The Lakers aimed to secure a playoff victory against the Rockets, but the Rockets still managed to hold on. They showcased their resilience by winning 99-93 in Game 5 at home, extending their best-of-seven series at least one more game.
Even with star guard Austin Reeves making his return after a lengthy absence due to a left oblique strain, the Lakers struggled offensively for the second consecutive game. They’ve really had a tough time finding their rhythm—it’s been about two and a half games since their dramatic comeback win in Game 3 in Houston.
Reeves put in a solid effort, scoring 22 points, dishing out six assists, and grabbing four rebounds in 34 minutes. However, his shooting wasn’t quite there; he hit only 4 of his 16 attempts from the field.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 25 points and seven rebounds but missed a critical 3-point attempt in the closing seconds that could have narrowed the gap.
Deandre Ayton added to the effort with 18 points and 17 rebounds, while Jabari Smith spearheaded the Rockets’ offensive push, tallying 22 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.
What it Means
This victory was significant for the Rockets, as they became one of just nine teams to force a Game 6 after initially losing the first two road games and then the first home game in a 2-2-1-1-1 playoff format. Since the league’s playoff format changed in 1984, only two of the previous eight teams have pushed to a Game 7.
Turning Point
A pivotal moment was when Reed Shepard’s drive led to Smart over-passing to Armen Thompson. This forced Thompson to rush a shot, giving the Rockets a chance to drive and kick out for an open three from Thompson, which he sunk to push the lead to 79-69.
The Lakers attempted to respond, but after Reaves missed a layup, Smith expanded the lead with another easy basket, giving the Rockets their largest advantage of the night at 13 points. Even though the Lakers kept it competitive, they never closed the gap to more than three points.
MVP: Jabari Smith
Smith stood out as the Rockets’ top scorer, contributing significantly to their perimeter shooting.
Game Status: 7
A major factor in the result was the Rockets’ shooting from beyond the arc, where they hit 14 of 40 attempts compared to just 7 of 27 for the Lakers.
To the Next
Game 6 is set for Friday at Toyota Center, with tip-off scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
