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Rockets Edge Lakers 99-93, Trim Series to 3-2

5/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Rockets beat the Lakers 99-93 in Game 5, cutting the series lead to 3-2.
Jabari Smith Jr. led Houston with 22 points, saying the team felt like the better team.
LeBron James had 25 points and seven assists but cited turnovers and missed shots as the problem.
Coach Ime Udoka said the Rockets grew after early turnovers and must keep improving.

History

Historical Context

After the Rockets entered the 1995 playoffs as a sixth seed and became the first team to win a title without home-court advantage—sweeping the Orlando Magic—the franchise earned the “Clutch City” reputation. Coach Ime Udoka’s Game 5 win over the Lakers revives that underdog spirit, suggesting Houston could again challenge a dominant Los Angeles era.

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Story summary

The Rockets beat the Lakers 99-93 in Game 5, cutting the series lead to 3-2.
Jabari Smith Jr. led Houston with 22 points, saying the team felt like the better team.
LeBron James had 25 points and seven assists but cited turnovers and missed shots as the problem.
Coach Ime Udoka said the Rockets grew after early turnovers and must keep improving.

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