LeBron James shone as the Los Angeles Lakers took charge of their NBA play-off series with a win over the Houston Rockets.
The Lakers were without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, but James continued to show his class in the match against the Houston Rockets.
James Leads Lakers to Victory
LeBron James claimed 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists to lead the Lakers to a 101-94 win over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday.
“We understood what they wanted to come in [with], the desperation they were going to have, so we had to be even more desperate,” said James. “I thought we played a hell of a game.”
Durant’s Return Not Enough for Houston
Kevin Durant returned for Houston after missing the opening game of the series and scored a team-high 23 points.
Durant turned the ball over nine times and claimed just three points after half-time.
The Lakers now lead 2-0 in the first round of the post-season, with the Rockets hosting the next two games in the best-of-seven series.
Wembanyama Concussed in Spurs Loss
Victor Wembanyama was concussed during a San Antonio defeat against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Wembanyama had scored five points for the San Antonio Spurs when he was injured midway through the second quarter.
The 7ft 4in France international hit his face on the floor after being knocked off his feet during a drive to the basket and sustained a concussion.
The Spurs confirmed after Portland’s 106-103 win that Wembanyama had sustained a concussion.
Around the NBA
Scoot Henderson scored a game-high 31 points for the Trail Blazers, who levelled the series at 1-1 and are at home on Friday and Sunday.
VJ Edgecombe claimed 30 points in a 111-97 win at the Eastern Conference’s second seed Boston and the 76ers host the next two.
Jaylen Brown scored a game-high 36 points for the Celtics, with Jayson Tatum (19) the only other Boston player to reach double figures.
NBA guidelines state that Wembanyama must remain inactive for at least 24 hours and cannot resume full participation for 48 hours.