By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Facing elimination from the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, the Houston Rockets routed the Los Angeles Lakers, 115–96, in Toyota Center on Sunday, but still face a 3-1 deficit as the best-of-seven series shifts back to California.
Turkish starting center Alperen Sengun chipped in 19 points, six rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal in 33 minutes, while backup Clint Capela did not play in the Game 4 blowout victory.
The contest was marked by the ejection of Deandre Ayton, who was tossed at the 5:41 mark of the third quarter after striking 23-year-old Sengun in the head with his left forearm. Kevin Durant, ruled out with a bone bruise in his ankle, was waving goodbye to the Lakers center following the call.
As expected, Luka Doncic remained sidelined due to a left hamstring strain, showing limited progression on his on-court work, with head coach JJ Redick providing a cautious update on the Slovenian superstar during a pregame press conference.
“He just continues to do some stuff on the court. He was able to move today a little bit on the court. Most of the stuff has been standstill. He’s progressing. No update on any timeline or anything like that,” stated the Lakers play-caller.
Initially listed as questionable for a second straight game, Austin Reaves also remained out with a left oblique muscle strain. “Ultimately, the athlete has to feel confident. That’s always the final hurdle coming back from an injury,” mentioned 41-year-old Redick, addressing the 27-year-old guard’s status.
Meanwhile, Germany’s Maxi Kleber logged seven minutes during the fourth quarter, tallying one point, two assists, one steal, and one rebound.
With Ime Udoka’s side facing another elimination game, 37-year-old Durant is likely to be sidelined once again for Game 5 in crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 1-2 (101-112, 98-83, 105-113)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 2-2 (126-113, 115-105, 104-126, 89-93)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 2-2 (113-102, 106-107, 108-109, 114-98)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 3-1 (123-91, 97-111, 108-100, 128-96)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
Western Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns 3-0 (119-84, 120-107, 121-109)
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 3-1 (107-98, 101-94, 112-108, 96-115)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 1-3 (126-115, 114-119, 96-113, 96-112)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers 3-1 (111-98, 103-106, 120-108, 114-93)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
NBA Finals 2026 (best-of-seven)
Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions