The Lakers did not need a great LeBron James (16 points and 15 rebounds) to knock down the Houston Rockets (110-100) for the third time (3-1) in the Western Conference semifinal.
In place of LeBron appeared Anthony Davis, with 29 points and 12 rebounds, and James Harden was erratic, asphyxiated by the defensive pressure of his rival.
A combination that leaves the Rockets on the brink.
Against an opponent who plays without centers, Davis and the rest of the Lakers' tall men imposed their law with 62 points in the paint, by 24 for Houston.
"We played well on defense. We did a good job defending his 3s," Davis said.
"For the most part, we executed our game plan."
The Rockets got within five points in the last minute, but a triple by guard
Alex Caruso
from the corner, following a great assist from LeBron, ruined the Texans' comeback.
"We know what we have to do. We all have to sacrifice some of the things we like to do. We have to fight," claimed
Russell Westbrook
(25 points), criticizing the attitude of his team in the first three quarters.
His teammate
James Harden
had a grim night shooting, scoring just 2/11 shots for 21 points, to which he added 10 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks.
In the event of victory in Game 5, the Lakers will reach the Western Conference final for the first time since the 2009-10 season, when they led the team Pau Gasol and the late Kobe Bryant.
Houston had surprised by winning the first game of this series, but the Lakers, the best team in the West in the regular season, rebuilt with three consecutive victories.
"The decisive games are always the most difficult. We have to come out with a killer mentality," Davis warned.
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