The Houston Rockets never trailed in a 117-96 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, Dec. 25, in Los Angeles. Houston dominated with balanced scoring and controlled the boards throughout the game.

Amen Thompson scored 26 points to lead six Rockets in double figures. He also added seven rebounds and five assists. The win snapped a two-game skid and improved Houston’s road record to 7-7.

Kevin Durant contributed 25 points and nine assists. He and Thompson controlled the pace from the opening tip. Houston steadily built a lead and maintained it all night.

Houston takes control early

The Rockets jumped to a 14-point first-quarter lead. They carried a 63-53 advantage into halftime. Thompson and Durant each scored 16 points before the break.

Houston opened the third quarter with an 18-5 run. The surge extended the lead to 23 points. The Lakers could not recover. Houston dominated rebounds and second-chance points.

Lakers falter on Christmas stage

Luka Doncic scored 25 points in his return from a left leg injury. LeBron James added 18. The Lakers dropped their third straight game.

Doncic and James struggled from three-point range. They combined for nine of the team’s 16 turnovers. The Lakers were also overpowered on the boards. Alperen Sengun grabbed 12 rebounds, matching the entire Lakers starting lineup.

Austin Reaves scored 12 points but did not return after halftime due to a sore left calf. Rui Hachimura was held scoreless.