LeBron James scored 29 points, including a tying three-pointer with 13 seconds left in regulation, and Marcus Smart added eight points in overtime as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 112-108 on Friday night to take a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference first-round series.
Lakers Rally from Six-Point Deficit
The Lakers, missing top scorers Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves due to injuries, rallied from a six-point deficit with under 30 seconds remaining in regulation. They can complete the sweep Sunday night in Houston.
“It’s tough to win on the road in the playoffs and even without KD they’re a great basketball team,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. “And that was a huge test for us, especially in that moment when we’re down six.”
Overtime Dominance
Los Angeles opened overtime with a 6-2 run, highlighted by a three-pointer from Smart, to take a 107-103 lead. Smart made two free throws with 35.5 seconds left to make it 111-105. Reed Sheppard hit a three-pointer to bring Houston within three, but Smart made one of two free throws to seal the 112-108 victory.
The 41-year-old James played more than 45 minutes. “Everyone has to do a little bit more because of how much we’re missing,” James said. “It’s a challenge for all of us and just trying to figure it out together.”
Key Performances
- Marcus Smart: 21 points, 10 assists
- Rui Hachimura: 22 points
- LeBron James: 29 points, 13 rebounds
For the Rockets, Alperen Sengun had 33 points and 16 rebounds, while Amen Thompson added 26 points and 11 rebounds. Houston played without Kevin Durant, who missed his second straight game with a sprained ankle.
“It’s obviously a weakness of ours to close out and finish,” said Rockets coach Ime Udoka. “The amount of mistakes or the type of mistakes are egregious and you can’t have those.”
Late-Game Drama
The Rockets led 101-95 after consecutive turnovers by James. However, Smart was fouled on a three-point attempt with 25 seconds left and made all three free throws. James then stole the ball from Sheppard and hit the tying three-pointer with 13 seconds remaining. Sengun missed a seven-footer, and James’ three-point attempt at the buzzer bounced off the rim, sending the game to overtime.
James also threw an alley-oop pass to his son Bronny for a basket in the first half. The Lakers led by 15 early but trailed late before their comeback.
