After losing by 34 points in Houston earlier this month, LeBron James and the Lakers gained some revenge on the Rockets in a 105-104 victory during Sunday’s rematch in Los Angeles.
The earlier victory by the Rockets (6-5) was far more convincing, but it’s worth noting Los Angeles (8-6) didn’t have star big man in that first game. This time, they did, and he finished with 27 points and 10 rebounds on 11-of-15 shooting (73.3%) from the field.
But the dominant force was James, who remains an MVP candidate and arguably the greatest basketball player of all-time. On Sunday, James led the Lakers with 37 points and 8 assists while shooting 14-of-19 overall (73.7%) and 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40.0%), and the foul he drew with 1.9 seconds left led to a winning free throw.
That was just enough to hold off young center Alperen Sengun, veteran wing Dillon Brooks, and the rest of a pesky Houston group. Sengun, who leads the Rockets in scoring and rebounds this season, finished with 23 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists while shooting 11-of-16 from the field (68.8%) and 1-of-2 on 3-pointers (50.0%).
The Rockets were plus-21 in the Turkish big man’s 31 minutes, and he tied the game late by scoring over James with 4.0 seconds left.
Meanwhile, Brooks finished with a team-high 24 points and 4 steals. He shot 9-of-21 overall (42.9%) and 6-of-11 on 3-pointers (54.5%).
In postgame comments, James had kind things to say about both players. Here’s a look at his quotes, along with full interview video.
LeBron James on Alperen Sengun
He is getting more comfortable in every game. They trust him. Obviously, he can post very effectively. He has a great ball-handling ability, can see the floor, great passing. He is a really good young piece.
LeBron James on Dillon Brooks
He’s a great competitor. I like going against him. And he was hooping tonight, too, for sure. He was shooting the ball exceptionally well, kept them in the game. So, that’s competition. Those young guys, they get me going. So, I need that.
Alperen Sengun ties game over LeBron James
Alperen Sengun goes right at LeBron and ties it up with seconds left pic.twitter.com/3Zh9SHzk4h
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) November 20, 2023
