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Kevin Durant leads Rockets struggles as stats explain Game 2 loss to Lakers
TL;DR
Kevin Durant's return wasn't enough as the Rockets lost to the Lakers 101-94 in Game 2 of the playoffs. Despite scoring 20 points in the first half, Durant managed only three in the second half, leading to Houston's struggles.
Key points
- Kevin Durant returned to the lineup for the Rockets
- Rockets lost to Lakers 101-94 in Game 2 of playoffs
- Durant scored 20 points in the first half, only 3 in the second
- Durant led the team in scoring but took fewer shots than teammates
- Rockets need to improve to avoid losing the playoff series
Kevin DurantHouston RocketsLos Angeles LakersLuka Doncic
Kevin Durant leads Rockets struggles as stats explain Game 2 loss to Lakers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Despite Kevin Durant's return to the lineup, the result didn't change for the Houston Rockets as they went down against Luka Doncic-less Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 of the NBA playoffs. The Lakers went up 2-0 in the playoff series with the 101-94 win on Tuesday night.
Durant, who was struggling with a right knee contusion, shot really well in the first half, scoring 20 points. However, he could only add three points in the second half. Overall, Durant shot 7-of-12 from the field, including 1-of-4 from the 3-point line.
Interestingly, he led the team in scoring and minutes (41), but he was behind four Rockets teammates in terms of shots attempted. Durant's 12 shots were fewer than Alperen Sengun's 20, Jabari Smith Jr.'s 16, and Tari Eason's 14. These players shot less efficiently as well, with Sengun scoring 20 points, followed by Smith with 18 and Eason with 10.
More often than not in the playoffs, if your star player is not taking the most shots, the team is bound to lose. The Rockets' key scoring figure is Durant. If they can't get him into open spaces or tackle the Lakers' defense well, the series is already doomed for the Houston nation.
Q&A
What was the final score of Game 2 between the Rockets and Lakers?
The final score was 101-94 in favor of the Los Angeles Lakers.
How did Kevin Durant perform in Game 2 against the Lakers?
Kevin Durant scored a total of 23 points, with 20 points in the first half and only three in the second half.
Why did the Rockets lose Game 2 despite Durant's return?
The Rockets lost because Durant took fewer shots than his teammates, and the team struggled to tackle the Lakers' defense effectively.
