Lakers Advance After Dominant Game 6 Win in Houston
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HOUSTON — The Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up their first-round series on Friday night, defeating the Houston Rockets 98-78 in Game 6 at Toyota Center to clinch the matchup 4-2.
Los Angeles entered the contest holding a 3-2 edge after missing two earlier chances to close out the series. Determined to avoid a decisive Game 7 back home, the Lakers surged ahead in the opening half and never allowed Houston to recover.
LeBron James set the tone from the outset, attacking the paint to generate opportunities for himself and his teammates. Despite the Rockets’ early 16-11 advantage, Los Angeles answered with a 9-0 burst capped by three-pointers from Luke Kennard and Jake LaRavia. The visitors finished the first quarter ahead 23-18.
The Lakers opened the second period with another nine unanswered points, stretching their margin into double figures. Houston remained scoreless from the field for the first five minutes until Reed Sheppard converted a layup, but consecutive threes from Rui Hachimura and James late in the half sent L.A. to the locker room up 49-31.
James and Hachimura continued to pace the offense after intermission, extending the lead to 25 before Houston trimmed the deficit to 71-55 entering the fourth quarter. Any hopes of a comeback ended quickly when Hachimura drilled another three-pointer and James followed with a midrange jumper. Marcus Smart’s triple soon pushed the cushion back to 24, effectively sealing the outcome.
Up Next
The Lakers advance to the Western Conference semifinals, where they will face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Game 1 is scheduled for Tuesday night at Paycom Center.
Source: LakersNation.com
