Facing a daunting 0-2 deficit, the Rockets' season hangs precariously. Could a historic playoff collapse be imminent?
After two disappointing games in LA, the Rockets find themselves with their backs against the wall and their season on the line. A completely surprising outcome as the Lakers were without their two best players and were viewed to be an easy out in the playoffs.
With Kevin Durant also out for Game 1 last Saturday, that loss was less of a shock, but still concerning. The level of concerned definitely rose after the former MVP returned to action, only to see his team lose by two fewer points than the previous game without him.
The Lakers shut Durant down, as covered on Roundtable, making anything the Rockets tried seem pointless. This means with or without the 37 year old vet on the court, Houston might have a problem.
As the series heads to Texas for the first (and possibly final) time, both Kevin Durant and Austin Reaves are listed as questionable on the NBA's injury report. In an absolute worst case scenario, I could see the Lakers gaining a star while the Rockets lose one.
In my opinion, this would unofficially mark the end of the season. A Game 3 loss would put Houston against the NBA's 0-157 record for teams trailing 0-3 in a playoff series. Even Lloyd Christmas wouldn't say they have a chance to advance after that. We'd just be waiting to see if it's a sweep or not.