98 Rockets (Apr 18, 2026) Game Recap
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Luke Kennard scored a career playoff-high 27 points, leading the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers to a 107-98 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.
- The Lakers overcame the absence of top scorers Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Kevin Durant by shooting 60.6% and playing strong defense, despite attempting only 66 shots, the fewest in an NBA game in three seasons.
- LeBron James contributed 19 points and 13 assists, emphasizing the team's collective effort amid missing key players, while Deandre Ayton added 19 points and 11 rebounds.
- Houston struggled offensively, shooting just 37.6%, with Alperen Sengun scoring 19 points and Jabari Smith Jr. posting a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, but the team missed key opportunities.
- Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday night in Los Angeles, with the Lakers boosted by Marcus Smart's 15 points and eight assists and notable playoff minutes for Bronny James alongside his father.
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