The Houston Rockets edged out the Los Angeles Lakers in a dramatic 119-115 victory on Sunday, holding off a late surge to safe back-to-back wins towards their Western Convention rival for the primary time because the 2019-20 season. Nevertheless it wasn’t simply the sport itself that had followers talking-the Rockets delivered a postgame troll referencing a lyric from Los Angeles rapperKendrick Lamar, including gas to the rivalry.
The Lakers mounted a livid comeback after trailing by as many as 22 factors, reducing the deficit to 3 with seven seconds left. Nevertheless, Rockets guard Fred VanVleet intercepted an inbounds cross from Max Christie, sealing the win and thwarting the Lakers’ hopes of a dramatic tie.
LeBron James makes enjoyable of Drake whereas dancing to Kendrick Lamar’s huge hit “Mustard”
Following the win, the Rockets’ social media workforce wasted no time throwing shade. They quoted Kendrick Lamar’s“Hey, flip his TV off” lyric from his current observe GNX, a playful jab at their Hollywood opponents. The caption rapidly gained traction, with followers of each groups chiming in on the Rockets‘ daring transfer.
Jalen Inexperienced led Houston’s offensive cost with 33 factors, marking his sixth 30-point recreation of the season. Rookie Amen Thompson had a breakout efficiency with 23 factors and a career-high 16 rebounds, showcasing his versatility towards one of many league’s hardest frontcourts.
Lakers’ stars shine, however Rockets maintain agency in heated Western Convention conflict
For the Lakers, Anthony Davis was dominant as regular, recording 30 factors, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks. LeBron James got here near a triple-double with 21 factors, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists, however his efforts weren’t sufficient to beat Houston’s early lead.
The Lakers got here alive within the third quarter, scoring 40 factors to chop Houston’s result in single digits. Nevertheless, the Rockets held agency within the fourth, with clutch contributions from VanVleet and Inexperienced to keep up their benefit and hold the Lakers at bay.
The groups are set to satisfy once more on March 31 in Los Angeles, the place the Lakers will undoubtedly look to avenge Sunday’s loss.
With each groups vying for place within the tightly contested Western Convention, this win for the Rockets not solely supplied a confidence enhance but in addition reignited a rivalry that guarantees loads of drama within the months to return.
