The Houston Rockets earned a much-needed win over the Los Angeles Lakers on a national stage, coming way with a convincing, 119-96 victory on Christmas Day.
Granted, emerging star Austin Reaves did not return for the second half with a sore left calf, but the Rockets still made quick business of a Lakers team that boasted both Luka Doncic and Lebron James.
The win also represented their second victory this season over one of their foes at the top of the Western Conference. Los Angeles now sits at 19-10 and the fourth seed, and Houston's victory could signify a major step in the right direction after an up-and-down December.