Lakers Overcome Late Deficit to Lead Series 3‑0
SkimNews Take
Individual brilliance, especially in high-stakes moments, often becomes disproportionately decisive when one team is already weakened by the absence of a key player.
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- Lakers overcame a six‑point deficit with 30 seconds left in regulation to win 112‑108 in overtime against the Rockets, taking a 3‑0 series lead.
- Marcus Smart stole a pass from Jabari Smith Jr., drew a foul on Jae'Sean Tate and hit three free throws to cut the lead, then added eight points in overtime, including crucial free throws.
- LeBron James trapped Reed Sheppard, passed to Rui Hachimura and then hit a catch‑and‑shoot three with 13.6 seconds left to tie the game, finishing with 29 points, 13 rebounds and six assists.
- Rui Hachimura contributed 22 points, scoring the rest of the Lakers' overtime points and securing an offensive rebound that led to a layup.
- JJ Redick praised Smart and Hachimura as making the two biggest plays of the night, emphasizing the importance of offensive rebounding and extra possessions.
- ESPN Research noted the Lakers became only the second team in the past 30 postseasons to trail by six or more points in the final 30 seconds and win, joining the 2024 76ers over the Knicks.
- Kevin Durant was mentioned as a possible return for the Rockets in Game 4, but the Lakers aimed to keep the pressure and not give the Rockets hope.
Why it matters: The win gives the Lakers a 3‑0 advantage, putting them one victory away from the second round while forcing the Rockets into a do‑win situation; it also underscores the Lakers’ ability to win without their usual top scorers, highlighting depth and clutch performance.
