Lakers Upset Rockets in Game 1 Despite Key Injuries

JJ Redick praises Lakers' poise and 'next play mentality' in playoff opener

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:14pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game in motion, with overlapping planes of color and form representing the intensity and energy of the playoff matchup between the Lakers and Rockets.The Lakers' gritty Game 1 win over the Rockets showcases their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Lakers managed to upset the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series, winning 107-98 despite being shorthanded with injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Head coach JJ Redick credited his team's poise and ability to respond to mistakes, saying they had a 'great next play mentality' even when the game wasn't perfect. The Lakers caught a break with Kevin Durant ruled out for the Rockets, but Redick said that didn't affect their mentality, as they were focused on their own game plan and standards.

Why it matters

The Lakers were widely written off after the Doncic and Reaves injuries, but their Game 1 win shows they should be taken more seriously as a playoff team. Their ability to band together and stay focused against better competition makes them a dangerous opponent, despite being shorthanded.

The details

The Lakers committed 20 turnovers and struggled at the free throw line, going 17-of-26, which are areas they'll need to clean up for Game 2. But their defensive effort, forcing 13 Rockets turnovers, and overall poise in the face of adversity were key factors in the upset victory.

  • The Lakers upset the Rockets 107-98 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.

The players

JJ Redick

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, who praised his team's poise and 'next play mentality' in the Game 1 win over the Rockets.

Luka Doncic

The Lakers' star player who was ruled out for extended time due to injury, decimating their playoff odds before the series.

Austin Reaves

Another key Lakers player who was ruled out for extended time due to injury, further depleting their roster.

Kevin Durant

The Rockets' star player who was ruled out for Game 1 due to a right knee contusion, giving the Lakers a break.

Luke Kennard

A major contributor to the Lakers' success this season, who said there's still belief in the locker room that they can beat the Rockets despite the odds.

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What they’re saying

“[I] just thought we were really poised as a team. We had a great next play mentality. Wasn't a perfect game. None of these games are gonna be perfect. Got some contributions from a lot of people in a lot of different ways and made enough winning plays despite the turnovers and the offensive rebounds.”

— JJ Redick, Head Coach, Los Angeles Lakers

“Yeah, I don't think it affected our mentality. Again, this is all we've talked about for two months. It's just our playoff mentality. You can't worry about who's in or out of the lineup. It's our game plan. It's our standards. It's how we play and we've built towards that.”

— JJ Redick, Head Coach, Los Angeles Lakers

What’s next

The Lakers will look to build on their Game 1 upset when they face the Rockets again in Game 2 on Friday.

The takeaway

The Lakers' ability to stay focused and poised in the face of adversity, combined with their collective experience, makes them a dangerous playoff team despite being shorthanded. Their Game 1 win over the Rockets shows they should not be underestimated, even with key injuries to their roster.