Lakers fall to Rockets in Game 5 despite Austin Reaves’ return

But the Rockets are still breathing.

And very much alive and confident after beating the Lakers 99-93 on the Lakers homecourt in a pivotal Game 5 to extend the best-of-seven first round playoff series by at least one game.

Even with star guard Austin Reaves making his return to the lineup after being sidelined since April because of a left oblique strain, the Lakers once again struggled offensively for the second consecutive – and 2 ½ games going back to the miraculous Game 3 comeback victory in Houston.

Austin Reaves drives to the basket against the Rockets. AP

Reaves finished with 22 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds in 34 minutes in his first game since suffering a Grade oblique strain in the April 2 loss to the Thunder, but struggled with his shooting and finishing, going 4 of 16 from the field.

LeBron James led the Lakers with 25 points and 7 rebounds, but missed a pull-up 3 with 12 seconds left that would’ve cut the team’s deficit to one point.

LeBron James goes up for a layup. AP

Deandre Ayton added 18 points and 17 rebounds.

Jabari Smith led the Rockets with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and a pair of blocked shots.

Alperen Sengun puts up a hook shot in the paint. AP

What it means

The Rockets are one of just nine teams to force a Game 6 after dropping the first two road games and first home game consecutively under the 2-2-1-1-1 playoff format since the league went to a 16-game playoffs in 1984.

Of the previous eight teams, only two have forced a Game 7.

Luke Kennard reacts to a foul call. Getty Images

Turning point

When Smart overhelped off Amen Thompson in the left corner on a Reed Sheppard drive to the late in the shot, opening up a drive-and-kick opporunity that the Rockets took advantage of, with Thompson making the corner 3 to put the Rockets up 79-69 early in the fourth.

After Reaves missed a layup on the Lakers’ ensuing possession, Jabari Smith hit another to put the Rockets up by a game-best 13 points.

The Lakers kept the game close but didn’t cut their deficit to any closer than three points.

Smith led the Rockets in scoring. Getty Images

MVP: Jabari Smith

Smith led the Rockets in scoring, and made over a quarter of his team’s 3s.

Stat of the game: 7

That’s how many more 3s the Rockets made than the Lakers.

The Rockets shot 14 of 40 from beyond the arc compared to the Lakers’ 7-of-27 shooting on 3s.

Sengun goes to work in the paint. AP

Up next

Game 6 of Lakers-Rockets is scheduled for Friday at Toyota Center.

The matchup will tip off at 6:30 p.m. PT.