Three players ejected! James struggles with only 2-of-9 shooting, Lakers crushed by Rockets, series now 3-1

On April 27, in Game 4 of the Western Conference first-round NBA playoffs, the Rockets defeated the Lakers 115-96 at home, avoiding a sweep and tying the series at 1-3. The game was intense, with Ayton, Diello, and Holiday ejected successively.

Rockets: Amen 23 points 7 assists, Eason 20 points 8 rebounds 5 steals, Sengun 19 points 6 rebounds, Shepherd 17 points 3 steals, Smith 16 points 8 rebounds 3 steals; Lakers: Ayton 19 points 10 rebounds, Hachimura 13 points, James 10 points 9 assists.

In the first quarter, Hachimura and James scored consecutively, Kennard hit a mid-range shot; Shepherd and Amen attacked repeatedly, Sengun scored on a turnaround jumper, Shepherd's long-range shot also connected. The teams were tied at 11, then again at 19. Sengun drove to the basket, Holiday hit a three-pointer, Okogie scored inside, the Rockets played well and led 26-21 to end the quarter.

In the second quarter, Smith hit another three-pointer, Eason stole and dunked on the fast break, Amen stepped up with consecutive scoring, Rockets led 38-28 with a 10-point advantage. Ayton scored with a hook shot, Hayes and Hachimura attacked the basket repeatedly, Laravia scored easily inside, Lakers chased to 40-43. Okogie hit a three-pointer, Amen scored a 2+1, Shepherd and Sengun scored consecutively, helping the Rockets firmly regain control, leading 56-47 at halftime.

In the third quarter, Amen drove for a layup, Shepherd fired from outside hitting two consecutive threes, Amen and Eason scored inside successively, Eason hit a three-pointer, Sengun scored a 2+1, Rockets led 76-55 with a 21-point advantage. Ayton was ejected for a flagrant foul 2 after elbowing Sengun's head, worsening the Lakers' situation. Eason delivered a fast-break dunk, Smith fired from outside, Amen scored on a floater, Rockets relentlessly attacked, leading 90-65 to end the quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Amen scored with a backdoor dunk, Holiday hit two consecutive threes, Eason fired from outside, helping the Rockets maintain a huge lead at 111-90. Late in the game, a conflict occurred, Diello and Holiday were ejected successively. Ultimately, the Rockets maintained their advantage and secured the win.

Starting Lineups

Rockets: Eason, Smith, Sengun, Shepherd, Amen

Lakers: James, Hachimura, Ayton, Smart, Kennard