HOUSTON, April 10 (Xinhua) -- The Houston Rockets beat the visiting Los Angeles Lakers 130-110 at the Toyota Center on Sunday afternoon, and this important win helps keep the Rockets' playoff hopes alive.

As compared with the Lakers, the Rockets did a good job this time. At the first half, the Rockets led the visiting team 55-53, and the Rockets had a wonderful performance at the second half by a score of 75-57.

James Harden had 40 points with 13 assists, Trevor Ariza and Patrick Beverley scored 19 points apiece for the Rockets.

For the Lakers, which lost their fifth straight, Kobe Bryant scored 35 points.

Currently, the Rockets improved to 39-41 while the Lakers fell to 16-64.