Rockets Face Lakers Without Durant, Struggle in Playoff Opener
LOS ANGELES -- In a surprising turn of events, the Houston Rockets were forced to face the Los Angeles Lakers without star forward Kevin Durant, who was ruled out less than 90 minutes before Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs on Saturday due to a knee injury sustained earlier in the week. Despite the late announcement, Rockets coach Ime Udoka indicated that the team had prepared for this scenario. Durant, who averaged 26 points per game during the regular season, had shown signs of a knee contusion, leading to alternative lineups being considered. The absence of Durant proved costly, as the Rockets fell to the Lakers 107-98. Houston struggled offensively, shooting 37.6% from the floor, despite having 27 more field goal attempts than their opponents. Key players like Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. had rough shooting nights, compounding the team's woes. Jabari Smith Jr. commented on Durant's absence, stating, "You miss it... When you're missing Kevin Durant, you're going to miss a lot." The Rockets entered the series as heavy favorites, mainly due to the Lakers missing stars Luka Dončić and Austin Reeves. However, the dynamics shifted dramatically with Durant sidelined. The Lakers controlled the game, leading by as many as 16 points and not trailing for the last 20 minutes of regulation. Looking ahead, Udoka hopes Durant’s absence is temporary, calling it a “one-game thing.” Game 2 is set for Tuesday, and the Rockets will need him back to regain their footing in the series. The stakes are high, as the Lakers could quickly become the favorites if Durant cannot return.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-19