Lakers Rally in Closing Seconds, Push Rockets to Brink of Sweep
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The Los Angeles Lakers seized a 3-0 advantage over the Houston Rockets on Friday night, erasing a six-point deficit in the final 30 seconds of regulation and pulling out a 112-108 overtime victory at Crypto.com Arena.
Key sequence: With 27.8 seconds remaining, veteran guard Marcus Smart intercepted Jabari Smith Jr.’s back-court pass and immediately launched a three-pointer that missed. Jae’Sean Tate fouled Smart on the attempt, and the 12-year pro knocked down all three free throws to cut the margin to 106-103. On Houston’s ensuing possession, LeBron James stripped Reed Sheppard, received a return pass from Rui Hachimura and buried a game-tying three from the right wing.
The Lakers became just the second team in the past three decades to win a playoff game after trailing by at least six points in the last 30 seconds of regulation. They did so despite being without Luka Dončić (left hamstring) and Austin Reaves (left oblique), who have missed the entire series.
“The last thing you want is two of your best players going down right before the postseason,” James said. “It’s challenging for all of us, and we’re figuring it out together on the fly.”
Additional Lakers notes
- The NBA’s Last Two Minute Report later ruled that Smart stepped over the free-throw line before his final attempt hit the rim, a lane violation that went uncalled.
- Reaves is listed as questionable for Sunday’s Game 4, according to the team’s latest injury report.
- Rookie guard Bronny James, who said he was nervous in his Game 1 playoff debut, contributed five points in a little more than nine minutes in Game 3, including finishing an alley-oop pass from his father. “Postseason minutes give a young player confidence you can’t get in the regular season,” LeBron noted.
Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday in Los Angeles, where the Lakers will attempt to complete the sweep.
Source: Hoops Rumors
