The Los Angeles Lakers delivered a stunning performance in the opening contest of their first‑round playoff series, edging the Houston Rockets 107‑98. LeBron James anchored the effort with a solid 19 points and an impressive 13 assists, but it was the sharpshooting of Luke Kennard that truly captured the headlines.
Kennard poured in 27 points, marking the second‑highest scoring output ever recorded by a player in their inaugural Lakers postseason appearance and setting a new personal playoff high after his February trade from Atlanta. The Lakers were able to exploit the Rockets’ misfortune of missing Kevin Durant, who was sidelined with a knee injury, extending the long‑awaited wait for a postseason showdown between the two superstars. James reflected on his role, emphasizing his versatility: "I have to do a little bit of everything; that's what the job requires. Being a triple‑threat—rebounding, passing, shooting, defending—allows me to add value wherever the team needs it.
I don't plan each play in advance; the only thing I control is my preparation. I've been in every situation imaginable as a basketball player, so nothing truly surprises me." Both squads entered the game without key contributors. The Rockets were missing Luka Doncic, while the Lakers were without Austin Reaves, both out indefinitely after injuries sustained on April 2.
Durant was a late scratch due to a bruised right knee, further tilting the balance in Los Angeles' favor. A historic moment unfolded for James as he shared the court with his son, Bronny James, marking the first time a father‑son duo has played together in an NBA playoff game. The family was present in the arena, adding an emotional layer to the contest. James expressed his amazement: "Being on the floor with my son in a playoff game is probably the craziest thing that’s ever happened in my career.
Seeing my wife, my daughter, my mom, and my grandma in the stands while I play alongside my son—that’s beyond surreal." The Lakers’ shooting efficiency was a decisive factor. They connected on 60.6 percent of their field‑goal attempts, while the Rockets struggled to find rhythm, shooting just 37.6 percent. Defensive intensity and disciplined execution kept Houston at bay throughout the night. Game two is slated for 3:30 a.m.
BST on April 22, broadcast live on Sky Sports from Los Angeles. Durant will have to wait at least another game before making his playoff debut, following a knee incident during a practice session.
In other playoff action, the Cleveland Cavaliers opened their 2026 postseason run with a 126‑113 triumph over the Toronto Raptors, snapping a trio of consecutive losses to the Canadian club earlier in the year. Max Strus, who missed most of the regular season due to injury, teamed up with newly acquired star James Harden to combine for 46 points, providing the spark the Cavs needed to secure a vital home‑court advantage. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets claimed a 116‑105 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Nikola Jokic delivering a classic 25‑point triple‑double performance that underscored his status as the league’s premier playmaker. Jokic’s all‑around display helped Denver seize the first game of the series on their hardwood.
The New York Knicks also enjoyed a successful start, beating the Atlanta Hawks 113‑102. The contest was tightly contested at halftime, but the Knicks pulled away in the third quarter.
Star guard Jalen Brunson led the charge with 28 points and seven assists, propelling New York to an early series lead. The 2026 NBA playoffs continue to roll out on Sky Sports this Sunday, April 19, beginning at 6 p.m.
BST with four simultaneous matchups on Sky Sports Action. The schedule, all listed in British Summer Time, is as follows: - 6 p.m.: Philadelphia 76ers (seed 7) at Boston Celtics (seed 2) - 8:30 p.m.: Phoenix Suns (seed 8) at Oklahoma City Thunder (seed 1) - 11 p.m.: Orlando Magic (seed 8) at Detroit Pistons (seed 1) - 2 a.m.: Portland Trail Blazers (seed 7) at San Antonio Spurs (seed 2) Sky Sports will also carry every game of the Western Conference Finals live, beginning on May 20. Fans can look forward to high‑stakes basketball as the league’s elite vie for a coveted spot in the NBA Finals, with each series promising dramatic moments, strategic adjustments, and unforgettable performances from both seasoned veterans and emerging talents.