The Los Angeles Lakers avoided a prolonged first-round battle on the road, overwhelming the Houston Rockets 106-85 in Game 6 to clinch the series 4-2 and move on to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Los Angeles entered Toyota Center with mounting pressure after dropping Games 4 and 5 following an early 3-0 advantage. LeBron James quickly steadied the group, working out of the mid- and low-post to finish with 28 points, seven rebounds and eight assists.
Defense sets early tone
The Lakers’ defense limited Houston to 18 first-quarter points and just 31 by halftime, building a 49-31 edge. Rui Hachimura punished the Rockets for leaving him open, burying five three-pointers on the way to 21 points. Austin Reaves added 15 points on 7-for-14 shooting, repeatedly attacking Alperen Sengun and Reed Sheppard off the dribble.
Ayton dominates the glass
Deandre Ayton collected 16 rebounds and helped hold Sengun to 17 points on 5-of-12 from the field. Marcus Smart contributed timely steals, blocks and additional rebounding as the Lakers stretched the margin beyond 20 in the second half, allowing the starters brief rest before the final horn.
Looking ahead
The victory sends Los Angeles into a Western Conference semifinal matchup with the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Game 1 is scheduled for Tuesday at Paycom Center.
Source: LakersNation.com
