The Rockets dominated the Los Angeles Lakers nearly from start to finish Monday night at Toyota Center.
Houston beat Los Angeles 135-119 with 30-point performances from both Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün, who scored 34 and 31 points, respectively.
They jumped out to a double digit lead in the first quarter, finishing it strong with 12 points off the bench by rookie Cam Whitmore. Green was also hot to start the game, hitting 5-of-8 shots, including 2-for-2 from 3-point range for 13 points in the first quarter.
Houston led by 18 points at halftime with Whitmore and all but one of its starters in double figures at the break. Fred VanVleet at that had attempted only one shot, a 3 that he missed.
Los Angeles made a rally in the fourth quarter, cutting the lead to as few as 10. The Rockets, however, were able to withstand. Houston also blew out Los Angeles on Nov. 8 at Toyota Center, before losing 11 days later in LA.
Green finished 12-for-23 from the field, including 4-for-10 from 3. He also grabbed 12 rebounds for his third straight double-double.
Şengün's 31 points came shooting 14-for-24 from the field and he also added 12 rebounds. Jabari Smith Jr., who returned after missing four straight games with a sprained ankle, scored 18 points and grabbed nine boards. Dillon Brooks added 17 points.
