James scores 13 out of 14 shots to reach milestone! Lakers win 7 consecutive games, defeat Rockets again, Doncic scores 40 points, Durant scores 18 points

On March 19, the Lakers defeated the Rockets 124-116 away, achieving a 7-game winning streak. The three regular-season matchups between the two teams this season have concluded, with the Lakers leading 2-1. James made multiple explosive dunks, shooting 13 out of 14 attempts, contributing 30 points, and also unlocked two career milestones: 2400 steals (6th in history) and 12000 rebounds (23rd in history). Doncic contributed 40 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists. The Lakers led by 12 points at halftime. The Rockets briefly overtook them in the second half, but the Lakers held their ground in the final quarter to secure the victory. Durant scored 18 points.

Statistical Data

Lakers: Doncic 40 points, 9 rebounds, 10 assists; James 30 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists; Ayton 16 points; Reeves 14 points, 8 assists; Hachimura 8 points, 3 rebounds; Smart 5 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists; Kennard 5 points; Lavavia 5 points

Rockets: Amen 26 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists; Sengun 27 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists; Smith Jr. 18 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists; Durant 18 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists; Eason 10 points, 6 rebounds; Shepherd 11 points

Player of the Game

Doncic and James performed excellently, leading the Lakers to another victory over the Rockets.

Game Recap

In the first quarter, James scored a three-pointer, Allen completed an alley-oop, Amen and Eason scored consecutive layups. Doncic drew a foul on a three-point attempt but missed all three free throws. James scored another three-pointer, Amen and Eason dunked. Ayton scored 4 consecutive points, James stole from Durant and completed a dunk. Shepherd and Doncic exchanged three-pointers, Durant scored a mid-range shot, Hachimura hit a three-pointer, and the Lakers led by 5 points. Sengun dunked, Shepherd hit another three-pointer, tying the score. Kennard scored 5 consecutive points, Doncic hit two consecutive three-pointers, and the Lakers unleashed a 11-2 run, leading by 9 points. At the end of the first quarter, the Lakers led the Rockets 35-26, with Doncic scoring 13 points in the quarter.

In the second quarter, James completed an alley-oop dunk, Reeves and Amen scored layups. Lavavia hit a three-pointer, James delivered another explosive dunk, and the Lakers extended their lead to 13 points. Sengun scored with a hook shot, Amen dunked, Smith Jr. hit a three-pointer, and the Rockets narrowed the gap to 6 points. Ayton scored 4 consecutive points, Eason responded with 6 consecutive points. Smart hit a three-pointer, James completed a putback dunk, and Doncic scored a 2+1. At halftime, the Lakers led the Rockets 67-55.

In the first half, three Lakers players scored double-digit points: James scored 18 points on 8-of-8 shooting, Doncic had 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, Ayton scored 12 points. Four Rockets players scored double-digit points: Amen had 14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists; Sengun, Smith Jr., and Eason each scored 10 points; Durant scored only 2 points on 1-of-3 shooting.

After switching sides in the third quarter, Durant scored 5 consecutive points, Amen scored a layup. Doncic and Smith Jr. exchanged three-pointers, Sengun scored a mid-range shot, Durant dunked, and the Rockets unleashed a 13-1 run, overtaking the Lakers. Smart scored a mid-range shot, Ayton completed an alley-oop dunk, Durant scored 6 consecutive points. James completed an alley-oop dunk for a 2+1, Shepherd hit a three-pointer. Sengun scored a layup, Smith Jr. hit a mid-range shot, and the Rockets led by 6 points. Doncic also scored 8 consecutive points, and Finney-Smith hit a three-pointer. At the end of the third quarter, the Rockets led the Lakers 92-89.

In the final quarter, Reeves hit a three-pointer, Lavavia dunked, Reeves scored another layup, and the Lakers executed a 7-0 run. Amen dunked, James scored 4 consecutive points, and the Lakers led by 6 points. Durant hit a three-pointer, Doncic made consecutive turnovers, Sengun scored under the basket, and the Rockets responded with a 9-0 run to regain the lead. James scored a mid-range shot, then was fouled on a fast break by Smith Jr., briefly holding his elbow, but fortunately was not seriously injured. James made one of two free throws. Doncic scored a mid-range shot, Amen scored 4 consecutive points, Hachimura and Doncic hit consecutive three-pointers. Amen and Hachimura completed alley-oops consecutively. James completed an alley-oop dunk, Doncic hit a three-pointer, sealing the game. Ultimately, the Lakers defeated the Rockets away.

Starting Lineups

Lakers: Doncic, Reeves, Smart, James, Ayton

Rockets: Amen, Eason, Durant, Smith Jr., Sengun