If the Houston Rockets cannot win with a wholesome Kevin Durant, their first-round collection towards the Los Angeles Lakers within the Western Convention playoffs could possibly be a brief one.
The ahead returned to the lineup in Recreation 2 in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening after lacking Recreation 1 because of a knee injury. Durant coming again offered a jolt for the Rockets, however they nonetheless could not keep away from falling to 2-0 within the best-of-seven collection.
Different Rockets did not step up once more in loss to Lakers
Durant scored 23 factors on 7-of-12 taking pictures throughout Houston’s 101-94 loss to L.A. The ahead started to gradual within the second half because the Lakers protection exerted extra strain, main him to complete with 9 turnovers. No different Rocket taking the offensive initiative solely compounded his issues.
Except for Durant, none of Houston’s different gamers scored 23 factors or extra. Rockets middle Alperen Sengun scored the second-most factors (20) on the staff however shot 9-of-20 from the sector.
Defensively, Houston did not cease Lakers ahead LeBron James, Durant’s longtime buddy and rival. The 41-year-old scored 28 factors, grabbed eight rebounds and had seven assists.
And, by some means, the Rockets have not found out how you can shut down Lakers guard Luke Kennard. He scored 23 factors, taking pictures 8-of-13 from the sector. By means of two video games within the collection, Kennard has averaged 25 factors per sport after logging 8.4 PPG in the course of the common season.
With the Rockets not bettering that a lot with Durant again within the lineup, that solely offers the Lakers extra momentum as they start to get more healthy. Guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) is not anticipated to return for the collection, however guard Austin Reaves (indirect) might. He has reportedly started one-on-one court docket work.
However the collection could also be over by the point Reaves is able to return. Momentum is on L.A.’s aspect heading into Recreation 3 in Houston on Friday (8 p.m. ET, Prime Video). And with the Rockets having but to win a sport, even when their finest participant is within the lineup and enjoying at a excessive stage, that will increase their possibilities of an early postseason exit.
