Lakers fall to Rockets in playoff game with Reavess return

LA Lakers Fall to Houston Rockets in Game 5

The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a 99-93 road defeat to the Houston Rockets in Game 5 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series on Wednesday. The loss marked the second consecutive game that the Rockets have rallied from a deficit, and they now trail the series 3-2.

Jabari Smith Jr led the Rockets with 22 points, while Tari Eason added 18 points. Alperen Sengun scored 14 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and dished out eight assists, and Amen Thompson contributed 15 points to the team’s victory. The Rockets’ win came without star Kevin Durant, who has only played in Game 2 due to an ankle injury.

Austin Reaves returned from an oblique injury for the Lakers, scoring 22 points off the bench. LeBron James added 25 points for the Lakers, while Deandre Ayton scored 18 points and grabbed 17 rebounds. The Lakers will have a third chance to clinch the series on Friday at Houston.

Lakers coach JJ Redick praised the Rockets’ performance, saying “They made shots tonight, including some guys who don’t normally make threes.” The Lakers struggled with missed layups and three-point attempts, ultimately falling short of the 99 points allowed by the Rockets.

The Lakers are without All-Star Luka Doncic, who was injured along with Reaves in an April 2 game at Oklahoma City. Both players have missed the last five regular-season games and the first four playoff games.

In the fourth quarter, the Rockets extended their advantage to 92-85 with a steal and two baskets from Reed Sheppard. The Lakers attempted three 3-point shots over the final 28 seconds but were unable to pull within two points.

Source: Al Jazeera