The Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Houston Rockets 107-98 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series, with LeBron James scoring 19 points and 13 assists.
But it was Luke Kennard who, following his trade from Atlanta in February, made Lakers history with his postseason debut and a 27-point game, the second-most points by a player in the playoffs of his career.
The home team was able to take advantage of Kevin Durant’s absence due to injury, but the eight-year wait to see the legendary James and Durant play against each other in a playoff game continued.
“I have to do a little bit of everything. That’s what the job requires,” James said.
“So it’s about rebounding, passing, shooting, defense, and being a triple threat that can put you in a position to bring value to the team.
“We’ll see how it goes game-to-game.
“I don’t decide in advance what I’m going to do. The only thing that’s predetermined is how I prepare.
“I’ve been in every situation imaginable as a basketball player, so there’s nothing that can surprise me.”
Both teams went into the opener without their most important players, as Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have been out indefinitely with injuries since April 2, and Durant was a late scratch with a bruised right knee.
But the game also became another career highlight for James. That’s because he was able to share the court with his son, Bronny James, in the playoffs for the first time with his family watching from the stands.
“A lot of crazy things have happened this year,” James added.
“I stood on the floor with my son in a playoff game, and that was probably the craziest thing that has ever happened in my career.
“It was really cool to be out there with him and his brother and sister and his mom and grandmother in the building.
“My mom watches her son and grandson during the playoffs. It’s crazy.”
Los Angeles thrived, shooting 60.6 percent while holding the Rockets to 37.6 percent shooting with a pesky defense.
Game 2 will be broadcast live on April 22nd from 3:30 am. sky sportsIn Los Angeles. Durant will have to wait at least one more game to make his Rockets playoff debut after bumping knees with a teammate during practice.
Nuggets, Cavaliers, Knicks win Game 1
cleveland cavaliers 126-113 win to start 2026 playoffs Toronto Raptors After three straight losses to Team Canada earlier in the season.
Max Strus, who missed most of the season due to injury, combined with rookie James Harden for 46 points to put the Cavaliers ahead and earn a crucial first-game win at home.
during Denver Nuggets’ 116-105 win Minnesota TimberwolvesNikola Jokic once again stole the show with a 25-point triple-double to take the first game of the series at home.
New York Knicks’ 113-102 Game 1 Win Atlanta Hawks It took halftime to see if it could go either way before the home team started to pull ahead in the third quarter.
Their star Jalen Brunson had 28 points and seven assists to lead the Knicks to an early lead in the series.
