Lakers player grades: L.A. strikes first in playoff opener vs Rockets
The Lakers took advantage of Kevin Durant being unavailable for the Rockets in Game 1 of their first-round NBA playoff series.
Prior to the opening tip of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets on Saturday, the Los Angeles Lakers were given a gift when Kevin Durant was ruled out due to a knee ailment. It was some much-needed good news for them with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves still out due to hamstring and oblique strains, respectively. The Lakers, who were big underdogs prior to the Durant news, looked to take advantage and came out sizzling offensively in this contest.
They shot 78. 9% and had 13 assists in the first quarter, which allowed them to lead by as many as 10 points. Houston remained in the game with its offensive rebounding and its overall defensive tenacity, and despite shooting 36.
6% from the field in the first half, it was down just 50-48 at halftime. Los Angeles extended its lead afterward and went up by as many as 16 points. In some ways, this game was far from an offensive masterclass, but the team's defensive intensity was excellent.
L. A. did a good job of sending help defenders into the paint, and it resulted in the Rockets shooting 37.
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