The Houston Rockets are proving that no lead is safe in the NBA playoffs, keeping their season alive with a gritty 99-93 Game 5 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Trailing 3-0 in the first-round series just days ago, the Rockets have now strung together two consecutive wins, cutting the deficit to a much more manageable 3-2. The series is suddenly alive and well.

Playing without superstar Kevin Durant, the Rockets leaned on a balanced attack. All five starters scored in double figures, led by Jabari Smith Jr., who poured in 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Alperen Sengun flirted with a triple-double, posting 14 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. It was the kind of team effort that championship runs are built on.

On the Lakers' side, LeBron James did his part with 25 points and seven assists, but the supporting cast couldn't keep pace. Austin Reaves made a timely return from a month-long absence due to an oblique strain, chipping in 22 points and six assists off the bench. Still, it wasn't enough to close out the series.

For the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are watching from the sidelines after sweeping the Phoenix Suns in their first-round series, this extended battle is a welcome sight. The longer the Rockets and Lakers go, the more time Thunder star Jalen Williams has to recover from a hamstring strain he suffered in Game 2 against the Suns. A potential matchup between the Thunder and the winner of this series is looking increasingly intriguing.

The Rockets will have a chance to force a Game 7 when they host the Lakers for Game 6 on Friday, May 1. If necessary, the decisive Game 7 would take place in Los Angeles on Sunday, May 3. For now, the Rockets have breathed new life into their season—and given the Thunder a reason to keep watching.