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Durant Out, Rockets Down 0-2, Add Sheppard, Eason

4/25/2026

46 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Durant Out

Kevin Durant was ruled out of Game 3 on April 24, 2026 due to an ankle sprain.
The Rockets entered Game 3 trailing 0-2 to the Lakers, posting a 106.1 rating, 12.5 points per 100 possessions lower.
Coach Ime Udoka said the ankle injury occurred in the fourth quarter of Game 2, prompting him to add Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason.
Austin Reaves missed Game 3 with a strained oblique but remained a decision for Game 4.

Summary

Durant Returns

Durant missed Game 1 with a knee contusion and returned for limited minutes in Game 2.
He entered the playoffs averaging 26.0 points per game and earned his 16th All-Star selection.
LeBron James and Luke Kennard combined for 51 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists and four steals in Game 2.
Houston shot 39% overall and 29% from three in the series, forcing Durant into nine turnovers under Lakers half-court pressure.

Summary

Udoka Contains LeBron

Rockets coach Ime Udoka said the team’s main focus is containing LeBron James, not waiting for Austin Reaves.
Udoka said the Rockets have studied James’ initiating style and past matchups to shape their defense.
Lakers coach JJ Redick said his squad is ready after Austin Reaves was ruled out before tip-off.
Udoka noted the Rockets practiced against Kentavious Kennard-style lineups and accounted for Luka Doncic’s indefinite Grade 2 hamstring strain.

History

Historical Context

In the 1997 NBA Finals Game 5, Michael Jordan, playing while ill, scored 38 points to give the Chicago Bulls a 90-88 win over the Utah Jazz. Steve Kerr’s five-second jumper, set up by Scottie Pippen’s late steal, put Chicago ahead 3-2 in their first Finals meeting. The game’s star-driven comeback is now cited as a reason teams prioritize bench depth to cushion injuries.

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Durant Out

Kevin Durant was ruled out of Game 3 on April 24, 2026 due to an ankle sprain.
The Rockets entered Game 3 trailing 0-2 to the Lakers, posting a 106.1 rating, 12.5 points per 100 possessions lower.
Coach Ime Udoka said the ankle injury occurred in the fourth quarter of Game 2, prompting him to add Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason.
Austin Reaves missed Game 3 with a strained oblique but remained a decision for Game 4.

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