Texas, USA : Los Angeles Lakers ended the Houston Rockets’ playoff fightback with a dominant 98-78 victory, sealing a 4-2 first-round series win and advancing to the Western Conference semi-finals.
LeBron James led the way with 28 points—18 of them in a commanding first half—while adding seven rebounds and eight assists. Rui Hachimura contributed 21 points, including five three-pointers, and Austin Reaves added 15 in his first start of the series.
The Lakers were efficient on both ends, committing just 11 turnovers and holding Houston to 35% shooting. Alperen Sengun posted 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Rockets, who were again without Kevin Durant and struggled from beyond the arc.
Los Angeles will next face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the semi-finals.
Raptors force Game 7 with late OT winner
Toronto Raptors kept their season alive with a dramatic 112-110 overtime win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
RJ Barrett sealed the victory with a clutch three-pointer with 1.2 seconds remaining. Scottie Barnes added 25 points and 14 assists, while Evan Mobley led Cleveland with 26 points and 14 rebounds.
Game 7 will be played in Cleveland.
Pistons rally to stun Magic, force decider
Detroit Pistons produced a remarkable comeback to defeat the Orlando Magic 93-79 and force a Game 7.
Cade Cunningham scored 32 points as Detroit overturned a 24-point deficit, outscoring Orlando 55-19 in the second half.
The Magic, led by Paolo Banchero, suffered a prolonged scoring drought, missing 23 consecutive field-goal attempts during a decisive stretch.
