game, scheduled for 9:30 PM ET, carries significant implications as the Rockets aim to close the gap on the third-seeded Lakers. Entering the contest, the Rockets hold a 41-25 record and are currently the fourth seed in the West, while the Lakers, with a 42-25 record, lead Houston by a half-game for the third seed. A victory for either team could shift the momentum in the race for the playoffs. A key storyline for the Rockets is the absence of All-Star forward Alperen Sengun, who was ruled out of the game due to lower-back pain. Sengun, who had been listed as questionable earlier in the week, was not able to suit up for the matchup against the Lakers. His absence adds pressure on the Rockets’ roster, as they look to compensate without their key contributor. Sengun, who earned his second All-Star selection this season, has averaged 20.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game this year. His absence could test the depth of the Rockets’ bench. The Rockets’ starting lineup for the game includes Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Clint Capela. Thompson, a rookie, is expected to provide scoring off the bench, while Eason, a former first-round pick, will likely anchor the frontcourt. Durant, acquired in a blockbuster trade over the summer, brings veteran leadership and scoring ability, and Smith Jr., the team’s top prospect, will look to make an impact in his second season. Capela, the team’s primary center, will need to step up in Sengun’s absence.#lebron_james #los_angeles_lakers #houston_rockets #alperen_sengun #clint_capela
Clint Capela to Start Against Lakers as Sengun Misses Game Clint Capela is set to start for his team in Monday's matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, according to a report from The California Post. The decision comes after Alperen Sengun, who was previously a key contributor at center, is ruled inactive due to a back injury. With Sengun sidelined, Capela will take over the starting role at center for the game. This marks Capela's first start of the season, as he had only previously entered the game in a starting capacity on December 6 against the Dallas Mavericks. In that earlier start, Capela recorded eight points (4-7 from the field, 0-1 from the free-throw line), eight rebounds, two blocks, and one assist over 30 minutes of play. His performance in that game highlighted his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively, though his shooting efficiency was a point of note. The team's coaching staff has opted to rely on Capela's experience and versatility in the absence of Sengun, who has been a consistent presence in the starting lineup throughout the season. To provide depth at the center position, the team will likely use Dorian Finney-Smith and Jeff Green as backup options. Both players have experience playing in smaller lineups and can offer flexibility in defensive schemes. Finney-Smith, known for his perimeter shooting and defensive versatility, could provide a different dynamic in transition, while Green's ability to switch on screens and guard multiple positions makes him a valuable asset in the modern NBA. Capela's inclusion in the starting five underscores the team's need to maintain balance in the paint, especially with Sengun's absence.#los_angeles_lakers #the_california_post #alperen_sengun #clint_capela #dorian_finney_smith
Rockets' Alperen Sengun Misses Game Amid Back Pain HOUSTON — Alperen Sengun, the Rockets’ All-Star center, remained sidelined with low back pain for their home matchup against the Lakers, marking the second consecutive game he has missed under this designation. While he participated in Monday’s shootaround, Sengun was not in the lineup as the team continued without him. The Rockets had previously defeated the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday while Sengun was out, and the absence of the Turkish big man continues to impact their roster depth. The Rockets-Lakers game holds significant implications for the Western Conference playoff race, as both teams entered the matchup tied in the loss column (42-25 for the Lakers and 41-25 for the Rockets). The two teams are among the West’s teams with the fewest losses, highlighting the tight competition in the conference. Sengun’s absence adds pressure to the Rockets’ depth, as they rely on their remaining players to fill the void left by his injury. Despite his absence, Sengun has been a key contributor this season, averaging 20.2 points (50.3% FG), 8.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. His statistical performance has been a bright spot for the Rockets, but concerns have emerged about his defensive play compared to last season. Tracking data suggests his defensive contributions have declined, and some analysts speculate that physical ailments, including his back pain, may be a factor. The Rockets are reportedly giving Sengun time off to address these issues and potentially return to full form. Head coach Ime Udoka opted to start backup center Clint Capela in Sengun’s absence, pairing him with the usual quartet of Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason.#rockets #deandre_ayton #alperen_sengun #clint_capela #tari_eason
Amen Thompson Evolves into Key Offense-Defense Threat for Houston Rockets When the Houston Rockets selected Amen Thompson fourth overall in 2023, they anticipated his elite athleticism and defensive potential, even after passing on top prospect Victor Wembanyama. From the outset, Thompson proved his worth with his ability to play above the rim and transition the ball effectively in the open court. Beyond his physical gifts, he began to display improved offensive skills, such as better passing and decision-making, which had not been as emphasized prior to the draft. As his rookie season progressed, Thompson solidified his role as a lockdown defender for the Rockets. With increased minutes and familiarity with the NBA’s pace, he emerged as one of the team’s most reliable defenders. His defensive growth was further highlighted when he stepped into the starting lineup at power forward following Alperen Sengun’s injury. The move allowed Jabari Smith to shift to center, and Thompson’s performance in that role helped the Rockets achieve their best win-loss record since 2020. His consistency as a defender earned him a spot on the All-Defensive First Team in his second season. Thompson’s offensive development has been a focal point of his evolution. While he had already shown flashes of scoring ability, his third season marked a significant leap in offensive consistency. After a major injury to Fred VanVleet forced the Rockets to rely more on Thompson, he responded by becoming one of the team’s most dependable offensive threats. His scoring average rose from 9.5 to 14.1 points per game over his first two seasons, and he has since surpassed that, averaging a career-high in points, assists, and free-throw shooting. Despite his progress, Thompson’s 3-point shooting remains a challenge.#houston_rockets #amen_thompson #alperen_sengun #jabari_smith #kobe_durant
