Lakers Mount Dramatic Rally to Force Overtime, Beat Rockets 112-108
Houston — The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a stunning comeback to force overtime and secure a hard-fought 112-108 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Friday night. With the Lakers now holding a commanding 3-0 series lead, the pressure mounts on Houston, who again played without star Kevin Durant due to an ankle injury.
LeBron James led the charge with a game-high 29 points, along with 13 rebounds and 6 assists. His clutch performance included a critical 3-pointer with just 13.1 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 101 and send it to overtime.
Marcus Smart Steps Up with 21 Points, Dominates Overtime
Marcus Smart was instrumental down the stretch, scoring eight of his 21 points in the extra period and contributing 10 assists and 5 steals. It was Smart’s steal and successful free throws in the final seconds of regulation that sparked the Lakers’ comeback when they trailed by six points with just 30 seconds remaining.
Rui Hachimura provided steady scoring, pouring in 22 points, including 16 before halftime and hitting four of seven attempts from long range.
Rockets Battle Hard Without Durant but Fall Short in OT
The Rockets fought valiantly despite missing Kevin Durant for the second consecutive game. Alperen Sengun starred with a beastly 33-point, 16-rebound, and 6-assist performance across 47 minutes, showing relentless effort. Yet, Sengun’s brilliance wasn’t enough to stop the Lakers’ late rally.
Amen Thompson added 26 points for Houston, while Reed Sheppard chipped in 17 points, though shooting just 6-for-21.
Key Plays Turn Tide in Final Minute
The Lakers led by as many as 15 points in the second half but found themselves down six with less than 30 seconds remaining. Marcus Smart made all three free throws after a crucial steal, closing the gap. Then, LeBron’s game-tying 3-pointer off a steal sealed Houston’s fate and forced overtime.
The Lakers dominated the 5-minute extra period 11-7, powered by Smart’s aggressive offense and steady free-throw shooting that clinched the victory.
Lakers Look to Close Series Sunday Night
With Game 4 set for Sunday night, the Lakers appear ready to end the series quickly despite missing key scorers Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who remain sidelined. The desperate and determined effort from their depth players has been crucial in this series.
“The desperate team normally wins in the playoffs, the more desperate team,” said former player JJ Redick ahead of the game. “We can’t relax.”
The Lakers’ commanding 3-0 lead puts pressure on the Rockets to win consecutive games without Durant to avoid elimination. Los Angeles’ resilience and veteran leadership from LeBron James and Marcus Smart deliver a potent statement to the rest of the Western Conference.
Delaware and U.S. basketball fans should watch closely Sunday night as the Lakers aim to close out the series and advance deeper into the postseason.
