The Los Angeles Lakers delivered a shocking 107-98 victory over the Houston Rockets in the opening game of their first-round playoff series, with LeBron James contributing 19 points and 13 assists. Luke Kennard made history with a 27-point game, the second-highest points scored by a player in their Lakers postseason debut, and a personal career playoff best after joining from Atlanta in February. The Lakers capitalized on Kevin Durant's injury absence, although the highly anticipated matchup between James and Durant will have to wait due to the latter's bruised right knee. James emphasized his role as a triple threat, able to rebound, pass, shoot, and defend, and bring value to the team.
The game also marked a special moment for James as he shared the court with his son, Bronny James, in the playoffs for the first time, with their family in attendance. The Lakers thrived by hitting 60.6 percent of their shots and limiting the Rockets to 37.6 percent shooting. Game two is scheduled for April 22, live on Sky Sports. The Cleveland Cavaliers began the 2026 playoffs with a 126-113 win over the Toronto Raptors, thanks to a combined 46 points from Max Strus and James Harden.
Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to a 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 this Sunday, April 19, with four games on Sky Sports Action.