LeBron James’ Late 3 Sends Lakers to Overtime Win Over Rockets
The Los Angeles Lakers secured a hard-fought 112-108 overtime victory on Friday night in Houston, taking a commanding 3-0 lead in their first-round playoff series against the Rockets despite missing key scorers Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The dramatic win came as LeBron James hit a game-tying 3-pointer with just 13 seconds left in regulation to force extra time where the Lakers outscored Houston 11-7.
This thrilling Game 3 victory puts the Lakers one win away from sweeping the Rockets, who have faced adversity with star Kevin Durant sidelined again due to an ankle injury. Durant missed his second straight game, but Rockets center Alperen Sengun starred with 33 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists in a grueling 47-minute effort.
Desperation Drives Lakers’ Comeback
Lakers guard Marcus Smart proved pivotal down the stretch with 21 points, 10 assists, and several clutch steals, including key free throws in the final 30 seconds of regulation that helped close a six-point deficit. Rui Hachimura also contributed significantly, scoring 16 of his 22 points before halftime and shooting 4-for-7 from beyond the arc.
The Lakers held a lead of up to 15 points in the second half but saw that advantage slip away as Houston rallied late. With 30 seconds remaining and the Lakers trailing by six, Smart’s steal sparked a flurry that led to his three successful free throws, cutting the Rockets’ lead to three.
Shortly after, LeBron intercepted a pass from Rockets guard Reed Sheppard and, assisted by Luke Kennard, drained a clutch right-wing 3-pointer that tied the game at 101. LeBron’s attempt for another 3 at the buzzer missed, sending the game to overtime where Smart immediately hit a corner 3 to spark a decisive run.
Rockets Battle Back Without Durant
Despite Durant’s absence, the Rockets were led by Sengun, whose inside dominance and playmaking kept Houston close throughout. Amen Thompson chipped in 26 points, and Sheppard added 17 points, though with less efficient shooting (6-for-21). Still, they couldn’t contain the Lakers’ balanced attack in OT.
Bronny James also made an impact in limited minutes, outscoring the Rockets’ bench 5-3, including an alley-oop connection with his father in the second quarter.
Looking Ahead: Lakers Eye Series Sweep Sunday
With Game 4 scheduled for Sunday night, the Lakers are poised to close out the series swiftly despite missing two of their top scorers. Their resilience and poise under pressure, led by LeBron and Smart, have become a critical factor in this postseason run.
“The desperate team normally wins in the playoffs, the more desperate team… We can’t relax,” said JJ Redick, highlighting the Lakers’ mindset before the game.
South Carolina fans and NBA followers nationwide will watch closely Sunday night as the Lakers look to extend their playoff dominance and the Rockets fight to force a Game 5 return to Los Angeles.
