Lakers Defense Impresses Durant in Playoffs
Kevin Durant believed he witnessed the Lakers’ top defensive performance about a month ago. Following the Lakers’ win against the Rockets in Houston on March 18, he remarked, “This is the best version of the defense they play against us… If we ever play them again, we had film to watch and learn from.” This was in reference to the two games the Rockets had available to study.
It’s worth noting that those March matchups were, in fact, just the beginning of what the Lakers were capable of defensively. Fast forward to the first two games of their playoff series, and the Lakers have looked even stronger, currently leading the series 2-0 ahead of Games 3 and 4 set to take place in Houston.
In the playoffs, the Rockets have struggled notably, shooting only 39% from the field and a mere 29% from beyond the arc, with an offensive rating of 104.9—worse than the Nets’ historically low rating of 108.2 from the regular season.
The Lakers showcased their defensive strength in Game 1, limiting the Rockets to 98 points without Durant in the lineup. Their defensive efforts only improved in Game 2, where they secured a 101-94 win even with Durant back on the court.
“It gives everybody confidence,” Lakers forward Marcus Smart commented after the win. “Being able to contain one of the greatest scorers in the game… it really speaks volumes about our teamwork and dedication.” Durant, who ranks fifth in all-time NBA scoring, missed the first game due to a knee injury but returned effectively, scoring 23 points in the second game.
However, it’s interesting to note he also tied his playoff career high with nine turnovers. The Lakers effectively limited his scoring chances, as he managed only three points in the second half on 1-of-5 shooting in that game.
“We’re just getting started in this thing,” said coach JJ Reddick. “He’s the type of player who can dominate a series, so we need to keep playing strong team defense.”
In Game 1, the Lakers proved that Deandre Ayton, Jackson Hayes, and Rui Hachimura could hold their ground against Rockets All-Star Alperen Sengun. This trend continued in Game 2, where Sengun shot just 2 for 12 when guarded by those three, compared to 6 of 8 against other defenders.
Nonetheless, Durant’s return raises some questions about the Lakers’ sustainability. While their defensive strategy appears consistent with earlier games, the Rockets haven’t seemed to capitalize on what they’ve studied. The Lakers have adeptly employed a mix of strategies, including switching and blitzing, forcing the Rockets’ lesser-known players to carry the scoring load.
So far, that gamble has paid off. The non-Durant Rockets shot just 37.7% from the field and 24% from three in Game 2, mirroring their numbers from Game 1. It seems the Lakers, though they were initially expected to focus on defense, have managed to excel, even in the playoff setting.
“We trust each other,” Smart reiterated. “The goal is to ‘enhance.’ That’s our mission: boost our performance on both ends.” The Lakers have surprisingly secured a 2-0 lead in the series and now stand on the brink of establishing a strong foothold with a potential 3-0 lead, which would significantly enhance their chances of advancing to the next round.
