In a recent NBA game, the Houston Rockets, led by rookie Cam Whitmore's 12 points in the first quarter, took a commanding 42-31 lead over the Los Angeles Lakers. Lakers coach Darvin Ham had identified Whitmore as a future league superstar prior to the game. By halftime, the Rockets had increased their lead to 78-60, with Dillon Brooks making significant contributions. The Lakers' defense struggled, allowing the Rockets to extend their lead to 94-64 midway through the third quarter. Lakers' Anthony Davis had 23 points and 7 rebounds, while D'Angelo Russell also scored 23 points. LeBron James added 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, but no other Lakers player reached double figures.
Third quarter: Rockets 108, Lakers 84 Houston outscored 30-24 in the third and led by as many as 30 points. AD has 23 points and 7 rebounds. DLo has 23 points and 4 assists. LeBron has 15 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. No other Laker is in double figures.
The Rockets are giving the Lakers that WORK tonightโฆ sheesh. ๐ฎโ๐จ https://t.co/Z7uOdDFfuV
LAL's starters were -9 in the first half, and start the 3rd Q -12 with the Rockets on a 16-4 run into a time out at the 7:34 mark. That's a -21 for the group with Houston leading 94-64. Russell and Davis have 18 points apiece on the other end.
The Lakers trail by 30, 94-64, here in Houston midway through the 3rd Q.
At the half, the Rockets lead the Lakers 78-60. #Rockets #Sarge #RocketsWire
The Rockets scored 78 in the first half. Lakers really shut them down there.
The Rockets scored 79 in the first half. Lakers really shut them down there.
The Lakers' defense is getting shredded by the young, talented Rockets. LAL trails 78-60 at the half, with Dillon Brooks hitting back-to-back jumpers to end the 2nd Q after the Lakers had cut a 21-point deficit to 13
First quarter: Rockets 42, Lakers 31 LA had a strong start to the quarter before rookie Cam Whitmore took over. Whitmore, who the Lakers passed on drafting at No. 17, scored the final 12 points of the quarter for Houston to propel them to a double-digit lead. DLo has 13 points.
Before the game, Darvin Ham called Cam Whitmore a "bright, young superstar thatโs going to be in our league for a long time." Then Whitmore had two 3s and three dunks in the 1st Q for 12 pts. HOU leads LAL, 42-31.