Lakers avoid historic 3-0 series collapse, finish off Kevin Durant-less Rockets in first-round
The Los Angeles Lakers avoided a historic playoff collapse by defeating the Houston Rockets 98-78 to win their first-round series 4-2. Despite holding a 3-0 series lead, the Lakers nearly became the first NBA team to blow such an advantage before closing out the series. With the series win, they advance to the Western Conference semifinals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- ▪The Lakers defeated the Rockets 98-78 to win their first-round series 4-2.
- ▪Los Angeles avoided becoming the first NBA team to blow a 3-0 series lead in playoff history.
- ▪Kevin Durant did not play for the Rockets due to a bone bruise.
- ▪LeBron James scored 28 points in the series-clinching game.
- ▪Luka Doncic, who missed the first round due to a hamstring injury, may return for the Lakers in the second round.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Yahoo Sports.