Late Comeback Puts Lakers On Brink Of Semis
Hope
The Los Angeles Lakers (LA Lakers) are now one win away from advancing to the NBA Western Conference semi-finals after a dramatic comeback victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 3.
The Lakers overturned a six-point deficit in the final 25 seconds of regulation, forced overtime, and secured a 112-108 win on Friday to take a 3-0 lead in the series.
Houston were left frustrated after letting a late lead slip at home, putting them in a difficult position heading into Game 4 on Sunday.
The Rockets led 101-95 with under 30 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, but a series of costly errors allowed the Lakers back into the game.
A turnover by Reed Sheppard and a foul by Jae’Sean Tate on a three-point attempt proved decisive. The Lakers capitalised, tying the game and forcing overtime.
No team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in a playoff series. Marcus Smart played a key role for the Lakers, scoring eight of the team’s 11 points in overtime.
He finished with 21 points, 10 assists, and five steals, delivering a strong all-round performance. Rui Hachimura added 22 points, including key contributions late in the game.
LeBron James also made an important three-pointer in the closing stages of regulation to help force overtime.
Meanwhile, Houston fielded a youthful starting lineup, with all five players aged 24 or younger. Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and Amen Thompson each scored at least 24 points, showing strong attacking form.
The Rockets improved defensively in the second half, conceding just 38 points after allowing 63 in the first half. However, their late-game execution ultimately proved costly.
What made things worse for Rockets was the absence of Kevin Durant, who missed Game 3 due to a sprained ankle after also sitting out Game 1 with a knee injury.
His absence was heavily felt, particularly in the closing moments where experience could have made a difference.
In other NBA playoff action, San Antonio took a 2-1 series lead over Portland with a 120-108 road win.
Stephon Castle scored 33 points, while rookie Dylan Harper recorded a double-double with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Victor Wembanyama was unavailable due to concussion protocol following a head injury sustained in Game 2.
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics moved 2-1 ahead in their Eastern Conference series against Philadelphia with a 108-100 victory.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown both scored 25 points, with Tatum contributing 11 points in the fourth quarter.
