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 clash. LeBron James contributed a solid 19 points along with 13 assists, but it was the performance of newcomer Luke Kennard that truly captured the headlines. Kennard poured in 27 points, marking the second‑highest scoring output ever recorded by a player in his Lakers postseason debut and setting a new personal playoff high after his February trade from Atlanta. The Lakers were able to exploit the Rockets' misfortune, as star forward Kevin Durant was sidelined with a right‑knee injury and could not take part in the game.
This absence extended the eight‑year wait for a playoff showdown between James and Durant, a matchup that fans have long anticipated. "I have to do a little bit of everything; that's what the job demands," James said in the post‑game interview.
"Being a triple‑threat means rebounding, passing, shooting, defending, and finding ways to add value for the team. Each game will reveal how the series unfolds. I don't plan my moves in advance—my preparation is the only thing that's set." Both clubs entered the game without key contributors. The Rockets were missing Luka Dončić, who has been out indefinitely since early April, while the Lakers were without Austin Reaves, also sidelined with a lingering injury.
Durant's late‑stage withdrawal due to a bruised knee added another layer of intrigue to the series, leaving the Rockets to rely on a deeper rotation. A historic moment unfolded for LeBron James as he shared the court with his son, Bronny James, marking the first time a father‑son duo has appeared together in an NBA playoff game. The family was present in the arena, with James' wife, sister, mother, and grandmother all watching from the stands.
"This season has been crazy in so many ways," James reflected. "Playing a playoff game with my son on the floor is probably the most surreal experience of my career. Seeing my mom watch both her son and grandson in the postseason is just unbelievable." The Lakers' shooting efficiency was a decisive factor; they converted 60.6 percent of their field‑goal attempts, while the Rockets managed only 37.6 percent. Defensive pressure from Los Angeles forced Houston into low‑percentage shots and turnovers, allowing the Lakers to build a comfortable lead that they never relinquished.
Game two is scheduled for 3:30 a.m. BST on April 22 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports from Los Angeles.
Durant will have to wait at least another night before making his playoff debut for the Rockets after the knee injury suffered during a practice drill. In other playoff action, the Cleveland Cavaliers opened their 2026 postseason run with a 126‑113 triumph over the Toronto Raptors, finally snapping a trio of consecutive defeats to the Canadian team earlier in the year. Max Strus, who missed most of the regular season due to injury, teamed up with newly acquired guard James Harden to combine for 46 points, propelling Cleveland to a vital home‑court victory.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets secured a 116‑105 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Nikola Jokić delivering a classic 25‑point triple‑double that underscored his dominance and gave Denver the first win of the series on their home floor. The New York Knicks also claimed a 113‑102 victory over the Atlanta Hawks in Game One. The contest appeared evenly balanced at halftime, but the Knicks pulled away in the third quarter.
Jalen Brunson led the charge with 28 points and seven assists, helping New York seize an early series advantage. The 2026 NBA playoffs continue to roll out on Sky Sports this Sunday, April 19, beginning at 6 p.m.
BST with four games on the Sky Sports Action channel. The schedule, listed 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 live coverage of the Western Conference Finals starting May 20, ensuring fans can follow the championship race from coast to coast.
The combination of veteran leadership, emerging talent, and unexpected storylines—such as LeBron playing alongside his son—makes this postseason one of the most compelling in recent memory.