The Los Angeles Lakers won Game 3 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series against the Houston Rockets. After two wins at home, this time they celebrated on the road in overtime with 112-108 and are just one win away from the conference semifinals as they lead 3-0.
It’s Los Angeles, without the injured Slovenian ace Luka Doncic and Austin Reaveswho is closer to returning to the field, achieved his third victory and completely reversed the scenario that experts had predicted before the start of this series.
LeBron James he shone again, scoring 29 points and 13 rebounds, while Rui Hachimura (22) and Marcus Smart, who scored eight of the total of 21 points in overtime, and dished out 10 assists, took over the scoring burden this time.
Houston was again without Kevin Durant (ankle) due to injury, while Alperen Sengün dominated the game, scoring 33 points and 16 rebounds. Amen Thompson had 26 points and 11 rebounds.
The home team had a 101-95 lead with only 41 seconds left on the scoreboard. S three successful free throwsSmart brought the Lakers to -3, and after a LeBron James steal, he hit a three-pointer to send the game into overtime with 13 seconds left. Both Sengün and James had chances to win before extra time, but they missed. In overtime, after a three-pointer and four free throws by Smart and a layup by Hachimura, Los Angeles took the lead and registered its third victory in the series.
We’ve come this far, so you try to create chances in extra time. My presence on the field allows more space, and guys did a great job. Marcus was especially great in overtime, hitting a 3-pointer and several free throws. It’s definitely important to winsaid the 41-year-old James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
The fourth and possibly final game in this series will be played in Houston on Sunday night.
Boston took the lead
It’s in Philadelphia Boston avenged 76ers for a loss in the second game and retook the lead in the series. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each scored 25 points for a 108-100 win and a 2-1 lead in wins. Tyrese Maxey scored 31 points for Philadelphia, which again missed Joel Embiid.
In today’s last game, Portland at first took advantage of the absence of Victor Wembanyama from San Antoniowho was sidelined with a concussion, gained a 15-point lead (82-67) in the middle of the third quarter. The visitors staged a turnaround by the end of the third period, then confidently won the last quarter and celebrated with a 120-108 win and a 2-1 series lead.
Stephon Castle scored 33 points for the Spurs, Dylan Harper 27, while Jrue Holiday and Scoot Handerson contributed 29 and 21 points.
(Hina | Photo: X)
