HOUSTON — The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a dramatic comeback Friday night, rallying in the final minute to force overtime and then outlasting the Houston Rockets 112-108 to take a commanding 3-0 lead in their first-round playoff series. The Lakers’ victory came without injured stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, and with the Rockets missing Kevin Durant due to an ankle injury for the second consecutive game.
LeBron James scored 29 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, delivering the defining moment with a clutch 3-pointer with 13.1 seconds left to tie the game at 101 and send it into overtime. Marcus Smart was unstoppable in the extra period, scoring 8 of his 21 points to help seal the win for Los Angeles.
Lakers’ Grit Fuels Comeback in Final Minute
The Lakers appeared in control, leading by as much as 15 points in the second half before the Rockets mounted a furious rally. Trailing by six with just 30 seconds left, Smart ignited the comeback with a steal and converted all three free throws to cut the deficit to three.
Following a crucial steal by James off Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, James found the range from the right wing, tying the score and electrifying the Houston crowd. After successfully defending a potential game-winner by Alperen Sengun, the game headed to overtime when James’ final 3-point attempt bounced off at the regulation buzzer.
Smart Dominates OT as Rockets Fall Short Without Durant
Smart opened overtime with a corner 3 and maintained momentum with aggressive drives and clutch free throws. Rui Hachimura also contributed a vital 16 of his 22 points before halftime, shooting 4-for-7 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Rockets’ Sengun put up a heroic effort with 33 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists despite his team’s loss.
Houston’s Amen Thompson added 26 points, and Sheppard scored 17 but struggled with his shooting at 6-for-21. The absence of Durant, clearly felt, left the Rockets missing their biggest offensive threat.
Series Outlook: Lakers Eye Sweep in Game 4
With this victory, the Lakers move within one win of a first-round sweep and are poised to close out the series Sunday night. As Lakers veteran JJ Redick noted before the game, “The desperate team normally wins in the playoffs.” Los Angeles is currently the more desperate and determined squad, overcoming injury setbacks to assert control.
Notably, Bronny James also made an impact off the bench, outscoring the Rockets’ reserves in his nine minutes with a 3-pointer and an alley-oop dunk from his father’s assist.
This game underscored the Lakers’ resilience under pressure, rallying multiple times despite key injuries. With momentum firmly on their side, they are now heavily favored to finish the sweep on the Rockets’ home floor.
What to Watch Next
Basketball fans across Alabama and nationwide will be watching Sunday night as the Lakers attempt to close the series in Houston. The Rockets will need a quick turnaround and a healthy Durant to avoid elimination, while the Lakers hope to capitalize on their surge and advance confidently in the playoffs.
