Lakers Force Overtime, Take 3-0 Lead Over Rockets in Game 3

In the Western Conference first-round matchup at Houston’s Toyota Center, the Los Angeles Lakers erased a six-point deficit with 30 seconds left to force overtime and ultimately won 112-108. LeBron James (29 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists) hit the game-tying three-pointer with 13.6 seconds remaining, while veteran guard Marcus Smart delivered three clutch free throws after being fouled on a three-point attempt with 25.4 seconds left. The overtime period saw Smart add eight of his 21 points, giving the Lakers a commanding 3-0 series edge.

NBC Los AngelesLakers' OT win puts Rockets on brink of NBA playoff eliminationAl Jazeera (website)

• LeBron James: 29 pts, 13 reb, 6 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk (45 min)

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• Marcus Smart: 21 pts, 10 ast, 5 stl, 2 blk; 8 pts in OT

How Marcus Smart entered Lakers lore with Game 3 performance

• Rui Hachimura: 22 pts, 6 reb

Rui Hachimura Makes Admission About Lakers’ Game 3 Win Over Rockets

• Alperen Sengün (Rockets): 33 pts, 16 reb

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• Amen Thompson: 26 pts, 11 reb

Al Jazeera (website)

• Reed Sheppard: 17 pts, 7 ast (Rockets)

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The Lakers now lead the series 3-0; no NBA team has ever rallied from a 0-3 deficit.

Orange County Register

Coach JJ Redick praised the team’s resilience, noting, “It’s tough to win on the road in the playoffs and even without KD they’re a great basketball team… that was a huge test for us when we were down six.” LeBron James emphasized the need for collective effort, saying the squad “doesn’t have the luxury of being passive or complacent.” Marcus Smart highlighted the “killer mentality” that drove the comeback, while Rockets head coach Ime Udoka lamented “horrendous mistakes” that cost Houston the game.

JJ Redick pinpoints how Lakers seized a stunning Game 3 heist vs Rockets

Udoka criticized his roster’s late-game execution, stating, “I don’t know if you want to say youth or scared of the moment, or whatever the case.” He also called a late foul on Smart “terrible” and accused his players of “freestyling” the final play instead of running the designed draw-up. The Rockets’ inability to protect a lead echoed throughout the series.

CBS Sports

Forward Rui Hachimura admitted the team’s energy dipped in the final minute, describing the moment as “a slight dip in our energy.” Guard Reed Sheppard called his own mistake “a stupid turnover,” acknowledging a missed simple play. The father-son duo of LeBron James and Bronny James contributed a pivotal alley-oop and a three-pointer, underscoring the Lakers’ depth.

The Guardian

The NBA’s Last-Two-Minute Review identified two missed calls: Smart entered the lane early on his third free throw, and James stepped out of bounds during overtime. Both violations were not called, a point of contention for the Rockets. Additionally, Kevin Durant’s status remains “up in the air,” with the team indicating ongoing treatment but no definitive timeline for Game 4.

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Securing a 3-0 lead puts the Lakers one win from a sweep and a berth in the Western Conference semifinals, where they would face either the Oklahoma City Thunder or Phoenix Suns. The victory came despite missing Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique), highlighting the veteran core’s ability to compensate for key injuries. For Houston, the loss deepens concerns about closing out games and the impact of Kevin Durant’s ankle sprain.

Rockets' Kevin Durant out for Game 3 vs. Lakers with a sprained left ankle

Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday in Houston. The Lakers aim to close the series, while the Rockets hope a possible return from Durant and continued development from young players like Amen Thompson and Sengün can spark a comeback. Coach Redick indicated the team will maintain its “killer instinct” and focus on execution.

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