Lakers fall as Rockets force game 6
The Lakers fell in game 5 of their first round matchup to the Houston Rockets by a final score of 99-93. The Lakers have now gone from a comfortable 3-0 lead to a much more concerning 3-2 advantage.
Despite Austin Reaves return to the lineup, the offense struggled for the second consecutive game. This, and failed execution of some fundamentals, contributed to the loss.
Shooters Go Cold
The Lakers were able to take a 3-0 lead in the series in large part thanks to hot shooting nights from players like Luke Kennard, Rui Hachimura, and Marcus Smart. That has not been the case the last couple of games, including in game five.
Kennard shot 0/4 from the field and 0/2 from three, as he has gone cold at a very bad time. Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura also shot under 50% from the field. In addition, LeBron James went 0/6 from three, and Austin Reaves went 2/7 beyond the arc.
Turnovers, Missed Layups, and Missed Free Throws
While Houston certainly earned the win, Los Angeles made it a lot easier for them. The Lakers committed 15 turnovers and missed a number of open layups. Despite going 22/27 from the free throw line, four of the five misses came in the third quarter where the Rockets grew their lead.
While the Lakers are shorthanded, giving a team down in a series this many chances to get back in it is way too dangerous.
Up Next: Game 6
Both teams will now head to Houston for game 6 on Friday. The Lakers struggled playing on one day of rest in game 4, and cannot afford a repeat of that.
Ultimately, the Lakers have lost momentum in this series. But they still have two games to win just one. No team has ever lost a series after going up 3-0.
