Rockets get best possible news just in the nick of time

The Rockets lost Game 1 against the Lakers without their superstar forward Kevin Durant, but they won't have to suffer the same fate in Game 2. Durant has officially been cleared to play in the second game of the series, and the timing couldn't be better for Houston. Their offense struggled mightily without the All-Star wing and now has a chance to bounce back in a pivotal game.

Kevin Durant's return changes everything

Durant coming back into the lineup is a major swing for Game 2 and the series as a whole. He's been the Rockets' best player all season long and his impact on the offense can't be overstated. Not only is he one of the league's most potent scorers, he also helps his teammates get easier looks too.

Before Durant went down with injury, the Rockets were rolling and their offense was clicking. KD unlocked a new layer to his game with incredible playmaking, averaging 7 assists per game in his last 10 games. That's on top of the 26 points per game that he's averaged all season long while shooting 52% from the field and 41% from three.

With him back in the lineup, the Rockets will have their own veteran star to counter the Lakers' LeBron James. James controlled the game in the series opener with his playmaking and experience. Durant may not have quite as many years of service as LeBron, but he's in Year 18 and seen his fair share of playoff coverages.

The Rockets get the offensive help they needed

Without Durant, the Rockets had to rely on a very clunky offense in Game 1. They forced the ball in to Alperen Sengun for awkward drives or chucked up threes from mediocre shooters. The Lakers defense was able to help off most Rockets and muck up the paint to prevent easy baskets.

But Durant is feared like no other in the league. Defenses never sag off him, and often have to throw more than one body at him to have any chance. The Lakers also don't have a terrific two-way option to slow down Durant. Their best shot is probably Jarred Vanderbilt, but he is an offensive liability that the Rockets can exploit.

Regardless of how the Lakers choose to defend Durant, the Rockets offense should flow better in Game 2. They have better options to put pressure on the rim and generate offense in desperate situations. And if the game does come down to the clutch, there's arguably no one you'd rather give the ball to than Kevin Durant.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow