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Lakers avoid historic 3-0 series collapse, finish off Kevin Durant-less Rockets in first-round
TL;DR
The Los Angeles Lakers avoided a historic 3-0 series collapse by defeating the Kevin Durant-less Houston Rockets, securing their spot in the Western Conference semifinals. LeBron James led the Lakers with 28 points in the decisive game.
Key points
- Lakers avoided historic 3-0 series collapse
- Defeated Kevin Durant-less Rockets
- LeBron James scored 28 points
- Advanced to Western Conference semifinals
- Rockets were close to forcing Game 7
Los Angeles LakersHouston RocketsLeBron JamesKevin Durant
Lakers avoid historic 3-0 series collapse, finish off Kevin Durant-less Rockets in first-round originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
For a minute, it seemed the Los Angeles Lakers would have an unfortunate NBA playoff history.
Teams that have possessed a 3-0 lead in the postseason boast a 100% win rate (159-0). The Lakers were uncomfortably close to becoming the first team to allow an opponent to overcome that significant series deficit, as a loss to the Houston Rockets on Friday would have forced a win-or-go-home Game 7 contest.
To Los Angelesâ credit, they didnât let it happen, cruising to a stress-free victory over the Kevin Durant-less Rockets (bone bruise) and advancing to the Western Conference semifinals. James led the Lakers with 28 points while Alperen Sengun contributed 17 points for Houston in a losing effort.
Now that the Rockets are finally out of the way, the Lakers can shift the focus to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who eagerly await them in the second round. One of the primary keys to victory for the Lakers will be getting back in the lineup after an extended injury absence.
Q&A
How did the Lakers avoid a 3-0 series collapse against the Rockets?
The Lakers secured a victory over the Rockets, preventing them from forcing a Game 7 and maintaining their 3-0 series lead.
What was Kevin Durant's status during the Lakers vs. Rockets playoff series?
Kevin Durant was absent from the Rockets due to a bone bruise, impacting their performance in the series.
Who led the Lakers in scoring during their playoff win against the Rockets?
LeBron James led the Lakers with 28 points in their playoff victory over the Rockets.
