Ime Udoka: Nigerian coach praises Amen as Rockets beat Lakers

The Houston Rockets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 119-115 on Sunday, securing a much-needed victory in the season finale of a five-game homestand.

Ime Udoka's squad has lost three of its last four games going into the match.

With the victory, the Rockets maintained their second-place ranking in the Western Conference standings, while the Lakers were tied for fifth place.

Los Angeles rallied from an early 22-point deficit with a strong third quarter that featured 16 3-pointers and scorching perimeter shooting.

Houston, however, regained the advantage early in the fourth and maintained it until the end.

Amen Thompson, a second-year player taking Jabari Smith Jr.'s place at power forward due to a recent injury, had an excellent game.

Due to an NBA suspension, Thompson has missed Houston's last two games.

During his comeback, Thompson made 11 of 19 shots and finished with 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Udoka praised Thompson saying, "One of the best defenders in the league.

"One-man fast break that ignites our pace by himself."

With a game-high 33 points, Jalen Green led the Rockets converting made 5-of-12 3-pointers and 12-of-24 total.

Houston overcame a great night from the Lakers and their two future Hall of Famers thanks to those performances, as well as Steven Adams's outstanding 8 points and 9 rebounds off the bench.

LeBron James contributed 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists on 8-of-16 shooting and 4-of-7 from 3-point range, while Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks while making 10-of-18 shots (55.6%).

Houston outscored Los Angeles 49-39, with Thompson and Adams playing crucial roles. This season, the Rockets have the most rebounds in the NBA.