The Los Angeles Lakers have defended home court.
The Lakers topped the Houston Rockets, 101-94, on Tuesday, April 21, to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series. Los Angeles has done this without its top two scorers, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
And, suddenly, the Rockets are heading back home for a Game 3 that essentially becomes a must-win scenario.
Kevin Durant scored 20 points on 6-of-7 shooting in the first half, but the Lakers adjusted masterfully. Los Angeles blitzed Durant with double-teams and traps, forcing the ball out of his hands. In the second half, Durant scored just 3 more points on 1-of-5 shooting, and Rui Hachimura was a big part of L.A.’s plan to defend Durant.
Marcus Smart was massive on both ends for the Lakers and scored 25 points on an incredibly efficient 8-of-13 night, including 5-of-7 from 3-point range.
