The Houston Rockets notched their first victory against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4, avoiding a first-round playoff sweep.
Now, the teams head back to Los Angeles as the Rockets look to hold off LeBron James and the Lakers in yet another close-out game.
Things got chippy in the Rockets’ Game 4 victory. Lakers big man Deandre Ayton was ejected for an elbow that connected with the face of Rockets center Alperen Sengun. And after that, officials dished out five more technical fouls.
During his media availability after practice on Tuesday morning, Sengun was asked if he’s preparing for a physical matchup in Game 5.
“Well I’m ready. I’m ready,” Sengun said. “I know they’re going to hit — we’re hitting them too. We’re younger. We heal faster than them, probably. We’re just going to hit each other and let’s see at the end of the day what’s going on.”
The Lakers are led by 41-year-old NBA superstar LeBron James, playing in his 23rd NBA season. James was outstanding through Los Angeles’ first three victories of the series, but posted a lackluster stat line in Game 4 — recording 10 points, nine assists, four rebounds and eight turnovers in the 115-96 loss.
“It started with me, obviously,” James said after the game. “My turnovers were unacceptable.”
Wednesday night’s Game 5 matchup will tipoff at 10 p.m. ET from Los Angeles’ Cypto.com Arena.
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