Lakers Edge Rockets 112-108 in OT, Take Commanding 3-0 Series Lead
LeBron James's late three-pointer forces overtime as Los Angeles capitalizes on Kevin Durant's absence to move within one win of advancing.
LOS ANGELES — LeBron James delivered in crunch time Friday night, draining a three-pointer with 13 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime and lift the Los Angeles Lakers to a 112-108 victory over the Houston Rockets. The win gives the Lakers a commanding 3-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.
James finished with 29 points, orchestrating a late-game comeback that saw Los Angeles erase a deficit and seize control in the extra period. The Rockets played without star forward Kevin Durant, whose absence proved costly as Houston's offense sputtered down the stretch.
James Takes Over Late
With the Lakers trailing in the final minute of regulation, James found space beyond the arc and knocked down the game-tying triple that sent the contest into overtime. His clutch shot capped a furious rally and shifted momentum decisively in Los Angeles's favor.
In the overtime period, the Lakers outscored Houston to secure the four-point margin. James's scoring output paced a balanced attack that exploited the Rockets' depleted frontcourt.
Durant's Absence Looms Large
Houston entered Friday's game without Durant, who has been sidelined with an undisclosed injury. The Rockets struggled to generate consistent offense in his absence, particularly in the closing minutes when they needed a counter to James's heroics.
No team in NBA playoff history has ever rallied from a 3-0 series deficit. The Rockets now face elimination in Game 4, scheduled for Sunday in Los Angeles.
What's Next
The Lakers can complete the sweep with a win at home. A victory would mark their first playoff series win of the postseason and send them into the second round. Houston, meanwhile, must win four straight games to avoid elimination—a feat never accomplished in league history.
What we know: LeBron James scored 29 points, including the game-tying three-pointer with 13 seconds left in regulation, as the Lakers defeated the Rockets 112-108 in overtime to take a 3-0 series lead. Kevin Durant did not play for Houston. What's unclear: The nature and severity of Durant's injury, and whether he will return for Game 4.