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00:00Here in game one of this opening round, best of seven playoff series.
00:05First half stats are brought to you by four.
00:08Look at the huge disparity in the field goal percentage,
00:11but then look at the huge disparity in the free throw attempts,
00:14and the turnover certainly helped the Lakers,
00:17as they only lead by two as we get set for that third quarter.
00:21And hello again, everyone, along with Richard Jefferson and Tim Legler,
00:24Mike Green on hand, we'll check in with Lisa Solvers in just a moment.
00:27Anything strike your fancy in that first half?
00:30Well, I think the Lakers couldn't have played any better offensively,
00:32but they got sloppy with the ball to close the half
00:34and allowed Houston to get back in the game, cut it to two.
00:37Now, for me, the Lakers, their consistency, they have to slow down.
00:40They don't want to make this a run-and-gun game with the Houston Rockets.
00:44When they get the opportunity, they have to be slow and play possession basketball.
00:48All right, let's end to the Lisa Solvers.
00:49Yeah, my guys said to Emei Udoka,
00:51I said, my guys think that you're probably pleased with where you are right now,
00:55only down two, and he said, yeah.
00:56He said, I think our second quarter was much better physicality-wise.
01:00It was 19-17 for us that quarter.
01:02We just increased our physicality and got to the ball.
01:06He also pointed out that they went from 81% shooting to mid-60s,
01:09so he said, obviously, we did a good job defensively.
01:12And then I asked him, you know, how do you start playing offensively your game?
01:16And he said, obviously, we've got to compensate for what's missing
01:19and do it in a different way.
01:20And he said, since that starts in transition,
01:22we've got to convert when we get out on the break.
01:26Well, a good start right there, Lisa, on the first possession.
01:30Shepard knocks down the three, and it's the Rockets who go up by one.
01:35Lakers led almost the entire first half.
01:38Their largest lead was 10.
01:41And Aiton had a strong 17 minutes in that first half, 12 points, four boards.
01:46James had the 10 assists back up top.
01:48Marcus Smart fakes.
01:50Cody with the foul.
01:51That's going to be his first side out.
01:56And we talked about a missed opportunity for the Lakers there
01:59at the end of the first half.
02:01And what happens on the first possession?
02:04Reed Shepard gets going, knocks down a three.
02:07Van Vliet loving it.
02:08But you see the difference between going into halftime, up 10, 12 points,
02:13and then on the first possession, now you're down one.
02:16Smart.
02:17Can't get it.
02:17Shangoon the rebound.
02:18You see Van Vliet.
02:20Rockets win 52 games.
02:23And their starting point guard are Shepard way outside.
02:26Not that time.
02:26And their starting point guard didn't play.
02:28Had that knee injury prior to training camp.
02:32As Javari Smith tries a three.
02:34That one off the mark.
02:38Jared Vliet expected to be back full.
02:41Full healthy next year, next camp.
02:45Smart.
02:45Not a good shot.
02:47Aiton on the second effort.
02:49Looked like the ball was falling off the rim.
02:52As some of the Rockets sort of should have been basket interference.
02:57Offensive interference.
02:58Lakers back up one.
03:00Aiton was just camped down there.
03:01The entire possession.
03:02Just too long to keep off the glass.
03:07Javari Smith.
03:08Hachimaru does a good job defending.
03:11Aiton grabs another rebound.
03:13De'Andre Aiton.
03:1418 very engaged minutes.
03:17Kennard.
03:23James Okoge.
03:26James just six points, but the 10 assists in that first half.
03:29Backs in.
03:29Backs in.
03:30Leans in.
03:30Backs it home.
03:33Just overwhelmed them down low.
03:34That's just raw force right there.
03:36And the double team got there, but by the time they did, LeBron James had the leverage.
03:41He got his shoulders between the trap and was able to muscle that up off the glass.
03:49Smart comes up and is called for a foul.
03:51That's going to be the third foul on Marcus Smart.
03:53He does not like it, clearly.
03:57And we knew LeBron was going to operate in the post quite a bit, particularly without
04:01Luka and Austin Reeves out there.
04:02And you see right there, he just steps through.
04:05I meant Thompson took a bad angle there.
04:07If you come down on that trap, you've got to make sure you're toe-to-toe with the initial
04:11defender to force him to pass it.
04:13Shang-Goon couldn't get it.
04:14Aiton grabs a rebound, and then Shang-Goon called for a foul.
04:18That's three on Shang-Goon.
04:20So Shang-Goon with three.
04:21Marcus Smart for the Lakers with three.
04:24He may, Udoka, certainly without Kevin Durant, cannot afford to have to sit Shang-Goon because
04:30of foul trouble.
04:30Boy, they're struggling to score on the offensive end already.
04:34Just 19 points in that second quarter to lose your other all-star to foul trouble.
04:39It also just messes up the rhythm of how you're trying to play.
04:43Smart foul.
04:45Shot didn't go, but free throws as Thompson picks up his first.
04:49And Thompson gets his first.
04:5113.
04:54Mark, there you see his numbers so far.
04:59He was third in the NBA in charges drawn, always doing the defensive stuff.
05:05Lakers led the NBA in that department.
05:07Your playoff picks now with NBA Pick'em Bracket Challenge, presented by Castrol for a chance
05:11to win $1,000,000, play free at NBA.com backslash bracket or on the NBA app.
05:19A lot of Santa Monica shots done.
05:22Why not?
05:24Get you ready for summer.
05:25Well, actually, for you, it's year-round.
05:27Yeah, it's year-round.
05:28Summer year-round out here.
05:31Three-point Laker lead.
05:35Thompson.
05:36Shang-Gung not expecting it.
05:37The Kogi, though, helps out.
05:39Kicks it out in the corner.
05:40Smith, wide open three.
05:42Got it.
05:43Jabari Smith, his third three-pointer.
05:45He's their leading scorer with 13.
05:46And just the paint touch to that no-look.
05:50The defense had to pick one.
05:52Jabari looks him away with his eyes.
05:54That's just an easy shot.
06:00James Akogi trying to fight through the screen.
06:02James spins and lost a handle.
06:04Three-on-one break.
06:05Smith back for Thompson.
06:06Throws it ahead.
06:07Akogi back shot.
06:08He missed it.
06:08Too strong off the glass.
06:10And Kennard comes the other way.
06:12Three-one-on-one break.
06:17Hachimura.
06:24They've only taken nine three-pointers out of 40 shots.
06:28Well, they're a low-volume three-point attempt team.
06:30As is Houston, this game was going to be decided in the paint
06:33with some timely three-point shooting sprinkled in for both teams.
06:40Hachimura looks down low.
06:42Pass deflected out of bounds.
06:45Last touch by Thompson.
06:47Lakers will inbound.
06:51LeBron James frustrated right there because he did all the work.
06:53He ran ahead.
06:54He had the early seal.
06:56Had Ahmed Thompson on his back.
06:57And the pass was not delivered in time.
06:59Shingun with the block.
07:00Excellent defensive play from Alperin Shingun.
07:03And Thompson comes the other way.
07:07Akogi a three.
07:14James deflected by Shingun.
07:17And it's still a Laker ball.
07:19And this is good team defense.
07:22You see Rui cuts back door.
07:24Reed gives a contest.
07:26Now, where's your help?
07:27That's when Shingun comes over, gets the clean block.
07:30It's help the helper.
07:32Your teammate gets beat.
07:33Can you step up?
07:37Smart misses that three.
07:38He's taken four of their ten threes.
07:41Doesn't have any to go down yet.
07:44Seven-point-six assists for Smart.
07:46Thompson inside.
07:47Shingun against Aiton.
07:50Backing in.
07:51Backing in.
07:52Bynes Thompson.
07:52Little floater on the page.
07:54Good.
07:56Such hard action to defend.
07:58Because you've got a post-up taking place.
08:01And normally, if you're going to get traffic,
08:03there's going to be a kick-out to the perimeter.
08:05But instead, Thompson just cuts in.
08:07And that's basically about six feet of space
08:09between him and Shingun.
08:11Very difficult to take that cutaway.
08:18Hachimura, huge advantage against Reed Shepard.
08:21He's going to get some help.
08:22Mokoe comes to double-team.
08:24Smart.
08:24Extra pass.
08:25Kennard fake.
08:26Kennard fire.
08:27Kennard hit.
08:28Little Kennard a three-pointer.
08:30And a lead back up to four.
08:33But if he gets an open one, forget it.
08:35I mean, his consistency throughout his career,
08:37when he gets time and space and uses the uptake
08:40to create it right there,
08:41it's practically automatic.
08:43Led the NBA in three-point percentage
08:45for the third time in his career.
08:49Five on the 24.
08:50Shepard looking for an opening.
08:52Ayton's guarding him.
08:53Two on the shot clock.
08:54Shepard drives inside.
08:55Just gets it off in time.
08:56Won't go.
08:57Shingun the rebound.
08:59Spins back up top to Thompson.
09:05And then Thompson, five on the 24.
09:08Shot clock winding down again.
09:09Couldn't get it to fall.
09:10Fight for the rebound.
09:11Still loose.
09:12And a hell ball.
09:13Good battle down low from both teams.
09:16And we'll have a timeout.
09:18Coming up on the midway point here in the third.
09:21Lakers right now hanging on to a four-point lead.
09:30Pairings delivered by Papa John's legs.
09:33And I talk about the unique spacing that the Rockets present because of our man Thompson's skill set.
09:38Normally when you get a post up like this, and you're going to see right here, you've got one-on
09:42-one in a post.
09:43You're going to get shooters all over the board.
09:45Typically, you're going to see this guy's face out.
09:48But watch.
09:49Instead, Thompson cuts right into the lane.
09:51And you can see the Lakers not prepared for it.
09:54They're waiting to funnel out to the three-point shooters.
09:57Thompson basically receives a dribble handoff from Shingun in the lane.
10:02So rare to see interior passing like that be effective.
10:06But Thompson makes it work.
10:09Another terrific season for a man Thompson.
10:11This does a little bit of everything.
10:13Such a stat stuffer.
10:15Some think he is, I think, even Nudoka thinks, he might be the best athlete in the NBA with just
10:22this incredible motor.
10:23Oh, yeah.
10:24And it's that the athleticism isn't just how high he jumped.
10:28It's how quick he is.
10:29It's his burst of speed.
10:31There are so many things that he does out there.
10:33You have the world's greatest athletes out there, and he's the standout amongst them.
10:37With great instincts.
10:40Canard.
10:41Thompson closes there.
10:43James.
10:44Tari Eason guarding him now.
10:45James backs in.
10:46Backs in.
10:47Overwhelms.
10:47Backs at home.
10:48He wanted a foul as well.
10:51Just too strong.
10:52And they've got to communicate that better.
10:54There's no way you can allow him to have one-on-one coverage with that many dribbles.
10:58Clearly, somebody has to come.
11:00I think they were reluctant because the communication wasn't there.
11:03LeBron James will eat that up.
11:06Shepard falling away.
11:07Can't get it to fall.
11:10DeAndre Ayton now with a double-double.
11:1214 points.
11:1310 rebounds.
11:15Canard.
11:15Canard.
11:15The extra pass.
11:16Hachimora.
11:17Well defended by Shepard.
11:18Forces him to turn it over.
11:22Canard harassing Thompson.
11:24Here's Jabari Smith.
11:26And a reach-in.
11:27Gets knocked down.
11:28It's going to be the second-teens foul on the Lakers.
11:33And let's count the dribbles.
11:34He faces up.
11:35One dribble.
11:36Two dribble.
11:37Three dribble.
11:37Four.
11:38Like, that's just too much.
11:39This is the leading scorer in playoff history, in NBA history.
11:44And you're going to give him five dribbles on the block with no help.
11:48Especially with the Lakers.
11:49They're shooting okay from three, but that's a guaranteed shot.
11:54Second foul on James.
11:56Thompson falls down.
11:58And a hell of a ball.
12:01Thompson getting a rest.
12:02He played more minutes than anybody in the NBA this season.
12:06And his minutes are different than most others' minutes.
12:09Those are hard minutes he plays night in and night out on the season in terms per game.
12:1437 and a half minutes per game.
12:19Another jump ball.
12:22Schengen getting a rest right now.
12:26No teams without their leading scorer.
12:28No Doncic, no Durant.
12:30Of course, no Reeves as well.
12:34Without Schengen on the floor, Houston gets the ball back.
12:38A lot of what they're going to do now is predicated on a Reed Shepard's movement.
12:42Trying to free him up or create a communication issue for the Lakers.
12:45Or you're going to see Thompson try to get some isos and get downhill.
12:49And create.
12:51Rockets had a delay of game warning there.
12:53So next one's a technical foul.
12:55Game like this.
12:56Right now is just a six-point game.
12:59Smith and James pushing and shoving each other.
13:01It's going to be called on Jabari Smith.
13:04That's going to be his first.
13:08Officials are going to confer right here.
13:11And it was really just a bump.
13:18Holds on to him a little bit.
13:20This is the second time we've seen it.
13:22That's the right call.
13:24It did feel like LeBron initiated that.
13:26He went out of his way to make sure right there.
13:29Gets the contact.
13:30Jabari Smith just said, wait a second.
13:32You're not going to bump me and then run away from me.
13:34Well, you are supposed to do that.
13:35My job is to get out in front of you in that lane first.
13:39So if he initiates that contact, now that's where the foul occurs because he's trying to stop him.
13:44Well, that could have easily been a double foul.
13:46Instead, it was a transition take foul.
13:47So that's why the one free throw.
13:51James inside.
13:53Another foul.
13:54Start to get a little chippy.
13:59Eason picking up the personal.
14:00That's three on Eason in just 11 minutes.
14:03Arabia will shoot.
14:05So they're on the penalty with five minutes to go here on the third.
14:09Arabia in his first year.
14:11He's on a two-year free agent deal.
14:16Time to check this week's playoff tracker brought to you by United Airlines.
14:22This series, game two of this series, not until Tuesday.
14:26Game three, not until Friday.
14:28You can see down there is an extra day rest.
14:31Again, the Lakers seem to kind of like that.
14:33Maybe Dodgers and Reeves comes back.
14:35Obviously, the Rockets now like the extra day for Durant coming back for game two.
14:40Lakers lead up to nine.
14:47Ball deflected.
14:48James comes up with it.
14:49Throws a pass.
14:50What a beautiful pass.
14:51And then Shepard with a block, but a foul.
14:53Good hustle from Shepard to stop.
14:56What would have been an easy two points.
14:58More good defense from L.A.
14:59I love the defense right here on this trap.
15:01You've got a smaller guard backing up toward half court, RJ.
15:04You have to have high hands.
15:06There's no way Reed Shepard's going to get that over that size trap.
15:09Oh, they count it.
15:10Just a clean block.
15:12Even a better defensive player than I thought.
15:15James backs in against Easton again.
15:17One-on-one.
15:18Tate looking to help out, but doesn't want to leave Hachimura.
15:21James can't get to the fall.
15:22And Smith with a rebound.
15:27Shepard off the bounce.
15:28James tries again.
15:29Goes inside.
15:30Floater off the glass.
15:31Can't get it.
15:32Tate's tip.
15:33Two different tips.
15:35Neither one went down.
15:36Here comes James.
15:38Pass deflected inside and stolen.
15:41Tyree Eason goes at Hachimura.
15:43Back for Tate.
15:44Gathers and backs it home.
15:48Jayshon Tate with his first field goal.
15:50It's a beautiful basketball there, Legs.
15:53Beautiful basketball.
15:54A lot of action.
15:55Little results.
15:56Yeah.
15:58And Shepard called for a reach-in there.
16:02There in the penalty.
16:03That's not a smart foul.
16:05Ina Udoka did not think it was a foul.
16:08This is tough for Houston to give up these points really off the ball now.
16:13You've given up here four free-throw attempts.
16:16And they're second in the league in attempts,
16:18but Luka Doncic takes almost 40% of those.
16:21So to be able to get to the line like this really is a gift, they'll take it.
16:27Arabia knocks down the first.
16:29Dime Udoka, his third year as head coach.
16:32Tough old-fashioned.
16:33Years before he took over the Rockets, they won 22 games.
16:36First year they won 41.
16:38Last year 52.
16:39This year 52.
16:41Influenced in the San Antonio organization.
16:45Seven years as an assistant coach.
16:47He uses Pops' line all the time.
16:49He says, people's opinion of you is none of your business.
16:53That's an old Greg Popovich line.
16:54That's a great line.
16:56Uses it for his young team.
16:58He's done a magnificent job with the Rockets.
17:07Continues tomorrow afternoon on ABC and the ESPN app.
17:10Two more game one.
17:11Celtics Sixers at 1 Eastern.
17:12Then Thunder hosts the Suns.
17:14And, of course, the gang, Ernie, Kenny, Charles, and Shaq tip off all the coverage at 12.30 Eastern.
17:20Fred VanVleet, terrific player, out for the season.
17:23He's mic'd up for us tonight.
17:26Get your match up.
17:29Low pressure, Reed.
17:30Here you go, Shep.
17:32Hey, test that handle.
17:34I like the boom, boom.
17:36You got the rhythm.
17:37Just keep it.
17:38Go to the side.
17:39Go back to the other side.
17:40You're making the right reads in there.
17:41But with CeCe, you got to get Aiden to come to you.
17:45He's not committing to you, so that means you open.
17:48Okay?
17:48Yeah.
17:50Yeah.
17:52Boy, they could use him.
17:53Of course, won a ring with the Raptors back in 2019.
17:59Tore up his knee before the season.
18:01Holiday.
18:03Cangu calling for it.
18:04Hayes does a good job fronting.
18:06Shot clock at 7.
18:08Dari Eason goes right at Jackson.
18:10Hayes adjusts and flips it up and in.
18:13First shot attempt for Eason.
18:15His first points, and it's a seven-point game.
18:17Again, the Lakers did the same thing in the first half.
18:20They built a lead up to 8, 10 points.
18:22And then in the final two and a half, three minutes, they let it slip.
18:25Gets it cut to two.
18:27How are the Lakers going to finish this quarter?
18:32Five to shoot for the Lakers.
18:33Kennard trying to find some room.
18:35Gets into the paint.
18:36Had it poked away.
18:37Lost it.
18:38And a reach-in foul with three-tenths of a second.
18:40And he's a little shaken up.
18:45Holding that left hand.
18:47The index finger bandaged up.
18:50Eason picks up his fourth foul.
18:54Well, he gets you to chase him hard over the top of these screens because of that shooting ability.
19:01Trying to get into the lane, which he's been pretty good at tonight.
19:05Encountering their closeouts and draws the foul to earn his two easiest ones of the night.
19:10J.J.
19:11Redder calls him the ultimate blender guy.
19:14Well, that's because when he catches the ball, it helps blend the offense.
19:19He can make plays for himself off the dribble.
19:22He's a catch-and-shoot guy.
19:24Defenses rotate him.
19:25He helps blend the offense together.
19:28I also love something else he said.
19:29He said, I'd love to see shorthanded like this without Luke and Austin Reeves.
19:33Luke Kennard takes seven or eight threes a night and shoot 38% rather than take four safe ones and
19:40make two or three out of four.
19:41And right now, he's two for two.
19:43That's where you want him to be more aggressive.
19:46He just is more of a percentage guy.
19:48Tate drives in hard.
19:50Can't get to the fall.
19:51Gets his own rebound.
19:51Finds Thompson.
19:52And Thompson foul.
19:54Faced Sean Tate with great, great hustle.
19:57He's only played seven minutes, but he's got four points, four rebounds.
20:02And that's an accomplishment for Jackson Hayes to get a piece of Thompson on this because he's so quick off
20:08his feet.
20:09Pretty good defense there.
20:10Three Lakers.
20:11Tate the great hustle.
20:12But right there, just getting enough of his left wrist to dislodge that basketball and prevent him from having an
20:18and-one opportunity and forcing this.
20:21A good credit to Tate as Durant sits and watches.
20:25Tate played four years at College Board at Ohio State.
20:27Wasn't drafted in 2018.
20:30Didn't make the NBA until 2020.
20:32Went, played in Belgium, played in Australia.
20:34First couple of years, he started 135 games, average double figures.
20:38But again, the last couple of years, he's had to take a lesser role.
20:41And as you can see, him sitting on the bench has no impact when he gets called because he is
20:45out there with a force.
20:46Well, you have to understand, a lot of times those starts came when the team was winning 20-plus games
20:51that allowed them to go get the Ahmed Thompson.
20:55That allow you to go get these high-level players.
20:57Do you know what happens?
20:58Now the players come in and your role changes.
21:01Smart gets inside with the left hand.
21:03Banks at home.
21:06Marcus Smart now, nine points.
21:09It's a ten-point lead for the Lakers.
21:10This equals the largest lead of the game.
21:15Shang-Goon goes right at Hashimura.
21:18Shot won't go.
21:19Ball tipped up and in.
21:20Thompson right there with tape.
21:22And Thompson credited for the bucket.
21:27Offensive rebounding as usual for Houston.
21:3114 offensive rebounds.
21:33But the Lakers haven't really been decimated by those in terms of points they've given up off of them.
21:39See if it becomes a bigger factor here as we go forward because it's such a part of their identity.
21:45Tarees and drives inside.
21:46Shut off.
21:47Back up top.
21:47Shang-Goon has run to two minutes to go in the third.
21:51Holiday.
21:53Find some room.
21:54Clips it up.
21:54Can't get it to fall.
21:55Fight for the rebound.
21:56Kennard.
21:57And it's going to go against Tate.
22:00And a technical foul.
22:02Dashaun Tate upset.
22:04Got into it with Marcus Smart.
22:06They both went down.
22:07And then the foul was called on Tate.
22:09Personal foul and technical foul.
22:12I don't know what he said, but that was a quick technical foul.
22:15That usually means something that you're not allowed to say now.
22:20When you look right here, Marcus Smart has inside position clearly.
22:24And Tate just grabs that arm and yanks him to the ground.
22:27That's an easy call.
22:28And then his reaction gets the tech.
22:34And Kennard.
22:38Knocks down the free throw.
22:41You've got to keep your composure.
22:43This is the playoffs.
22:44If you're Tate, you're an energy guy.
22:47You are a hustle guy.
22:48Getting a technical.
22:50Edoko got a technical.
22:51So a technical on Tate.
22:53A technical on Edoko.
22:55But for Tate, those are mistakes that you can't make.
22:58Hey, the referee doesn't get the call.
22:59You are not LeBron James.
23:01You are not Luka Doncic.
23:03It doesn't mean that you don't command respect.
23:05But you have to understand how you're going to help your team.
23:09You love the fire, but you have to keep your emotional control in these moments.
23:13Well, in the first half, the free throw advantage.
23:17Huge for the Rockets.
23:18Not the case here in the third.
23:21Smart misses that free throw.
23:23Lakers miss now seven free throws.
23:25They're 11 for 18.
23:26They've taken 12 free throws here in the third quarter.
23:37Smart just one of five.
23:39You can see upset with himself.
23:41And he gets that one to go.
23:43And the fouling right now by Houston has really been a big story over the last few minutes.
23:48That you're not giving your half-court defense, an elite half-court defense, an opportunity to put the clamps on
23:54the Lakers.
23:55Instead, you're just letting them march to the foul line and get free ones.
23:59Cangoon, got it by Jackson Hayes.
24:01Spins.
24:02Hayes trying to stay with him.
24:03Blocked by Hayes.
24:04Perfect defense from a backup center.
24:07As LaRavia brings it into the front court.
24:09And look at the difference here in this final two minutes.
24:12A little bit more deliberate by the Lakers.
24:15Thompson with a steal.
24:17James in pursuit.
24:18Thompson inside.
24:19Blocked by LaRavia.
24:20As Thompson goes crashing to the floor.
24:22There was a lot of contact there.
24:25And a timeout call by the Rockets.
24:28Emei Udoka coming way out onto the floor to talk to Eddie Malloy.
24:31And also getting Jay Sean Tate away from him.
24:34As I was complimenting the Lakers on taking control late in the quarter.
24:39Ahmed Thompson gets the steal.
24:41But Jake LaRavia not giving up on the play.
24:44Wow.
24:52That is so much contact.
24:54As the Lakers got a break on that.
24:56That's this playoff basketball here.
24:58This might be the best block of Jake LaRavia's career.
25:02Skying over Thompson.
25:03Not might be.
25:04I'm going to say it is.
25:05But a lot of contact there to his upper back in the back of his head.
25:09Easily could have been called.
25:10I agree.
25:11Jabari Smith fouls.
25:13LaRavia picks up the personal.
25:16Smith to the free throw line.
25:20Not a free throw right now.
25:21As soon as he said on camera, you went like this.
25:23Well, that's usually you.
25:25It's amazing your innate sense for when the camera's on you.
25:30Yeah.
25:30Well, look.
25:31This is the thing.
25:31I like that they kept Mike out of that shot.
25:34I think that was the best part about it.
25:37It's okay.
25:38You're on camera.
25:39It's in your contract.
25:41Yes.
25:41We do look sharp today.
25:42If I knew where the camera was, I'd make eye contact.
25:44That's my favorite part.
25:46Hi, America.
25:47Do you think we look good tonight?
25:49I know we look good.
25:50If you want guaranteed flowers, set them to be yourself.
25:52Barrett.
25:52You know it.
25:53Oh, just stop it now.
25:56Vanderbilt couldn't hold on.
25:57James.
25:59Able to gather.
26:00Final minute.
26:01Third quarter.
26:05Lakers by nine.
26:06They've led by as many as ten.
26:11And Tate called for another foul.
26:13Tate a little frustrated.
26:14His second foul.
26:16Trying to bring his physical game right now.
26:19And a little frustrated.
26:21He got the tech.
26:23Nidoka got the tech.
26:24And now Jackson Hayes will shoot.
26:26And this line has been the Lakers' best friend.
26:28The free throw line here over the last few minutes.
26:31They haven't even really had to execute their half-court offense.
26:35Because some of these fouls are taking place early in the clock.
26:39Before Houston's even had a chance to really impose any pressure on the Lakers.
26:43So, right now, L.A. taking advantage of this whistle.
26:47And an opportunity to extend the lead.
26:50And this is their largest lead.
26:52You saw Dacic and Reeves.
26:54They're missing 56.8 points per game with those two out.
26:58But they have an 11-point advantage.
27:02No Kevin Durant for the Rockets tonight.
27:05And they hope to have him back for game two.
27:07Thompson gets into the paint.
27:08Soft touch is good.
27:10And he's got 15.6 rebounds.
27:21Tate on James.
27:22It's really important for the Rockets to get a stop here without fouling and get this last quick possession to
27:29end the quarter.
27:29La Ravia launches.
27:32Thompson grabs another rebound.
27:35Lakers do not have a foul to give.
27:37Shot clock is off.
27:37Thompson goes right at smart.
27:39Layup won't go, but a foul.
27:41And Thompson to shoot two with 3.1 remaining.
27:44Well, you know you have a lead quickness win.
27:47You have a defender completely backing up, giving you all the space you want.
27:51And you're still able to turn the corner, create the contact, get to the line.
27:56So this couldn't have worked out any better for the Rockets.
27:58They got that stop we were talking about without fouling.
28:01And that they get an opportunity if a man Thompson can cash in.
28:08And again, besides the points, seven boards, six assists.
28:13It's only 23 years old.
28:15Some blood on Jackson Hayes.
28:17A foul, by the way, on smart.
28:18His fourth.
28:19So Markit smart has four.
28:21Tyree Easton has four for Houston.
28:27Smart trying to plead his case to Dewey Capers.
28:32Thompson three for four from the line.
28:34As we said, much improved free throw shooting this year.
28:41Last year, NBA All-Defense first team.
28:44His brother might make NBA All-Defense first team.
28:47There's a missed free throw for the Rockets.
28:49They've been pretty good from the line, but now 15 of 19.
28:53And now that's 21 free throw attempts in this quarter between the two teams.
28:57Only 13 made baskets in the quarter.
29:00Really low number.
29:05Missing those great scores as James tips it smart trying to hold on and does.
29:11And that will end the third quarter.
29:15We head to the fourth here in Los Angeles.
29:18Game one in this best-of-seven series.
29:20It's an eye-point lead.
29:21As this presentation presented by Popeyes will continue after this message and a word from our ABC stations.
29:27DA first round presented by Popeyes.
29:29Luke taking care of the basketball and boxing out.
29:32Those were the keys coming into this series.
29:34How do you think you're doing so far?
29:36Pretty well.
29:38Definitely some things we can clean up down there on the defensive end.
29:41And limiting them to one shot and get out and run.
29:43Control the pace a little bit.
29:44But overall, pretty good job.
29:46J.J. Redick has said that without Luka and Austin, he wants you to be even more aggressive.
29:51Take even more shots.
29:53What will be your mentality in this fourth quarter to try to close out this game one?
29:57Yeah, stay aggressive.
29:59I mean, 12 minutes is a long time.
30:01And we've got to be organized out there.
30:03Control the pace.
30:05Play with the flow of the game.
30:06And continue to be aggressive.
30:09All right, Lisa.
30:09He's the game's leading scorer.
30:11This is his 29th playoff game.
30:13As Hachimura misses.
30:16Playoffs with Detroit, with the Clippers, with Memphis.
30:20Acquired midseason from Atlanta.
30:22A terrific pickup by the Lakers.
30:24And then Thompson searching.
30:26Hachimura chasing.
30:30Thompson a crossover.
30:32And a foul by Hachimura.
30:37Second foul.
30:41Hachimura tonight with 10 points.
30:43Hit a couple of threes.
30:45Real question for me right now, for the Rockets.
30:48Their offense has to be a lot better to close this gap.
30:52Shingun has to be better when he checks back in the game.
30:54Make him the focal point.
30:56We haven't given the Lakers defense enough credit for how well they've played against the Rockets.
31:00And that might get the floodgates going a little bit.
31:04Reed Shepard gets some space.
31:05Fourth three-pointer for Shepard.
31:07And quickly back to six.
31:09Opening minute here on the fourth.
31:12Shepard now with 14.
31:13Thompson with 15.
31:15Smith with 14.
31:18Hachimura against Thompson.
31:20Trying to find some room.
31:21Tough contestant shot.
31:23He knocks it down.
31:25And he talks about their offense.
31:27The Houston Rockets defense has played a pretty good game.
31:31It's their offense.
31:32And then when you look at their offense, you're...
31:34Before the game, you lose Kevin Durant.
31:36So their defense has been maintained.
31:38They just need other people to step up, as you mentioned.
31:41Thompson couldn't hold on.
31:4312 turnover for the Rockets.
31:46And we've talked about what the Lakers are missing, but they've had other offensive players step up.
31:51Luke Kennard with 18.
31:52Rory Hachimura, 5 for 8 for 12 points.
31:55So the Lakers are maintaining their offensive intensity.
32:02Cody, the foul.
32:03His second.
32:07And the first team foul for the Rockets.
32:09Lakers trying to go back to what's been so effective all night.
32:12That's LeBron James with the initial catch at the elbow.
32:16And running either a tight ball screen or dribble handoff from there.
32:21Kogi right up on James.
32:24James has 10 points.
32:25He's only taken 10 shots and a moving screen on DeAndre Ayton.
32:28That's his first foul.
32:29You like that call, Alex?
32:31Not really.
32:32DeAndre Ayton doesn't either.
32:34It's difficult when you're a big.
32:36I mean, you're just trying to get a little piece.
32:38There's not a lot of contact there.
32:39I didn't think he moved a whole lot to deserve that offensive foul.
32:43And I think he stopped before the movement started.
32:46There's about 300 screens a game per game in the NBA.
32:51And sometimes it's hard to see which is illegal, which is not.
32:57Shepard drives inside.
32:58Kicks it out in the corner.
32:59Tops a three-pointer.
33:01Airball.
33:02Vanderbilt comes up.
33:03Nice pass.
33:03Kennard.
33:04Kennard racing up the floor.
33:06Great hustle from Okoge.
33:07Kennard switches.
33:08Change direction.
33:09Back out.
33:09Hachimura.
33:10Pulls up.
33:11Two-pointer.
33:12It's good.
33:1414 for Hachimura.
33:16And the lead back up to 10.
33:17He is a great mid-range jump shooter.
33:20Not a good one.
33:20A great one.
33:21When he gets that distance on his shot, he's so consistent.
33:28Ball deflected out.
33:29Lakers trying to say it was last touched by Capella.
33:32They whistle it.
33:33Said it was off eight.
33:34And the officials are going to gather.
33:36And they're going to change the call.
33:37Eddie Molloy comes in.
33:39Goes to Tyler Ford.
33:40It's going the other way.
33:42Why was that important?
33:43Because J.J. Redick was going to challenge that.
33:45He was going to challenge that.
33:47His whole team is asking for it.
33:49Referees come together.
33:50They keep it.
33:51They get it correct.
33:51And now the Lakers still get to maintain their challenge.
33:58Good ball denial from Thompson.
34:00Kennard eventually gets it back.
34:01Fires up a three.
34:02Pokes it in.
34:04Luke Kennard nails it.
34:05Largest lead of the game.
34:11And that one's a little different.
34:13That's going to his right.
34:14That's a much more difficult shot for Luke Kennard on a dribble handoff or a pitch out.
34:20Typically going left is where he likes to take that type of shot.
34:24This is a tough shot because the defender is closing on your shooting side.
34:29And it's so distracting.
34:31Great concentration by Luke Kennard.
34:38One of the elite three-point shooters in NBA history.
34:44And now with 21 points, he just picked up a foul.
34:47That's his first foul.
34:48Shepard throws it out of bounds.
34:51Kogi was in the corner but cut to the basket.
34:54And turnover number 13 for the Rockets.
34:56And that's twice now.
34:57You can see the lack of corner three-point shooting for the Rockets really surfaced.
35:01They left Amin Thompson one time and forced him to take an air ball three from the corner.
35:06That's Amin Kogi on the cut leads to a turnover.
35:10Aiton traveled.
35:1217 turnovers for the Lakers.
35:16If you said before the game the Lakers are going to have 17 turnovers, you would not think they'd be
35:20up by 13.
35:22And giving up, what, 15 offensive rebounds.
35:24Like, those are two things that Houston does so well.
35:26Turn you over and get on the glass.
35:28But their offense has been so bad in the half court, Lakers haven't really been hurt by those two things.
35:34No, they're missing a pretty good half-court offensive player, too.
35:41Shepard gets inside.
35:42Kicks it out in the corner.
35:44Tyree Eason, a three.
35:45Got it.
35:46An important bucket right there.
35:49Neeson with just his second field goal.
35:51It's back to 10.
35:55Still plenty of time remaining.
35:56Just under eight and a half left here on the fourth.
35:59James, long three-pointer.
36:01It's good.
36:03LeBron James way downtown.
36:05It's back up to 13.
36:15Shepard on the drive.
36:16Hook shot.
36:17Can't get it.
36:18Vanderbilt the rebound.
36:20Finds Kennard.
36:21Kennard on the break.
36:23Fakes drive.
36:24Shut off nicely by Smith.
36:25Kennard tries a three.
36:27Got it!
36:28Kennard's cooking right now.
36:31Largest lead of the night.
36:32A 16-point advantage timeout Rockets.
36:44LeBron James knocking down his first three.
36:4913 points for LeBron.
36:51Taking the lead to 13.
36:54And then Luke Kennard knocking down another three.
36:58Sending the lead to 16.
37:00Lakers up big with seven to go.
37:10NBA first round on ABC is presented by Popeyes.
37:14Love that chicken from Popeyes.
37:17And in part by Google.
37:23Lakers have opened up a 16-point lead.
37:25Just over four minutes gone by here on the fourth.
37:28Rockets certainly miss Kevin Durant.
37:30Out with a knee injury.
37:31They're hoping he's going to be back for game two.
37:34What a Lakers look.
37:35They're not on a level of Houston in the half-court defense.
37:39But they've been sensational in this game.
37:40Their activity and their game plan.
37:43Blood the lane with as many bodies as you can.
37:46Protect the glass.
37:47Take away drive.
37:49And force kickouts.
37:51The spacing has not been good for Houston.
37:53This is not a team that's got a lot of wings.
37:55That can knock down corner three-point shots.
37:58That's why you send four guys to the paint.
38:00Makes very difficult decisions for the Houston Rockets.
38:04And you see some of the numbers, the turnovers versus big numbers.
38:0824 points for Luke Kennard in his first playoff game as a Laker.
38:13It's a playoff career high in the most he scored all season.
38:16Both with Atlanta and with L.A.
38:19Shang-Goon just three of 13 from the field gets that one to go.
38:23And you said Shang-Goon has to get going.
38:26But you also have to get credit to DeAndre 8.
38:29You've got to give credit to Jackson Hayes and their defense on the two-time All-Star.
38:34It's not just him getting his rhythm.
38:36It's about how well the Lakers are playing defensively.
38:39James runs inside.
38:40Got bumped.
38:46James goes to the free throw line to shoot two.
38:49He has not taken a free throw tonight.
38:51You see the numbers.
38:52The 11 assists.
38:57Another record as oldest.
39:01It's funny when you're the oldest player to do a lot of things.
39:04But also in the stat book, he's the youngest player to do a lot of things.
39:08You got any of those legs?
39:10I don't think I do.
39:11Actually, I was out before you start getting into the oldest category.
39:16I was out in the league.
39:18Jansen's MVP, but he misses both free throws.
39:22Lakers have missed nine free throws.
39:24They're 14 of 23.
39:28And a 14-point lead with over seven to play.
39:31Shang-Goon.
39:34Aiton now picks him up.
39:36Shang-Goon uses that left hand.
39:37Can't get it.
39:38Tipped by James right to Vanderbilt.
39:44Canard, Hachimura, no hesitation, a three.
39:48And a rebound.
39:49Eason fouled by Vanderbilt.
39:51That's going to be the 14th foul on the Lakers.
39:56Three on Vanderbilt.
39:59James will get a rest.
40:01He's played 32 minutes so far.
40:06So, Marcus Smart back in.
40:08Smart, Canard, Aiton, Hachimura, and Vanderbilt for the Lakers.
40:13It's Thompson, Shepard, Shang-Goon, Eason, and Jabari Smith.
40:17For the rocket.
40:18Shang-Goon fakes and throws it down.
40:20Ferocious from Alperin Shang-Goon.
40:23And it's back to a dozen.
40:24His instinct off of that catch was to pass it.
40:27That's why he hesitated.
40:28He expected there to be a defender rotating in front of him.
40:31He didn't see anybody there.
40:33So, he took the extra dribble and finished with authority.
40:36Canard again.
40:36Bang!
40:37Luke Canard from downtown.
40:40Some Canard chaos here in game one.
40:42It's a 15-point lead.
40:47And Vanderbilt and Shang-Goon collide.
40:51The officials checking with each other.
40:53Who's it going to be?
40:54I think it's going to be called against Vanderbilt.
40:57Yep.
40:59That's his fourth.
41:00And the Lakers got to be careful because they're in the bonus now.
41:04But look at this miscommunication.
41:07Shang-Goon tries to step up thinking that Luke Canard is going to keep going to his left.
41:11He stops behind the screen.
41:13There is no one around one of the greatest three-point shooters this league has seen.
41:18Five for five from three.
41:2027 points total.
41:24Only played 32 games with the Lakers this season after the trade.
41:28They got him for Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick.
41:31And Shang-Goon misses a free throw.
41:34What a steal that was for the Lakers.
41:37I give him so much credit because he's had so much more responsibility
41:41in terms of how they initiate their offense than they did when they had Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves
41:47when he was mostly spotting up, playing more off the ball.
41:50He has been involved in so much of their initial action.
41:53And the way he's shooting the basketball, he's going to force a lot of reaction,
41:57which leads to something easy for somebody else.
42:01As we approach the midway point here in the fourth.
42:03Smart to Canard.
42:05Canard again gets inside.
42:06Righty layup.
42:07Shot won't go.
42:08Ball tip taken by Smith.
42:10Rockets on the run.
42:11Here's Shepard.
42:12Kicks it out in the corner.
42:14Tari Eason a three.
42:15That's good.
42:16Tari Eason a big bucket.
42:17It's back to 11.
42:19And the Lakers call timeout.
42:21Eason with his second three-pointer.
42:27And still plenty of time.
42:29Well, this is how you're going to have to get back in it.
42:32There's going to have to be some three-point shooting.
42:35Tari Eason knocks down his second.
42:38Rockets trying to rally late.
42:46Kenny Smith from the champion Rockets.
42:49Jack, of course, with the titles here in Los Angeles.
42:53Remember the 93 finals with Charles Barkley and the Suns against Chicago.
42:58That was a great NBA finals.
43:00They'll break it down.
43:01You can always watch it on the ESPN app.
43:02That's coming up.
43:05Still 550 remaining.
43:08The Rockets trying to come back from 11 down with their leading scorer on the bench.
43:12Of course, the Lakers have their two leading scorers on the bench as well.
43:15LeBron James back in.
43:17Houston in a zone.
43:20Smart kicks it out.
43:22James on the bounce.
43:23Back up top.
43:24Marcus Smart sidestep.
43:26His three-pointers up.
43:27It's good.
43:28Marcus Smart rolled around and dropped through.
43:31That's their 10th three-pointer.
43:32And the lead back to 14.
43:34The thing I loved about that, LeBron and Marcus Smart,
43:36neither guy settled for the first three-point shot they could get.
43:41Marcus Smart got a better one once you had to fly by by Thompson.
43:47Cangoon.
43:48Up top, Smith.
43:50Four on the shot clock.
43:50He lets it fly.
43:53Vanderbilt times the rebound perfectly.
43:58Lakers are 10 of 19 from three.
44:01Only 19 attempts, but 53% on those attempts.
44:04James and Smith, one-on-one.
44:07Backing in.
44:09Double-teamed.
44:12Left-handed.
44:13That's good.
44:15With the offhand.
44:17He's got 15.
44:18And it's 96 to 80, equaling the largest of the game.
44:23Thompson inside.
44:25Blocked by Hachimura.
44:26Eason right there, and he banks it home.
44:28Great second effort from Eason.
44:32Well, right now, for the Lakers,
44:34the only thing that's going to hurt you at this point are turnovers.
44:37You just have to make sure you get a shot on every possession.
44:41Take care of the basketball.
44:42James, the hook shot.
44:46Eason with the rebound as we approach four minutes remaining.
44:50Vanderbilt trying to put some pressure on Shepherds.
44:52And if you're the Lakers, you don't want a foul.
44:54You're in the bonus now.
44:55You want to defend without fouls.
44:58Javari Smith short.
45:00Comes right back out to him.
45:01He's going to try again.
45:03Side of a backboard.
45:04And the rebound goes to James.
45:13Smart setting up a play.
45:15Up top to James.
45:20James finds Smart.
45:22Inside Aiton.
45:23DeAndre Aiton falling away.
45:25And Eason a rebound.
45:27Three and a half remaining.
45:31Shang-Goon back out to Eason.
45:33Eason a crossover.
45:34Fancy move.
45:35Gets inside.
45:36Count it at one.
45:36Tari Aiton with a gorgeous move.
45:39And a chance for a three-point play to cut it to 11.
45:46Again, he was getting pressured up the court.
45:49Relieves of pressure.
45:50Great crossover to get to your left hand.
45:52The strong finish.
45:53I thought Javari Smith was a little too aggressive trying to get those three-point shots.
45:59Shoot your shot.
46:00But also understand that there's plenty of time to get downhill, to get some buckets, and to put pressure on
46:05the Lakers.
46:06Eason off the bench.
46:07He's 5-for-5 from the field.
46:09He's got nine rebounds as well.
46:12Misses the free throw.
46:14And a loose ball foul is going to go against DeAndre Aiton, I believe.
46:20That's two more free throws for the Houston Rockets.
46:23That's the last thing the Lakers want.
46:25And a good break for the Rockets is Jabari Smith will shoot two.
46:28You've got a chance for a four-point trip here.
46:31They're in the penalty.
46:32Lakers are going to challenge.
46:33They're trying to tell him J.J.
46:35Riddick came out the half court.
46:37So a challenge on the foul call on Aiton right now.
46:41Lakers up a dozen with just under three-and-a-half remaining.
46:51Well, the foul is called on DeAndre Aiton.
46:53Watch here as he's going to push Jabari Smith.
46:56But it looks like Shingun pushes Aiton from behind.
46:59And that's what it appears the Lakers are challenging.
47:04Here's Jim Capers.
47:06Upon review, Aiton is pushed into Jabari Smith by Shingun.
47:15Therefore, we have a loose ball foul on Shingun.
47:18We have a successful challenge.
47:20That is a charged timeout.
47:21And that's Los Angeles' second challenge of the evening.
47:25It will be Los Angeles' ball out of bounds with 24 on the shot clock.
47:29You talk about an important, successful challenge.
47:32That's right there for J.J. Riddick.
47:33So they're done with the challenges.
47:35They won both of them.
47:37Shingun now picks up his fourth foul.
47:40Yeah, that's big.
47:40I mean, you had an opportunity.
47:41If that doesn't go their way, they don't pick up that on the challenge.
47:46You're talking about potentially a four-point trip, ten-point game.
47:50And Houston's defense, more than capable enough at springing together, stops.
47:53The offense is another question.
47:55But their defense is good enough to lock in.
47:58Canard up top, Hachimura.
48:00Seven on the 24.
48:01James wants it.
48:02Wants it.
48:03It's Thompson right there.
48:05Down to three.
48:06James falling away.
48:07Puts it up.
48:08Puts it in.
48:1214-point lead.
48:14Under three to play.
48:16Shingun to three.
48:17Can't get it to fall.
48:18James the rebound.
48:2017 points, 12 assists, and eight boards, and a foul on them in Thompson with 2.45 remaining.
48:30And when he's on this side, again, the turnaround away from the defense against an all-defensive player.
48:39When you're number one all-time in regular season and playoff scoring, this is where he feels most comfortable.
48:46And he's even having a good time out there.
48:49Inside, James couldn't hold on.
48:50He's only taken 14 shots.
48:53He's made eight of the 14.
48:55You know, legs at the top of the telecast.
48:56You talked about that in terms of what type of game did they need.
49:00They didn't need him to come out and score 40.
49:02They need him to have a game like he's had.
49:03It's about control.
49:05That's really what they needed him to do.
49:06And he's been more in control of this game than anybody on the floor.
49:10And you know he's going to be a dual threat.
49:12And he's picking his spots here late to try to close the deal as a scorer.
49:17Shingun fouled.
49:17Shot wouldn't go, but he's going to go to the free throw line.
49:22With 2.28 remaining.
49:24Right now, the Lakers a 14-point advantage.
49:26Going back to that fadeaway.
49:28He basically had him down on the block.
49:31And by the time he landed and released the basketball, he was only a few feet in front of the
49:36three-point line of the quarter.
49:37Well, that's what he, you also have to lean back that far to get away from Amin Thompson.
49:44That's his athleticism.
49:45That's how quick his jump is.
49:47He's got a quick jump and a quick contest.
49:49He loses the ball a little bit right here.
49:51He was about to go into it.
49:52Takes another dribble.
49:53But look at that.
49:54That contest needed that level of fadeaway.
49:57And that's what makes it so difficult.
49:59Such a tough shot because, you know, the degree to which you are fading away and the basketball traveling in
50:05the opposite direction.
50:06To be able to shoot that the proper distance, incredibly difficult when you fade that much.
50:12Still Rockets ball.
50:13They get the rebound off the miss.
50:15Knocked out of bounds, but they'll have it with 226.
50:17And this James' 293rd playoff game.
50:22And as we said earlier, most playoff points, most playoff games, most playoff minutes.
50:32Shang-Goon drives on Aiton.
50:34He goes across the lane.
50:35Layup's good.
50:36Beautiful move from Shang-Goon.
50:38And it's down to 11 again.
50:43Thompson off the steal.
50:44Shang-Goon goes inside, finds Eason, throws it down.
50:48And it's now 98-89.
50:51Nine-point game as we approach two minutes left.
50:54And I'm not sure I want whoever a man Thompson is guarding to advance the ball up the floor.
50:59You've got other options and who can bring it up.
51:01Marcus Smart has to make a better decision there against an elite defender.
51:07Aiton inside.
51:08Floats it up and in.
51:1216 points, 10 rebounds for Aiton.
51:15And James with his 13th assist.
51:18Shang-Goon across the lane.
51:20Inside and tops it with the slam.
51:24Rockets obviously need stops down nine with 140 remaining.
51:29Hachimura.
51:32Almost lost it.
51:33Aiton to Smart.
51:34They've got to make it across the timeline.
51:36Just do.
51:37Smart drives all the way.
51:38Layup no good but a foul.
51:43Slow down if you're the Lakers.
51:46Slow down.
51:48These are professionals out here.
51:51If you allow defense to speed you up.
51:54Like you said, you can't go against a man Thompson.
51:57Even there.
51:57For the Lakers, yes.
51:58You get the foul.
51:59You have an opportunity for the bucket.
52:01But it's about how you control the game.
52:03That's how they lost control in the first half in the final three minutes.
52:07And that looks like what J.J.
52:08Redick was just telling the entire group.
52:10When you see a coach with both palms extended outward toward your team,
52:15you're usually telling them to pump the brakes for a second.
52:18And let's try to close this out.
52:19Like I said, the only thing that can cost them this game is not getting field goal attempts,
52:25turnovers, and fouls.
52:26They're the two things you want to avoid.
52:28Smart hits two big free throws.
52:30He missed four of his first five tonight.
52:32It's back to 11.
52:34Shepard.
52:35Blocked by Aiton.
52:36Picked up by Smith.
52:37Shepard's going to try again.
52:38It's up.
52:38Long go.
52:39Smith on a follow slam.
52:42And again, back to nine with 120 remaining.
52:48Shepard brings it up against Smith.
52:50Gets across the timeline.
52:54Thompson trying to poke it away.
52:56Smart escapes that.
52:57Throws an alley up to Aiton.
52:59Aiton back up.
53:00Count it on a foul.
53:04Back up to 11 with 104 remaining.
53:09Well, DeAndre Aiton's hands bailed out this possession because this is a tough lot to catch.
53:15Behind the glass.
53:16Comes down.
53:18Goes up on the opposite side for the finish.
53:22Well, the stat that they keep throwing about, DeAndre Aiton, when he takes 10 shots or more, they're 22 and
53:283.
53:29That was his 10th shot.
53:318 of 10 from the field.
53:3319 points.
53:3410 rebounds.
53:35Lakers up a dozen with a minute remaining.
53:38Thompson up top, Shingun.
53:40He's got to take the three-pointer.
53:42Can't get it to fall.
53:43Rebound, Eason.
53:45Eason back out.
53:46Shepard wide open.
53:47Puts it up.
53:47That's good.
53:48Rattles it home.
53:51But it's still a nine-point game.
53:53Aiton in the front court.
53:54Lobs it to Kennard.
53:56James drives down the lane.
53:57Lays it up and in.
54:03Shepard tries another three.
54:05Can't get it.
54:06Aiton the rebound.
54:07And that should pretty much do it.
54:09They're starting to celebrate.
54:13And the Rockets won't foul.
54:15The Lakers will take game one.
54:22Eason has it.
54:24Goes inside.
54:26Layup.
54:26Able to bank at home.
54:27With 15.8 remaining.
54:31And now 107-98.
54:39And a timeout called by the Lakers.
54:42We'll take a timeout.
54:45Lakers on the verge of taking game one of this opening ground.
54:49Best of seven playoff series.
54:56Coming up.
54:56Coming up.
54:57With the guys in Atlanta.
54:58With Ernie Kenny Charles and Shaq.
55:01Coming up right after.
55:02This game one concludes.
55:04We've got just 15.8 seconds remaining.
55:07Coming into the game.
55:08The headline.
55:09Here in game one.
55:10Each team without their leading score.
55:12Lakers without their two leading scores.
55:15And one of the headlines coming out.
55:17As Luke Kennard was one of the great acquisitions in the NBA this season.
55:20One of the best games of his career.
55:2227 points for Kennard.
55:25James is holding up the smart.
55:27And again the Rockets will not foul.
55:30Kennard with 27 points.
55:33Some strong defense.
55:35And the Lakers take game one on their home floor.
55:38Rockets certainly hope that Kevin Durant will return for game two.
55:43Kennard 9 of 13 from the field.
55:465 for 5 from 3.
55:48In his first playoff game as a Laker.
55:52And LeBron James got it started early.
55:55With a 10 assist of the first quarter.
56:02Let's go to Lisa Salters.
56:04Luke your first playoff game as a Laker.
56:07You go 5 for 5.
56:0827 points.
56:09Just what does this personal performance.
56:12What does it mean to you?
56:13Yeah it means a lot.
56:15Obviously we got some guys out right now.
56:20So it feels good to get game one.
56:23A lot of guys stepped up tonight.
56:25And it was a good win.
56:26Again 5 for 5 from 3.
56:28Just when did you start feeling it knowing this is my night.
56:31Yeah I hit a couple there in the second half.
56:34That felt pretty good.
56:35So as a shooter you know when it feels right.
56:39So I was just trying to be aggressive.
56:41Look at my shot whenever I could.
56:43Now they got their offensive rebounds.
56:45But how were you guys able to do the other things to mitigate that?
56:49Yeah I thought we were aggressive.
56:51We were physical.
56:52Made them take tough shots.
56:54Yeah the offensive boards we still got to clean that up.
56:57We still got to be more physical on that end.
56:58But overall when we got rebounds we controlled the pace.
57:02And did a good job getting out on the offensive end.
57:04I think many people thought that without Austin.
57:07Without Luka.
57:08That it was going to be LeBron who was going to have to carry the load.
57:11How has LeBron though empowered you to kind of go out and do your thing?
57:15Yeah I mean he trusts everybody on the floor with him.
57:18And he continues to tell us to be aggressive.
57:21And look for our shots.
57:23Obviously he's going to do his thing.
57:24And we need him to be aggressive and do what he does.
57:26But he's really encouraging.
57:28He gives confidence to everybody.
57:30And he just elevates everybody on the floor.
57:32Thank you Luke.
57:33Congrats on game one.
57:33Mike.
57:34All right Lusa.
57:35So often NBA playoff games decided by a role player.
57:40This one happened to be one of the great three point shooters in NBA history.
57:44Our producer tonight Phil Dean.
57:46Our director Mike Schwab and our wonderful ABC crew.
57:49Thanks to them of course for Legs Richard and Lisa.
57:52Mike Brinstein the NBA playoffs continue tomorrow afternoon at 1 Eastern at ABC.
57:57With a first round doubleheader.
57:59We say goodnight from Los Angeles.
58:02And thank you for watching the NBA on ABC.
58:05Home of the NBA finals.
58:06And after the break gets you to Atlanta.
58:08And inside the NBA with Ernie and the gang.
58:10Goodnight.
58:10Goodnight.
58:10Goodnight.
58:11Goodnight.
58:11Goodnight.
58:12Goodnight.
58:13Goodnight.
58:13Goodnight.
58:13Goodnight.
58:16Alright.
58:17I'll see you in the right.
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