The Rockets defeat the Lakers, 115-96, in Game 4 and close the series to 3-1.
Keep the broom in the utility closest for the Houston Rockets-Los Angeles Lakers first-round Western Conference playoff series.
The Rockets avoided a sweep, beating the Lakers 115-96 in Game 4 on Sunday.
Minus Kevin Durant for the second consecutive game, the Rockets constructed their best start-to-finish performance of the series with better shooting, sharper focus and fewer mistakes. In the third quarter, Houston built a 20-point lead and extended it to 97-71 early in the fourth.
The Rockets brought a positive response after losing a six-point lead in the final 30 seconds of Game 3, resulting in an overtime loss and a 3-0 series deficit.
“We said we didn’t want to let that last 30 seconds defeat us in another game,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “We kind of put that behind us. … Just in general, guys have pride, and so you don’t want to, obviously, get swept.”
Lakers center Deandre Ayton had his best game of the series (19 points, 10 rebounds) but was ejected for a flagrant foul two with 5:41 left in the third quarter.
Los Angeles star LeBron James had his worst game of the series and sat on the bench for the final 7:25 of the fourth.
Game 5 is Wednesday in Los Angeles (10 ET, ESPN).
Here are four takeaways from the Rockets’ first win of the series:
1. Sheppard breaks out of shooting slump
Rockets second-year guard Reed Sheppard entered Game 4 shooting 30% (9-for-30) on 3-pointers. He emerged from his shooting troubles with 17 points on 6-for-12 from the field, including 4-for-7 on 3-pointers. He also had three assists and three steals in a bounce-back game after a game-altering turnover late in Game 3.
It was the game the Rockets were anticipating from Sheppard who shot 39.4% on 3s during the regular season.
“I felt good about his approach to it,” Udoka said. “He was obviously frustrated on having a crucial turnover that stands out, but I didn’t feel like it was going to linger with him. … Offensively, I don’t ever think he loses his confidence. Make or miss, he’s getting really good looks and could be a different series if he was knocking those down, but good to see it go in now.”
Overall, it was a better shooting performance for Houston, which was at 28.7% on 3s through three games. The Rockets made 40% of their 3s Sunday, held onto a double-digit lead and extended their season.
2. Not vintage James, Smart, Kennard
After leading the Lakers to a 3-0 series lead without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, James had an atypical game: 10 points on 2-for-9 shooting, 0-for-3 on 3s, nine assists and eight turnovers.
James wasn’t the only Laker who had trouble putting the basketball through the hoop.
Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard were each averaging more than 20 points in the series, but Smart had just nine points and Kennard seven in Game 4.
James, Smart and Kennard were a combined 0-for-8 on 3s.
The Lakers committed 24 turnovers which the Rockets converted into 30 points. Houston’s defensive versatility helped contain the Lakers’ offense, and the Rockets tied a franchise record for steals in a playoff game with 17. Tari Eason collected five steals, adding 20 points and eight rebounds.
“A little bit of everybody doing their job, a lot of switching,” Udoka said. “But the focus was better.”
3. Amen Thompson soaring for Rockets
locked it DOWN on defense for Game 4 🔥 pic.twitter.com/cMBYavmz4c
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 27, 2026
Rockets guard-forward Amen Thompson continues to show his importance offensively and defensively against the Lakers. Thompson has played more like a veteran with significant playoff experience than a 23-year-old in his second playoff series.
Thompson had a game-high 23 points plus seven assists and four rebounds, following up his Game 3 performance that included 26 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks.
Thompson said the Rockets rallied around a pre-game pep talk from center Alperen Sengun, who had 19 points and six rebounds.
“He was just letting us know he didn’t want to go home,” Thompson said. “I was proud of him taking that leadership role and pulling us back in there. It’s not how we end it. If we’re going to go out, we’re going to go out with a fight. But we’re not thinking about going out.”
4. Durant misses third game of the series
Rockets star Kevin Durant, the NBA’s fifth all-time leading scorer, missed Game 1 with a bruised right knee and then missed Games 3 and 4 with a sprained left ankle sustained in Game 2.
“Unfortunate for us and him that he’s missing (games) at this time of year,” Udoka said. “It’s hard, no doubt, for a guy who wants to play and plays as much as he does. To be out at this point of the season is very tough. Feel bad for him and our team in general, but we can do without him.”
Udoka said the medical staff provided around-the-clock treatment and reduced the swelling, but the pain from bone bruise is limiting his mobility.
“To put him out there at 50% would be a disadvantage for us,” Udoka said.
Udoka did not commit to Durant playing in Game 5, saying it was a “day-to-day, game-to-game” situation.
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Jeff Zillgitt has covered the NBA since 2008. You can email him at jzillgitt@nba.com, find his archive here and follow him on X.
