It quickly began feeling like the Los Angeles Lakers were destined for a second round battle with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Instead, the Houston Rockets started hammering the door bell, threatening to tear the place down.
The Lakers suddenly find themselves after losing two straight games, pulling this first round series to within one game of a potential Game 7.
The Rockets looked down and ready for Cancun but suddenly erupted with some tenacity while their star, Kevin Durant, has long been out of sight, out of mind.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
L.A. suffered a terrible home loss in Game 5. The turnovers and missed shots piled up like eraser shavings in a kindergarten classroom.
Pressure has been heaped onto the shoulders of LeBron James and Austin Reaves as Game 6 in Houston approaches. It’ll be on these two stars to step up and lead their team past the first round.
Losing this series is not an option. Or else they’ll never hear the end of it.
Los Angeles Lakers Catch Big Break Ahead of Game 6
Reaves’ return was announced just before Game 5 tipped off, allowing Lakers fans to completely relax.
If ‘Bron got us to three wins by himself, we’ll easily take Game 6!
How about no.
Reaves came off the bench but recorded over 34 minutes in Game 5. He clearly looked like a player coming off a monthlong injury. He got to the free-throw frequently, showing no reluctance coming off an injury, but his inefficiency rang loud.
L.A. can certainly hope for a much stronger Reaves outing in Game 6, which would be a major plus.
Another major plus has already been awarded via the Rockets injury report.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Durant, a 16-time All-Star, has been ruled out for Game 6. L.A. catches a massive break ahead of pivotal game.
“Sources tell me Kevin Durant will be out for Game 6,” Charania said on ESPN’s “Get Up.” “… He’s dealing with a bone bruise in his left ankle. … This bone bruise is a two-week minimum injury.”
Somewhere, the Thunder are sitting back, kicking their feet up and watching in amusement as the Lakers try to hold off the Rockets.
The Lakers had no business losing Game 5. They had two of the best players on the court and enough offense to score way more than in the low 90s in points.
Durant missing Game 6 allows the Lakers to calm their nerves a little more ahead of the game. While L.A. beat Houston with Durant in Game 2, the longer the series goes on, the dicier things can get.
After all, the Rockets saw young stars Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason have arguably their best games of the series Wednesday night. Houston’s young core is catching a rhythm; throw Durant in that mix and things suddenly become dangerous for L.A.
With Reaves in and Durant out, it is gut-check time for the Lakers.
Game 6 at Toyota Center tips at 8:30 p.m.
Lakers Get Major News After Rockets Announce Kevin Durant’s Game 6 Status