SPORTS

Rockets win Game 5, send series back to Houston

PUBLISHED Apr 29, 2026, 2:24 AM ET

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LOS ANGELES — The Houston Rockets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 99-93 on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena, avoiding elimination and reducing Los Angeles' series lead to 3-2. The Rockets received 22 points from Jabari Smith Jr., 18 from Tari Eason, and near-triple-double production from Alperen Sengun, while Kevin Durant remained sidelined. The loss prevented the Lakers from clinching the first-round series at home and shifts pressure onto Los Angeles ahead of Game 6 on Friday in Houston. Austin Reaves returned from a nine-game oblique absence and provided offense off the bench, but turnovers and inconsistent shooting limited the Lakers’ late comeback chances.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

April 2: Austin Reaves sustains a left oblique strain and is sidelined.
Regular season end: Lakers close regular season; Reaves misses final games.
Game 4 (Sunday): Houston wins 115-96, staves off elimination and gains confidence.
Game 5 (Wednesday): Rockets beat Lakers 99-93; series moves to 3-2.
Game 6 scheduled Friday in Houston; a potential Game 7 would return to Los Angeles.

News Intelligence

The Rockets' win means the series is still alive and the Lakers' victory isn't a sure thing. If you're a Lakers fan, Friday's game in Houston is crucial. If you're a Rockets fan, there's newfound hope. Either way, it's an exciting time for basketball enthusiasts.

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Who Benefited

The Houston Rockets gained immediate competitive momentum, avoided elimination, and preserved the opportunity to extend the series to Game 7 while boosting confidence among players, coaches, and the Houston fan base.

Who Impacted

The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a missed chance to close the series at home, experienced turnovers and inconsistent offense in Game 5, and now face increased pressure, travel and strategic adjustments ahead of Game 6 in Houston.

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