The Los Angeles Lakers basketball players missed their second chance to reach the semifinals of the Western Conference of the NBA League after losing to the Houston Rockets 93-99 in the fifth meeting of the 1st round.
After leadership 3-0 in the victories, the Lakers had two “match balls” to pass, but missed both. First they lost in the fourth game in Houston, and last night at home 93-99. Now the series moves to Houston, and a possible seventh game would again be played in Los Angeles.
So far, not a single team did not return after 0-3 in victoriesand only four of the 159 teams that were down 0-3 forced a seventh game.
Houston played the fourth game in this series without Kevin Durantwhile Los Angeles is still without Luka Doncic. According to ESPN, the native of Ljubljana will miss the entire series with the Rockets, as well as part of the conference semifinals, if the Lakers advance there.
The Lakers opened the match better, in the first quarter they had 11 points (26-15), and won that part of the game 28-21. In the second quarter the visitors turned the score around and went to rest with +4 (51-47). Houston also had +11 (76-65) in the third quarter, and +13 (87-74) in the final period of the game.
However, LA came back and with 24 seconds left, came within three points (93-96). In the next attack, LeBron James had a 3-pointer to equalize, but missed, and the guests made three of four free throws by the end of the game for the final score of 99-93.
The whole thing the Rockets’ first five finished with double-digit points. They were led by Jabari Smith Jr. with 22 points and seven rebounds, Tari Eason added 18, and Amen Thompson had 15 points and seven rebounds.
With the Lakers, James was the most effective, scoring 17 of his 25 points in the second half, and adding seven assists. Austin Reaves finished the game with 22 points and six assists.
Detroit was defeated in the fifth game of the first round of the East on its floor Orlando with 116-109 and thus reduced the gap to 2-3. Orlando will have the second match ball for the pass on their own field.
The Pistons had midway through the second quarter 17 points differencebut the visitors reduced the lead to 66-60 by halftime. In the third quarter, the host runs to +10, and in the last part they had 13 plus points and defended their advantage until the end.
Cade Cunningham scored 45 points for Detroit, a new franchise record in the playoffs. He was followed by Tobias Harris with 23 points.
We must not doubt our mentality. It was important control aggressive play all nightCunningham said.
On the opposite side, Paolo Banchero gave a great performance, scoring 45 points with nine rebounds and seven assists. Anthony Black added 19 points.
Cleveland won at home Toronto with 125-120 and lead 3-2 in the first round of the East.
This was a step for us from a mental toughness point of view. I think we are showed good composure and resiliencesaid Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson, while his colleague on the opposite side, Darko Rajaković, pointed out:
I wouldn’t just blame the last quarter. We can’t let this team score 125 points.
He was the most deserving of the Cavs’ victory Dennis Schroder who scored 11 of his 19 points in the final quarter, while Evan Mobley hit two key 3-pointers and finished with 23 points. James Harden also contributed to the home team’s victory with 23 points.
With Toronto, RJ Barrett was the most effective with 25 points and 12 rebounds and Ja’Kobe Walter with 20 points. The series continues in Toronto.
EASTERN CONFERENCE – 1st round:
Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 116-109
(Orlando leads 3-2 in four-game winning streak)
Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 125-120
(Cleveland leads 3-2 in four-game winning streak)
WESTERN CONFERENCE 1st round:
Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 93-99
(Los Angeles leads 3-2 in four-game winning streak)
(Hina | Photo: LA Lakers)
