Even after a promising launch sequence in Game 1, the Houston Rockets failed to take off against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals. And now, their season is officially over.
The Lakers had little trouble dispatching the Rockets in a 119-96 blowout, winning the series 4-1 and advancing to their first Western Conference finals since 2010. Just like last series against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Lakers shrugged off a discouraging Game 1 loss and proceeded to work over an overmatched opponent.
Leading the way was LeBron James, who alternated between effortless and angry from the opening tip.