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Lakers’ LeBron James NBA history even John Stockton couldn’t match in win over Rockets
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- Lakers’ LeBron James NBA history even John Stockton couldn’t match in win over Rockets
Lakers' LeBron James NBA history even John Stockton couldn't match in win over Rockets appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
It was LeBron James leading the way on Saturday night, as the Los Angeles Lakers opened their first-round playoff series with a 107-98 Game 1 win versus the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.
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Playing without injured scorers Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves , James finished with 19 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds in 38 minutes. He was in control early as a passer, handing out eight assists in just the first quarter. That helped Los Angeles get off to a scorching start, shooting 78.9% and taking a 33-29 lead in the opening period.
At 41 years old, James became the oldest player in NBA playoff history to record a points-assists double-double, passing John Stockton. He also set a new feat as the oldest player to record at least 10 assists in a playoff game. His 13 assists exceeded Stockton's previous playoff high for a player aged 40 or older, which stood at 12.
While James orchestrated the offense, the Lakers received valuable scoring contributions elsewhere. Luke Kennard led all players with a career playoff-high 27 points, shooting 9-of-13 from the field and 5-of-5 from three-point range. Deandre Ayton scored 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting and grabbed 11 rebounds.
Los Angeles finished the game shooting 60.6% overall and 52.6% from beyond the arc, while holding Houston to 37.6% shooting. Defensively and offensively, the Lakers made the most of the absence of Rockets star Kevin Durant , who missed the action with a knee injury.
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For Houston, Alperen Sengun scored 19 points, Jabari Smith Jr. 16, and Amen Thompson 17 points.
The Lakers now hold a 1-0 series lead heading into Game 2 on Tuesday.
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