Medical clearance and the early gap 
Kevin Durant remains out of action in the Houston Rockets’ medical room. At the same time, the Los Angeles staff clears Austin Reaves to return. The restriction tied to an oblique injury, noted on April 2, is lifted. The opening stretch shows the home side getting on top of its possessions straight away. Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton (18 points, 17 rebounds) build the first lead. The scoreboard reads 28-21 at the end of the first quarter. The link-up between Austin Reaves and LeBron James (25 points, 7 assists) is up and running.
The numbers swing back and the ratios flip
The second quarter brings a sharp reset in the visitors’ numbers. The outside shooting, initially sitting at 1 make from 8 attempts, gets a proper correction. Dorian Finney-Smith and Jabari Smith Jr. (22 points, 7 rebounds) knock down shots from deep. The early deficit is wiped out. The advantage swings to Ime Udoka’s side. It is 51-47 at halftime.
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Second-half review and the shooting finish
The third quarter keeps stretching the gap. Tari Eason (18 points) takes charge by exploiting the gaps in the Los Angeles defence on the back end. Alperen Sengun keeps the margin intact. The period ends with Houston ahead 76-67. The final quarter brings a 11-1 burst for the home side. The gap is cut to three points (88-85).
Reed Sheppard steadies Houston. He hits from mid-range, then picks LeBron James’ pocket and finishes the break at the other end. The buzzer confirms a 99-93 win.
The overall picture points to a breakdown in JJ Redick’s side. The offence stalls at 42% shooting and 26% from three. Austin Reaves’ night is marked by wastefulness in front of goal (22 points, 4 makes on 16 shots). Deandre Ayton’s 10 offensive rebounds are not enough to cover that structural flaw. The Rockets are not going anywhere yet. A sixth meeting is now set for Texas.
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