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00:00It's ESPN on ABC.
00:09It's that time of year.
00:11The players now set.
00:13Time to find the rhythm.
00:16Something I worked my entire life for.
00:17Stakes are going to be higher.
00:18More eyes are going to be on us.
00:20This is what you play for.
00:21This is the best part of the season.
00:22Play it all on the line.
00:23The energy is different.
00:24The tension is thick.
00:27Legends are made in the postseason.
00:3016 teams in Buck.
00:3216 wins.
00:34The mission.
00:34It's playoff time.
00:36The best time of the year.
00:37I'm excited to play in high stakes games again.
00:39The ultimate test is coming up.
00:41He throws it down.
00:42Wow.
00:43The journey is underway.
00:45Welcome to the NBA playoff.
00:48And Carroll down the pipe.
00:50Oh my goodness.
00:51It's a Riff City winner.
00:53The Sixers are going to Boston.
00:55Suns win.
00:56You want to know what playoff basketball looks like?
00:59This is it.
01:00The NBA playoffs.
01:01Game 1.
01:02Rockets-Lakers.
01:04ABC.
01:05The home of the finals.
01:10It is that time of year here in Los Angeles, home of Hollywood, home of the Lakers.
01:17For the next two months, the NBA's best will fight for a title.
01:22There's a look at tonight's starting lineups.
01:25Powered by Shopify.
01:27And again, no Kevin Durant.
01:29So Reed Shepard gets to start.
01:31Emei Udoka has liked the way Shepard has played in the games where they've needed him as a fill-in
01:36for an injured player.
01:37We'll see how he fares here in the playoffs.
01:39Meanwhile, again, no Donchich, no Reeves.
01:42So that's the starting lineup for J.J. Redick.
01:45We don't know how long they'll go without them, perhaps the whole first round.
01:49But that remains to be seen.
01:51Let's check in once again with Lisa Saltis.
01:53Hey, Mike, well, the Lakers may be without their top two scorers for this entire first round with J.J.
01:59Redick telling us that Austin Reeves and Luka Doncic are out indefinitely and there's no timetable for their returns.
02:06They both got hurt on April 2nd in a game against the Thunder.
02:10Reeves suffered a grade two oblique strain and Doncic, a hamstring injury.
02:14Doncic reportedly left the team and went to Spain for injection treatments to help speed up the healing process.
02:20He's now back in the U.S. and along with Reeves is going to be on the Lakers bench tonight.
02:26So, again, no real positive updates for Lakers fans.
02:29Both Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves out tonight and out indefinitely.
02:34Mike?
02:34So, key, key players.
02:37It's only the second time in NBA playoff history both teams open a series without their leading scorer.
02:43The only other time happened back in 1986 Eastern Conference semis.
02:48Milwaukee didn't have Sidney Moncrief and Philadelphia didn't have Moses Malone.
02:52So, this is rare to have this kind of talent and this type of scoring power out to begin a
02:57seven-game series.
02:58And there you see it as we're set to go.
03:01Guys, there's just something different in the air.
03:03We say it every year.
03:04What do you guys remember about the nerves before your first playoff game?
03:08Well, I was fortunate.
03:09I was on a very good team.
03:10I was on the number one seed.
03:12And what was our reward?
03:13We got Reggie Miller and the Indiana Pacers.
03:16Took us to a five-game series.
03:18Still probably the most intense series I've ever played in outside of finals.
03:21And I already had enough nervousness because I missed almost the entire year with an injury.
03:25And we were playing the Bulls.
03:27The defending champion, Chicago Bulls at Michael Jordan.
03:30How well did that go for you?
03:31Not great.
03:35Well, Lakers, of course, have been terrific at home all season, 28 and 13.
03:39But, of course, Donchich and Reeves were on the court most of the time.
03:42They turn it over on the first possession.
03:44Gosh, Akogi gets inside, draws a foul.
03:47And Akogi's going to shoot those free throws to start us off.
03:52Houston, meanwhile, on the road, 22-19, a solid road record.
03:57But they won their last four road games.
04:00And depending on who you talk to, is there momentum coming into the playoffs?
04:04They were 9-1 in their last 10.
04:06I say no.
04:07The momentum ends at the final buzzer of Game 82.
04:11Well, I also think, look, they both had hot stretches, both of these teams down the stretch.
04:15But you also were playing some teams that also weren't playing for anything.
04:18Really hard to take much out of it.
04:20Other than both had really good offensive rhythm prior to the Lakers getting those injuries.
04:26Well, both teams want to have some playoff success.
04:28Obviously, Lakers have lost in the first round the last two years.
04:32The Rockets have not won a playoff series since 2020.
04:35And that's actually the last time these two teams met in the playoffs.
04:39That was in the bubble.
04:42So smart to DeAndre Ayton.
04:46Spins, turns, and scores.
04:47And he can make such a difference if he's on.
04:50I will say the one thing that's different in the postseason, things change.
04:54Where players, everyone puts their petty things aside.
04:57Everyone focuses on one goal.
05:00J.J. Redick, when he talked to us earlier, he said, hey, only thing we have to do is not
05:04turn over the ball and offensive rebound.
05:07A man, Thompson gets to the rim and banks it home.
05:10They'll lead his scoring.
05:11Again, when you think about the amount of points that Dodgers and Reeves brings to the Lakers and Durant brings
05:18to the Rockets,
05:19other guys are really going to have to pick up their aggressiveness on the offensive end.
05:24Kogi's a good defender as he deflects it out of bounds.
05:27He starts on LeBron James.
05:29He does, and you're going to see LeBron James operate in the post quite a bit now in this offense
05:33because it's going to be hard for him to just go out and isolate and draw two.
05:37But he can certainly do that in the post against a variety of matchups that Houston will throw at him.
05:44Luke Kennard knocks down his first shot.
05:47Kennard acquired midseason.
05:48He has been a huge addition and continues to get more comfortable with his new team.
05:55A man, Thompson, again, aggressive goes.
05:57Can't get his ball.
05:58And Aiton with a rebound.
06:00I'd like to see him go right back to DeAndre Aiton.
06:03Get him another touch early.
06:05He's so much better and more engaged when he touches the ball early in the game.
06:11Javari Smith now on James.
06:12He's going to see a lot of different defenders.
06:14Alley-oop ball, knocked away by Thompson.
06:16Goes right to Smart.
06:18Achimura, his first shot, knocks it down.
06:25Again, the Lakers came in huge underdogs.
06:27In fact, J.J. Redick was saying, I'm sure everyone wants to play us.
06:32As Reed Shepard's first shot off the mark.
06:34Javari Smith gets the offensive rebound.
06:37Trapped double team.
06:38And a whistle and a foul.
06:41As LeBron James picks up his first.
06:43Well, you come into this game and you're like, okay, the Lakers.
06:46You don't have Austin Reeves.
06:48You don't have Luka Doncic.
06:49The game starts and Houston doesn't have Kevin Durant.
06:52So, at this point in time, any wounded animal, any you're feeling sorry for yourself,
06:57this is an opportunity for the Lakers.
06:59If they can get this win at home, this is the opportunity that they have to take this challenge.
07:05James deflects it out of bounds.
07:07And the ball hits somebody along the sideline.
07:09And James checks to make sure they're okay.
07:14He knows all these people.
07:15They're the usual season ticket holders.
07:17There's a tough young lady right there.
07:20Look at her.
07:20No tears.
07:21She's ready.
07:22She is ready.
07:23There's no tears in the postseason.
07:25That's right.
07:29Javari Smith well defended by DeAndre Ayton.
07:34Well, again, Ayton in his first year with the Lakers, he has had some superb games.
07:39He's also had a lot of less than superb games, to be nice.
07:43But you can see at least opening.
07:45And he talked about he wanted to do backflips that he's playing for the playoffs for the L.A. Lakers.
07:50Well, you have to understand.
07:51He's got three guys that average 20 points a game on the perimeter.
07:54You're going to be the fifth, maybe sixth option on the third night as LeBron James knocked down the pull
08:00-up.
08:00For DeAndre Ayton, he's got to figure out how to contribute in ways, like you said, Legs, when he's not
08:05touching the ball.
08:06You wanted to get him some early touches.
08:08He still has to contribute, even if the game flow doesn't go that way.
08:13Lakers have hit their first four shots from the field.
08:16Sheppard to Smith.
08:20Three-second violation.
08:21An offensive three-second violation.
08:23Don't see a heck of a lot of those.
08:25This is such a tough screen action to defend because of where it starts.
08:28You're talking about a ball screen set at the elbow.
08:31Very difficult to figure out what your coverage is going to be, and it allows LeBron James to get into
08:36that sweet spot for about 18.
08:39Marcus Smart, another first-year Laker.
08:42This shot bounces around, hits the wire.
08:45And the first missed field goal attempt by the Lakers.
08:49Smart returning to the playoffs after missing the last couple of years.
08:53He's been banged up, both with Washington and Memphis.
08:56This is his 109th playoff game, bringing a lot of postseason experience back in his days with the Celtics.
09:07Alperin Cengun had his second All-Star appearance this year.
09:11Turn, spin, shot won't go.
09:12James, the rebound.
09:15They try to get it.
09:16The Smart, Smart flips it up quickly, and it rattles in.
09:20No team in this league throws the ball ahead more for early Seals.
09:24Their wings will contest and then leak out LeBron, and, of course, Luka throwing that thing ahead.
09:30Jabari Smith nails the three-pointer from the corner.
09:34Smith had his best season so far.
09:41Smart gets it inside to James, pulling away another baseline shot is good.
09:45They've hit six of their first seven.
09:47A hot start for the Lakers.
09:49Thompson pushing.
09:50Shot is up, won't go.
09:53And a whistle.
09:54Can't even hear the whistle right now.
09:56It's so loud.
09:56It's going to be an offensive foul on Amin Thompson as Marcus Smart got back to defend.
10:06And Amin Thompson has been getting in the paint.
10:09The last three from Jabari Smith was because of that paint entry.
10:13Now, here, he's trying to drive really one on four.
10:16Lakers do a good job of getting back, making it a difficult shot.
10:20The foul was on Shingun, not on Thompson.
10:23So, obviously, the first on Shingun.
10:25Eight and jumper.
10:26Got it!
10:27A near-perfect start for the Lakers in the first four minutes.
10:32I love that.
10:33The weak side flashed.
10:34There's an open area in the lane because LeBron had the defense shift toward the baseline.
10:39DeAndre Ayton saw the gap, ran right to it.
10:43Shingun against Ayton.
10:45Another well-contested shot, but Shingun able to nail it.
10:49Shingun averaging on the season over 20 points per game was their leading rebounder,
10:54their leading assist man.
11:01Smart against Shepard.
11:03Inside the James, kicks it out, Hachimura, quarter three.
11:11This building is alive in the first five minutes.
11:21Shepard, back up top.
11:24Shingun.
11:28Kogi knocks down that three-pointer to silence the crowd.
11:31So, a couple of threes, first from Smith, and then a Kogi.
11:45Smart left open.
11:47Can't hit that.
11:48Thompson grabs another rebound.
11:49Thompson is a fabulous rebounder.
11:54Shingun goes right at Ayton, gets inside and uses the glass.
11:59He's so good when he gets that angle, R.J.
12:02When he gets that angle on the baseline and he gets you on his back, he's so crafty with the
12:06basketball and his footwork.
12:07And the first time out, heck of a pace to begin.
12:12Bryan James, we said he was going to be the dual threat and that's what he's doing here early.
12:15DeAndre Ayton showed up, ready to play.
12:18LeBron James rewarding him in this beautiful wraparound to Rui Hachimura.
12:23Lakers rolling to start.
12:31And who's making it look easy, brought to you by Booking.com.
12:35LeBron James in the playoffs.
12:37Most playoff points.
12:40Most playoff minutes.
12:42Most playoff games.
12:46An incredible career over his 23 seasons in the NBA.
12:51This is his 19th playoffs.
12:53He's got the most serious wins and ties for the most playoff appearances with John Stockton and Carl Malone.
12:59And he started the game, obviously.
13:01Third oldest ever to start a playoff game.
13:04Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was 42.
13:07Nakemi Mutombo was just shy of 42.
13:10And James, of course, is 41.
13:14And he's got that bounce to his step.
13:16And, of course, the key come playoff time.
13:18No back-to-back.
13:22There's Kennard.
13:24Kennard with his offhand.
13:25Banks it in.
13:25What a sweet shot from Kennard.
13:27And that's the only way for him to get it.
13:29But I didn't know if he was throwing a lob, but that's just a soft touch to shoot a little
13:34hook shot runner off the glass.
13:36That's tough.
13:37You mentioned Jabbar and somebody does a skyhook.
13:41Shepard leans in, knocks it down.
13:43Shepard has had some excellent games.
13:45And when he started, he had one game that Durant missed.
13:48It was that goal of stating he had a 30-point game.
13:51And the Rockets are much more intentional about running direct action for him.
13:56Without Kevin Rand on the floor.
13:58Well, Rabia just came in the game.
13:59He took a shot.
14:00He used a glass.
14:02Everybody get into the act.
14:04They're now 10 of 12 from the field.
14:06Thompson up top.
14:08Shepard, quick release.
14:09Nails to three.
14:11He's just a different player in his second year.
14:13He really is.
14:14But that's Jake LaRavia on the weak side.
14:16You can't turn your head and lose sight of Reed Shepard floating out there.
14:19Because you've got a man Thompson driving right at DeAndre Aiton.
14:22Everything's under control in the baseline.
14:24Don't allow that one pass kick out for a three.
14:27James and Aiton connect right there.
14:29DeAndre Aiton off to a good start.
14:30LeBron James has seven assists already.
14:33And we've played just over seven minutes.
14:36Thompson to Capella.
14:38Center back with the Rockets.
14:42Shepard searching.
14:43Throws it inside to Capella.
14:44Shot clock down to six.
14:46Leans in.
14:47Left hand.
14:48Packs that one in.
14:50Some pretty good shot making on both ends.
14:52There is.
14:53And, Legs, we were talking about in the break.
14:55LeBron James has had to try and fit in with this group.
14:58With Luka.
14:59With Austin Reed.
15:00Especially after the start with his injury.
15:02But is there a better player in this league for you to say,
15:05Hey, we need you to go be yourself?
15:07LeBron James steps up.
15:09Creates the offense as Luke Kennard knocks down a three.
15:12Having him as the focal point on the offensive end,
15:15whether it's to score or create for others,
15:18I don't think that there's a better person for it.
15:19Lakers are 10 for 10 from two-point range.
15:22Two for four from three.
15:23Jabari Smith.
15:24He hits another one.
15:26You know, it feels like the Lakers have hit them with an incredible haymaker
15:30at the start of this game.
15:32You look up early now, too,
15:33because Houston playing very well offensively as it is at some point.
15:38These two teams are going to start getting some stops.
15:40But right now, they're both in incredible rhythm.
15:42Beautiful pass.
15:43Shot blocked by Thompson.
15:47Here comes Smith.
15:49Thompson, without question, one of the elite defensive players in the NBA.
15:53Lost the dribble momentarily.
15:55Been handling some point guard duties this year with Fred VanVleet.
15:58Bleed out.
15:59Shepard back to Thompson.
16:02That's not his strength in the perimeter game.
16:06But it's just a matter of time before Thompson's going to become an all-star.
16:10Kennard finds some room.
16:12Knocks down another.
16:15That's a really nice decision by Kennard.
16:17I thought he was going to pull that three, but it would have been contested by an athlete.
16:21So he pump fakes, gets into the lane for a much higher percentage shot.
16:25Alley-oop to Capella, kicks it back out, deflected by James, and throws it off Thompson.
16:32How about that hustle from the 41-year-old?
16:36He has inspired the crowd here in the first quarter of game one.
16:42LeBron James, top five all-time in assists.
16:46Drawing the attention, finding DeAndre Ayton.
16:51Then continuing to facilitate moving the ball.
16:55Lakers up by four.
17:04Well, it's time for tonight's DraftKings Sportsbook.
17:07Player Pulse, you take a look there.
17:08You know Shingun is going to get more opportunities.
17:11LeBron James, the assist totals would have been more interesting, I think, with the start he's had.
17:16DraftKings, the number one sportsbook for live betting.
17:18Use promo code SPLASH when you sign up.
17:21Well, James getting his first rest.
17:23He's exhausted from all the passes.
17:25Eight assists.
17:27Now, this is his 293rd playoff game, and it's the first time he's ever done that.
17:32Most assists in a single quarter in any playoff game he's ever played.
17:36The NBA record, by the way, in a playoff game for most of the quarter.
17:39John Stockton with 11.
17:41And now the challenge begins with LeBron James out of the game.
17:44How do they initiate their offense?
17:46Great job right there by Marcus Smart.
17:49Perfect delivery to Jackson Hayes on the slip.
17:53Smart had 10 assists in their final game.
17:55He is so pumped to be back on the playoff stage.
17:59Wow.
17:59He threads the needle right here.
18:01That's an active defense, and he put it in the one place Jackson Hayes could get it.
18:05And I love that he put it with force into the ground, which means it kicks up higher so Jackson
18:10Hayes can catch it about waist high.
18:12The Lakers have 13 assists and one turnover.
18:17And there's two and a half remaining here in the first.
18:19And that first turnover happened on the first play of the game.
18:22So they've had a clean game since then, and that was one of the things that J.J.
18:26Rhett, J.J.
18:27Reddick prioritized.
18:28Well, not turn over the ball and rebound, which they're not doing currently.
18:32Holiday spins, lost it, picked up by Kennard.
18:35Tate and Eason have both come in now for the Rockets.
18:39Javari Smith goes right at Smart.
18:41A lot of contact there, and another good jumper from Javari Smith.
18:47He's got eight points, eight of their 26.
18:50Those are under the two-minute mark.
18:54And the Rockets are shooting 55% from the field.
18:59Kennard jumper, got another.
19:01He's five of six, 11 first quarter points in his first playoff game as a Laker.
19:06And he's one of the highest percentage three-point shooters in league history,
19:09but his reads right now and where he's getting to spots in the mid-range,
19:13which is really just exceptional, his ability to find the open space.
19:17Schengen can't get it.
19:18Fight for the rebound.
19:19He's able to get that.
19:20Holiday off the bench.
19:22And a loose ball foul is going to go against LaRabia.
19:28Third team foul.
19:29And you know, without LeBron in the game,
19:30they're going to use Luke Kennard's motion to generate some of this offense.
19:34He comes off the screen, and that's just a really good decision.
19:37He sees Schengen in the drop.
19:38He knows he can eat up most of that space
19:41and still get off a relatively uncontested pull-up jumper.
19:45Richard, if you're the Rockets,
19:47the way the Lakers have come out,
19:49this incredible shooting, LeBron James phenomenal to begin,
19:52they're only down six.
19:54Yeah, they're only down six, but they also don't have Kevin Durant.
19:57So when you look at this, it's like, yes, they've weathered that first punch,
20:01but do they have the offensive firepower to maintain for 48 minutes without KD?
20:07And we'll have a jump ball right there.
20:11The Rockets free throw line circle.
20:13So Durant sitting this one out.
20:15Obviously, Durant, 170 playoff games.
20:17You look at some of the key guys,
20:19Schengen, Thompson, Smith, Shepard.
20:21Last year, that first round against Golden State,
20:23that's the only time they played in the playoffs.
20:25Remember, just a few years ago, they won 22 games.
20:28And many of their young stars, high draft picks,
20:31had not played in the postseason until last year's first round.
20:34Oh, my God.
20:38He made a joke, I told us before the game,
20:40they learned a lot from that.
20:41One of them was to get off to good starts.
20:45And they are off to a good start.
20:46They just happen to be playing a team that's off to a torrid start.
20:52And I don't think people understand how difficult it is.
20:56J.J. Reddick, we're in the meeting when he finds out that Kevin Durant isn't playing.
21:01You have to go and change your game plan.
21:03You have to go switch maybe some of your rotation,
21:06who you were going to have to guard.
21:08You were going to switch up some of the things that you're going to do.
21:10And even for Emei Odoka,
21:12they act like it's business as usual and next man up.
21:15But when that man that's down is Kevin Durant,
21:17there's not a lot of next man up in that situation.
21:20Holiday launches, that one won't go.
21:22Boy, Tate gets way up, keeps it alive.
21:24Shang-Goon comes out of the pack.
21:26And a hell ball.
21:27Great hustle from Tate to keep that ball alive.
21:30Yeah, their wings crash as well as any team in this league.
21:33I don't care if you're on the wing or you're in the corner.
21:36Shot goes up.
21:37They're usually sending at least two of their wings to the boards in addition to their big.
21:43And it's so difficult on a three-point miss because it kicks out so far.
21:48They have opportunities to get a second chance.
21:50Tate, who's the longest tenured Rocket,
21:52he only played in 46 games this year.
21:55He started a lot when he first came into the NBA,
21:58but with the influx of talent for the Rockets,
22:00his role is reduced.
22:01But here he is playing in the first quarter of game one.
22:08Thompson, Shang-Goon, another beautiful pass.
22:10Shang-Goon, count it, and the foul.
22:13That's a gorgeous look from Thompson.
22:16And that's the thing.
22:17I mean, Thompson, he does such a good job of getting in the paint.
22:20Even though you don't guard him as a shooter,
22:23his athleticism and his speed and quickness allow him to get inside the defense.
22:27And then Shang-Goon, drawing that off-arm a little bit.
22:31Able to get the end one.
22:32And you know what's interesting about that?
22:33Thompson turned the corner so quickly.
22:35If Shang-Goon didn't roll with as much force as he did,
22:38he would have been late,
22:39and it would have been too congested for him to get that shot off.
22:42That was an incredibly quick dive after he set the screen.
22:46Thompson, during the regular season,
22:47averaged just over five assists per game.
22:49He has four assists here in the first quarter
22:52as we wind down the final minute.
22:58Holliday getting some early minutes.
23:00Tough defender, smart.
23:02And Holliday with the bump.
23:06So free throws to Marcus Smart.
23:08And this is that last possession by Houston.
23:10Watchman, Shang-Goon sets us.
23:11Watch how hard he dies
23:13so that he can get the angle on Jackson Hayes,
23:16who played that pretty well.
23:17If Shang-Goon is not as quick to the spot,
23:20that's probably going to be even more heavily contested
23:23or possibly blocked by Jackson Hayes.
23:26Second foul on Holliday.
23:28Smart knocks down the first.
23:31So thrilled, as we said.
23:32He did not play in the postseason the last two years.
23:34Said the playoffs are different.
23:35They let you play a lot more,
23:37and that works in my favor.
23:38That's a very physical defensive player.
23:41A lot of big playoff games with the Celtics.
23:45Played in the 2022 finals,
23:47three Eastern Conference finals in Boston.
23:52He has made a huge impact
23:55on the overall defense of this Laker team.
23:58East in the rebound.
24:03Despite shooting 83% from the field,
24:07the Laker lead is only four.
24:09Shang-Goon traveled.
24:11Lifted that pivot foot.
24:14Five turnovers for the Rockets.
24:17LeBron James coming in
24:18for the final offensive possession.
24:21When you look at the Lakers,
24:23if you were able to get and maintain a lead
24:25with LeBron James out the game,
24:27he comes in for a final possession,
24:29you send him back to the bench,
24:30this was a win.
24:31Yes, you can look at the score,
24:33but overall, if they're able to rest LeBron
24:35and guard his possessions,
24:37and not have what we always would talk,
24:39the non-Yokic minutes,
24:40the non-LeBron minutes are going to be so big
24:43for the Los Angeles Lakers.
24:44Yeah, Luke Kennard and Marcus Spark,
24:46both of those guys really took control
24:47of their possessions
24:49while LeBron was getting a blow.
24:51Shot clock turned off,
24:52no fouls to give for the Rockets.
24:54Yes, Eason, an excellent defender on Smart.
24:57Smart, behind the bat, James,
25:00three seconds,
25:01couple of fakes falling away,
25:03shot is up, won't go,
25:04Smith the rebound,
25:05and the first quarter comes to an end.
25:07LeBron James set his own record
25:09with eight assists here in the opening quarter.
25:12Lakers with 13,
25:13they shoot 79% from the field.
25:16Well, the Rockets hanging tough
25:18here in game one in L.A.,
25:20first quarter complete,
25:21a four-point lead to Los Angeles.
25:37Durant tonight,
25:38just how do you think
25:38you guys are doing so far without him?
25:40Yeah, we're doing good.
25:41You know, it's obviously different.
25:43You know, as Kevin Durant,
25:44he's not out there,
25:45but just, you know, we're doing good.
25:46Everybody's going out being aggressive.
25:48We just got to keep playing the right way
25:49and making a simple play.
25:50Five points for you
25:51in that first quarter with no KD.
25:53How does that change
25:54what you put on your plate?
25:56Just trying to be a little more aggressive,
25:57but nothing crazy.
25:58Just still continue to make the right play
26:00and the right reads.
26:01Just go out and play the right way.
26:02Thanks for your time, Luke.
26:04Mike?
26:04All right, Luis.
26:06Well, Ima Udoka said without Durant,
26:08more pace, more ball movement.
26:10Did you guys see that in the first quarter?
26:11No question about it.
26:12I thought it was spectacular, really,
26:14what they were able to do
26:16to counter what they were dealing with
26:18on the other end of the floor.
26:20James knocks down a shot.
26:22LeBron James, that is,
26:23because the other James is on the floor.
26:25Ronnie James,
26:26who in the tail end of the season
26:28became part of the rotation again
26:30with two guards of Doncic
26:31and Reeves being out.
26:33And Goon the fake.
26:36Backs in, uses that left hand,
26:37comes up short.
26:38Tate, another tough rebound.
26:39Gets fouled.
26:40Tate is one strong dude down low.
26:47LeBron James repeatedly getting to spots.
26:49He loves to operate.
26:50These catches on the elbow,
26:51you're just at his mercy.
26:52That's just a simple jab step,
26:54and that's not a 25-footer.
26:56That's a 19-foot jump shot
26:58with a lean back.
26:59Not much you can do about it
27:01when he's in great rhythm.
27:02Tate hits the shot.
27:05Upcoming playoff schedule,
27:06ABC tomorrow,
27:07two games,
27:08Sixers and Celtics from Boston,
27:09Suns and Thunder in Oklahoma City
27:11at 1 and 3.30 Eastern.
27:12NBC Peacock tomorrow,
27:14tomorrow night.
27:15Orlando at Detroit,
27:16game one.
27:17Portland and San Antonio,
27:18game one.
27:19The opening weekend of these
27:202026 NBA playoffs.
27:23Off to a great postseason start.
27:25Some thrillers already this past week
27:27in playing games.
27:28James to Vanderbilt.
27:30Vanderbilt knocks down the three.
27:33Vanderbilt just shot 29%
27:35from three-point range
27:36during the regular season.
27:37Gives them a seven-point lead.
27:38And that's a great risk
27:39on the part of Houston
27:40to come off the corner
27:42to protect the paint.
27:43You're going to dare Vanderbilt
27:44to make a couple of those
27:45corner threes,
27:47but I think this is the right reaction
27:48on the part
27:49of the Houston Rockets
27:50flood to the lane
27:51on this initial curl cut
27:53by LeBron.
27:54Take a look at the weak side.
27:55You get three defenders
27:57in the lane
27:57and you're going to live
27:58with that shot.
28:01Well, Luka Doncic
28:02back from Spain.
28:04Went over to have
28:04those injections.
28:05Came back,
28:06joined the team.
28:07Again, as Lisa Saltis
28:08reported earlier,
28:10they're both still listed
28:11those two reads
28:11and Doncic
28:12out indefinitely.
28:14LeBron James
28:15is trying to argue
28:16that that was on the floor.
28:17That the foul occurred
28:18before the ball
28:19went up.
28:20So that's what
28:21they were arguing.
28:23I haven't seen
28:24too many players
28:24argue all the way
28:25to a change
28:26from free throws
28:27to the ball
28:28out of bounds.
28:29Well, our officiating crew,
28:30James Capers,
28:31one of the very best
28:32in his 31st year.
28:33He's the crew chief.
28:33That's James right there.
28:35That's Eddie Molloy
28:36in his 24th year.
28:38And there's Tyler Ford.
28:39They've all
28:41officiated a ton
28:42of playoff games.
28:43Capers,
28:44205 playoff games,
28:46including Game 7
28:46of the finals last year.
28:48Kangoon double team.
28:50Take cut.
28:51And a turnover.
28:52That's number six
28:53for the Rockets.
28:55Lakers, meanwhile,
28:56three.
28:56And that's a huge number.
28:58J.J. Redick said
28:59before the game,
28:59we have a simple game plan.
29:01Take care of the ball
29:02and box out.
29:03If we don't do that,
29:03we have no chance.
29:05Well, they've done both
29:06so far.
29:06And right now, look,
29:07Houston is the sixth
29:08rate of defense
29:08in this league.
29:09We talk about it
29:10all the time.
29:11They have not made
29:11the Lakers
29:12feel their pressure
29:13to this point.
29:14Bronny James
29:15turns it over.
29:17James, just 21 years old,
29:18he played 42 games
29:20during the regular season,
29:21one start,
29:21playing just about
29:22nine minutes per game,
29:23but played the last
29:25ten games
29:26down the stretch
29:27of the regular season.
29:28Actually scored
29:28double figures
29:29three different times.
29:31Barely played
29:32in the playoffs
29:32last year.
29:33These are really
29:34his first
29:35real playoff minutes
29:37as a foul called
29:38Bronny James' second
29:41as we send it to Lisa.
29:42Yeah, Mike,
29:43and LeBron James
29:43said something
29:44really cool this week
29:46about playing with Bronny.
29:47He said me being
29:48on the floor with him
29:48during the regular season,
29:50postseason,
29:50training camp practices,
29:51it's the best thing
29:53that's ever happened
29:54to me in my career.
29:55Above everything else,
29:56he said,
29:57that he has accomplished.
29:58He said the fact
29:59that Bronny has put himself
30:00in this position
30:01to get his number called
30:02in a postseason game
30:03is pretty remarkable.
30:05He said he earned it,
30:06he deserves it,
30:07and he said
30:07that Bronny is ready.
30:10Lisa, that's words
30:11of a loving, proud father.
30:14And now on some
30:15real playoff minutes
30:16out there together
30:16here in game one.
30:18Easton guarding
30:19LeBron James.
30:21Gets into the paint,
30:23shot is up in and out,
30:24and Easton the rebound.
30:27But the Lakers
30:28have cooled off.
30:29They're down to 77%
30:30from the field.
30:32Shang-Goon fouled
30:33by Jackson Hayes.
30:34That's the second time,
30:35Legs.
30:36You and I reacted
30:37at exactly the same time.
30:38That's twice now
30:39that Jackson Hayes
30:40has bit on this
30:42slow pump fake
30:43from the three-point line.
30:44Shang-Goon is a 30%
30:45three-point shooter,
30:47and you're right there.
30:48Even if he shoots it,
30:50you're basically
30:50palm on palm.
30:52Twice now,
30:52he's gone for that fake.
30:54Second foul on Hayes.
30:5514th foul already,
30:57and we're two and a half
30:57minutes in.
31:01Holiday falls down.
31:02He wanted a foul call.
31:04Shang-Goon picked up
31:05by Ronnie James.
31:07Holiday gets inside,
31:09the floaters up,
31:09shot won't go.
31:10LeBron James tips it,
31:12ball knocked loose.
31:12Hachimura comes out of the pack.
31:19James Holiday up in him.
31:22James gets inside,
31:23uses the left hand,
31:24rolls off the rim.
31:25Aiton, the offensive rebound.
31:27Extra pass, Vanderbilt.
31:32LeBron James wants it
31:34against Holiday.
31:34There's a double tee
31:35behind the back
31:36to Aiton,
31:36gathers layup.
31:37No good,
31:38but a foul.
31:39What a pass
31:39from LeBron James.
31:42And you watch the Lakers.
31:44You watch the Lakers.
31:45They're trying to get
31:46LeBron in the post.
31:48Here he gets a double.
31:49He had two people
31:51that could catch that pass.
31:52That's how open
31:53DeAndre Aiton
31:54and Vanderbilt were.
31:55That's what you worry about
31:57with doubling LeBron James.
31:59One of the great passers
32:00of all times.
32:00If you go one-on-one,
32:02he can beat you with scoring.
32:03You try and double team,
32:04he will pick you apart
32:05with passes like that.
32:06There's so many feel
32:07that that's his greatest skill,
32:09is passing.
32:09Yeah, I always thought that.
32:10He always was a guy to me
32:12that scored because he could,
32:13and he had to on teams
32:15he played on.
32:15I think this really
32:17is what sets him apart.
32:18And I think when you
32:19double team him
32:20before he dribbles,
32:21and he just has a chance
32:22to survey the weak side,
32:24that's what's going to happen.
32:25He's going to pick you apart.
32:27Largest lead of the first half
32:28for the Lakers,
32:29and then Thompson
32:30goes to the left
32:32and shoots to the right.
32:33What a typical shot
32:34from Thompson.
32:35His second field goal.
32:36It's a difficult shot
32:37for everybody but him
32:38because he has the athleticism
32:40and the hang time
32:41to shoot that little floater.
32:45Pass inside.
32:46James
32:48Eason on him.
32:49They kick it back out.
32:49Vanderbilt
32:50hit a three already
32:51from the other corner.
32:52Decides against
32:53trying this time.
32:55Shot clock winding down.
32:56Two on the 24.
32:57Pass inside.
32:58Does not get it off in time.
33:01Now that hesitant
33:02to take that first open three.
33:04That ball is moving fast
33:06with the Lakers.
33:06They don't have
33:07as many scores.
33:08But watch out men, Thompson.
33:09He's just going to float,
33:11go away,
33:12drop it in like it's easy.
33:14And that's even
33:15with a little bit of pressure
33:16from Bronny J.
33:17Although I will say,
33:18I think even for him,
33:20that's a very difficult shot.
33:21Incredible ability
33:23to hang and knock that down.
33:24Shepard lets it fly.
33:26DeAndre Ayton
33:26with his fourth rebound.
33:30Marcus Smart.
33:31A little hesitation
33:32move through it behind Ayton.
33:33Still comes up with it.
33:35James to Vanderbilt.
33:36No hesitation this time.
33:38Well short on the three.
33:44Both teams have cooled down
33:45after hot starts.
33:48Shepard.
33:49That's good.
33:50Reed Shepard,
33:51his second three-pointer.
33:52He's got eight points.
33:53Yeah, and it's easier
33:54said than done,
33:55but that's just a little
33:55flip handoff.
33:57And both defenders
33:58for the Lakers right there,
33:59but not reacting in time.
34:01Reed Shepard is going to
34:02tow that up every time
34:03he gets that kind of space.
34:04You have to make him
34:05put it on the floor.
34:07Smart goes right at Shepard.
34:08Back pass Ayton.
34:10And DeAndre Ayton
34:11is four for four
34:12from the field.
34:13Here's what's happening
34:14right now.
34:15The Lakers are just
34:15taking it right to the Rockets.
34:17They are living in the lane
34:18and collapsing their defense.
34:20Very few possessions
34:22in this game
34:23for the Lakers
34:23have felt rushed or forced.
34:25Shepard misses that.
34:26Vanderbilt the rebound.
34:28Well, and,
34:28and, Legs,
34:29you talked about
34:30with Reed Shepard,
34:31his shot chart changes
34:32without Kevin Durant
34:33in the game.
34:34So he's going to shoot
34:35some more.
34:36He's going to be more
34:36aggressive.
34:37And if you're the Laker
34:38defense,
34:38you've got to get to his body
34:39to prevent him
34:40from getting those shots up.
34:42Hachimura turns,
34:43shoots, scores.
34:44He's three for three.
34:46They're 19 of 26
34:47from the field.
34:48The lead back up to eight.
34:55Thompson whips a pass
34:56inside to Capella.
34:59Shepard very aggressive
35:00looking for a shot.
35:01Finds Thompson
35:02and a blocking foul
35:04is going to be called
35:04on Vanderbilt.
35:07Yes, we'll have a timeout
35:08on the floor.
35:09Both players go crashing
35:11just under six and a half
35:12remaining second quarter
35:13here in Los Angeles.
35:14Game one.
35:15Lakers right now
35:16at eight point advantage.
35:23Come back to the NBA playoffs
35:24presented by Google
35:25here in Los Angeles
35:26for the first round
35:27presented by Popeyes.
35:29Marcus Smart, Mike Duff.
35:30Here we go.
35:30Same.
35:31Come on, come on.
35:32Let's run.
35:33Me and you.
35:34Me and you.
35:35Come pass, baby.
35:36Good swing.
35:36Here we go.
35:40Come on, Mike.
35:42Come on, Smart.
35:42You've got to be better.
35:44You've got to be better.
35:45Hey, point seven on the clock.
35:46Match up.
35:47That's the one.
35:48Bang.
35:51Numbers don't always tell the story
35:52about his contributions.
35:54He had a game this year.
35:55He shot one for ten from the field
35:57and he was a plus 27.
35:59Well, he does so many other things.
36:01Again, former defensive player of the year.
36:03You talk about stats on all.
36:05He's got three points,
36:06but he's got five assists already.
36:08That's so huge for the Lakers
36:10because they're struggling.
36:12They have struggled creating offense
36:14without their two leading scorers.
36:15Very few things connect you as a team
36:18like communication.
36:19You just can't put enough emphasis on it.
36:22And Marcus Smart's been doing that his entire career.
36:25That's leadership, particularly at a time
36:26when you're shorthanded.
36:27It's even more important.
36:29Thompson hits both free throws.
36:30Thomas Thompson, by the way,
36:31his first couple of years in the NBA
36:33was not a good free throw shooter, 68%.
36:3678% this year.
36:37So he really has improved his perimeter game.
36:39Not the three-point ball yet,
36:41but overall, much better shooter.
36:43Is that perimeter game, the free throw?
36:46If you become a better free throw shooter,
36:48like, I'll count it.
36:51He's improved his shooting.
36:53He has, significantly.
36:54He has.
36:55That's a big thing for him
36:56as much as he attacked the glass
36:57and gets downhill.
36:58He better pick that number up.
37:00Attacks.
37:01Hachimura right there.
37:02Capella too strong.
37:03Hachimura the rebound.
37:04Excellent interior defense that time.
37:07And we've got a foul back here
37:08as Eason is going to be,
37:10might be a transition take foul
37:12as Eason grabbed a hold of LeBron James
37:14as the Lakers were on a fast break.
37:17And we talked about it.
37:18I'm in Thompson.
37:20One of the best at getting in the paint.
37:22One of the best finishers in the league.
37:24One of the league leaders at dunks.
37:26LeBron James at 47 years old
37:28able to pin it against the glass.
37:30We're going to add a couple of years
37:31every quarter?
37:32He just randomly throws a different number out
37:34every time.
37:34That's all right.
37:36Was I wrong?
37:37No, but some nights he probably feels 47.
37:39Tonight he probably looks like he feels maybe 27
37:41the way he's playing and moving out there.
37:43Ten assists already.
37:45And we'll sit down.
37:47So it's Hutchie Morris, Smart.
37:49Kennard back in.
37:49Larabia back in.
37:51Javari Smith returns for the Rockets.
37:53And their ability to continue to operate
37:55offensively the way they have without LeBron
37:57allows J.J. Redick to get him another blow
38:00right now for a couple of minutes
38:01so he can close the half.
38:03Smart trying to take advantage of Reed.
38:05Shepard gets inside
38:06and scores from the paint.
38:11Second field over Smart.
38:13Five points, five assists.
38:15Shepard shoots over Aiden.
38:19Kennard the rebound.
38:19Looks to push.
38:20Kennard been playing some point guard
38:22down the stretch of the season
38:23and playing well.
38:24Hachimor the fake.
38:26Sidestep.
38:27Up top, Kennard.
38:31Off the bounce.
38:33Kennard goes inside.
38:37And another three seconds.
38:38We've seen two offensive three-second violations.
38:40I don't think I've seen a game all season
38:42that had two calls.
38:43Well, I think that might have been the right call.
38:46But also for Aiden,
38:47he's trying to prepare himself
38:48for offensive rebound.
38:49When you have a couple of guys
38:50that aren't being as aggressive
38:52to shoot those threes,
38:53the bigs get stuck in the paint.
38:55You know what happened, R.J.?
38:56They had two or three opportunities
38:57where Aiden thought there was going to be a shot,
38:59but the closeouts were so good by Houston.
39:02They couldn't get the shot off,
39:04so Aiden gets caught in the lane hanging out.
39:06Straight away from Hachimora.
39:09There's still Rockets ball with eight to shoot.
39:14This is great right here.
39:16Great rotation on the part of Hachimora.
39:18And he waits.
39:19You've already Smith got in the air first.
39:20Hachimora was second off the ground,
39:22but able to get that clean.
39:25Not a big shot blocker.
39:27Only 21 blocks all season.
39:28That was a great defensive play.
39:30Shot clock winding down.
39:31Shang-Goon has to throw it up.
39:33And Kanaard gets the rebound.
39:35Quick outlet smart.
39:36Lakers look to run.
39:37Smart.
39:37Trailer play to Aiden.
39:39Offensive foul.
39:40Shang-Goon hustled back and drew the charge.
39:43What did they say, Legs?
39:45Never throw it to a big in that spot.
39:48Now they might be reviewing it.
39:50Yep.
39:52AJ Reddick.
39:55Turtling the index finger.
39:56Our first challenge here in this series.
39:59You drop it off to the big move,
40:00and we got a challenge coming back.
40:05Playoff's first round continues tomorrow afternoon
40:07on ABC and ESPN app.
40:09Two more game one.
40:10Celtics host the Sixers, one Eastern,
40:12then the Thunder host the Suns.
40:13And, of course, Ernie, Kenny, Charles, and Shaq tip-off coverage
40:16at 1230 Eastern.
40:18Successful challenge for J.J. Reddick.
40:22And the L.A. Lakers look at the left heel of Shang-Goon.
40:26It's on the restricted area line,
40:28so instead of an offensive foul,
40:30it's a defensive foul on Shang-Goon, his second.
40:33And it's going to be a side out for the Lakers.
40:36Jim Capers giving us the word.
40:38You know, the NBA's a family affair.
40:39We always have LeBron and Bronny.
40:42Jim Capers, the official of his dad, Jim Capers,
40:44was an NBA official for decades.
40:47I did not know that.
40:48And, of course, LeBron James has played against
40:5111 different father-son combinations,
40:53including Jabari Smith as beautiful pass mark
40:56to DeAndre Ayton.
41:01Again, at the point of attack,
41:04Rockets are just not containing the basketball.
41:06They're on their heels and reacting
41:08to that penetration.
41:10And DeAndre Ayton is just finding
41:11all kinds of space for these lobs.
41:13He's 5 for 5.
41:14Shepard cross-court Smith.
41:16He's hit a few from the corner.
41:17Foul.
41:18On a three-point attempt.
41:19Hachimura not arguing the call
41:22as he picks up his first.
41:24And this is the pressure the Lakers
41:25have been putting on this entire game.
41:27Marcus Parr turns the corner.
41:29You see Shang-Goon dropping,
41:30and Smart just continues
41:31to eat up that space.
41:33Make Shang-Goon commit,
41:34and by the time he does,
41:36there's just no way he can react
41:37back to that R.J.
41:38He's not athletic enough
41:39to be in drop,
41:41stop the ball, turn,
41:42and then react off the ground.
41:43No, that's the attack
41:44that they have to continue to go at.
41:46DeAndre Ayton,
41:47he can't get back there quick enough,
41:49and he can't elevate
41:50to get tips and make it difficult
41:52on those lob passes.
41:53They've got to keep going
41:54to that pick and roll.
41:56Smart with 6 assists.
41:57A bunch of them to DeAndre Ayton.
41:59Still hasn't missed a shot.
42:00Jabari Smith, meanwhile,
42:02he's the leading scorer for the Rockets
42:05with 9.
42:06This is the 2nd.
42:07Now we'll get his 3rd.
42:09Jabari Smith,
42:10it's a sports season in the NBA.
42:12He said his best.
42:13Average almost 16 per game.
42:157 boards a game.
42:17Played 77 games this year.
42:19And played a lot of minutes.
42:208th in the NBA in minutes.
42:284 minutes remaining.
42:29First half.
42:30A wild,
42:31high-scoring first quarter.
42:34Defense has taken advantage
42:36here in the 2nd.
42:38Akogi back in.
42:41Kennard looking.
42:42Fines LaRavia.
42:43LaRavia spins.
42:44Double-team.
42:45Good help from Shangung.
42:46Shot clock winding down.
42:482 on the 24.
42:49Hachimor just gets it off in time.
42:51And does not hit the rim.
42:5324-second violation.
42:557th Laker turnover.
42:56May have been their best
42:57defensive possession of the night.
42:59The way they defended
43:00the initial screening action.
43:01The dribble hand off the ball
43:03chainsaw to the floor.
43:04One tight closeout.
43:06And now you're deep into the clock.
43:07You get the turnover.
43:11Shepard had nowhere to go.
43:12Excellent defense.
43:14Meanwhile, Smith, great hustle.
43:15Took it away from Hachimorra.
43:17How much longer is J.J.
43:18going to keep LeBron James
43:19out of the game?
43:20As we see LeBron James
43:22walking to the scorers table
43:23right now.
43:23You saw him get up.
43:24I did not see him get up.
43:26It's just a simple match.
43:29Shangung misses.
43:31Well, then he texts you
43:32that he's about to go.
43:33Well, yeah, we knew that.
43:34J.J. looked at me
43:34and gave me kind of that wink.
43:35It's time.
43:39Thompson guarding smart.
43:41Now picked up by Shepard
43:42on the switch.
43:48Smart turns.
43:49Bank shot.
43:49Can't get it.
43:50Shangungu the rebound.
43:52Shangungu needs to get himself
43:53more involved offensively.
43:54He's got one assist.
43:55Seven points.
43:56Oh, Thompson tips it beautifully to Shepard.
44:00The intangible plays of a man Thompson.
44:05Five on the 24.
44:09Shangungu an inside pass.
44:11And Akogi throws it down.
44:14That's where he's really good.
44:15You finally got him a one-on-one
44:17on the wing.
44:18And it's very difficult
44:19to keep him out of the paint
44:20with his style of play.
44:22And then he's such a great passer
44:23once he gets down in there.
44:25They haven't had enough possessions
44:26that look like that
44:27in the first half.
44:29Yudoka calls him the hub.
44:31As Kanar, a couple of fakes.
44:33Kogi, good defense.
44:34Poked away by Shepard LaRabia.
44:38Shepard's aggressiveness
44:39just a little too much.
44:41And then call for the foul.
44:4214 foul.
44:44Yeah, I don't think Shangungu
44:45has been catching the ball
44:46in areas of the floor
44:46where he can do this.
44:47He's going to beat one-on-one coverage.
44:49And he's just got great vision down there.
44:51Rockets, not necessarily
44:53a kick-out three-team.
44:54They're going to do a lot of this.
44:56Weak side slashing
44:57once the tension
44:58and the eyeballs
44:59are on Shangungu in the paint.
45:01He'll find cutters.
45:05DeAndre Ayton has played well
45:07and J.J. deciding to go
45:08with Jackson Hayes
45:09for the final two minutes
45:10of this first half.
45:142-0-7 left in the second.
45:16Rockets have only scored
45:1813 points here in the second.
45:213 of 15 from the field.
45:25Lakers, meanwhile, only 15 points.
45:29Smart gets inside.
45:31Kogi almost took it away,
45:32but Smart using his strength
45:34took it right back
45:35and backed at home.
45:39Markets Smart, 7.6 assists.
45:45Shangungu
45:46drives between two defenders,
45:48gets his own rebound,
45:49back up,
45:49shot won't go.
45:51James throws it ahead to Smart,
45:53one man to beat,
45:54skips,
45:55and throws it away.
45:56Tried to get the trailer.
45:57Canard saved it
45:59as he goes into the crowd.
46:01Shangungu back up top.
46:02Shepard clear look.
46:04Can't get it to fall.
46:05And James another rebound.
46:08This is a possession.
46:09Lakers have to slow down.
46:10They have to slow down.
46:12You have to guard
46:13these possessions.
46:14That's two turnovers
46:15when you had opportunities
46:16to score.
46:18Shepard runs into Smart.
46:20Lakers have seven turnovers
46:21in the second
46:22and Hayes picks up
46:23another foul.
46:25They're in the penalty
46:26with 105.
46:28More free throws
46:29for Shangungu.
46:303,006 minutes for Hayes.
46:34I think the most impressive
46:36thing about this last possession
46:37on the Lakers end,
46:38they navigated it
46:39without anybody stepping
46:40on that drinking cup
46:41that was on the floor
46:42for the entire possession.
46:44Four different guys
46:44ran around the cup.
46:46Pretty impressive.
46:47You are on top of it,
46:48legs.
46:49This guy doesn't miss a thing.
46:50Talk about seeing the floor.
46:51It's amazing.
46:53Michelob Ultra bringing fans
46:54chances to win prizes
46:55throughout the NBA playoffs.
46:57Scan for your chance
46:58to win Santa Monica Pier
46:59on just a beautiful,
47:01beautiful day.
47:03Did you hit the beach, Mike?
47:05Did not go to the beach, no.
47:07Not today.
47:11Shangung.
47:12Now nine points.
47:14Three rebounds, two assists.
47:15If you're just tuning in
47:16and did not hear.
47:17No Kevin Durant.
47:18There's a knee contusion.
47:20Missing game one.
47:21Obviously, the Lakers
47:22without Dodgers and Reeves.
47:23A Kogi with the steal.
47:24Kogi's had some
47:25excellent defensive possessions.
47:27Thompson goes inside.
47:29Smart defends him beautifully.
47:30Ball hit the baseline,
47:33so it still rockets ball.
47:37RJ, to your point,
47:38Lakers are rushed right now.
47:40Marcus Smart threw that ball
47:42well before LeBron James
47:43had established position
47:45at the elbow
47:45where he's been catching it
47:46the entire half.
47:47No need to rush it.
47:50Kangoon Smart
47:51and a whistle and a foul.
47:54Smart's not happy.
47:55That's his second
47:56and more free throws.
47:59He is just playing
48:01aggressive defense.
48:02No way.
48:03Looking up at the big screen.
48:05JJ Redick won his first challenge,
48:06so he still has another.
48:08Well, the Lakers
48:09had three turnovers
48:11in their last four possessions
48:12in the final two minutes
48:14of a half.
48:15And now,
48:16they have an opportunity.
48:17Houston has an opportunity
48:18to cut it to four.
48:19So, you did so much work.
48:21That's the difference
48:22between going into halftime
48:23with a two,
48:24four-point lead
48:25and a ten,
48:26twelve-point lead.
48:27Rockets,
48:28the sixth-rated defense
48:29in the regular season,
48:31and a big part of their defense
48:32was forcing turnovers.
48:33It's on every team
48:34that plays them
48:36on their pregame chat
48:38in terms of
48:38what they have to do
48:40and that's protect the ball.
48:41Makers have not done
48:42that here in the second.
48:52Forty seconds left here.
48:54First half.
48:56Holiday back in.
48:57Smart.
48:58Had a post.
49:00Always.
49:00So, get to the James.
49:01James can't get it.
49:02Another rebound.
49:04From Smith.
49:06Rebounding plus two.
49:08Rockets are a terrific
49:09rebounding team.
49:10They're a great
49:11offensive rebounding team
49:13even without Stephen Adams.
49:15Will not play in the playoffs.
49:18An ankle surgery.
49:20Then Thompson pulls back out.
49:22Four on the shot clock.
49:23Thompson against Hachimura.
49:24Gets inside.
49:25The runner is good.
49:26Beautiful move.
49:26Thompson.
49:27He's got eight points
49:28and it's a two-point game.
49:31No fouls to give
49:32for the Rockets.
49:33Canard.
49:33Three seconds left.
49:35Tried a backer.
49:36Couldn't get it.
49:36Chinguun the rebound.
49:38And the first half
49:39comes to an end.
49:41Score in the second quarter
49:43was 19-17.
49:45Some strong defense
49:46and a lot of turnovers
49:48coming up on the NBA
49:50halftime presented by Kia
49:52with Ernie, Charles, Jack
49:54and Kenny.
49:56Dime Udoka and the Rockets
49:57without Kevin Durant.
49:59Only trail by two.
50:00This presentation presented
50:01by Popeyes and ABC
50:02continues after this message
50:14The top three scorers
50:17in this series
50:18all sitting tonight.
50:19Donchich, Reeves,
50:21and Kevin Durant.
50:22Two-point game.
50:2450-48 is LeBron James.
50:27Six points but 10 assists
50:29in the first half.
50:31And it's the Lakers
50:32by a deuce.
50:33It's the halftime report
50:34presented by Kia.
50:36Studio J here in Atlanta.
50:38There's Shaq,
50:39there's Kenny,
50:39there's Chuck,
50:40Ernie Johnson.
50:42So you posed the question
50:43in the first,
50:44in the pregame show.
50:45So what are we going to see
50:47from LeBron coming out tonight
50:48given the state of the Lakers now?
50:50And the answer was immediate.
50:52He had eight assists
50:53in the first three.
50:54He's never had that many
50:55in a playoff quarter.
50:56Did just show how smart,
50:58how great a player he is
50:59and how smart he is.
51:00You know he's got to conserve energy
51:02and that's going to do two things.
51:04Now one is going to make him
51:05fresh down the stretch
51:06but also it's going to get
51:07other guys confidence
51:08if he has to pass the ball
51:09to them in the fourth quarter.
51:10I thought he was fabulous
51:12the first half.
51:16Man, I mean,
51:17this guy's so smart.
51:19I mean, it's just,
51:20it's beautiful to watch.
51:22Connects with Jared Vanderbilt
51:24there for the corner three
51:25and the halftime highlights
51:27presented by Kia.
51:29His assists,
51:3010 of them in the first half.
51:32Three to Kennard
51:33and you see the list right there.
51:35And at the top of that list
51:36is Luke Kennard
51:37who shoots that thing.
51:39Yes, he can.
51:3911 points in the first half.
51:42Yeah, let me first say
51:44this does not feel
51:44like a playoff game.
51:45But that's me to hear
51:46and all that.
51:47Why does it feel like a playoff game?
51:48I don't know why it doesn't feel
51:49like a playoff game.
51:49But I say, you know,
51:50who's going to be the other guy
51:51right here?
51:52Luke Kennard.
51:53We all know he can shoot.
51:54Jeez.
51:55Jay Reddick having confidence
51:56going in today.
51:57And he's stepping up right here.
51:58Watch his move right here.
52:00Oh, got to know
52:01in the scout report,
52:02this guy can shoot the three.
52:03Shoot the 48% from three
52:05like Chuck Tate
52:05can never leave him open
52:06right here.
52:08Oh, watch that little floppy
52:09pin down right there.
52:10Boom.
52:10Luke Kennard is the other guy.
52:11But again,
52:12this does not feel
52:13like a playoff game.
52:15It feels like a regular season game.
52:16League leader in three-pointers
52:17is Kennard third time.
52:19He's led the league
52:19from deep.
52:21Does it feel like a playoff?
52:22No, I'm laughing
52:22because you always talk about
52:23it's not coaching.
52:24And then he goes,
52:26look at the floppy pin down.
52:28That's a coaching play right there.
52:30You said coaching doesn't matter.
52:32To get Luke Kennard open,
52:34you just drew up
52:34a floppy pin down play.
52:37You never heard the words
52:38come out of my mouth.
52:39Coaching doesn't matter.
52:40I'm saying don't blame it.
52:41Wait, you just had
52:42a whole argument last week.
52:44That's all we've ever heard.
52:46I've always said
52:48when players don't step up,
52:49do not blame the coaches.
52:51That's all you said.
52:52No, you said coaches don't matter.
52:54Answer your question.
52:56Oh, we're running.
52:57Oh, you just got smoked
53:02on the first night of the playoffs.
53:05That was good.
53:07That was good.
53:07I thought you went to China.
53:09The team back and was tired.
53:10I didn't think you were saying.
53:12No, man, go ahead.
53:13But I was talking about
53:14no Kevin Durant,
53:15no the best three stars
53:16in the league.
53:17You're already won.
53:18I'm going to tell you right now.
53:19So you're bringing the ball up.
53:20So right now,
53:21you've got to turn the other way
53:23because you're bringing it up that way.
53:24So when they're bringing
53:24the basketball up,
53:25right here, freeze it here.
53:27This right here.
53:28That's a terrible shot.
53:29It's a terrible shot.
53:30There's no one has touched the paint.
53:31And this is what happens
53:33when you don't have a Kevin Durant
53:34because you're not looking
53:36for the things to happen.
53:37Shot goes up.
53:38But then once you get
53:39the offensive rebound, Shaq,
53:41then you get it to Shingoom.
53:43When Shingoom gets it,
53:45now you can go through him
53:46and make things happen.
53:48He gets the ball inside,
53:50freeze it here.
53:50He's got DeAndre Ayton on him.
53:52He attracts.
53:53He's a magnet.
53:54He's Shaq in there.
53:55He gets all over the tension.
53:57And then all of a sudden,
53:58you can get someone wide open
54:00and you don't have,
54:01that is an offense in itself.
54:03But you have to let the bigs
54:04touch the ball.
54:05Because if the big guys
54:07don't touch the ball,
54:07the guard doesn't,
54:09what did you say?
54:10The dog doesn't,
54:11when you were playing,
54:12the dog don't eat?
54:13When somebody don't touch
54:15the ball or something?
54:16Ernie, to answer your question,
54:17this is not,
54:17seems like a playoff game.
54:19I mean, the Lakers
54:20are playing smart,
54:21efficient.
54:21The Rockets,
54:22I have no idea
54:23what they're doing.
54:24They just like first come,
54:25they just,
54:26first person get it,
54:27just jack it up.
54:27They got no,
54:28no,
54:29there's no,
54:30no floppy pender.
54:31They got nothing happening
54:32out there.
54:33And they're only shooting
54:3437%,
54:34but they're only down
54:35by two.
54:36I've never said coaches
54:37are not important.
54:38You always said coaching
54:39don't matter.
54:40I said coaches don't matter.
54:41I said don't blame
54:41all the coaches.
54:42Why do you always quit
54:43when you're losing?
54:45No,
54:45because y'all jump
54:47and run when y'all
54:48only think you can win.
54:49But man,
54:50you had the good start.
54:51No,
54:51it wasn't a good start.
54:52I didn't think he was coming.
54:53I didn't think he was going.
54:56I didn't know we were running.
54:58I didn't know.
55:00Hey,
55:01you know why I haven't?
55:02Because your mom
55:02didn't call me.
55:08Game 1 Hawks and Knicks at the Garden.
55:10Jalen Brunson going off
55:12in the first quarter.
55:13It's going to be a heck of a series.
55:14It's going to be a good series.
55:1519 in the first quarter
55:16on 8 of 11,
55:18but then went 1 of 11
55:19the rest of the game.
55:19Well,
55:20he got them off
55:21to a good start.
55:22Yes,
55:22he did.
55:22Every time they took size
55:24off Jalen Brunson,
55:25he took advantage of that.
55:26When they had size on him,
55:29he didn't play the same
55:30exact way that he did.
55:31Hey,
55:31listen,
55:31they freed my man today.
55:33Kill him,
55:34CJ.
55:35Kill him,
55:36CJ.
55:36He had 26.
55:38He played great today.
55:40big cat.
55:40Cat played great today,
55:41too.
55:42New York up 9 after 3.
55:44Cat had 11 of his 25
55:45in the fourth quarter.
55:47What happened there?
55:48Get up,
55:49little man.
55:50New York Knicks.
55:52113 to 102 winners.
55:54They'll play game 2
55:55of that series
55:56on Monday
55:57in New York.
56:03Welcome back.
56:04NBA playoffs
56:05presented by Google
56:06here in L.A.
56:07first round
56:07presented by Popeyes.
56:09Two-point game
56:10as you get sent
56:11to start the third
56:12here in game one
56:13of this opening round.
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