Lakers Frustrate Durant, Rockets LA Wins 101-94 Takes 2-0 Lead to Houston

Written By Malcolm Xavier of The Lakers Room

Defense was the story, again! But, the job is not finished -in the words of Kobe Bryant. That is exactly the attitude I hope the Lakers carry forth even with the 2-0 lead. However, it feels like a blessing considering where we were last week - and since the injuries to our top two scorers. If you've been listening to any of the "experts" the Lakers stood no chance in this first round series versus the Houston Rockets. I honestly felt the same way, even after LA won game 1 with Houston minus KD, the sentiment was still just that - they were minus KD. Not tonight, Kevin Durant suited up and the Lakers still found a path to victory.

Houston led 26-24 with 2:21 seconds in the first quarter before the Lakers took control of the game with a 15-0 run to take control of the game early. Luke Kennard, LeBron James and Marcus Smart all hit big 3's during the run to give LA a 39-26 lead that they would carry into Halftime although Houston would cut into the deficit and trail 54-51 at the half. The Rockets took a one point lead brielfy early in the third on a Jabari Smith Jr. basket to lead 55-54. Luke Kennard swift answered with a 26 foot three to give LA the lead back, they never trailed the rest of the game. Although the Rockets rallied and got the score as close as three halfway through the fourth.

Four of the five Lakers starters scored in double figures. LeBron scored 28 points to go with 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Rui added 13 points with 3 three pointers, Marcus Smart had 25 with 5 three pointers. Luke Kennard added 23 points and 5 rebounds with three from deep. Kevin Durant led the stagnant Rockets offense with 23 points on 7/12 shooting in the loss. LA looks to take a commanding 3-0 lead on Friday as the series resumes in Houston.