The Houston Rockets staved off elimination for a second consecutive game, besting the Los Angeles Lakers 99-93 in Game 5 on Wednesday night. This victory shrinks the Lakers' lead in the Western Conference first-round series to 3-2, sending the series back to Houston for Game 6 on Friday.
The Rockets, now down 3-2, have secured consecutive wins, demonstrating a capacity to push a series that many expected to conclude sooner. This resilience comes without their primary scorer, Kevin Durant, who has missed four of the five games due to injury.
Reaves' Return Not Enough for Lakers
Despite the return of Austin Reaves, who contributed 22 points, six assists, and four rebounds, the Lakers could not seal the series. Reaves' presence was felt, notably when he drew a three-shot foul from Jabari Smith Jr. late in the game, a moment that highlighted the tight contest. However, his efforts, alongside LeBron James, were insufficient to overcome a determined Rockets squad.
Read More: Cleveland Cavaliers lose Game 4 by 4 points to Toronto Raptors
Game 5 Dynamics
The Rockets built and maintained a lead for significant portions of Game 5. By the third quarter, they held a commanding 65-56 advantage, further extending it to 65-54 with a Jabari Smith Jr. three-pointer. Even late in the fourth, with less than two minutes remaining, the Rockets established a nine-point lead after Alperen Sengun made two free throws following a rebound.
Previous Stumbles and a Glimmer of History
This Rockets' ability to force a Game 6 echoes a rare feat in NBA history. Only four of the 159 teams that have started a playoff series down 3-0 have ever managed to force a Game 7. The Rockets have now won two straight, suggesting a potential for an unlikely comeback, a notion perhaps strengthened by the fact that LeBron James' teams have never surrendered a 2-0 series lead in his extensive 23-year career.
Read More: Athletics beat Royals 5-2 with Butler's home run
Context of Late-Game Lapses
The Rockets' capacity for close wins is juxtaposed with recent struggles in holding leads. In Game 4, five days prior, coach Ime Udoka publicly criticized his team for "horrendous mistakes" after they relinquished a late six-point advantage, ultimately losing in overtime. This included a crucial steal by Marcus Smart from Jabari Smith Jr. and a subsequent foul on a three-point attempt.
Jabari Smith Jr. led the Rockets with 22 points.
Tari Eason added 18 points.
Alperen Sengun contributed 14 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.
