LOS ANGELES (AP) — Amen Thompson scored 26 points, led six players in double figures, and the Houston Rockets defeated Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers 117-96 on Thursday night.
Kevin Durant added 25 points and nine assists for the Rockets, who ended a two-game skid and improved their road record to 7-7. Thompson had 7 rebounds and 5 assists.
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Doncic scored 25 points and LeBron James added 18 for the Lakers, who fell to 25-27 and 52nd overall in their 27th straight game on Christmas Day, a tradition that began in 1949. They have lost three games in a row.
Doncic and James made a combined 4 of 11 three-pointers. Nine of the Lakers’ 16 turnovers were their fault. Doncic returned after missing the game against Phoenix after injuring his left leg in last weekend’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
James and Durant had the highest-scoring showdown in NBA history. No two opposing players have more career points total in a game.
Alperen Sengun grabbed 12 rebounds to help the Rockets dominate the boards 48-25. His numbers equal the Lakers’ entire starting lineup combined.
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The Rockets led by 14 points in the first quarter and led 63-53 at halftime, while James only scored 8 points. Durant and Thompson each scored 16 points at halftime.
The Rockets started the third quarter with an 18-5 run, extending their lead to 23 points.
Lakers starter Rui Hachimura did not score, while starter Austin Reeves lost his chance to start due to left calf soreness. He scored 12 points and did not return after halftime.
Next
Rockets: Host Cleveland on Saturday.
Lakers: Host Sacramento on Sunday.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
