Lakers Eliminate Rockets with a Game 5 win and reach Conference Finals for the first time since 2010.Lakers won their last NBA title in 2010, led by Late Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol.
After defeating Blazers in 5 games (4-1) during first-round playoff series, Lakers repeated same in second round.After losing game 1 to small ball Rockets, Frank Voguel and his coaching staff made necessary adjustments to their starting five and rotation to take series 4-1.
The Lakers turned an 11-point halftime lead into a 26-point advantage going into the final period and cruised to a series-clinching victory, one in which they outshot the Rockets by a 52.7 percent-37.1 percent margin and drained 51.4 percent of their three-point attempts.
James Harden’s 30 points, which he partly complemented with six rebounds and five assists, led the Rockets. Jeff Green managed 13 points. Russell Westbrook produced just 10 points six assists, four rebounds and two steals. Ben McLemore and Austin Rivers poured in nine points apiece.
Total six Lakers scored in double figures,including their starting five.LeBron James’ 29 points, which he partly supplemented with 11 rebounds and seven assists, led the Lakers. Kyle Kuzma’s line included 17 points and four boards.
Markieff Morris registered 16 points. Danny Green’s contributions included 14 points and four rebounds. Anthony Davis generated a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double.
Lakers can have their conference finals opponents as early as tomorrow or they have to wait till Tuesday.Winners of Clippers vs Nuggets will play Lakers in 2019-20 Western Conference finals.
