The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets, taking a 3-0 series lead. LeBron James forced overtime, where the Lakers ultimately prevailed.
James’ Performance Drives Lakers
LeBron James had 29 points, 13 rebounds and six assists in a Game 3 win over the Rockets. The Lakers are playing without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. James is averaging 25.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 2.0 steals. He is shooting 47.4% from the field and 43.8% on 3-pointers.
Luke Kennard is averaging 21.3 points; Marcus Smart, 20.3 points; and Rui Hachimura, 16.3 points.
It’s too easy for James, who is relishing the moment and throwing lobs to his son, Bronny James, forcing turnovers and making clutch 3-pointers with the game on the line.
Rockets Face Uphill Battle
Down 3-0 to the Los Angeles Lakers in a first-round Western Conference playoff series, the Houston Rockets face a steep climb. The overall record in a series for teams trailing 3-0 is 0-159. No team has come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a series in the NBA playoffs.
The Rockets featured a starting lineup with five players 24 years old or younger in Game 3. The Rockets overcame a 101-95 deficit in the final 30 seconds of the fourth quarter to force overtime.
- Turnovers have hurt the Rockets.
- Fouls have hurt the Rockets.
- Shooting (just 28.7% on 3-pointers in the series) has hurt the Rockets.
Durant’s Potential Return
Rockets star Kevin Durant missed Game 1 with a bruised right knee and missed Game 3 with a sprained left ankle. He is listed as questionable on the official injury report and likely will be a game-time decision.
“He’s getting treatment still around the clock,” said Rockets coach Ime Udoka. “I think there’s some soreness and (he’s) pushed a lot of swelling out, but it’ll be a matter of if he can go. We’ll try it out I’m sure tomorrow morning and before the game, and we’ll know his status then.”
Even hobbled, the Rockets can use Durant’s skillset.
Can the Rockets Force a Game 5?
For any team down 3-0 in a series, winning Game 4 is the goal. There were enough positives despite a late Game 3 collapse for the Rockets to draw from as they try to extend the series. Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and Amen Thompson each scored at least 24 points, with Sengun scoring 33 points and securing 16 rebounds.
The Rockets need to find a way to mitigate James’ production.
The Rockets will attempt to head off a Lakers sweep.