LA Lakers star LeBron James believes the Houston Rockets were too much for his side to handle during Friday’s showdown.
The two teams clashed in Game 1 of their Western Conference best-of-seven semifinals, with the Rockets winning 112-97.
James was powerless to stop Lakers’ defeat, despite putting up 20 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks in the game.
Speaking after the game, the 35-year-old said his side simply couldn’t handle the speed of the Rockets.
LeBron James scored 0 pts (0-3 FG) in 9 minutes in the 4th quarter tonight.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 5, 2020
3rd time in his playoff career he's failed to score in the 4th quarter with at least 9 minutes played.
Other 2 instances: 2017 East Finals Game 3 vs BOS (12 min) & 2011 Finals Game 4 vs DAL (12 min). pic.twitter.com/YOHT35Agok
“The speed. They play with a lot of speed offensively and defensively,” he is quoted as saying by the Washington Post’s Ben Golliver.
“You can watch it on film but we got a feel for their speed tonight and we should be fully aware of that for Game 2.”
James added: “I don’t think we had many struggles defensively. We allowed James (Harden) to get to the free throw line way too much in the first half.
“More importantly we had 17 turnovers for 27 points. That’s all offense.”
Meanwhile, James and Co. will have to dust themselves up quickly as Game 2 begins on Sunday.
