LeBron James Lifts Lakers Past Rockets 112-108 in 3-0 Lead — Lakers Vs Rockets

LeBron James pushed the Lakers past the Rockets 112-108 in overtime in lakers vs rockets, turning a late deficit into a 3-0 lead in their Western Conference playoff series. The Lakers are one win from advancing after Friday’s finish, and no NBA team has ever recovered from a 0-3 hole in a playoff series.

LeBron James in Houston

James finished with 29 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and three steals. He also made the steal and game-tying three-pointer with 13.6 seconds left in regulation, then missed a potential game-winner at the buzzer.

He said after the win, "Just trying to seize the opportunity." James added, "My guys trust me to try to make plays and I’m blessed to be able to do it."

Rockets lose their late edge

Houston had rallied from an early 15-point deficit and led by six points with fewer than 30 seconds left in regulation. Alperen Sengun answered with 33 points and 16 rebounds, but the Rockets could not finish the final stretch after James forced overtime.

Marcus Smart tipped the game in the Lakers’ favor in the extra period, scoring eight of his 21 points in overtime and making all three free throws after being fouled on a three-point attempt. He also added a steal and a block as Los Angeles pulled away.

Lakers close on Sunday

The series now shifts back to Houston, where the Lakers will have a chance to close it out on Sunday. Los Angeles did it without Luka Doncic, who was sidelined by a hamstring strain, and Austin Reaves, who was out with an oblique injury, while the Rockets played without Kevin Durant because of a sprained ankle.

Boston also won on Friday, beating Philadelphia 108-100 in Philadelphia to take a 2-1 lead in its Eastern Conference series. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown scored 25 points apiece, and Tatum said, "We just were resilient," and "We stuck with it. It’s a game of runs – good team and just, you’ve got to answer."