The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a stunning upset against the Houston Rockets, edging them 107-98 in the opening contest of their first‑round playoff showdown. LeBron James contributed a solid 19 points while distributing 13 assists, but it was the remarkable performance of Luke Kennard that truly stole the spotlight.
Kennard, who joined the Lakers from Atlanta in February, erupted for 27 points—marking the second‑highest scoring output ever recorded by a player in his postseason debut with the franchise and representing a personal playoff best for the sharpshooter. The Lakers were able to exploit the Rockets' misfortune of missing Kevin Durant, who sat out due to a lingering knee injury.
This absence prolonged the eight‑year wait for a head‑to‑head playoff encounter between the two superstars. James, ever the vocal leader, summed up his role in the victory: "I have to do a little bit of everything; that's what the job requires.
I need to be a triple‑threat—rebounding, passing, shooting, defending—any way I can add value to the team. Every game will present a new situation, and I don't pre‑plan my actions; the only thing I control is my preparation.
I've been in every scenario a basketball player can imagine, so nothing really surprises me." Both squads entered the game without key contributors. The Rockets were missing Luka Dončić, who has been sidelined indefinitely with a foot injury since early April, and the Lakers were without Austin Reaves, also out for an extended period.
Durant's late withdrawal, caused by a bruised right knee sustained in practice, meant the Rockets entered the series without their marquee scorer. The night also featured a historic family moment for James. For the first time in his career, he shared the playoff floor with his son, Bronny James, who was on the bench watching his father compete. James reflected on the surreal experience: "This year has been full of crazy moments.
Playing a playoff game with my son on the court is probably the most unbelievable thing that has happened to me. Having my wife, my daughter, my mom, and my grandma in the arena watching us—my mom gets to see both her son and grandson in the postseason.
It's just wild." Statistically, Los Angeles dominated the shooting battle, converting 60.6 percent of their attempts while limiting Houston to a paltry 37.6 percent. The Lakers' defensive intensity forced the Rockets into low‑percentage shots and disrupted their rhythm throughout the game.
The next contest is slated for 3:30 a.m. BST on April 22, broadcast live on Sky Sports from the Staples Center, where the Rockets will hope to see Durant make his long‑awaited playoff debut after recovering from his knee issue.
In other playoff action, the Cleveland Cavaliers opened their 2026 postseason run with a 126-113 triumph over the Toronto Raptors, finally breaking a three‑game losing streak against the Canadian club earlier in the year. Max Strus, who missed most of the regular season due to a lingering injury, teamed up with newly acquired star James Harden to combine for 46 points, providing the offensive spark the Cavs needed to secure the win on home soil.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets asserted their dominance in a 116-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Nikola Jokić delivering a classic triple‑double—25 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists—once again proving why he remains one of the league's most versatile big men. Jokić's all‑around performance helped Denver take a crucial first‑game edge in the series. The New York Knicks also claimed a 113-102 win in their opening game against the Atlanta Hawks. The contest was tightly contested at halftime, but the Knicks surged ahead in the third quarter.
Jalen Brunson led the charge, posting 28 points and seven assists, which propelled New York to an early series lead and set the tone for what promises to be a gritty battle in the Eastern Conference. The 2026 NBA playoffs continue to roll out on Sky Sports this Sunday, April 19, with four games kicking off at 6 p.m. BST on Sky Sports Action.
The schedule, listed in British Summer Time, is as follows: 6:00 p.m. – Philadelphia 76ers (7) @ Boston Celtics (2) 8:30 p.m. – Phoenix Suns (8) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (1) 11:00 p.m.
– Orlando Magic (8) @ Detroit Pistons (1) 2:00 a.m. – Portland Trail Blazers (7) @ San Antonio Spurs (2) Sky Sports will also carry all Western Conference Finals games live beginning May 20, ensuring fans can follow every pivotal moment as the road to the NBA championship unfolds. The combination of veteran leadership, emerging talent, and unforgettable family moments—like LeBron and Bronny sharing the playoff stage—underscores the drama and excitement that define the NBA postseason.