Lakers fall to Rockets in Game 5 despite Austin Reaves’ return

TL;DR

The Lakers lost to the Rockets 99-93 in Game 5, despite Austin Reaves returning from injury. The defeat extends the playoff series, with Game 6 scheduled for Friday.

Key points

Lakers lost to Rockets 99-93 in Game 5
Austin Reaves returned from injury, scoring 22 points
Rockets forced a Game 6 after losing first two road games
LeBron James led Lakers with 25 points
Game 6 scheduled for Friday at Toyota Center

Los Angeles LakersHouston RocketsAustin ReavesLeBron James

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows LeBron James in a purple Lakers jersey driving to the basket with a defender guarding him, Image 2 shows Alperen Sengun shooting a basketball over Rui Hachimura, Image 3 shows Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers in a purple jersey, number 10, shrugging his shoulders with a frustrated expression The Lakers’ mission was to take the Rockets’ postseason life away. But the Rockets are still breathing. And very much alive and confident after beating the Lakers 99-93 on the Lakers homecourt in a pivotal Game 5 to extend the best-of-seven first round playoff series by at least one game. Even with star guard Austin Reaves making his return to the lineup after being sidelined since April because of a left oblique strain, the Lakers once again struggled offensively for the second consecutive – and 2 ½ games going back to the miraculous Game 3 comeback victory in Houston.

Austin Reaves drives to the basket against the Rockets. AP Reaves finished with 22 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds in 34 minutes in his first game since suffering a Grade oblique strain in the April 2 loss to the Thunder, but struggled with his shooting and finishing, going 4 of 16 from the field. led the Lakers with 25 points and 7 rebounds, but missed a pull-up 3 with 12 seconds left that would’ve cut the team’s deficit to one point. LeBron James goes up for a layup. AP added 18 points and 17 rebounds. led the Rockets with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and a pair of blocked shots. puts up a hook shot in the paint. AP

Q&A

What was the final score of the Lakers vs. Rockets Game 5?

The final score was 99-93 in favor of the Rockets.

How did Austin Reaves perform in his return for the Lakers?

Austin Reaves scored 22 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds but shot 4 of 16 from the field.

What is the significance of the Rockets winning Game 5?

The Rockets are one of nine teams to force a Game 6 after losing the first two road games in the playoff series format.

When and where is Game 6 of the Lakers vs. Rockets series?

Game 6 is scheduled for Friday at the Toyota Center, starting at 6:30 pm.