The Houston Rockets edged out the Los Angeles Lakers in a dramatic 119-115 victory on Sunday, holding off a late surge to secure back-to-back wins against their Western Conference rival for the first time since the 2019-20 season. But it wasn’t just the game itself that had fans talking-the Rockets delivered a postgame troll referencing a lyric from Los Angeles rapperKendrick Lamar, adding fuel to the rivalry.
The Lakers mounted a furious comeback after trailing by as many as 22 points, cutting the deficit to three with seven seconds left. However, Rockets guard Fred VanVleet intercepted an inbounds pass from Max Christie, sealing the win and thwarting the Lakers’ hopes of a dramatic tie.
Following the win, the Rockets’ social media team wasted no time throwing shade. They quoted Kendrick Lamar’s“Hey, turn his TV off” lyric from his recent track GNX, a playful jab at their Hollywood opponents. The caption quickly gained traction, with fans of both teams chiming in on the Rockets‘ bold move.
Jalen Green led Houston’s offensive charge with 33 points, marking his sixth 30-point game of the season. Rookie Amen Thompson had a breakout performance with 23 points and a career-high 16 rebounds, showcasing his versatility against one of the league’s toughest frontcourts.
Lakers’ stars shine, but Rockets hold firm in heated Western Conference clash
For the Lakers, Anthony Davis was dominant as usual, recording 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks. LeBron James came close to a triple-double with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists, but his efforts weren’t enough to overcome Houston’s early lead.
The Lakers came alive in the third quarter, scoring 40 points to cut Houston’s lead to single digits. However, the Rockets held firm in the fourth, with clutch contributions from VanVleet and Green to maintain their advantage and keep the Lakers at bay.
The teams are set to meet again on March 31 in Los Angeles, where the Lakers will undoubtedly look to avenge Sunday’s loss.
With both teams vying for position in the tightly contested Western Conference, this win for the Rockets not only provided a confidence boost but also reignited a rivalry that promises plenty of drama in the months to come.
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