The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 107-98 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on April 19, with Luke Kennard leading all scorers by recording a playoff career-high of 27 points. Despite missing Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves from their lineup, the Lakers relied on LeBron James’s all-around play and Kennard’s shooting to take an early advantage in the series.
Kennard, who joined the Lakers from the Atlanta Hawks before the trade deadline, made five three-pointers without a miss. This achievement marks him as the first Lakers player since Robert Horry in 1997 to make at least five three-pointers without missing in a playoff game. “Honestly, I feel like those games leading up to right now, I developed a rhythm kind of playing in that role. It gave me confidence going into the playoffs of doing more and being controlled, poised and looking for the shot when I can,” Kennard said after the win.
He added: “So tonight, there was no difference. Shots went in. Again, it’s just having that mentality of getting everybody organized when I can and the best shot available and just being aggressive.” The last time this feat was accomplished for Los Angeles was by Byron Scott in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals against Golden State Warriors in 1991 (5-for-5) and Robert Horry against Utah Jazz (7-for-7) during a loss in Game 2 of Western Conference semis.
Reflecting on taking an early lead against Houston, Kennard said: “It was great. Obviously, it’s great to get the first one protecting the court (and) doing what we’re supposed to do. Overall, I thought we executed very well.” He acknowledged some struggles with offensive rebounds and turnovers but praised his teammates’ ability to stay composed throughout: “Credit to everybody, coaches, teammates, everybody for just believing in each other…like I said, it feels good to get the first.”
With hopes that Doncic or Reaves may return later if they advance past Houston as underdogs this round, Kennard and his teammates are aiming not only for continued success but also for deeper playoff progression.
