The Los Angeles Lakers have now lost twice in their first games this postseason, losing their opening game against the Portland Trail Blazers, and now against the Houston Rockets.
The Rockets whacked them on Friday, 112-97, as they fall behind 1-0 in the series.
The Lakers, just as they did against Portland, coming from behind, will hope that they can do the same against the Rockets who are a more dangerous opponent. Their 3-point heavy style and small-ball defence is a scary matchup for a Laker team that has played big all season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEO4B-sT8Ng
The Rockets managed to control the terms of engagement in Game 1. They made 14 3-pointers and 20 free throws in scoring at will, and what became clear as the game progressed.
This series will be played on their terms and if the Lakers do not adapt quickly, they might exit the bubble.
James Harden redeemed himself after his bad offensive plays in Game 7 against the Thunder and at the end of Game 6 as well. He’s had any number of extremely disappointing playoff moments throughout his career. But he was great in Game 1, scoring 36 points on 60 per cent shooting.
The one advantage the Lakers were supposed to have in this series was their size. Even if they got outshot from the 3-point line and the charity stripe, lost the turnover battle and couldn’t switch defensively, their big men were supposed to at least give them guaranteed edges in rebounding, rim-protection and paint scoring.
They would have to be twice as better as they were in Game 1 if they are to salvage their season after the defeat in Game 1.
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