The Houston Rockets are still on the back foot, but they’re two wins away from making NBA history.
After trailing by double digits in the first quarter, Houston beat Los Angeles 99-93 in Game 5 to force a series they had trailed 3-0 into a Game 6. No NBA team has been able to overcome a 3-0 deficit, but the Rockets will try to take a step toward that feat on Friday.
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However, they have achieved some noteworthy achievements. Before Wednesday, no team had beaten LeBron James in his final game on the road since 2008.
Jabari Smith Jr. scored 22 points on 6-for-13 shooting to lead the Rockets, while every other starter scored in double figures.
Austin Reeves returns after nearly 4 weeks absence
The Lakers enter Game 5 with some reason for optimism thanks to the return of Austin Reeves.
The rising guard has been sidelined since April 2 with a Grade 2 oblique strain but is back a little earlier than expected. Los Angeles remains short-handed with Luka Doncic out — as is the Rockets without Kevin Durant — but there’s concern that Reeves simply won’t be back in time for the Lakers to play in the postseason.
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Reeves ranked second on the Lakers in points per game during the regular season, and while he came off the bench, he ultimately was still a featured player. He scored 22 points and 6 assists in his starting time.
LeBron James reaches playoffs for first time
James has many NBA leaders, one of which is the playoff steals leader.
No other player in league history has reached 400 career playoff steals (the closest is Scottie Pippen with 395). James became the first player to score 500 points in the second quarter of his career.
