Anthony Davis dominated inside against the small Houston Rockets but the Los Angeles Lakers were unable to pull out a win. Behind their hot shooting from behind the arc (19 of 42), the Rockets came out on top with a final score of 121 to 111.
The Lakers went to Davis early and often in this game as the Rockets did not start a player over 6’6″. The big man predictably had a lot of success, finishing the game with 32 points and 13 rebounds while adding three assists, steals and blocks.
The Lakers, however, ran into a math problem. The Rockets spaced out the floor and put pressure on the rim through Russell Westbrook drives. When the Lakers crashed the paint to cover the former MVP, the Rockets were able to get open (and contested) looks from three and took advantage.
Meanwhile, the Lakers struggled from deep, shooting just nine of 31 from deep. Outside the trio of Danny Green, Avery Bradley and Alex Caruso, the Lakers made just one of their 20 attempts.
Westbrook finished with 41 points, eight rebounds and five assists while shooting 17 of 28 from the field.
For the Lakers, LeBron James did not score well but controlled the offense, finishing the game with 18 points, nine rebounds and 15 assists.
