Rockets 80, Lakers 60 (end of third quarter)
Houston won the third consecutive quarter of the game tonight to extend its lead to 20 points heading into the fourth quarter.
James Harden’s dominance continued — he has 32 points scored on 11-of-16 shooting to go with seven rebounds and five assists.
The Lakers made just 39.7% of their shots from the field, with 16 turnovers. Carlos Boozer leads the team with 16 points; Jordan Hill has 10.
The Rockets shot 44.22% from the field while making 11 of 33 three-point attempts (33.3%). The Lakers hit just one long-range shott in 11 tries (9.1%).
Harden was the only player on his team in double figures, although Patrick Beverley, Trevor Ariza and Josh Smith each scored nine.
Rockets 52, Lakers 36 (halftime)
James Harden continued to be a problem for the Lakers, scoring 20 points in 17 minutes on eight-of-10 shooting.
Houston made eight of 18 (44.4%) three-point attempts, holding a comfortable lead throughout the first half.
Carlos Boozer scored 10 off the bench and Jordan Hill added eight to lead the Lakers, who shot 36.4% from the field.
The Lakers turned the ball over 12 times in the first half while missing all eight three-point attempts.
Houston had nine turnovers. After Harden, no other Rocket scored more than six points.
Rockets 30, Lakers 15 (end of first quarter)
Despite playing without Dwight Howard, Houston jumped out to an early 15-point lead over the Lakers after a quarter.
James Harden made five of six shots for 13 points. He also has four assists,
Jordan Hill has four points to lead the Lakers, who are shooting only 31.3% from the field.
Houston shot 52% from the field, making five three-pointers. The Lakers missed all five shots they attempted from behind the arc.
After sitting out the Lakers’ loss on Friday to the San Antonio Spurs (Coach Byron Scott’s decision), Jeremy Lin played four minutes in the first quarter, finishing with a point and an assist.
Pregame
The Lakers (12-32) will play Sunday night against the Houston Rockets (30-14), still awaiting word on Kobe Bryant’s fate with a torn rotator cuff.
The Rockets aren’t expected to have center Dwight Howard (ankle) and forward Terrence Jones (leg).
Also for the Lakers, Tarik Black (ankle) is doubtful while Julius Randle (knee) and Steve Nash (back) are out for the season.
For an in-depth breakdown, check out check out Preview: Lakers vs. Rockets.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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