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00:00He played great today.
00:01Big Cat played great today, too.
00:03New York up 9 after 3.
00:05Cat had 11 of his 25 in the fourth quarter.
00:08What happened there?
00:10Oh, get up, little man.
00:11New York Knicks.
00:14113-102 winners.
00:16They'll play Game 2 of that series on Monday in New York.
00:22Kiki.
00:25Welcome back to NBA Playoffs, presented by Google here in L.A.
00:28First round presented by Popeyes.
00:31Two-point game as you get set to start the third here in Game 1
00:35of this opening round best-of-seven playoff series.
00:40First-half stats are brought to you by four.
00:42Look at the huge disparity in the field goal percentage,
00:46but then look at the huge disparity in the free-throw attempts,
00:49and the turnover certainly helped the Lakers
00:51as they only lead by two as we get set for that third quarter.
00:55And hello again, everyone, along with Richard Jefferson
00:58and Tim Legler, Mike Green on hand.
00:59We'll check in with Lisa Salters in just a moment.
01:02Anything strike your fancy in that first half?
01:04Well, I think the Lakers couldn't have played any better offensively,
01:06but they got sloppy with the ball to close the half.
01:09It allowed Houston to get back in the game, cut it to two.
01:11No, for me, the Lakers, their consistency, they have to slow down.
01:15They don't want to make this a run-and-gun game with the Houston Rockets.
01:18When they get the opportunity, they have to be slow and play possession basketball.
01:22All right, let's end to the Lisa Salters.
01:24Yeah, my guy said to Eme Udoka,
01:26my guy thinks that you're probably pleased with where you are right now,
01:29only down two.
01:30And he said, yeah.
01:30He said, I think our second quarter was much better physicality-wise.
01:34It was 19-17 for us that quarter.
01:36We just increased our physicality and got to the ball.
01:40He also pointed out that they went from 81% shooting to mid-60s,
01:44so he said, obviously, we did a good job defensively.
01:46And then I asked him, you know, how do you start playing offensively your game?
01:50And he said, obviously, we've got to compensate for what's missing
01:53and do it in a different way.
01:54And he said, that starts in transition.
01:57We've got to convert when we get out on the break.
02:00Well, a good start right there, Lisa, on the first possession.
02:04Shepard knocks down the three, and it's the Rockets who go up by one.
02:10Lakers led almost the entire first half.
02:12Their largest lead was 10.
02:15And Aiton had a strong 17 minutes in that first half, 12 points, four boards.
02:20James had the 10 assists back up top.
02:22Marcus Smart fakes.
02:24Kogi with the foul.
02:26That's going to be his first side out.
02:30And we talked about a missed opportunity for the Lakers there
02:33at the end of the first half.
02:35And what happens on the first possession?
02:38Reed Shepard gets going, knocks down a three.
02:41Van Fleet loving it.
02:42But you see the difference between going into halftime, up 10, 12 points,
02:47and then on the first possession, now you're down one.
02:50Smart.
02:51Can't get it.
02:52Shang-Goon the rebound.
02:53You see Van Fleet.
02:54Rockets win 52 games, and their starting point guard are Shepard way outside.
03:00Not that time.
03:01And their starting point guard didn't play.
03:02Not that knee injury prior to training camp.
03:06As Javari Smith tries to free.
03:08That one off the mark.
03:12Jared Bleed expected to be back full.
03:15Full healthy next year.
03:17Next camp.
03:19Smart.
03:20Not a good shot.
03:21Aiton on the second effort.
03:23Looked like the ball was falling off the rim.
03:27As some of the Rockets thought it should have been basket interference.
03:31Offensive interference.
03:32Lakers back up one.
03:34Aiton was just camped down there.
03:35The entire possession.
03:37Just too long to keep off the glass.
03:41Javari Smith.
03:43Hachimara.
03:43There's a good job defending.
03:45Aiton grabs another rebound.
03:47DeAndre Aiton.
03:4918 very engaged minutes.
03:52Kennard.
03:57James Okoge.
04:00James just six points, but the 10 assists in that first half.
04:03Backs in.
04:04Backs in.
04:04Leans in.
04:05Backs at home.
04:06Just overwhelmed them down low.
04:08That's just wrong force right there.
04:10And the double team got there, but by the time they did, LeBron James had the leverage.
04:15He got his shoulders between the trap and was able to muscle that up off the glass.
04:23Smart comes up and is called for a foul.
04:25That's going to be the third foul on Marcus Smart.
04:28He does not like it, clearly.
04:31And we knew LeBron was going to operate in the post quite a bit,
04:34particularly without Luka and Austin Reeves out there.
04:37And you see right there, he just steps through.
04:39I meant Thompson took a bad angle there.
04:41If you come down on that trap, you've got to make sure you're toe-to-toe with the initial defender
04:45to force him to pass it.
04:47Shang-Goon couldn't get it.
04:48Aiton grabs a rebound.
04:49And then Shang-Goon called for a foul.
04:52That's three on Shang-Goon.
04:54So Shang-Goon with three.
04:55Marcus Smart for the Lakers with three.
04:59He may, Udoka, certainly without Kevin Durant, cannot afford to have to sit Shang-Goon because
05:04of foul trouble.
05:05Boy, they're struggling to score on the offensive end already.
05:09Just 19 points in that second quarter to lose your other all-star to foul trouble.
05:13It also just messes up the rhythm of how you're trying to play.
05:17Smart foul.
05:19Shot didn't go, but free throws as Thompson picks up his first.
05:29Mark, there you see his numbers so far.
05:34He was third in the NBA in charges drawn, always doing the defensive stuff.
05:39Lakers led the NBA in that department.
05:41Your playoff picks now with NBA Pick'em Bracket Challenge presented by Castrol for a chance
05:46to win a million dollars.
05:48Play free at NBA.com backslash bracket or on the NBA app.
05:53A lot of Santa Monica shots done.
05:56Why not?
05:58Get you ready for summer.
06:00Well, actually, for you, it's year-round.
06:01Yeah, it's year-round.
06:02Summer year-round out here.
06:05Three-point Laker lead.
06:09Thompson.
06:10Shang-Goon not expecting it.
06:12The coach, you know, helps out.
06:13Kicks it out in the corner.
06:15Smith, wide open three.
06:16Got it.
06:17Jabari Smith, his third three-pointer.
06:19He's their leading scorer with 13.
06:21And just the paint touch to that no-look.
06:24The defense had to pick one.
06:26Jabari looks him away with his eyes.
06:28That's just an easy shot.
06:34James Okoge trying to fight through the screen.
06:36James spins and lost a handle.
06:39Three-on-one break.
06:40Smith back for Thompson.
06:40Throws it ahead.
06:41Okoge backshot.
06:42He missed it.
06:43Too strong off the glass.
06:44And Kennard comes the other way.
06:463-1 on one break.
06:51Hachimura.
06:58They've only taken nine three-pointers out of 40 shots.
07:02Well, they're a low-volume three-point attempt team.
07:04As is Houston, this game was going to be decided in the paint with some timely three-point shooting sprinkled
07:11in for both teams.
07:14Hachimura looks down low.
07:16Pass deflected out of bounds.
07:19Last touch by Thompson.
07:21Lakers will inbound.
07:25LeBron James frustrated right there because he did all the work.
07:28He ran ahead.
07:28He had the early seal.
07:30Had Ahmed Thompson on his back.
07:31And the pass was not delivered in time.
07:33Shingun with the block.
07:35Excellent defensive play from Alperin Shingun.
07:37And Thompson comes the other way.
07:41Okoge a three.
07:48Games deflected by Shingun.
07:51And it's still a Laker ball.
07:53And this is good team defense.
07:56You see Rui cuts backdoor.
07:58Reed gives a contest.
08:00Now, where's your help?
08:01That's when Shingun comes over.
08:03Shingun gets the clean block.
08:04It's help the helper.
08:06Your teammate gets beat.
08:08Can you step up?
08:11Smart misses that three.
08:13He's taken four of their ten threes.
08:15Doesn't have any to go down yet.
08:177.6 assists for Smart.
08:21Thompson inside.
08:22Shingun against Aiton.
08:24Backing in.
08:25Backing in.
08:26Bites Thompson.
08:27Little floater on the paint.
08:28Good.
08:30Such hard action to defend.
08:32Because you've got a post up taking place.
08:35And normally, if you're going to get traffic, there's going to be a kick out to the perimeter.
08:39But instead, Thompson just cuts in.
08:41And that's basically about six feet of space between him and Shingun.
08:45Very difficult to take that cut away.
08:52Hachimura.
08:53Huge advantage against Reed Shepard.
08:55He's going to get some help.
08:56Koei comes to double-team.
08:58Smart.
08:58Extra pass.
08:59Kennard fake.
09:00Kennard fire.
09:01Kennard hit.
09:02Little Kennard a three-pointer.
09:04And a lead back up to four.
09:07But if he gets an open one, forget it.
09:09I mean, his consistency throughout his career, when he gets time and space and uses the upbake
09:14to create it right there, it's practically automatic.
09:18Led the NBA in three-point percentage for the third time in his career.
09:23Five on the 24.
09:24Shepard looking for an opening.
09:26Aiton's guarding him.
09:27Two on the shot clock.
09:28Shepard drives inside.
09:29Just gets it off in time.
09:30Won't go.
09:31Shingun the rebound.
09:33Spins back up top to Thompson.
09:39And then Thompson, five on the 24.
09:42Shot clock winding down again.
09:43Couldn't get it to fall.
09:45Fight for the rebound.
09:45Still loose.
09:46And a hell ball.
09:47Good battle down low from both teams.
09:50And we'll have a timeout.
09:52Coming up on the woodway point here on the third.
09:55Lakers right now hanging on to a four-point lead.
10:05Pairings delivered by Papa John's legs.
10:07And I talk about the unique spacing that the Rockets present because of our man Thompson's
10:12skill set.
10:12Normally when you get a post up like this, and you're going to see right here, you've got
10:16one-on-one in a post.
10:18You're going to get shooters all over the fort.
10:20Typically, you're going to see this guy's face out.
10:22But watch.
10:23Instead, Thompson cuts right into the lane.
10:26And you can see the Lakers not prepared for it.
10:28They're waiting to funnel out to the three-point shooters.
10:31Thompson basically receives a dribble handoff from Shingun in the lane.
10:36So rare to see interior passing like that be effective.
10:40But Thompson makes it work.
10:43Another terrific season for a man Thompson.
10:46This does a little bit of everything, such a stat stuffer.
10:50Some think he is, I think even Yudoka thinks, he might be the best athlete in the NBA with
10:55just this incredible motor.
10:58Oh, yeah.
10:59And it's that the athleticism isn't just how high he jumped.
11:03It's how quick he is.
11:04It's his burst of speed.
11:05There are so many things that he does out there.
11:07You have the world's greatest athletes out there, and he's the standout amongst them.
11:12With great instincts.
11:14Kennard.
11:15Thompson closes there.
11:17James.
11:18Tari Eason guarding him now.
11:19James backs in.
11:21Backs in.
11:21Overwhelms.
11:22Backs at home.
11:23He wanted a foul as well.
11:25Just too strong.
11:26And they've got to communicate that better.
11:28There's no way you can allow him to have one-on-one coverage with that many dribbles.
11:33Clearly, somebody has to come.
11:35I think they were reluctant because the communication wasn't there.
11:38LeBron James will eat that up.
11:40Shepard falling away.
11:41Can't get it to fall.
11:44DeAndre Ayton now with a double-double.
11:4614 points, 10 rebounds.
11:49Kennard, he extra pass.
11:50Hachimora, well defended by Shepard, forces him to turn it over.
11:57Kennard harassing Thompson.
11:58Here's Jabari Smith.
12:00And a reach-in.
12:01It's knocked down.
12:03It's going to be the second-team foul on the Lakers.
12:07And let's count the dribbles.
12:08He faces up.
12:09One dribble.
12:10Two dribble.
12:11Three dribble.
12:12Four.
12:12Like, that's just too much.
12:14This is the leading scorer in playoff history, in NBA history.
12:18And you're going to give him five dribbles on the block with no help.
12:22Especially with the Lakers.
12:23They're shooting okay from three, but that's a guaranteed shot.
12:28Second foul on James.
12:30Thompson falls down.
12:32And a hell of a ball.
12:35Thompson getting a rest.
12:36He played more minutes than anybody in the NBA this season.
12:40And his minutes are different than most others minutes.
12:43Those are hard minutes.
12:44He plays night in and night out on the season in terms of per game.
12:48Thompson, 37 and a half minutes per game.
12:53Another jump ball.
12:56Schengen getting a rest right now.
13:00No teams without their leading scorer.
13:03No Doncic, no Durant.
13:05Of course, no Reeves as well.
13:08Without Schengen on the floor.
13:11Houston gets the ball back.
13:12A lot of what they're going to do now is predicated on a Reed Shepard's movement.
13:15Trying to free him up or create a communication issue for the Lakers.
13:20Or you're going to see Thompson try to get some isos and get downhill and create.
13:25Rockets had a delay of game warning there.
13:27So next one's a technical foul.
13:29Game like this.
13:30Right now it's just a six-point game.
13:33Smith and James pushing and shoving each other.
13:35It's going to be called on Jabari Smith.
13:38That's going to be his first.
13:42Officials are going to confer right here.
13:45And it was really just a bump.
13:52Holds on to him a little bit.
13:54This is the second time we've seen it.
13:56That's the right call.
13:57That's his first.
13:58It did feel like LeBron initiated that.
14:00He went out of his way to make sure right there gets the contact.
14:04And then Jabari Smith just said, wait a second.
14:06You're not going to bump me and then run away from me.
14:08Well, you are supposed to do that.
14:10My job is to get out in front of you in that lane first.
14:13So if he initiates that contact, now that's where the foul occurs because he's trying to stop him.
14:18Well, that could have easily been a double foul.
14:20He said it was a transition take foul.
14:22So that's why the one free throw.
14:25Game's inside.
14:27Another foul.
14:28Start to get a little chippy.
14:33Eason picking up the personal.
14:35That's three on Eason in just 11 minutes.
14:37LaRavia will shoot.
14:39So they're on the penalty with five minutes to go here on the third.
14:43LaRavia in his first year signed a two-year free agent deal.
14:50Time to check this week's playoff tracker brought to you by United Airlines.
14:55In this series, game two of the series, not until Tuesday, game three, not until Friday.
15:02You can see down there is an extra day rest.
15:05Again, the Lakers seem to kind of like that.
15:08Maybe Dodgers and Reeves comes back.
15:09Obviously, the Rockets now like the extra day for Durant coming back for game two.
15:15Lakers lead up to nine.
15:21Ball deflected.
15:22James comes up with it.
15:23Throws it last.
15:24What a beautiful pass.
15:25And then Shepard with a block but a foul.
15:27Good hustle from Shepard to the stop.
15:30What would have been an easy two points.
15:32More good defense from L.A.
15:34I love the defense right here on this trap.
15:36You've got a smaller guard backing up toward half court, R.J.
15:39You have to have high hands.
15:40There's no way Reed Shepard's going to get that over that size trap.
15:43Oh, they count it.
15:44Just a clean block.
15:46Even a better defensive player than I thought.
15:49James backs in against Easton again.
15:51One-on-one.
15:52Tate looking to help out but doesn't want to leave Hachimura.
15:55James can't get to the fall.
15:56And Smith with a rebound.
16:01Shepard off the bounce.
16:02James tries again.
16:03Goes inside.
16:04Floater off the glass.
16:05Can't get it.
16:06Tate's tip.
16:07Two different tips.
16:09Neither one went down.
16:10Here comes James.
16:12Pass deflected inside and stolen.
16:15Tyree Eason goes at Hachimura.
16:17Back for Tate.
16:18Gathers and backs it home.
16:22Jayshan Tate with his first field goal.
16:24It's a beautiful basketball there, Legs.
16:27Beautiful basketball.
16:29A lot of action.
16:29A little result.
16:30Yeah.
16:33And Shepard called for a reach in there.
16:36There in the penalty.
16:37That's not a smart foul.
16:39I mean, Udoka did not think it was a foul.
16:43This is tough for Houston to give up these points really off the ball now.
16:47You've given up here four free throw attempts.
16:50And they're second in the league in attempts.
16:52But Luka Doncic takes almost 40% of those.
16:55So to be able to get to the line like this really is a gift.
16:59They'll take it.
17:01Arabia knocks down the first.
17:03Emi Udoka, his third year as head coach.
17:06Tough old-fashioned.
17:07Years before he took over the Rockets, they won 22 games.
17:10First year they won 41.
17:12Last year 52.
17:13This year 52.
17:15Influenced in the San Antonio organization.
17:19Seven years as an assistant coach.
17:22He uses Pops' line all the time.
17:23He says, people's opinion of you is none of your business.
17:27That's an old Greg Popovich line.
17:29That's a great line.
17:30Uses it for his young team.
17:32He's done a magnificent job with the Rockets.
17:41It continues tomorrow afternoon on ABC and the ESPN app.
17:44Two more game one.
17:45Celtics Sixers at 1 Eastern.
17:46Then Thunder host the Suns.
17:48And of course, the gang Ernie, Kenny, Charles, and Shaq tip off.
17:52All the coverage at 1230 Eastern.
17:55Fred Van Vliet, terrific player, out for the season.
17:58He's mic'd up for us tonight.
18:00Get your match up!
18:01What's up, Lee?
18:02What's up?
18:03A little pressure, Reed.
18:04Here you go, Shep.
18:06Hey, test that handle.
18:08I like the boom, boom.
18:10You got the rhythm.
18:11Just keep it to the side.
18:13Go back to the other side.
18:14You're making the right reads in there.
18:16But with CeCe, you got to get Aiden to come to you.
18:20He's not committed to you, so that means you open.
18:22Okay?
18:23Yeah.
18:24Yeah.
18:26Boy, they could use him.
18:27Of course, won a ring with the Raptors back in 2019.
18:33Tore up his knee before the season.
18:35Holiday.
18:37Cangu calling for it.
18:38Hayes does a good job fronting.
18:40Shot clock at 7.
18:42Dari Eason goes right at Jackson.
18:44Hayes adjusts and flicks it up and in.
18:47First shot attempt for Eason, his first points, and it's a seven-point game.
18:51Again, the Lakers did the same thing in the first half.
18:54They build a lead up to 8, 10 points.
18:56And then in the final two and a half, three minutes, they let it slip.
18:59Gets it cut to two.
19:01How are the Lakers going to finish this quarter?
19:06Five to shoot for the Lakers.
19:08Kennard trying to find some room.
19:10Gets into the paint.
19:11Had to poke the weight.
19:12Lost it.
19:12And a reach-in foul with three-tenths of a second.
19:14And he's a little shaken up.
19:19Holding that left hand.
19:21The index finger bandaged up.
19:25Eason picks up his fourth foul.
19:28Well, he gets you to chase him hard over the top of these screens
19:32because of that shooting ability.
19:35Trying to get into the lane, which he's been pretty good at tonight.
19:39Encountering their closeouts and draws the foul.
19:42Earn his two easiest ones of the night.
19:45J.J. Reddick calls him the ultimate blender guy.
19:49Well, that's because when he catches the ball, it helps blend the offense.
19:53He can make plays for himself off the dribble.
19:57He's a catch-and-shoot guy.
19:58Defenses rotate him.
20:00He helps blend the offense together.
20:02I also love something else he said.
20:04He said, I'd love to see shorthanded like this without Luke and Austin Reeves.
20:07Luke Kennard takes seven or eight threes a night and shoot 38%
20:11rather than take four safe ones and make two or three out of four.
20:15And right now, he's two for two.
20:17That's where you want him to be more aggressive.
20:20He just is more of a percentage guy.
20:22Yeah, Tate drives in hard.
20:24Can't get it to fall.
20:25Gets his own rebound.
20:26Finds Thompson.
20:27And Thompson foul.
20:28Dayshaun Tate with great, great hustle.
20:31He's only played seven minutes, but he's got four points, four rebounds.
20:36And that's an accomplishment for Jackson Hayes to get a piece of Thompson on this
20:40because he's so quick off his feet.
20:43Pretty good defense there.
20:44Three Lakers.
20:45Tate, the great hustle.
20:46But right there, just getting enough of his left wrist to dislodge that basketball
20:51and prevent him from having an and-one opportunity and forcing this.
20:56A good credit to Tate as Durant sits and watches.
20:59Tate played four years at College Board.
21:01Ohio State wasn't drafted in 2018.
21:04Didn't make the NBA until 2020.
21:06Went, played in Belgium, played in Australia.
21:08First couple of years, he started 135 games, average double figures.
21:12But again, the last couple of years, he's had to take a lesser role.
21:15And as you can see, him sitting on the bench has no impact when he gets called
21:19because he is out there with a force.
21:20Well, you have to understand, a lot of times those starts came when the team was
21:24winning 20-plus games that allowed them to go get the Ahmed Thompson,
21:29that allow you to go get these high-level players.
21:31And you know what happens?
21:32Now the players come in and your role changes.
21:35Smart gets inside with the left hand.
21:38Banks at home.
21:41Marcus Smart now, nine points.
21:43And it's a ten-point lead for the Lakers.
21:45This equals the largest lead of the game.
21:49Shang-Goon goes right at Hashimura.
21:52Shot won't go.
21:53Ball tipped up and in.
21:54Thompson right there with Tate.
21:56And Thompson credited for the bucket.
22:01Offensive rebounding as usual for Houston.
22:0514 offensive rebounds, but the Lakers haven't really been decimated by those
22:10in terms of points they've given up off of them.
22:13See if it becomes a bigger factor here as we go forward
22:16because it's such a part of their identity.
22:19Tar Easton drives inside.
22:20Shut off.
22:21Back up top.
22:22Shang-Goon has run to two minutes to go in the third.
22:25Holiday.
22:27Finds some room.
22:28Clips it up.
22:28Can't get it to fall.
22:29Fight for the rebound.
22:30Sean Cunard.
22:31And it's going to go against Tate.
22:34And a technical foul.
22:36Bayshawn Tate upset.
22:39Got into it with Marcus Smart.
22:40They both went down.
22:41The foul is called on Tate.
22:43Personal foul and technical foul.
22:46I don't know what he said, but that was a quick technical foul.
22:49That usually means something that you're not allowed to say now.
22:55Well, you look right here.
22:56Marcus Smart has inside position clearly.
22:58And Tate just grabs that arm and yanks him to the ground.
23:01That's an easy call.
23:02And then his reaction gets the tech.
23:08And Cunard.
23:12Knocks down the free throw.
23:15You've got to keep your composure.
23:17This is the playoffs.
23:19If you're Tate, you're an energy guy.
23:21You are a hustle guy.
23:22Getting a technical.
23:24Idoka got a technical.
23:26So, a technical on Tate.
23:27A technical on Idoka.
23:29But for Tate, those are mistakes that you can't make.
23:32Hey, the referee doesn't get the call.
23:34You are not LeBron James.
23:35You are not Luka Doncic.
23:37It doesn't mean that you don't command respect.
23:39But you have to understand how you're going to help your team.
23:43You love the fire, but you have to keep your emotional control in these moments.
23:47Well, in the first half, the free throw advantage, huge for the Rockets.
23:52Not the case here in the third.
23:55Smart misses that free throw.
23:57Lakers miss now seven free throws.
23:59They're 11 for 18.
24:00They've taken 12 free throws here in the third quarter.
24:11Smart just one of five.
24:13You can see upset with himself.
24:15And he gets that one to go.
24:17And the fouling right now by Houston has really been a big story over the last few minutes.
24:22You're not giving your half-court defense, an elite half-court defense, an opportunity to put the clamps on the
24:29Lakers.
24:29Instead, you're just letting them march to the foul line and get free ones.
24:33Cangoon, got it by Jackson Hayes.
24:35Spins.
24:36Hayes trying to stay with him.
24:37Blocked by Hayes.
24:39Perfect defense from the backup center.
24:41As LaRavia brings it into the front court.
24:44And look at the difference here in this final two minutes.
24:46A little bit more deliberate by the Lakers.
24:49Topson with a steal.
24:51James in pursuit.
24:52Topson inside.
24:53Blocked by LaRavia.
24:54As Topson goes crashing to the floor.
24:57There was a lot of contact there.
24:59And a timeout call by the Rockets.
25:02Emei Udoka coming way out onto the floor to talk to Eddie Malloy.
25:06And also getting Jay Sean Tate away from him.
25:08As I was complimenting the Lakers on taking control late in the quarter.
25:13Ahmed Thompson gets the steal.
25:15But Jake LaRavia not giving up on the play.
25:18Wow.
25:26That is so much contact.
25:29As the Lakers got a break on that.
25:30That's this playoff basketball here.
25:32This might be the best block of Jake LaRavia's career.
25:36Skying over top.
25:37Not might be.
25:38I'm going to say it is.
25:39But a lot of contact there to his upper back in the back of his head.
25:43Easily could have been called.
25:45I agree.
25:45So, Javari Smith fouled.
25:48LaRavia picks up the personal.
25:50Smith to the free throw line.
25:54A lot of free throws right now.
25:55As soon as he said on camera, you went like this.
25:58Well, that's usually you.
25:59Like, it's amazing your innate sense for when the camera's on you.
26:04Yeah.
26:04Well, look.
26:05This is the thing.
26:05I like that they kept Mike out of that shot.
26:08I think that was the best part about it.
26:11It's okay.
26:12You're on camera.
26:14It's in your contract.
26:15Yes.
26:15We do look sharp today.
26:16If I knew where the camera was, I'd make eye contact.
26:19That's my favorite part.
26:20Hi, America.
26:22Do you think we look good tonight?
26:23I know we look good.
26:24If you want guaranteed flowers, set them to be yourself.
26:26Barrett, you know it.
26:27Oh, just stop it now.
26:30Vanderbilt couldn't hold on.
26:31James.
26:33Able to gather.
26:34Final minute third quarter.
26:39Lakers by nine.
26:40They've led by as many as ten.
26:45And Tate call for another foul.
26:47Tate a little frustrated.
26:48His second foul.
26:50Trying to bring his physical game right now.
26:54And a little frustrated.
26:55He got the tech.
26:57Nidoko got the tech.
26:58And now Jackson Hayes will shoot.
27:00And this line has been the Lakers' best friend.
27:03The free throw line here over the last few minutes.
27:05They haven't even really had to execute their half-court offense
27:09because some of these fouls are taking place early in the clock
27:13before Houston's even had a chance to really impose any pressure on the Lakers.
27:18So, right now, L.A. taking advantage of this whistle
27:22and an opportunity to extend the lead.
27:25And this is their largest lead.
27:27You saw Dacic and Reeves.
27:28They're missing 56.8 points per game with those two out.
27:33But they have an 11-point advantage.
27:36No Kevin Durant for the Rockets tonight.
27:39And they hope to have them back for game two.
27:41Thompson gets into the paint.
27:42Soft touch is good.
27:44And he's got 15.6 rebounds.
27:55Tate on James.
27:57It's really important for the Rockets to get a stop here without fouling
28:00and get this last quick possession to end the quarter.
28:04LaRavia launches.
28:06Thompson grabs another rebound.
28:09Lakers do not have a foul to give.
28:11Shot clock is off.
28:12Thompson goes right at smart layup.
28:13Won't go, but a foul.
28:15And Thompson to shoot two with 3.1 remaining.
28:18Well, you know you have a lead quickness win.
28:21You have a defender completely backing up,
28:23giving you all the space you want,
28:25and you're still able to turn the corner,
28:28create the contact, get to the line.
28:30So this couldn't have worked out any better for the Rockets.
28:33They got that stop we were talking about without fouling,
28:36and that they get an opportunity if a man Thompson can cash in.
28:43And again, besides the points,
28:45seven boards, six assists.
28:47It's only 23 years old.
28:49Some blood on Jackson Hayes.
28:51A foul, by the way, on Smart.
28:53His fourth.
28:53So Markets Smart has four.
28:56Tyree Eason has four for Houston.
29:01Smart trying to plead his case to Jimmy Capers.
29:07Thompson, three for four from the line.
29:08As we said, much improved free throw shooting this year.
29:15Last year, NBA All-Defense first team.
29:18His brother might make NBA All-Defense first team.
29:21There's a missed free throw for the Rockets.
29:23They've been pretty good from the line, but now 15 of 19.
29:27And now that's 21 free throw attempts in this quarter between the two teams.
29:31There's only 13 made baskets in the quarter.
29:35Really low number.
29:40Missing those great scores as James tips it smart,
29:43trying to hold on.
29:44And does.
29:45And that will end the third quarter.
29:49We head to the fourth here in Los Angeles.
29:52Game one in this best-of-seven series.
29:54It's an eye-point lead.
29:55This presentation presented by Popeyes will continue after this message and a word from our ABC stations.
30:01NBA first round presented by Popeyes.
30:04Luke taking care of the basketball and boxing out.
30:06Those were the keys coming into this series.
30:08How do you think you're doing so far?
30:10Pretty well.
30:12Definitely some things we can clean up down on the defensive end.
30:16Limiting them to one shot and get out and run.
30:17Control the pace a little bit.
30:19But overall, pretty good job.
30:19J.J. Redick has said that without Luka and Austin, he wants you to be even more aggressive,
30:25take even more shots.
30:27What will be your mentality in this fourth quarter to try to close out this game one?
30:31Yeah, stay aggressive.
30:33I mean, 12 minutes is a long time.
30:35And we've got to be organized out there, control the pace, play with the flow of the game,
30:40and continue to be aggressive.
30:42Thank you.
30:42Thank you.
30:43All right, Lisa, he's the game's leading score.
30:45This is his 29th playoff game as Hachimura misses.
30:50Playoffs with Detroit, with the Clippers, with Memphis.
30:54Acquired midseason from Atlanta.
30:56A terrific pickup by the Lakers.
30:58And then Thompson searching.
31:00Hachimura chasing.
31:04Thompson a crossover.
31:06And a foul by Hachimura.
31:12Second foul.
31:16Hachimura tonight with 10 points and a couple of threes.
31:19Real question for me right now, for the Rockets, their offense has to be a lot better to close
31:25this gap.
31:26Shingun has to be better when he checks back in the game, make him the focal point.
31:30We haven't given the Lakers defense enough credit for how well they've played against
31:34the Rockets, and that might get the floodgates going a little bit.
31:38Reed Shepard gets some space.
31:39Fourth three-pointer for Shepard.
31:41And quickly back to six.
31:43Opening minute here on the fourth.
31:46Shepard now with 14.
31:47Thompson with 15.
31:49Smith with 14.
31:52Hachimura against Thompson.
31:54Trying to find some room.
31:55Tough contested shot.
31:57He knocks it down.
31:59And he talks about their offense.
32:01The Houston Rockets defense has played a pretty good game.
32:05It's their offense.
32:06And then when you look at their offense, you're, before the game, you lose Kevin Durant.
32:10So their defense has been maintained.
32:12They just need other people to step up, as you mentioned.
32:15Thompson couldn't hold on.
32:1712 turnover for the Rockets.
32:20And we've talked about what the Lakers are missing, but they've had other offensive players
32:24step up.
32:25Luke Kennard with 18.
32:26Rory Hachimura 5 for 8 for 12 points.
32:29So the Lakers are maintaining their offensive intensity.
32:36Cody the foul.
32:37His second.
32:41And the first team foul for the Rockets.
32:43Lakers trying to go back to what's been so effective all night.
32:46That's LeBron James with the initial catch at the elbow.
32:50And running either a tight ball screen or dribble handoff from there.
32:55But Kogi right up on James.
32:58James has 10 points.
32:59He's only taken 10 shots and a moving screen on DeAndre Ayton.
33:02That's his first foul.
33:04You like that call, Legs?
33:05Not really.
33:06DeAndre Ayton doesn't either.
33:09It's difficult when you're a big.
33:10And, man, you're just trying to get a little piece.
33:12There's not a lot of contact there.
33:14I didn't think he moved a whole lot to deserve that offensive foul.
33:17And I think he stopped before the movement started.
33:20There's about 300 screens a game per game in the NBA.
33:26And sometimes it's hard to see which is illegal, which is not.
33:31Shepard drives inside, kicks it out in the corner.
33:33Thompson's three-pointer.
33:35Air ball.
33:36Vanderbilt comes up.
33:37Nice pass.
33:38Kennard.
33:38Kennard racing up the floor.
33:40Great hustle from Akogi.
33:41Kennard switches, change direction.
33:43Back out.
33:44Hachimura pulls up.
33:45Two-pointer.
33:46It's good.
33:4814 for Hachimura.
33:50And the lead back up to 10.
33:51He is a great mid-range jump shooter.
33:54Not a good one, a great one.
33:55When he gets that distance on his shot, he's so consistent.
34:02Ball deflected out.
34:03Lakers trying to say it was last touched by Capella.
34:06They whistle it, said it was off 8, and the officials are going to gather.
34:10And they're going to change the call.
34:12Eddie Molloy comes in.
34:13Let's Tyler Ford.
34:15It's going the other way.
34:16Why was that important?
34:17Because J.J. Redick was going to challenge that.
34:20He was going to challenge that.
34:21His whole team is asking for it.
34:23Referees come together.
34:24They keep it.
34:25They get it correct.
34:26And now the Lakers still get to maintain their challenge.
34:32Good ball denial from Thompson.
34:34Kennard eventually gets it back.
34:36Fires up a three.
34:37Pucks it in.
34:38Luke Kennard nails it.
34:40Largest lead of the game.
34:45And that one's a little different.
34:47That's going to his right.
34:48That's a much more difficult shot for Luke Kennard on a dribble handoff or a pitch out.
34:54Typically going left is where he likes to take that type of shot.
34:58This is a tough shot because the defender is closing on your shooting side.
35:03And it's so distracting.
35:05Great concentration by Luke Kennard.
35:12One of the elite three-point shooters in NBA history.
35:18And now with 21 points, he just picked up a foul.
35:21That's his first foul.
35:22Shepard throws it out of bounds.
35:25Kogi was in the corner but cut to the basket.
35:28And turnover number 13 for the Rockets.
35:30And that's twice now.
35:31You can see the lack of corner three-point shooting for the Rockets really surfaced.
35:35They left Ahmed Thompson one time and forced him to take an air ball three from the corner.
35:40That time Kogi on the cut leads to a turnover.
35:44Eight and traveled.
35:4717 turnovers for the Lakers.
35:50If you said before the game that the Lakers are going to have 17 turnovers, you would not think they'd
35:54be up by 13.
35:56And giving up, what, 15 offensive rebounds.
35:58Like, those are two things that Houston does so well.
36:01Turn you over and get on the glass.
36:02But their offense has been so bad in the half court, Lakers haven't really been hurt by those two things.
36:08No, they're missing a pretty good half-court offensive player, too.
36:15Shepard gets inside.
36:17Kicks it out in the corner.
36:18Tyree Eason, a three.
36:20Got it.
36:20An important bucket right there.
36:24Eason with just his second field goal.
36:25It's back to 10.
36:29Still plenty of time remaining.
36:31Just under eight and a half left here on the fourth.
36:34James, long three-pointer.
36:36It's good.
36:37LeBron James way downtown.
36:39It's back up to 13.
36:4113.
36:4213.
36:49Shepard on the drive.
36:51Hook shot.
36:51Can't get it.
36:53Vandemont the rebound.
36:54Finds Kennard.
36:55Kennard on the break.
36:57Fakes drive.
36:58Shut up nicely by Smith.
36:59Kennard tries a three.
37:01Got it!
37:02Kennard's cooking right now.
37:05Largest lead of the night.
37:06A 16-point advantage.
37:08Timeout Rockets.
37:18LeBron James knocking down his first three.
37:2313 points for LeBron.
37:25Taking the lead to 13.
37:28And then Luke Kennard knocking down another three.
37:32Sending the lead to 16.
37:34Lakers up big with seven to go.
37:44NBA first round on ABC is presented by Popeyes.
37:48Love that chicken from Popeyes.
37:51And in part by Google.
37:57Lakers have opened up a 16-point lead.
38:00Just over four minutes gone by here on the floor.
38:02The Rockets certainly miss Kevin Durant.
38:04Out with a knee injury.
38:05They're hoping he's going to be back for game two.
38:08Well, the Lakers look.
38:10They're not on a level of Houston in the half-court defense.
38:13But they've been sensational in this game.
38:15Their activity and their game plan.
38:17Blood the lane with as many bodies as you can.
38:20Protect the glass.
38:22Take away drugs.
38:23And force kickouts.
38:25The spacing has not been good for Houston.
38:27This is not a team that's got a lot of wings.
38:29That can knock down corner three-point shots.
38:31That's why you send four guys to the paint.
38:34Makes very difficult decisions for the Houston Rockets.
38:38And you see some of the numbers.
38:40The turnovers versus big numbers.
38:4224 points for Luke Kennard.
38:44In his first playoff game as a Laker.
38:47It's a playoff career high.
38:48And the most he's scored all season.
38:50Both with Atlanta and with L.A.
38:54Shang-Goon just three of 13 from the field.
38:56Gets that one to go.
38:58And you said Shang-Goon has to get going.
39:01But you also have to get credit to DeAndre 8.
39:03You got to give credit to Jackson Hayes and their defense on the two-time All-Star.
39:08It's not just him getting his rhythm.
39:10It's about how well the Lakers are playing defensively.
39:13James runs inside.
39:14Got bumped.
39:20James goes to the free throw line to shoot two.
39:23He has not taken a free throw tonight.
39:25You see the numbers.
39:26The 11 assists.
39:31Another record as oldest.
39:35It's funny when you're the oldest player to do a lot of things.
39:38But also in the stat book, he's the youngest player to do a lot of things.
39:42You got any of those legs?
39:44I don't think I do.
39:46Actually.
39:47I was out before you start getting into the oldest category.
39:50I was out in the league.
39:52Jansen MVP.
39:54But he misses both free throws.
39:56Lakers have missed nine free throws.
39:58They're 14 of 23.
40:02And a 14-point lead.
40:04With over seven to play.
40:05Shang-Goon.
40:08Aiton now picks him up.
40:10Shang-Goon uses that left hand.
40:12Can't get it.
40:12Tipped by James.
40:13Right to Vanderbilt.
40:18Gennard.
40:19Hachimura.
40:19No hesitation to three.
40:22The rebound.
40:23Eason fouled by Vanderbilt.
40:25That's going to be the fourth team foul on the Lakers.
40:30Three on Vanderbilt.
40:34James will get a rest.
40:35He's played 32 minutes so far.
40:40So Marcus Smart back in.
40:43Smart, Kennard, Aiton, Hachimura, and Vanderbilt for the Lakers.
40:47It's Thompson, Shepard, Shang-Goon, Eason, and Jabari Smith.
40:51For the rocket.
40:52Shang-Goon fakes.
40:53And throws it down.
40:54Ferocious from Alprin, Shang-Goon.
40:57And it's back to a dozen.
40:58His instinct off of that catch was to pass it.
41:01That's why he hesitated.
41:02He expected there to be a defender rotating in front of him.
41:05He didn't see anybody there.
41:07So he took the extra dribble and finished with authority.
41:09Kennard again.
41:11Bang!
41:11Look, Kennard from downtown.
41:14Some Kennard chaos here in game one.
41:16It's a 15-point lead.
41:21And Vanderbilt and Shang-Goon collide.
41:26The officials checking with each other.
41:28Who's it going to be?
41:29I think it's going to be called against Vanderbilt.
41:31Yep.
41:33That's his fourth.
41:35And the Lakers got to be careful because they're in the bonus now.
41:39But look at this miscommunication.
41:41Shang-Goon tries to step up thinking that Luke Kennard is going to keep going to his left.
41:45He stops behind the screen.
41:47There is no one around one of the greatest three-point shooters this league has seen.
41:52Five for five from three.
41:5427 points total.
41:58Only played 32 games with the Lakers this season after the trade.
42:02They got him.
42:02One for Gabe Vinson and a second-round pick.
42:05And Shang-Goon misses a free throw.
42:08What a steal that was for the Lakers.
42:11I give him so much credit because he's had so much more responsibility
42:15in terms of how they initiate their offense
42:18than they did when they had Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves
42:21when he was mostly spotting up, playing more off the ball.
42:24He has been involved in so much of their initial action.
42:28And the way he's shooting the basketball,
42:30he's going to force a lot of reaction,
42:31which leads to something easy for somebody else.
42:35As we approach the midway point here in the fourth.
42:37Smart to Kennard.
42:39Kennard again gets inside.
42:41Righty layup.
42:41Shot won't go.
42:42Ball tip taken by Smith.
42:44Rockets on the run.
42:45Here's Shepard.
42:47Kicks it out in the corner.
42:48Tari Eason a three.
42:49That's good.
42:50Tari Eason a big bucket.
42:52Get this back to 11.
42:53And the Lakers call timeout.
42:55Eason with his second three-pointer.
43:01And still plenty of time.
43:04Well, this is how you're going to have to get back in it.
43:06There's going to have to be some three-point shooting.
43:09Tari Eason knocks down his second.
43:12Rockets trying to rally late.
43:20Benny Smith and the champion Rockets.
43:23Jack, of course, with the titles here in Los Angeles.
43:27Remember the 93 finals with Charles Barkley and the Suns against Chicago.
43:32That was a great NBA finals.
43:34They'll break it down.
43:35You can always watch it on the ESPN app.
43:36That's coming up.
43:40Still 5.50 remaining.
43:42Rockets trying to come back from 11 down with their leading scorer on the bench.
43:46Of course, the Lakers have their two leading scorers on the bench as well.
43:49LeBron James back in.
43:52Houston at a zone.
43:55Smart kicks it out.
43:56James on the bounce.
43:57Back up top.
43:58Marcus Smart sidestep.
44:00His three-pointers up.
44:01It's good.
44:02Marcus Smart rolled around and dropped through.
44:05That's their 10th three-pointer.
44:06And the lead back to 14.
44:08The thing I loved about that, LeBron and Marcus Smart, neither guy settled for the first three-point shot they
44:14could get.
44:15Marcus Smart got a better one once you had to fly by by Thompson.
44:21van der Bell.
44:21imitation�uk BesomDS on the second- lasci kehendom push.
44:21gangun up top Smith.
44:24pour on the shot clock.
44:25he lets it fly.
44:27Vanderbilt times the rebound perfectly.
44:32in hubbubándeffs on the top.
44:33vanderbilt teams are 10 of 19 from 3.
44:35lakers are 10 of 19 from 3.
44:35only 19 attempts but 53% on those attempts.
44:38James and Smith, 1-on-1
44:42Backing in
44:44Double team
44:46Left handed, that's good
44:49With the off hand, he's got 15
44:52And it's 96-80, equaling the largest of the game
44:58Thompson inside, blocked by Hachimura
45:00Eason right there, and he backs it home
45:02Great second effort from Eason
45:06Well right now for the Lakers
45:08The only thing that's going to hurt you at this point
45:10Are turnovers, you just have to make sure
45:13You get a shot on every possession
45:15Take care of the basketball
45:17James, the hook shot
45:20Eason with the rebound
45:21As we approach 4 minutes remaining
45:24Vanderbilt trying to put some pressure on Shepherds
45:26And if you're the Lakers, you don't want to foul
45:28You're in the bonus now
45:30You want to defend without fouling
45:32Javari Smith, short, comes right back out to him
45:35He's going to try again
45:36Side of the backboard
45:38And the rebound goes to James
45:47Smart setting up a play
45:49Up top to James
45:54James finds Smart
45:55Inside Aiton
45:57DeAndre Aiton falling away
45:59And Eason the rebound
46:00Three and a half remaining
46:06Shangun back out to Eason
46:07Eason a crossover
46:08Fancy move
46:09Gets inside
46:10Count it at one
46:11Tari Eason with a gorgeous move
46:13And a chance for a three-point play
46:15To cut it to 11
46:20Again, he was getting pressured
46:22Up the court
46:23Relieves the pressure
46:24Great crossover
46:25To get to your left hand
46:26The strong finish
46:28I thought Javari Smith
46:29Was a little too aggressive
46:30Trying to get those three-point shots
46:33Shoot your shot
46:34But also understand
46:35That there's plenty of time
46:36To get downhill
46:37To get some buckets
46:38And to put pressure on the Lakers
46:40Eason off the bench
46:41He's five for five
46:42From the field
46:43He's got nine rebounds
46:44As well
46:46Misses the free throw
46:47And a loose ball foul
46:49Is going to go
46:50Against
46:52DeAndre Aiton
46:52I believe
46:54That's two more free throws
46:55For the late
46:56For the Houston Rockets
46:57That's the last thing
46:58The Lakers want
46:59And a good break
47:00For the Rockets
47:00Is Jabari Smith
47:01Will shoot two
47:02You got a chance
47:03For a four-point trip
47:04Here
47:05They're in the penalty
47:06Lakers
47:06Are going to challenge
47:08They're trying to tell
47:09And J.J. Redick
47:09Came out
47:10The half court
47:12So a challenge
47:13On the foul
47:13Call on Aiton
47:14Right now
47:15Lakers up a dozen
47:16With just under
47:17Three and a half remaining
47:25The foul is called
47:26On DeAndre Aiton
47:28Watch here
47:28As he's going to push
47:29Jabari Smith
47:30But it looks like
47:31Shingun pushes Aiton
47:33From behind
47:33And that's what it appears
47:35The Lakers are challenging
47:38Here's Jim Capers
47:40Upon review
47:44Aiton is pushed into
47:45Jabari Smith
47:47By Shingun
47:49Therefore we have a
47:50Loose ball foul on Shingun
47:52We have a successful challenge
47:54That is a charge timeout
47:55And that's Los Angeles
47:56Second challenge of the evening
47:59It will be Los Angeles ball
48:00Out of bounds
48:01With 24 on the shot clock
48:03You talk about an important
48:04Successful challenge
48:06That's right there
48:06For JJ Redick
48:07So they're done
48:08With the challenges
48:09They won both of them
48:11Shingun now picks up
48:12His fourth foul
48:13Yeah that's big
48:15I mean you had an opportunity
48:16If that doesn't go their way
48:17They don't pick up
48:19That on the challenge
48:20You're talking about
48:21Potentially a four point trip
48:22Ten point game
48:23And Houston's defense
48:25More than capable enough
48:26At stringing together
48:27Stops
48:27The offense is another question
48:29But their defense
48:30Is good enough
48:31To lock in
48:31Canard up top
48:33Hachimura
48:34Seven on the 24
48:35James wanted
48:36Wants it
48:37As Thompson
48:37Right there
48:38Down to three
48:40James falling away
48:41Puts it up
48:42Puts it in
48:4614 point lead
48:48Under three
48:48To play
48:50Shingun to three
48:51Can't get it
48:51To fall
48:52James the rebound
48:5417 points
48:5512 assists
48:57And eight boards
48:59And a foul
49:01On a man
49:02Thompson
49:02With 245 remaining
49:04And when he's on this side
49:07Again the turnaround
49:08Away from the defense
49:10Against an all defensive player
49:12When you're number one
49:14All time in regular season
49:16And playoff scoring
49:18This is where he feels
49:19Most comfortable
49:20And he's even having
49:21A good time out there
49:22Inside James couldn't hold on
49:24He's only taken 14 shots
49:27He's made eight of the 14
49:28You know legs at the top
49:30Of the telecast
49:30You talked about that
49:31In terms of
49:32What type of game
49:33Did they need
49:34They didn't need him
49:35To come out and score 40
49:36They need him to have
49:37A game like he's had
49:37It's about control
49:38That's really what
49:40They needed him to do
49:41And he's been more
49:41In control of this game
49:42Than anybody on the floor
49:44And you know
49:44He's going to be a dual threat
49:45And he's picking his spots
49:47Here late
49:47To try to close the deal
49:49As a scorer
49:51Gangun fouled
49:52Shot wouldn't go
49:53But he's going to go
49:53To the free throw line
49:56With 228 remaining
49:58Right now
49:58The Lakers
49:58A 14 point advantage
50:00Going back to that fade away
50:02He basically
50:03Had him down on the block
50:05And by the time
50:06He landed
50:07And released the basketball
50:08He was only a few feet
50:09In front of the
50:10Three point line
50:11Of the corner
50:11Well that's what
50:12You also have to
50:13Lean back that far
50:15To get away
50:16From a man Thompson
50:17That's his athleticism
50:19That's how quick
50:20His jump is
50:21He's got a quick jump
50:22And a quick contest
50:23He loses the ball
50:24A little bit right here
50:25He was about to go into it
50:26He takes another dribble
50:27But look at that
50:28That contest
50:29Needed that
50:30A level of fade away
50:31And that's what makes it so difficult
50:33Such a tough shot
50:34Because you know
50:35The degree to which
50:36You are fading away
50:37And the basketball
50:39Travels in the opposite direction
50:40To be able to shoot
50:41Just have to proper distance
50:42Incredibly difficult
50:44When you fade that much
50:46Still rockets ball
50:47You get the rebound
50:48Off the miss
50:49Knocked out of bounds
50:50But they'll have it
50:51With 226
50:51Your man
50:52And this James
50:52Is 293rd playoff game
50:56And as we said earlier
50:57Most playoff points
50:59Most playoff games
51:00Most playoff minutes
51:06Shang-Goon drives on Aiton
51:08He goes across the lane
51:09Layup's good
51:10Beautiful move from Shang-Goon
51:12And it's down to 11 again
51:17Thompson off the steal
51:19Shang-Goon goes inside
51:20Finds Eason
51:21Throws it down
51:22And it's now
51:2398-89
51:25Nine point game
51:27As we approach
51:28Two minutes left
51:28And I'm not sure
51:29I want whoever
51:30A man Thompson
51:31Is guarding
51:31To advance the ball
51:32Up the floor
51:33You've got other options
51:34And who can bring it up
51:35Marcus Smart
51:36Has to make a better
51:37Decision there
51:38Against an elite defender
51:41Aiton inside
51:42Floats it up
51:43And in
51:4616 points
51:4710 rebounds
51:48For Aiton
51:50And James
51:51With his 13th assist
51:52Shang-Goon
51:53Across the lane
51:54Inside
51:55And tops it
51:55With the slam
51:58Rockets
51:59Obviously
51:59Neat stops
52:00Down
52:00Nine
52:00With 140
52:01Remaining
52:04Hachimura
52:06Almost lost it
52:07Aiton to Smart
52:08They've got to
52:09Make it
52:09Across the timeline
52:10Just do
52:10Smart drives
52:11All the way
52:12Layup
52:13No good
52:13But a foul
52:17Slow down
52:18If you're
52:19The Lakers
52:20Slow down
52:22You
52:23This
52:23These are
52:24Professionals
52:25Out here
52:25If you allow
52:27Defense to
52:28Speed you up
52:28Like you said
52:29You can't go
52:30Against a man
52:30Thompson
52:31Even there
52:31For the Lakers
52:32Yes
52:33You get the foul
52:33You have an
52:34Opportunity for the
52:34Bucket
52:35But it's about
52:36How you control
52:37The game
52:37That's how they
52:38Lost control
52:39In the first
52:40Half
52:40In the final
52:40Three minutes
52:41And that
52:41Looks like
52:42What JJ
52:42Redick
52:43Was just
52:43Telling
52:44The entire
52:44Group
52:45When you
52:45See a
52:45Coach
52:46With both
52:46Palms
52:47Extended
52:47Outward
52:48Toward
52:48Your team
52:49You're
52:49Usually
52:49Telling them
52:50To pump
52:51The brakes
52:51For a second
52:52And let's
52:53Try to
52:53Close this
52:53Out
52:53Like I said
52:54The only
52:54Thing
52:55That can
52:56Cost them
52:56This game
52:57Is not
52:57Getting
52:58Field
52:58Goal
52:58Attempt
52:59Turnovers
53:00And fouls
53:01They're the
53:01Two things
53:01You want
53:02To avoid
53:02Smart
53:03It's two
53:03Big free
53:04Throws
53:04He missed
53:05Four of his
53:06First five
53:06Tonight
53:06It's back
53:07To 11
53:08Shepard
53:09Blocked
53:09By Aiton
53:10Picked up
53:10By Smith
53:11Shepard's
53:11Going to
53:12Try again
53:12It's up
53:13Won't
53:13Go
53:13Smith
53:14On a
53:14Follow
53:14Slam
53:17And again
53:17Back to nine
53:18With 120
53:18Remaining
53:22Gennard
53:23Brings
53:23It up
53:23Against
53:24Smith
53:24Gets
53:24Across
53:24The
53:25Timeline
53:28Thompson
53:29Trying
53:29To poke
53:30It
53:30Away
53:30Smart
53:30Escapes
53:31That
53:31Throws
53:32An
53:32Alley
53:33Up
53:33To
53:33Aiton
53:33Aiton
53:34Back
53:34Up
53:34Counted
53:35And a
53:35Foul
53:38Back
53:39Up
53:39To
53:3911
53:39With
53:40104
53:40Remaining
53:43Well
53:44Deion
53:45Aiton
53:45Bailed
53:46Out
53:46This
53:46Possession
53:47Because
53:47This
53:47Is a
53:48Tough
53:48Lot
53:48To
53:48Catch
53:49Behind
53:49The
53:50Glass
53:50Comes
53:51Down
53:52Goes
53:53Up
53:53On
53:53The
53:53Opposite
53:54Side
53:54For
53:55The
53:55Finish
53:56Well
53:57The
53:57Stat
53:57That
53:58They
53:58Keep
53:58Throwing
53:58About
53:58Deion
53:59Aiton
53:59When
53:59He
53:59Takes
54:0010
54:01Shots
54:01Or
54:01More
54:01They're
54:0222
54:02And
54:02Three
54:03That
54:04Was
54:04His
54:04Tenth
54:04Shot
54:05Eight
54:06Of
54:06Ten
54:06From
54:06The
54:07Field
54:0719
54:07Points
54:0810
54:08Rebounds
54:09Lakers
54:09Up
54:10A dozen
54:10With
54:10A minute
54:11Remaining
54:12Thompson
54:13Up
54:13Top
54:13Shingun
54:14He's
54:14Got
54:14To
54:15Take
54:15The
54:15Three
54:15Pointer
54:15Can't
54:16Get
54:16At
54:16The
54:17Fall
54:17Rebound
54:18Eason
54:18Eason
54:19Back
54:19Out
54:20Shepard
54:20Wide
54:21Open
54:21Puts
54:21It
54:21Up
54:22That's
54:22Good
54:22Rattles
54:23At
54:23Home
54:25But
54:25It's
54:25Still
54:26A
54:26Nine
54:26Point
54:26Game
54:27Aiton
54:28In
54:28The
54:28Front
54:28Court
54:28Lobs
54:29It
54:29To
54:29Canard
54:30James
54:30Drives
54:30Down
54:31The
54:31Lane
54:31Lays
54:32It
54:32Up
54:32And
54:32In
54:37Shepard
54:37Tries
54:38Another
54:38Three
54:38Can't
54:39Get
54:39It
54:40Eight
54:40In
54:40The
54:40Rebound
54:41And
54:41That
54:41Should
54:42Pretty
54:42Much
54:42Do
54:42It
54:42They're
54:44Starting
54:44To
54:44Celebrate
54:48And
54:48The
54:48Rockets
54:49Won't
54:49Foul
54:49The
54:50Lakers
54:50Will
54:51Take
54:51Game
54:51One
54:56Decent
54:57Has
54:57It
54:58Goes
54:59Inside
55:00Layup
55:00Able
55:00To
55:01Bank
55:01At
55:01Home
55:01With
55:0215.8
55:03Remaining
55:05And
55:06Now
55:06107
55:0798
55:13And
55:13A
55:14Timeout
55:14Call
55:14By
55:14The
55:15Lakers
55:16Will
55:17Take
55:17A
55:17Timeout
55:19Lakers
55:20On
55:20The
55:20Verge
55:21Of
55:21Taking
55:21Game
55:22One
55:22Of
55:22This
55:22Opening
55:23Ground
55:23Best
55:23Of
55:24Seven
55:24Playoff
55:24Series
55:30Talk
55:30Coming
55:31Up
55:31With
55:32The
55:32Guys
55:32In
55:32Atlanta
55:32With
55:33Ernie
55:33Kenny
55:33Charles
55:33And
55:34Jack
55:35Coming
55:35Up
55:35Right
55:36After
55:36This
55:37Game
55:37One
55:37Concludes
55:38We
55:39Got
55:39Just
55:3915.8
55:40Seconds
55:41Remaining
55:41Coming
55:42Into
55:42The
55:42Game
55:42The
55:43Headline
55:43Here
55:44In
55:44Game
55:44One
55:45Each
55:45Team
55:45Without
55:45Their
55:45Leading
55:46Score
55:46Lakers
55:47That
55:47After
55:47Two
55:48Leading
55:48Scores
55:49One
55:50Of
55:50The
55:50Headlines
55:50Coming
55:50Out
55:51As
55:51Luke
55:51Kennard
55:51Was
55:52One
55:52Of
55:52The
55:52Great
55:52Acquisitions
55:53In
55:53The
55:53NBA
55:53This
55:54Season
55:54One
55:55Of
55:55The
55:55Best
55:55Games
55:55Of
55:55His
55:56Career
55:5627
55:57Points
55:57For
55:58Kennard
55:59James
56:00Just
56:00Holding
56:00Up
56:00The
56:01Smart
56:01And
56:02Again
56:02The
56:02Rockets
56:02Will
56:03Not
56:03Foul
56:05Kennard
56:05With
56:0627
56:06Points
56:07Some
56:08Strong
56:08Defense
56:09And
56:10The
56:10Lakers
56:10Take
56:11Game
56:11One
56:12On
56:12Their
56:12Home
56:12Floor
56:12Rockets
56:13Certainly
56:13Hope
56:14That
56:14Kevin
56:14Durant
56:14Will
56:15Return
56:15For
56:15Game
56:16Two
56:18Kennard
56:18Nine
56:19Of
56:1913
56:19From
56:19The
56:20Field
56:20Five
56:20For
56:21Five
56:21From
56:21Three
56:22In
56:23His
56:23First
56:24Playoff
56:24Game
56:25As
56:25A
56:25Laker
56:26And
56:26LeBron
56:26James
56:27Got
56:27It
56:27Started
56:28Early
56:29With
56:29A
56:30Ten
56:30Assists
56:30Of
56:30The
56:30First
56:31Quarter
56:36Let's
56:37Go to
56:37Lisa
56:37Salters
56:38Luke
56:39Your
56:39First
56:39Playoff
56:40Game
56:40As
56:40A
56:40Laker
56:41You
56:41Go
56:41Five
56:41For
56:42Five
56:42Twenty
56:42Seven
56:43Points
56:43Just
56:44What
56:44Does
56:44This
56:45Personal
56:46Performance
56:46What
56:46Does
56:47It
56:47Mean
56:47To
56:47You
56:47Yeah
56:48It
56:48Means
56:48A
56:48Lot
56:50Obviously
56:50We
56:51Got
56:51Some
56:51Guys
56:51Out
56:51Right
56:52Now
56:53So
56:55It
56:56Feels
56:57Good
56:57To
56:57Get
56:57Game
56:57One
56:57A
56:58Lot
56:58Of
56:58Guys
56:58Stepped
56:59Up
56:59Tonight
56:59And
56:59It
57:00Was
57:00A
57:00Good
57:00Win
57:00Again
57:01Five
57:01For
57:01Five
57:02From
57:02Three
57:02Just
57:03When
57:03Did
57:03You
57:03Start
57:04Feeling
57:04It
57:04Knowing
57:05This
57:05Is
57:05My
57:05Night
57:05Yeah
57:06I
57:06Hit
57:06A
57:06Couple
57:06There
57:07In
57:07The
57:07Second
57:07Half
57:08It
57:08Felt
57:09Pretty
57:09Good
57:09So
57:10As a
57:11Shooter
57:12You
57:12Know
57:12When
57:12It
57:13Feels
57:13Right
57:13So
57:14I
57:14Was
57:15Just
57:15Trying
57:15To
57:15Be
57:15Aggressive
57:16Look
57:16At
57:16My
57:16Shot
57:16Whenever
57:16I
57:16Could
57:17Now
57:17They
57:17Got
57:17Their
57:18Offensive
57:18Rebounds
57:19But
57:19How
57:19Were
57:20You
57:20Guys
57:20Able
57:20To
57:21Do
57:21The
57:21Other
57:22Things
57:22To
57:22Mitigate
57:23That
57:23Yeah
57:24I
57:24Thought
57:24We
57:24Were
57:24Aggressive
57:25We
57:25Were
57:25Physical
57:25Made
57:26Them
57:26Take
57:26Tough
57:27Shots
57:28Yeah
57:28The
57:29Offensive
57:29Boards
57:29We
57:30Still
57:30Got
57:30To
57:30Clean
57:30That
57:31Up
57:31We
57:31Still
57:31Got
57:31To
57:31Be
57:31More
57:31Physical
57:32On
57:32That
57:32End
57:32But
57:33Overall
57:34When
57:34We
57:34Got
57:34Rebounds
57:35We
57:35Controlled
57:35The
57:36Pace
57:36And
57:36Did
57:37A
57:37Good
57:37Job
57:37Getting
57:38Out
57:38On
57:38Off
57:38I
57:39Think
57:39Many
57:39People
57:39Thought
57:40That
57:40Without
57:40Austin
57:41Without
57:42Luka
57:42That
57:43It
57:43Was
57:43Going
57:43To
57:43Be
57:43LeBron
57:44Who
57:44Was
57:44Going
57:44To
57:44Have
57:44To
57:45Carry
57:45The
57:45Load
57:45How
57:46Has
57:46LeBron
57:47Empowered
57:48You
57:48To
57:48Kind
57:49Of
57:49Go
57:49Out
57:49And
57:49Do
57:49Your
57:49Thing
57:49Yeah
57:50I
57:50Mean
57:50He
57:50Trusts
57:51Everybody
57:51On
57:51The
57:51Floor
57:52With
57:52Them
57:52And
57:53He
57:54Continues
57:54To
57:54Tell
57:55Us
57:55To
57:55Be
57:55Aggressive
57:55And
57:56Look
57:56For
57:57Our
57:57Shots
57:57Obviously
57:57He's
57:58Going
57:58To
57:58Do
57:58His
57:58Thing
57:58And
57:59We
57:59Need
57:59Him
57:59To
57:59Be
57:59Aggressive
58:00And
58:00Do
58:00What
58:00He
58:00Does
58:00But
58:01He's
58:01Really
58:02Encouraging
58:02He
58:02Gives
58:03Confidence
58:03To
58:03Everybody
58:04And
58:04He
58:05Just
58:05Elevates
58:05Everybody
58:05On
58:06The
58:06Floor
58:06Thank
58:06You
58:06Luke
58:07Congrats
58:07On
58:07Game
58:07One
58:07Mike
58:08All
58:09Right
58:09Lusa
58:09So
58:10Often
58:10NBA
58:11Playoff
58:12Games
58:12Decided
58:12By
58:28Continue
58:28Tomorrow
58:29Afternoon
58:30At
58:301
58:30Eastern
58:30ABC
58:31With
58:32A
58:32First
58:32Round
58:32Double
58:33Header
58:33We
58:34Say
58:34Good
58:34Night
58:34From
58:35Los
58:35Angeles
58:36And
58:36Thank
58:36You
58:36For
58:36Watching
58:37The
58:38NBA
58:38On
58:38ABC
58:39Home
58:39Of
58:39The
58:39NBA
58:39Finals
58:40And
58:40After
58:40The
58:40Break
58:41Get
58:41You
58:41To
58:41Atlanta
58:42And
58:42Inside
58:42The
58:43NBA
58:43With
58:43Ernie
58:43And
58:44The
58:44Gang
58:44Good
58:44Night
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