Silencing the doubters, head coach JJ Redick and LeBron James have galvanised the Los Angeles Lakers in the absence of key players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in order to shock the Houston Rockets and secure a 2-0 series lead.
The Lakers’ 101-94 victory in Game 2 sends James and company to Houston with all the momentum to wrap up their first-round series against the Rockets.
Kevin Durant, who missed Game 1 due to a bruised knee, looked ordinary on his return despite a respectable 7-12 FG and 23 points.
It was Durant’s nine turnovers that proved costly for the Rockets, but more so Ime Udoka’s lack of adjustments to get Durant out of the Lakers’ double-team strategy that leaves him and his team with minimal confidence to take away from Los Angeles.
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Supporting cast steps up
Although James led his team tremendously with 28-8-7, his supporting cast of Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard, who combined for 48 points, is what has turned around the Lakers’ fortunes.
Both were hot from three, had an equal 62% FG and clinched a total of eight steals between them in the game.
“Just as hard as we played in Game 1, we had to double that in Game 2,” James said after the game.
“We understood what they wanted to come in (with), the desperation they were going to have, so we had to be even more desperate. And I thought we played a hell of a game.
“When we have two big guns out like we have, we’ve all got to pick up our play, and that’s all it’s about. We’re all just trying to make contributions on offense and seize the opportunity”.
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Defensive strategy overwhelms Rockets
The Rockets struggled with Redick’s strategy to get his players to switch on Durant at key moments defensively to force passes that weren’t on to allow the Lakers transition buckets and opportunities.
“They started doubling me from possession one. I’ve got to do better and not put my teammates in bad positions when I’m swinging the ball,” Durant said, highlighting the Lakers’ smothering defence.
“We’re just not making shots, to be honest. We’re not shooting the ball well. We’re missing a lot of layups. I just think that’s the difference in the game”.
A rise to the occasion
Redick will be pleased with the performance of his team thus far, who were given minimal chance to beat the Rockets without Doncic and Reaves.
The Lakers head coach has previously highlighted the importance of Smart, particularly in defensive schemes.
And now with Kennard in surging form, if he gets his three ball hot again and at a high clip, Houston will have a problem come Game 3 on Saturday.
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SportJustSport writers 
Liberty Nicholson-Hulse