Rockets Stumble Late, Drop Game 3 in Overtime; Udoka Rips Mistakes as Durant Remains Sidelined
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The Houston Rockets surrendered a six-point lead with under 30 seconds left in regulation and fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in overtime on Friday night, slipping behind 3-0 in their Western Conference first-round series.
Head coach Ime Udoka unloaded on his roster after the collapse. “Horrendous mistakes,” he said, according to the Associated Press. “I don’t know if you want to say youth or scared of the moment.” Udoka refused to excuse the blunders by pointing to postseason inexperience, adding, “Grow up. You’re not that young anymore.” In the closing seconds, Houston committed two turnovers and fouled a three-point shooter, allowing the Lakers to force the extra period.
Durant Sits Again; Game 4 Status Uncertain
Forward Kevin Durant missed his second consecutive game with a left ankle sprain suffered in Game 2. “It’s different when he’s not on the floor. He’s a tremendous scorer,” guard Reed Sheppard told The Athletic. “It sucks not having him out there. But at the end of the day, it’s our job to go out there and fight and compete and win.”
Udoka labeled Durant’s availability for Sunday’s Game 4 as “up in the air,” noting that the medical staff has seen “some progress” despite the short turnaround.
Sengun’s Big Night Wasted
Center Alperen Sengun posted 33 points and 16 rebounds, but the effort wasn’t enough to stave off defeat. “I guess I could do more with some defensive possessions, some missed shots still,” Sengun told the Houston Chronicle. “I still did a good job, but it wasn’t enough, so I’ve got to come back better Sunday.”
Durant Eyes Post-Career Ownership Stake
Off the court, Durant said he hopes to join an ownership group for an NBA or NBA Europe franchise after his playing days end. “Sole owner? No. But you can definitely be a part of a group,” he told Andscape’s Marc J. Spears. Durant suggested that only players with extensive league tenure and significant off-court capital—naming LeBron James, Stephen Curry and himself—could realistically pursue such an investment.
Source: Hoops Rumors
