LOS ANGELES. The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 94-101 in the NBA playoffs and take a surprising 2-0 series lead in the first round. LeBron James, with 28 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists, led another balanced performance by the Lakers team, hampered by the absences of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
Without two of their main perimeter players, the Los Angeles Lakers found collective answers once again around a decisive LeBron James at 41 years old. The veteran wing set the pace of the game and appeared at every crucial moment to sustain the home team.
The start was balanced, with the Houston Rockets more competitive thanks to Kevin Durant's return, who was absent in the first game. However, the Lakers' defense made the difference again, making it difficult for the Texas team's offensive flow.
Alongside LeBron, Marcus Smart shined with 25 points and 7 assists, bringing energy on both sides of the floor. Luke Kennard was also key, scoring 23 points and punishing every opening given by the opposing defense.
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The Houston Rockets resisted for much of the game with Alperen Sengun's interior work, who added 20 points and 11 rebounds, plus 18 points from Jabari Smith Jr. and 16 from Amen Thompson. But the visiting team suffered huge shooting problems once again.
Although Kevin Durant finished with 23 points, he scored only three in the entire second half under constant pressure from the Lakers' defense. Houston closed the night with a modest 40.4% from the field and just seven three-pointers made, numbers insufficient to storm the Crypto.com Arena.
In the fourth quarter, the Los Angeles Lakers managed small leads without losing control. The decisive play came with 55 seconds remaining, when Marcus Smart found LeBron James cutting to the basket for a spectacular dunk that practically sealed the game. Afterward, Luke Kennard secured the victory from the free throw line.
The Los Angeles Lakers will now travel to Texas with a valuable 2-0 lead and the feeling of having held on without several important pieces. The Houston Rockets, forced to respond, will face Game 3 on Friday under maximum pressure.