Rockets eye return trip home after avoiding sweep against Lakers
SLUG: rockets-aim-to-force-game-6-vs-lakers
The Houston Rockets head back to Los Angeles believing they can extend their first-round series after Sunday’s 115-96 win over the Lakers cut the deficit to 3-1. Game 5 is set for Wednesday at Crypto.com Arena.
Center Alperen Sengun said the locker-room mindset remains upbeat. “The mood is good. We got one, but we’re not happy with it,” he noted. “We’re going back to L.A. to fight again.” Sengun is averaging 22.8 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists through the first four games.
Eason’s two-way impact
Forward Tari Eason delivered 20 points in Game 4 while shadowing LeBron James, who finished with 10 points and eight turnovers. “He’s just always flying around,” teammate Jabari Smith Jr. said. Eason will enter restricted free agency this summer.
Smith Jr. confident in turnaround
Smith believes the Game 4 performance reflects Houston’s true level. “We’re obviously the better team, I feel,” he said after Tuesday’s practice, adding that the roster is stronger “from top to bottom.”
Sheppard finding his footing
Rookie guard Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 pick in 2024, acknowledged a challenging first season. “It was tough. It was different,” he told The Athletic. Sheppard has appeared in every game, starting 21 times, and has scored 17 points in three of the four playoff contests. “Now that I’m here, it’s like just have fun, trust in yourself and trust the work that you put in,” he said.
Injury note
The Rockets will not face Kevin Durant on Wednesday; he has been ruled out of Game 5.
The Rockets need two more wins to force a decisive Game 7, beginning with Wednesday’s matchup in Los Angeles.
Source: Hoops Rumors
