By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
A late surge from the Houston Rockets got it close, but the Los Angeles Lakers comfortably went up 3-1 in the Western Conference best-of-seven series. Thursday’s win, 110-100, in the Orlando bubble left the storied organization one more victory away from its first conference final appearance in ten years.
Davis scored a game-high 29 points alongside 12 rebounds, five assists, and a couple of blocks. James had 16 points, 15 rebounds, nine assists, and two steals. Alex Caruso added 16 more points off the bench. Rajon Rondo recorded 11 points, ten rebounds, and eight assists.
A large lead was cut to seven points after a late 18-2 run. The Lakers turning the ball over in multiple consecutive possessions allowed their opponents to gain short-lived hope for an improbable comeback.
Dion Waiters with a sore left groin and JaVale McGee with a left ankle sprain were sidelined for Game 4.
The team coached by Mike D’Antoni initially up 1-0 in the playoffs series was outscored 62-24 in the paint, 17-3 on second-chance points, and 19-2 on fast-break points.
Russell Westbrook landed a team-high 25 points. James Harden finished with 21 points and ten assists. Eric Gordon had 19 points to his name. Danuel House Jr. missed his second straight game.
Game 5 is scheduled to take place Saturday.
Photo Credit: Getty Images