In a stunning opening night of the first‑round playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers edged past the Houston Rockets with a 107‑98 triumph, a game defined by LeBron James’ all‑around performance of 19 points and 13 assists. Yet, the headline of the night belonged to Luke Kennard, who etched his name into Lakers lore by pouring in 27 points— the second‑highest total ever recorded by a player making his postseason debut with the franchise and a personal playoff best since his February trade from Atlanta.
The Lakers were able to capitalize on the absence of Houston’s star forward Kevin Durant, who sat out with a bruised right knee. The long‑awaited showdown between two of the modern era’s biggest names—James and Durant—remains on hold, extending the eight‑year wait for a potential playoff clash. James, ever the vocal leader, summed up his mindset: “I have to do a little bit of everything; that’s what the job requires.
I need to be a triple‑threat—rebound, pass, shoot, defend— and find ways to add value for the team. Every game will tell its own story, and I don’t plan my moves in advance; the only thing I control is my preparation.” He added, “I’ve been in every scenario a basketball player can imagine, so nothing really surprises me.” Both squads entered the contest missing key contributors.
The Rockets were without Luka Doncic, who has been sidelined indefinitely after an injury on April 2, and the Lakers were missing Austin Reaves for the same reason. Durant’s late‑stage withdrawal due to the knee injury further tilted the balance in Los Angeles’ favor. A historic moment unfolded off the court as well: LeBron shared the playoff floor with his son, Bronny James, marking the first time a father‑son duo has appeared together in an NBA postseason game.
The family was in the stands, creating an unforgettable scene. “There’s been a lot of crazy stuff this year,” LeBron reflected. “Playing a playoff game with my son on the floor is probably the wildest thing that’s happened in my career.
Seeing my wife, my kids, my mom, and my grandma watching us together—it’s surreal. My mom gets to watch both her son and her grandson compete in the playoffs.
It’s just… crazy.” Los Angeles’ efficiency was a decisive factor. The Lakers shot an impressive 60.6 percent from the field, while the Rockets managed only 37.6 percent, a disparity amplified by the Lakers’ aggressive, perimeter‑focused defense. The next game is slated for 3:30 a.m.
BST on April 22, broadcast live on Sky Sports, with Durant likely to make his playoff debut after recovering from his knee issue. In other playoff action, the Cleveland Cavaliers opened their 2026 postseason run by defeating the Toronto Raptors 126‑113, snapping a trio of consecutive losses to the Canadians earlier in the year. Max Strus, returning from a lengthy injury layoff, teamed up with newly acquired James Harden to combine for 46 points, propelling Cleveland to a crucial home‑court victory.
The Denver Nuggets also posted a strong start, beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 116‑105. Nikola Jokic once again stole the spotlight, delivering a 25‑point triple‑double that underscored his dominance and helped the Nuggets secure the series opener on their home floor.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks claimed a 113‑102 win over the Atlanta Hawks. The game hung in the balance at halftime, but the Knicks pulled away in the third quarter. Jalen Brunson led the charge with 28 points and seven assists, giving New York an early series advantage.
The 2026 NBA playoffs continue to unfold on Sky Sports this Sunday, April 19, beginning at 6 p.m. BST with four matchups on Sky Sports Action. The schedule, all in British Summer Time, is as follows: - 6 p.m.: Philadelphia 76ers (7) @ Boston Celtics (2) - 8:30 p.m.: Phoenix Suns (8) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (1) - 11 p.m.: Orlando Magic (8) @ Detroit Pistons (1) - 2 a.m.: Portland Trail Blazers (7) @ San Antonio Spurs (2) Sky Sports will also carry the Western Conference Finals live beginning May 20, ensuring fans can follow every pivotal moment as the quest for the championship intensifies.