The Los Angeles Lakers enter Friday’s Game 3 against the Houston Rockets passing every playoff test so far with flying colors.
L.A. secured strong victories in Games 1 and 2 as the freshly-unveiled trio of LeBron James, Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart continues to thrive.
The Lakers were assisted in the Game 1 win with Kevin Durant’s absence. The Rockets star sat out the opening game of the series after suffering a knee injury in practice a few days before the start of the playoffs.
Many suspected the Lakers win was only the result of Durant, a 16-time All-Star, sitting out. But in Game 2, the Rockets regained Durant, and the Lakers gained another win.
The Game 2 victory pushed L.A. to a place it couldn’t have envisioned just over three weeks ago when stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves incurred a pair of Grade 2 strains against the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
But here the Lakers are, up 2-0 with all the momentum a team can dream of — and the return of Reaves also on the horizon.
Reaves, 27, ramped up his return-to-play process early this week. After he was given an estimated 4-6 week return timeline, Reaves has already been upgraded to questionable ahead of tonight’s game. There is even a chance he suits up for the first time since April 2.
Los Angeles Lakers Announce Eye-Popping Postseason Stats
This will surely add even more flavor to an already delectable start to the playoffs for the Lakers.
The Lakers didn’t just luck into a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Rockets, they are expertly firing on all cylinders on both sides of the ball.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 18: Luke Kennard #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after making a three point shot. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Ahead of game time tonight, the Lakers posted some major stats that’ll make L.A. fans feel good about their team’s chances to beat anyone this spring.
Firstly, the Lakers are cashing in on a blistering 48.9% from the 3-point line so far this postseason, the most of all 16 tournament teams.
That’s not all.
They are also limiting the Rockets to 39% shooting from the field, the best mark of any defense so far this postseason.
Winning big in the NBA requires production on both ends of the court. The Lakers are clicking at a remarkable level. They possess massive momentum entering Game 3 in Houston. If L.A. is able to replicate even 75% of the two-way impact from the first two contests, the series score will be headed for 3-0.
No team in NBA history has overcome such a deficit. Only four teams have even forced a Game 7 under those circumstances.
A Major Opportunity at Hand
It is always better to get the job done sooner than later. The Lakers know that.
They also realize they can effectively slam the door shut on the Rockets’ season with a win tonight.
Houston will be at home in front of its boisterous fans. The home team will be playing with desperation. Winning tonight will be a tall task for the Lakers, but they’ve already shown commendable poise in this series. Going up 2-0 without their two best players is a no-joke feat.
Lakers Announce Eye-Opening News Just Before Critical Game 3 vs Rockets