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The Houston Rockets are nonetheless on their again foot, however they’re two wins from reaching NBA historical past.
After trailing by double-digits at one level within the first quarter, Houston roared again to take Recreation 5 99-93 towards the Los Angeles and drive a Recreation 6 in a sequence they as soon as trailed 3-0. No NBA crew has ever overcome a 3-0 deficit, however the Rockets will attempt to take one other step towards that feat on Friday.
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They’ve already achieved one thing notable, although. Earlier than Wednesday, no crew had defeated LeBron James in a closeout recreation on the street since 2008.
Jabari Smith Jr. led Houston with 22 factors on 6-of-13 capturing, whereas each different starter scored in double-digits.
Austin Reaves returns after almost 4 weeks out
The Lakers entered Recreation 5 with some purpose for optimism, due to the return of Austin Reaves.
The rising star guard had been out since April 2 with a Grade 2 indirect pressure, however made it again somewhat sooner than anticipated. Los Angeles continues to be short-handed with the absence of Luka Dončić — as are the Rockets with Kevin Durant out — however there had been concern Reaves wouldn’t make it again in any respect in time to play a postseason recreation for the Lakers.
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Reaves, who was second on the Lakers in factors per recreation within the common season, got here off the bench however nonetheless wound up being a featured participant. He completed with 22 factors and 6 assists in starter-level minutes.
LeBron James achieves a playoff first
There are a number of NBA leaders that James sits atop, and one among them is playoff steals.
No different participant in league historical past has even reached 400 profession steals within the postseason (Scottie Pippen is the closest with 395). James turned the primary participant to succeed in 500 for his profession within the second quarter.
