Rockets punch back, deny Lakers sweep in Game 4

The Houston Rockets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 115-96 in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Sunday at Toyota Center, avoiding a sweep and forcing a Game 5. Amen Thompson led the Rockets with 23 points and seven assists, while Tari Eason added 20 points and Alperen Şengün contributed 19 points despite the team playing without Kevin Durant for the third time in the series. Lakers center Deandre Ayton, who recorded 19 points and 10 rebounds, was ejected in the third quarter after receiving a flagrant 2 foul for striking Şengün.