The Houston Rockets delivered a commanding 112-95 road victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, marking their sixth win in the last seven games and extending their streak to six consecutive away wins against the Lakers. For fans tracking this matchup on Melbet App, the dominant performance was a showcase of balanced offense and timely defense.

Kobe Bryant played 24 minutes, scoring 5 points on 2-of-5 shooting while dishing out 9 assists and grabbing 2 rebounds. James Harden and Dwight Howard only played through the third quarter. Harden finished with 31 points, and Howard posted a double-double—14 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 blocks—his ninth consecutive game with double-digit points and rebounds.

The Rockets set the tone early as Trevor Ariza opened the game with a three-pointer, followed by baskets from Harden to establish a 7-2 lead. However, defense—or the lack of it—became the bigger story. Both the Rockets and Lakers entered the game tied for third-worst in the league, allowing opponents to shoot 46.4%. The first quarter reflected this, as Houston shot 57.7% and the Lakers a staggering 73.7%, finishing the period with a 36-32 lead.

Kobe, playing the entire first quarter, not only scored but also handed out 7 assists, surpassing Jerry West to become second on the Lakers’ all-time assist list—trailing only Magic Johnson. In the second quarter, the Rockets’ bench brought energy. Dwight Howard led by example with a block and an alley-oop dunk, and Montrezl Harrell added his own slam to push the Rockets ahead 45-41. After re-entering, Harden drew a foul on a three-point attempt. Kobe rested during the second quarter, while Lou Williams scored 8 points and led the Lakers’ response with crafty shots, including a fast-break dunk and a mid-range jumper over Harden. Both teams cooled slightly but still shot above 51% by halftime, with the Rockets up 60-57. Harden had already tallied 21 points.

Houston had dominated both previous matchups this season, winning by an average of 24.5 points. In the third quarter, the Rockets ramped up their defense, ignited by Howard’s blocks. Harden’s three-pointer triggered a 9-0 run, pushing the lead into double digits. The Lakers tried to counter with baskets from Jordan Clarkson and a dunk from Lou Williams, but the Rockets answered with a vengeance. Howard swatted multiple shots, Harden hit back-to-back threes, and Ariza converted two and-ones. A devastating 17-3 run gave Houston a 20-point cushion, and they closed the third up 94-75. The Lakers shot just 33% in the quarter, managing only 18 points.

With the game largely in hand, Bryant sat out the fourth, having recorded 9 assists. Harden, Howard, and other starters also exited early. In the final quarter, the Rockets maintained a 17-point buffer. Ty Lawson nailed a three-pointer and followed with an and-one layup, stretching the lead to 112-89. Though the Lakers closed with a 6-0 burst, the outcome was never in doubt.

For Melbet App users, the game was a textbook case of how a team can seize momentum and never look back. With crisp ball movement, standout performances, and airtight third-quarter defense, Houston proved they’re hitting their stride just when it counts.