The Houston Rockets refused to let their season end, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in a must-win Game 5 on Wednesday night to force a sixth game in their first-round playoff series.
Down 3-1 in the series, the Rockets came out with intensity on both ends of the floor, building an early lead and holding off a late Lakers rally. Jalen Green led the way with 31 points, while Alperen Sengun added a double-double of 22 points and 14 rebounds.
"We just wanted to keep playing," said Rockets coach Ime Udoka. "Our backs were against the wall, but the guys showed tremendous heart and resilience. We'll take this momentum into Game 6."
LeBron James led the Lakers with 28 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds, but it wasn't enough as the supporting cast struggled from beyond the arc. The Lakers shot just 28% from three-point range.
Game 6 will be held in Los Angeles on Friday night, where the Lakers will look to close out the series on their home floor.