What happened: Houston Rockets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 of their playoff series, staving off elimination. The win sends the series to Game 5 on Wednesday in Los Angeles. Rockets' rocket emoji underscores home crowd boost.

Why it matters: Victory keeps Houston alive in playoffs, shifting momentum after Lakers' regular-season win on April 19. Lakers, who overcame injuries in that matchup, now face must-win pressure on road. Extends high-stakes series with broader playoff implications.

What to watch: Game 5 in LA Wednesday determines series winner and advances to next round.