ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Lakers 4/29/2026 (Playoffs Round 1, Game 5)

Great game

Amen had a tough game. They're gonna need him to be better next game. Udoka has to find a way to get him a breather, he looked tired.

 

I am generally with you on the cynicism, but not tonight. Tonight is all good vibes

 

That’s a game 5 Utah gritty performance. Just get the win. I love this team so much

 

Sorry but this take is utter BS. He actually played pretty good defense and the offensive boards weaker not all his fault. You do realize that he’s not the only one on Ayton rebounding?

 

Jabari didn't have his most efficient game, but he had his LOUDEST game of the series by far. He was the go-to guy in the first when we couldn't get anything going, and he called for team huddles like literally every 3 minutes or so when he was on the court. I know it seems a little rah-rah and college-y to do that, but it's a great show of solidarity and a REALLY good look for the young guys. Plus, I think it did center them somewhat, and kept everyone's head in the game. He even yelled at Tari when he wandered off instead of joining the huddle one time (a hilariously Tari thing to do)

No team has ever come back from 3-0, and I am not expecting this literally college-age starting 5 to. HOWEVER if this series results in development, confidence, and poise...that's all we really can ask for.

 

im not cynical!! im a hopeful fan.. i just read tea leaves.

 

Everyone played great. Reed's defense has been awesome the whole game and he made some clutch shots when it was only 3pt game. Amen made extra shots, DFS finally woke up and Jabari played great D&O but it's all thanks to Sengun's gravity. JJ messed up by not stopping the double teams on him. He cost them the game.

 

Lebron bumped Reed and that set him off. I like it.

 

Alpi almost had a triple double and dissected the Lakers defense when he had the ball with his passing.

Some of you really don’t understand anything.

 

What stood out to me--that one bucket LeBron scored on a late drive. Alpi was right with him 1-on-1 and actually did a good job defensively. Yeah, LeBron still scored it, but Alpi made it way more difficult than you'd think. He can play defense when he wants to. He was fighting tonight.

 

This is giving '09 team vibes. The team that lost Yao, Mutombo, TMac. Took the eventual champ Lakers to 7 games with Aaron Brooks & Ron Attest. Sheppard is doing his Brooks impression. Amen doing his Artest impression.

And Tari is most certainly Von Wafer'ing it

 

ngl Austin Reaves coming back took away Kennards magnet ball.

 

Good sign winning with neither Amen or Alpi having a big game. I expect both to play way better next game.

 

The whole team backed it up.. today. Still gotta win Friday and Sunday. One game at a time. The league let Lebron and his scrub son have a moment. Let the dogs eat the weak. As long as the refs call it how it should be, it will be a fight.

Proud of this team for stepping up and not relying on the refs to bail them out every damn play (LAL and OKC can **** right off to hell).

 

Reed is sick.. flu game steals.

 

Reed with the TNT Interview....

 

What's cool about Reeds back to back plays was LeBron tried bullying him the play before after he made a shot. Ran right knto Reed on purpose. That was a mistake. Reed made LBJ look hella goofy with that steal.

 

reed being interviewed by kenny shaq etc

 

This team

60% shooting, 100% from the line, 9 assists, the team’s best -/+ and that’s what you came up with? What stupidity

 

shepp is sick?

huh, flu i'm guessing