We figured Kevin Durant would be back on the floor for the Rockets in Game 2, and we were correct.
We figured that would mean Houston would crack 100 points... and we were wrong. The Lakers defense frustrated Durant, sending waves of bodies after him throughout the game, and save a red hot first few minutes, was held in check. LA dared anyone else to beat them, and the Rockets simply couldn't do it. Over and over, they smoked easy shots, made dumb plays, and more. Meanwhile, the Lakers found ways to get buckets when they had to.
LeBron James was outstanding. 28 points, 14 trips to the line, eight rebounds, seven assists. Marcus Smart played his way into Lakers lore, with incredible defense, 25 points, seven dimes and true spiritual leadership. Luke Kennard followed up his 27 points in Game 1 with 23 on Tuesday.
With the win, the Lakers don't just take real control of the series, they very likely do serious damage to Houston's psyche. The Lakers have 208 points in the series, and are a plus-16. Yes, they've played good, aggressive, attentive defense, but some of this is Houston being a really bad offensive team. And unless they can figure that out, the Rockets aren't going to clear the bar the Lakers are setting for them.
Another fantastic night for the Lakers, who hold serve and will head to Houston after three days off.
Still lots of work to be done, but the Lakers are in a position few expected, and have a great chance to pull off an upset in Round 1.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers win Game 2!
SEGMENT 2: Legend-status game from Marcus Smart.
SEGMENT 3: Houston is a bad, bad, bad offensive team right now.
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