Houston Rockets beat Los Angeles Lakers 99-93 on the road on Wednesday, April 29 in a low-scoring game: just 192 combined points between the two teams.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Lakers had the better start, winning the first 28-21 to lead by 7 after one. The Rockets moved in front with a 30-19 second quarter, carrying a 4-point lead into halftime.
The Rockets won the third 25-20 to create some separation, taking a 9-point lead into the fourth. The Lakers took the fourth 26-23; the Rockets held on for a 99-93 regulation win.
What decided it
The Rockets took better care of the ball, turning it over on 11.1% of possessions compared with 16.7% for the Lakers. The Rockets got more from their shots, finishing at 53.3% effective field-goal shooting compared with 46.7% for the Lakers. Those extra possessions were crucial.
The Lakers did win one battle, second chances: ORB% of 31.7% against 17.6%. The Rockets made up for it elsewhere.
At roughly 90 possessions per team, the Rockets produced 110.1 points per 100 possessions to 103.4 for the Lakers.
The Rockets' reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 18-5.
Who made the difference
Deandre Ayton was the game's biggest individual force for LAL: 18 pts, 17 reb, 0 ast on 9-14 shooting. His Game Score of 20.1 led everyone. His team was +2 with him on the floor.
Jabari Smith Jr. led the Rockets with 22 pts, 7 reb, 3 ast on 6-13 shooting, good for a 20.1 Game Score.
Deandre Ayton (18 pts, 17 reb, 0 ast) recorded a double-double.
What it means
The pre-game Win Meter had it close to a coin flip, at about 35% for the Rockets.
Across the last 10 meetings in our records, Los Angeles Lakers lead 7-3.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.