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Houston Rockets

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Morey’s Star-Chasing Creed Reaches a Breaking Point in Philly
sports8 days ago

Morey’s Star-Chasing Creed Reaches a Breaking Point in Philly

Howard Beck argues that Daryl Morey’s career has been defined by an unwavering pursuit of superstar talent, from Houston to Philadelphia. While his teams have been consistently strong, they’ve never won a title or reached the Finals, with Embiid’s injuries and roster depth playing major roles. Morey’s firing suggests a possible recalibration, but his star-first philosophy has already reshaped how NBA front offices operate and is likely to persist in other teams.

Lakers rally to rout Rockets, signaling a culture-driven playoff push
sports23 days ago

Lakers rally to rout Rockets, signaling a culture-driven playoff push

Underdogs no more, the Lakers swept the Rockets in four games to advance, overcoming injuries and late-season adversity to showcase a culture of resilience. LeBron James leaned into the team’s collective rhythm, while contributors such as Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura stepped up around a redefined LeBron-led attack. The win is celebrated as a milestone for coach Redick’s leadership and sets up a second-round meeting with the Thunder, giving the Lakers time to savor the moment and refocus for the next challenge.

LeBron lifts Lakers past Rockets to seal 4-2 series win
sports24 days ago

LeBron lifts Lakers past Rockets to seal 4-2 series win

LeBron James led the Lakers to a 98-78 Game 6 win over the Rockets to close out the series 4-2 and advance to the Western Conference semifinals against the Thunder. James had 28 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, while Rui Hachimura contributed 21 points. Los Angeles’ defense held Houston to 34.2% shooting and 17.9% from three, with Marcus Smart anchoring the effort as LA built a 25-point third-quarter cushion.

Rockets Force Game 6 with 99-93 win over Lakers
sports26 days ago

Rockets Force Game 6 with 99-93 win over Lakers

Houston beat LA 99-93 to pull within 3-2 and force a Game 6 in Houston. LeBron James had 25 points and sparked a late run, but turnovers and a cold 3-point night hampered the comeback. Returning guard Austin Reaves added 22 points, while Houston got balanced scoring from Jabari Smith Jr. (22), Alperen Şengün (14-9-8) and Tari Eason (18). Reed Sheppard iced the win with a late steal and dunk as the Rockets steadied down the stretch. The series remains open with Houston eyeing an upset as no team has rallied from 0-3 in the playoffs.

Lakers' Game 4 setback: turnovers and controversial calls derail bid to close out Rockets
sports29 days ago

Lakers' Game 4 setback: turnovers and controversial calls derail bid to close out Rockets

The Lakers’ Game 4 loss to Houston was defined by a stagnant offense and a surge of live-ball turnovers, with controversial officiating shaping the narrative: LeBron James struggled, Deandre Ayton played well before an ejection, Rui Hachimura contributed on offense but was exposed defensively, and Marcus Smart plus the role players showed effort but inconsistent execution as Los Angeles searches for adjustments heading home.

Durant's Status Could Rewire Rockets' Playoff Hopes vs. Lakers
sports1 month ago

Durant's Status Could Rewire Rockets' Playoff Hopes vs. Lakers

Houston’s Game 1 loss to the Lakers underscored how pivotal Kevin Durant’s health is for the Rockets, who struggled offensively without him. Durant is dealing with a knee contusion and is a game-time decision for Game 2, and his presence has historically boosted Houston’s efficiency and scoring balance. Without him, Houston leaned on Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard, and the series now hinges on whether Durant can return at even partial effectiveness to change the dynamics against a Lakers team that took a 1-0 lead.

LeBron Stars as Lakers Open Playoffs with Win Over Rockets
sports1 month ago

LeBron Stars as Lakers Open Playoffs with Win Over Rockets

LeBron James sparked the Los Angeles Lakers to a 107-98 playoff-opening win over the Houston Rockets, finishing with 19 points, 13 assists and 8 rebounds while Luke Kennard added a playoff career-high 27. Durant left early with a bruised knee and could return for game two. Cavaliers, Nuggets and Knicks also won their openers, and Suns and Magic sealed playoff spots via the play-in.

Kennard’s Career Night Sparks Lakers to Game 1 Win Over Rockets
sports1 month ago

Kennard’s Career Night Sparks Lakers to Game 1 Win Over Rockets

Luke Kennard exploded for 27 points on 9-of-13 shooting (5-of-5 from three) to spark the Lakers in Game 1 against the Rockets, while LeBron James tallied 19 points and a game-high 13 assists. Deandre Ayton added 19 points and 11 rebounds and Rui Hachimura provided timely scoring as LA leaned on depth and solid defense to seize the opener.

2026-nba-playoffs1 month ago

Durant’s knee sidelines Rockets-Lakers Game 1 as Sheppard starts

Kevin Durant was ruled out for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round against the Lakers with a bruised right knee, per Rockets coach Ime Udoka. Reed Sheppard will start in Durant’s spot for Houston. The Lakers reportedly will be without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves indefinitely, giving Houston a chance to steal the opener; Durant’s absence marks his 14th playoff appearance.

Durant Questionable as Rockets Open Playoffs vs. Lakers
sports1 month ago

Durant Questionable as Rockets Open Playoffs vs. Lakers

Houston’s Kevin Durant is listed as questionable with a right knee contusion for Game 1 against the Lakers, while Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams are out for Houston. The Lakers’ injury notes include Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, with Dončić reportedly dealing with a hamstring issue and Reaves an oblique injury. If Durant can’t go, Houston will lean on its young core—Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason—as the series opens.