Houston's season-high, 7 gm. winning streak is over - courtesy of the Los Angeles Lakers!
Yes, you read that correctly. Without two starters (K. Caldwell-Pope & B. Lopez) both out, Luke Walton's group controlled Houston en route a nice road victory. From the outset, it was clear LAL wouldn't be a cakewalk - visitors led, 37-22 after 1Q.
Houston, however, didn't fold easily (obviously). Spearheaded by James Harden's 30! 1H pts, the Rockets stormed back within 4 by halftime, making a tight affair the rest of the way. It just wasn't their night.
Nope, it belonged to LA & star rookie Kyle Kuzma, who poured in a career-high 38! pts w/ 7 boards & 4! dimes. A reserve since Larry Nance Jr.'s return from injury a couple weeks ago, Kuzma returned to Luke Walton's starting five, played 39 min. & was clearly the best player donning purple & gold.
K. Kuzma's rise has been impressive - the same could be said for the recent play of fellow rook Lonzo Ball, who contributed 16, 9 boards, 4 dimes & 2 blocks in the W. Both LAL's immediate & long-term growth is bound to these two - could the victory serve as a springboard moving forward?
LAL (11-18, 11th in WEST) had 6 in double figures, w/ Corey Brewer (21 & 5 boards) leading a strong bench effort. They go for another dub tomorrow @ GSW! (25-6).
HOU (25-5) shouldn't switch up much after suffering just its fifth loss of the season. James Harden was spectacular, per usual, + they were without both Clint Capela & Luc Mbah a Moute. The only concern, however, is the health of Chris Paul - CP3 left early in 4th w/ a sore leg.
They'll look to take out frustration tomorrow v. LAC.