Lakers topple Rockets in Kevin Durant’s return to take 2-0 series lead

What it means

The Lakers have a 2-0 series lead over the Rockets, the first time they’ve done so since winning the 2020 NBA Finals against the Heat. Since the NBA moved to a 16-team playoff format in 1984, teams that go up 2-0 in a series under the 2-2-1-1-1 home/away pattern have a 245-23 record (91.4% winning percentage of the series).

Turning point

When Smart knocked down a corner 3 to give the Lakers a 95-87 lead with 2:23 left in the game. The shot was not only Smart’s fifth 3-pointer, but gave the Lakers breathing room late. Smart also picked up a crucial steal against Durant, who had nine turnovers, before assisting James on a dunk to give the Lakers a 99-92 lead.

MVP: Marcus Smart

Smart made five of the Lakers’ 13 3s. He made big plays on both ends of the floor throughout Tuesday.

Stat of the game: 6

That’s how many more 3-pointers the Lakers made compared to the Rockets, who once again struggled offensively. The Rockets shot 7 of 29 from beyond the arc (24.1%) compared to the Lakers’ 13 of 28 shooting on 3s (46.4%).

Up next

The Lakers-Rockets series will move to Houston for the next two games, with Game 3 taking place on Friday at Toyota Center.