The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a stunning upset in the opening game of their first‑round playoff series, edging the Houston Rockets 107-98. LeBron James contributed a solid 19 points along with 13 assists, but it was the performance of newcomer Luke Kennard that captured headlines.
Kennard poured in 27 points, marking the second‑highest scoring debut in Lakers postseason history and setting a new personal playoff high after his February trade from Atlanta. His offensive outburst helped the Lakers exploit the Rockets' misfortune, as star forward Kevin Durant was sidelined with a right‑knee injury, postponing the highly anticipated matchup between the two NBA legends. James reflected on his versatile role, saying, "I gotta do a little bit of everything, that's what the job requires.
So it's being a triple threat, being able to rebound, pass, shoot, go defend and to be able to put myself in a position to bring value to the team. It's going to be a game‑to‑game situation to see how it plays out. I don't predetermine what I'm going to do, the only thing that's predetermined is how I prepare. I've been in every situation you'd ever imagine as a basketball player, so there's nothing that can surprise me." His comments underscored the preparation and adaptability that have defined his long career.
Both squads entered the contest missing key contributors. The Rockets were without Luka Dončić, who has been out indefinitely since early April, while the Lakers were also missing Austin Reaves for an extended period.
Durant, who was a late scratch, left the Rockets hoping to make his playoff debut in the next game after a bruised knee suffered in practice. A historic moment unfolded when James 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 in the stands, creating an emotional backdrop for the evening. "There’s a lot of crazy things that’ve been going on this year," James said. "I was on the floor with my son in a playoff game, that’s probably the craziest thing that’s ever happened in my career.
It was so cool to be out there with him, his brother, his sister, his mom, and his grandma. My mom gets to watch her son and her grandson during the playoffs.
That’s crazy." 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 pressure forced numerous turnovers and contested every shot, allowing them to control the tempo and build a comfortable lead. The next game is scheduled for 3:30 am on April 22, live on Sky Sports, with the Rockets hoping to see Durant return to the lineup. In other playoff action, the Cleveland Cavaliers opened their 2026 postseason 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 injury, teamed up with newly acquired James Harden to combine for 46 points, providing the offensive spark the Cavs needed to secure the win at home. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets claimed a 116-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Nikola Jokić delivering a classic 25‑point triple‑double performance that highlighted his all‑around dominance and set the tone for the series.
Jokić's ability to score, rebound, and distribute the ball reaffirmed his status as one of the league's most complete players. The New York Knicks also took advantage of a tightly contested first half to pull away from the Atlanta Hawks, winning 113-102. Jalen Brunson led the charge with 28 points and seven assists, guiding the Knicks to an early series lead and showcasing his clutch scoring ability in the third quarter when the game swung decisively in New York's favor. The 2026 NBA playoffs continue to unfold on Sky Sports this Sunday, April 19, beginning at 6 pm British Summer Time with four simultaneous matchups on Sky Sports Action: - 6 pm: Philadelphia 76ers (7) @ Boston Celtics (2) - 8:30 pm: Phoenix Suns (8) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (1) - 11 pm: Orlando Magic (8) @ Detroit Pistons (1) - 2 am: Portland Trail Blazers (7) @ San Antonio Spurs (2) Fans can also look forward to the Western Conference Finals, which will be broadcast live from May 20 onward.
The early rounds have already delivered unforgettable moments, from LeBron's leadership and family milestone to breakout performances by Kennard, Strus, Harden, Jokić, and Brunson. As the postseason progresses, each team will adjust strategies, manage injuries, and vie for the coveted NBA championship, promising more drama, high‑scoring affairs, and historic achievements for basketball enthusiasts worldwide.