The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a stunning upset against the Houston Rockets, edging them out 107-98 in the opening contest of their first‑round playoff series. LeBron James contributed a solid stat line of 19 points paired with 13 assists, but it was the performance of newcomer Luke Kennard that truly captured the headlines. Kennard erupted for 27 points, marking the second‑highest scoring effort ever recorded by a player in their inaugural postseason appearance with the Lakers and setting a new personal playoff best after his February trade from Atlanta.
The Lakers were able to exploit the Rockets' misfortune of missing Kevin Durant, who sat out the game due to a lingering injury. This absence prolonged the eight‑year wait for a matchup between the two NBA titans, James and Durant, in a playoff setting.
"I have to do a little bit of everything; that's what the job demands," James explained after the game. "You have to be a triple‑threat—rebounding, passing, shooting, defending—and find ways to add value for the team. Every game will present its own challenges, and I don’t plan my moves in advance.
The only thing I control is how I prepare." Both clubs entered the game without key contributors. The Rockets were without Luka Dončić, who has been sidelined indefinitely with an injury sustained on April 2, and Austin Reaves, who also remains out.
Meanwhile, Durant was a late scratch after bruising his right knee during a practice session. Despite these setbacks, the Lakers managed to dominate the glass and the floor, shooting an efficient 60.6 percent from the field while limiting Houston to a paltry 37.6 percent.
A historic moment unfolded for James as he shared the playoff hardwood with his son, Bronny James, marking the first time a father‑son duo has appeared together in an NBA postseason game. The family was visibly present in the arena, with James’ wife, sister, mother, and grandmother all in attendance. "There have been so many crazy storylines this season," LeBron said.
"Playing a playoff game with my son on the court is probably the most surreal thing that’s ever happened to me. Seeing my mom watch both her son and grandson compete in the playoffs—it's just wild." The Lakers' defensive tenacity, combined with their shooting efficiency, proved decisive.
They forced the Rockets into low‑percentage attempts and capitalized on every opportunity. The next game is scheduled for 3:30 a.m.
BST on April 22, broadcast live on Sky Sports, with the Rockets hoping to see Durant make his playoff debut after he recovers from his knee issue. 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 regular season. Max Strus, who missed most of the year due to injury, teamed up with newly acquired star 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 triple‑double—25 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists—to give Denver a crucial home‑court advantage in the series opener.
The New York Knicks also took the early series lead, defeating the Atlanta Hawks 113-102. The game was tightly contested at halftime, but the Knicks pulled ahead in the third quarter.
Jalen Brunson led the charge with 28 points and seven assists, cementing New York’s advantage and setting the tone for the remainder of the series. The 2026 NBA playoffs continue to roll out on Sky Sports this Sunday, April 19, beginning at 6 p.m.
BST with four matchups on Sky Sports Action. The schedule (all times listed in British Summer Time) is as follows: - 6 p.m.: Philadelphia 76ers (seed 7) @ Boston Celtics (seed 2) - 8:30 p.m.: Phoenix Suns (seed 8) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (seed 1) - 11 p.m.: Orlando Magic (seed 8) @ Detroit Pistons (seed 1) - 2 a.m.: Portland Trail Blazers (seed 7) @ San Antonio Spurs (seed 2) Sky Sports will also broadcast the Western Conference Finals live starting May 20, giving fans a front‑row seat to the climactic battles for the NBA championship.