Staying alive: Amen Thompson steps up in Game 4 as Rockets rout Lakers
Amen Thompson had a team-high 23 points (62.5% FG) and 7 assists in Houston’s Game 4 blowout on Sunday night. Game 5 is Wednesday in Los Angeles.
HOUSTON -- Amen Thompson stepped up with 23 points and 7 assists on 10-of-16 shooting (62. 5%) as the Rockets staved off potential playoff elimination with Sunday’s 115-96 home victory ( box score ) over Los Angeles. Despite Houston’s Game 4 win at Toyota Center, the Lakers still lead the best-of-seven, first-round series by a 3-1 margin.
Game 5 is Wednesday night in Los Angeles. It was a balanced effort for the Rockets, who had all five starters score at least 16 points. Final statistics for that group, which includes five first-round selections from between 2021 and 2024 , were as follows: Amen Thompson: 23 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, 3-of-3 on free throws Tari Eason: 20 points, 8 rebounds, 5 steals; 7-of-10 shooting (70.
0%), 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40. 0%), +31 in 30 minutes Reed Sheppard: 17 points, 3 assists, 3 steals, 6-of-12 shooting (50. 0%), 4-of-7 on 3-pointers (57.
1%) Alperen Sengun: 19 points, 6 rebounds, 6-of-12 shooting (50. 0%), 7-of-13 on free throws (53. 8%) Jabari Smith Jr.