The Los Angeles Lakers dropped their first game against the Blazers in Round 1, only to come roaring back and win the next four in a row.
Once again, in Round 2, the Lakers have dropped the first game — only, this time, Houston had control for most of the night. Behind Harden’s 36 points, the Rockets were able to pull off the 112-97 win and set the tone for the rest of the series.
Rockets take Game 1 vs. the Lakers 🔥
Harden: 36 Pts, 5 Ast pic.twitter.com/oJwmfWokxX
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 5, 2020
We still have to wait and see what L.A. brings to Game 2 on Sunday, but the Rockets certainly looked strong in the series debut and, on Twitter, many expressed surprise at just how well they played. Here are some of the best reactions of the night:
Houston’s small ball proved too much for Bron and the Lakers 😂 https://t.co/wGaHPrsHGf
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 5, 2020
Rockets defense was stunning tonight both individually and as a unit.🚀🚀
— Chris Palmer (@ChrisPalmerNBA) September 5, 2020
LeBron James has 0 points in the 4th quarter?
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) September 5, 2020
Rockets really gave the Lakers an ass whooping
— Fadeaway World (@FadeawayWorld) September 5, 2020
Lakers have dealt with problems all season vs. Rockets.
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) September 5, 2020
LeBron had a rather underwhelming night, with Bron going scoreless in the fourth quarter.
The most surprising aspect of the game, however, was the Rockets’ defense. They were making things tough for L.A. all night long, leading to the Lakeshow shooting 42% as a team. Can the Rockets continue that consistency on defense? Will Harden continue to torch the Lakers like he did in this contest?
It remains to be seen how/if adjustments will be made, but it won’t be long before we find out.
