Rockets stave off sweep as Spurs and Celtics move to 3-1 leads in NBA playoffs
Rockets stave off sweep as Spurs and Celtics move to 3-1 leads in NBA playoffs — Houston beats Lakers 115-96; Victor Wembanyama returns to power San Antonio.
The Houston Rockets avoided a first-round sweep in the NBA playoffs with a 115-96 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, trimming their deficit to 3-1 in the Western Conference series. Amen Thompson led Houston with 23 points as the Rockets forced 24 Lakers turnovers and capitalized on LA’s roster gaps. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs and Boston Celtics each seized 3-1 advantages after commanding wins, and the Toronto Raptors eked out a narrow road victory to even their series.
Rockets derail Lakers’ sweep hopes
The Rockets delivered a decisive performance in Houston, converting Los Angeles miscues into a sizable lead that the visitors could not overcome. Houston’s defense produced 30 points off turnovers, and Tari Eason’s 20 points combined with Alperen Sengun’s 19 to sustain the margin throughout the contest. LeBron James struggled from the field, finishing with 10 points on two-of-nine shooting while also recording nine assists and eight turnovers. With key Lakers contributors still sidelined, Los Angeles will host Game 5 on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, with the opportunity to close out the series at home.
Wembanyama’s comeback fuels Spurs’ turnaround
Victor Wembanyama made a forceful return from a concussion absence, posting 27 points, 11 rebounds and an all-around defensive showcase that included seven blocks. San Antonio rallied from a 19-point deficit to overwhelm the Portland Trail Blazers, outscoring them 73-35 in the second half and carrying that momentum to a 114-93 win. De’Aaron Fox paced the Spurs with 28 points as the franchise moved within one victory of advancing; San Antonio will host Game 5 on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, looking to close the series.
Wembanyama questions concussion return process
Wembanyama praised the medical staff who guided his recovery but expressed clear frustration with the league’s staged concussion protocol and how the situation was managed. The 22-year-old Frenchman, fresh off being named the 2026 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a candidate for MVP, said he experienced a swirl of emotions before the game and used the outing to channel that energy. His dominant on-court presence underscored both his individual importance to the Spurs and the team’s depth in mounting the second-half surge that flipped the contest.
Lakers hampered by injuries and ejection
Los Angeles entered the game without top scorers Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, a depletion that left more offensive responsibility on veterans and role players. Center Deandre Ayton led the Lakers with 19 points and 10 rebounds but was ejected in the third quarter following an on-court altercation that involved contact with Sengun. The loss of Ayton midgame compounded the Lakers’ struggles against a Rockets club that pressured ball handlers and converted transition opportunities. The series now shifts back to Los Angeles for Game 5 with the home side aiming to finish the job.
Celtics rout 76ers as Embiid returns
In the Eastern Conference, Boston delivered a lopsided 128-96 victory in Philadelphia, stifling the 76ers despite the return of Joel Embiid from an emergency appendectomy on April 9. Jayson Tatum produced a near triple-double with 30 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists, while Payton Pritchard exploded for 32 points off the bench. Boston’s perimeter barrage — a barrage of 24 made three-pointers — overwhelmed Philadelphia and left the 76ers trailing throughout. Embiid led Philadelphia with 26 points and 10 rebounds but could not slow the Celtics’ efficient offensive night.
Raptors survive late push to tie series with Cavs
Toronto fought through a poor three-point shooting night to pull out a 93-89 road win over Cleveland that evened their series at 2-2. Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram each scored 23 points, and Barnes’ late free throws proved decisive in a tense closing stretch. The Raptors overcame a five-point deficit with just over two minutes left by assembling a 9-0 run that swung momentum and ultimately secured the victory. Donovan Mitchell finished with 20 for the Cavaliers while James Harden added 19, but Cleveland could not convert late attempts that might have forced overtime.
The slate of results leaves several first-round matchups poised for pivotal turns as the calendar advances toward the conference semifinals. Houston’s win prolongs the Rockets’ hopes, San Antonio and Boston sit one victory from advancement, and Toronto and Cleveland head into Game 5 with both teams searching for control.
