US EditionKennard Scores 27, LeBron Leads Lakers to Surprising 107-98 Win over Rockets in Playoff Opener
Kennard hit four 3-pointers and the Lakers shot 60.6% while holding Houston to 37.6% in a playoff opener without Kevin Durant.
- On Saturday, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 107-98 in their first-round playoff series opener, led by Luke Kennard's career playoff-high 27 points.
- Both teams played without key starters; the Lakers managed without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, while Kevin Durant was a late scratch with a bruised right knee for Houston.
- Los Angeles thrived by hitting 60.6% of its shots while holding Houston to 37.6% shooting, with Marcus Smart, Lakers veteran guard, contributing 15 points and eight assists in his playoff debut.
- LeBron James finished with 19 points and 13 assists, while Bronny James played significant playoff minutes alongside his father in the second quarter.
- Game 2 is Tuesday in Los Angeles, and Marcus Smart emphasized that the Lakers' success came down to "willpower" as Durant awaits his playoff debut.
25 Articles
25 Articles
Kennard scores 27, LeBron leads Lakers to surprising 107-98 win over Rockets in playoff opener
Luke Kennard scored a career playoff-high 27 points, LeBron James had 19 points and 13 assists, and the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers capitalized on Kevin Durant's injury absence for a 107-98 victory over the Houston Rockets in the opener of their first-round playoff series.
Kennard, James team to upset Rockets in opener
Luke Kennard scored a career playoff-high 27 points, LeBron James had 19 points and 13 assists, and the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers capitalized on Kevin Durant's injury absence for a 107-98 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 1.
Luke Kennard scores 27, Lakers take Game 1 against Rockets
Luke Kennard scored 27 points and LeBron James added 19 points with 13 assists as the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers earned a 107-98 victory over the visiting Houston Rockets on Saturday in Game 1 of a Western Conference first-round playoff…
The Independent Online
pinalcentral.comL.A. Lakers 107, Houston 98
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