Lakers Stun Rockets in Game One, LeBron James Leads the Charge

In a thrilling start to their first-round playoff series, the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a stunning 107-98 victory over the Houston Rockets, with LeBron James delivering an impressive performance of 19 points and 13 assists. Luke Kennard also made history with a 27-point game, the second-highest points scored by a player in their Lakers postseason debut. The Lakers capitalized on Kevin Durant's injury-enforced absence, but the highly anticipated matchup between James and Durant will have to wait. James emphasized the need for adaptability, stating, 'I gotta do a little bit of everything, that's what the job requires.' The game marked a special moment for James as he shared the court with his son, Bronny James, in the playoffs for the first time. The Lakers' strong shooting, with 60.6% of their shots finding the mark, and their pesky defense, which limited the Rockets to 37.6% shooting, were key factors in their win. Game two is set to take place on April 22, live on Sky Sports. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers kicked off the 2026 playoffs with a 126-113 win over the Toronto Raptors, thanks in part to the combined efforts of Max Strus and James Harden, who scored 46 points. Nikola Jokic stole the show in the Denver Nuggets' 116-105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 25-point triple-double, while the New York Knicks secured a 113-102 game one win over the Atlanta Hawks, led by Jalen Brunson's 28 points and seven assists. The 2026 NBA playoffs continue on Sky Sports, with four games scheduled for April 19, including the Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics and the Phoenix Suns vs. Oklahoma City Thunder.