For the most part, the Los Angeles Lakers have dominated their first-round series against the Houston Rockets.
Despite going into the series without their primary scorers, guards Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic, the Lakers’ victories have been convincing. The Lakers comfortably took the first two games, despite the return of Kevin Durant from a knee contusion for the latter.
Game 3 was by far the closest game of the series for both teams. Three players each from the Lakers and the Rockets scored more than 20 points. Center Alperen Sengun capped off a monster performance of 33 points with 16 rebounds.
The Lakers Need To Make Key Adjustments Ahead Of Game 5
Forward Jabari Smith Jr. and guard Amen Thompson also had good scoring games, with 24 and 26 points, respectively.
However, a late-game turnover by Reed Sheppard resulted in LeBron James hitting the game-tying three-pointer. This sent the game into overtime, where the Lakers won by four points.
However, what were the factors that helped the Rockets take Game 4? And what can the Lakers do to close out the Rockets series in Game 5?
Sheppard And Eason Go Off
Houston fired on all cylinders for a surprising Game 4 win over the Lakers. The Rockets even held a 28-point lead at one point in the game.
Sengun and Thompson had efficient scoring nights, going 6-12 and 10-16 from the field, respectively. However, it can be argued that Houston’s other starters had a greater impact on this win.
Game 4 proved that Sheppard’s impact is vital for the Rockets if they want to win games. Over the first three games of the series, Sheppard has been struggling with scoring the ball efficiently, as well as with turnovers. His main strength, which is shooting the ball from three-point range, was mostly ineffective.
However, he had his most efficient game of the series in Game 4. The sophomore guard put up 17 points, shooting 6-12 from the field, and 4-7 from three. Sheppard also had 3 steals, and finished the game with a +22 plus/minus.
Tari Eason also had a surprisingly good Game 4 performance, adding five steals to his 20 points and eight rebounds.
A Defensive Collapse
The Lakers’ defense lacked decisiveness and physicality in Game 4. Rather than jamming the screener and making sure that the defense dictated the Rockets players’ positions in the pick-and-roll, Deandre Ayton, James, and Jaxson Hayes were caught in situations where they waited for the play to develop. This created advantages that the Rockets’ offense was quick to take advantage of.
The Lakers’ transition defense was notably lacking in effort, with players such as Ayton, James, and Luke Kennard being the main culprits. Thompson relentlessly attacked the paint, and despite Rui Hachimura‘s efforts, they either led to kick-outs or easy points in the paint for the former fourth overall pick.
During many possessions, the Lakers had as many as three players in the paint. This gave up wide-open three-point looks that resulted in the Rockets shooting 40% from three in Game 4.
Offense Goes Cold
The Lakers’ woes weren’t all on defense. Putting up just 96 points, it was clear that the Rockets’ defense was stifling this game.
Houston forced 23 turnovers by the Lakers, scoring 30 points off those turnovers. Houston as a whole had 17 steals compared to the Lakers’ six, which likely played a role in the Rockets’ victory.
Additionally, the Lakers’ key contributors on offense failed to show up with the opportunity to close the series. James put up an inefficient 10 points, with six of them coming from the free throw line. Despite having nine assists, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer also had eight turnovers.
Ayton led the team in scoring with 19 points and 10 rebounds, despite being ejected with 5:41 remaining in the third quarter.
Last Word On Lakers’ Game 5 Adjustments
Reaves’ potential return to playing could change the Lakers’ starting lineup for Game 5 against the Rockets. That will give them another great ball-handler and scorer to ease the burden off of James.
Marcus Smart had this to say to sum up the situation that the Lakers would face in Game 5.
“It’s nothing that we haven’t seen, it’s nothing that we haven’t dealt with. We just gotta be better. We understand it, we know it.”
Game 4 was James’ second straight game with eight turnovers. Limiting them with effective ball movement and high percentage scoring opportunities will be key for the Lakers to close out the series.
Kennard and Smart will be relied on as scorers and creators for Game 5. Their performances earlier in this series were key to the Lakers’ victory.
Lastly, the Lakers will have to be better defensively. James, Ayton, and Hayes, who often guard pick-and -rolls using drop coverage, will have to be more attentive and physical with the Rockets screener.
Additionally, the Lakers’ defensive communication will need to be better, with players effectively collapsing or closing out, depending on what the situation calls for.
Due to several injuries limiting the firepower of the Lakers’ roster, the Rockets were heavily favored to take this series. With the momentum of a win on their opponents’ side, it will be up to the Lakers to turn up their intensity and aggressiveness on both ends of the floor to close out the Rockets in Game 5.
Featured Image: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
