HOUSTON. The Los Angeles Lakers moved one win away from advancing after defeating the Houston Rockets 108-112 in overtime of Game 3 of the NBA playoff series. LeBron James scored 29 points, including the three-pointer that forced overtime with 13 seconds remaining, in a decisive performance that gives the Lakers a 3-0 series lead.
The visiting team appeared to have control of the game early on, leading by as much as 15 points in the first half. However, Houston responded with intensity, powered by the interior work of Alperen Sengun and the offensive aggression of Amen Thompson, entering the final stretch with clear opportunities to even the series.
The Rockets took a 101-95 lead with less than 30 seconds remaining after two consecutive turnovers by LeBron James. But just when the home victory seemed secured, the experience of the Los Angeles Lakers showed up. Marcus Smart was fouled on a three-point attempt with 25 seconds to play and converted all three free throws to cut the deficit.
On the next possession, LeBron stole the ball and connected on a three-pointer from the top of the key to tie it at 101 with just 13 seconds left. Sengun then missed a close-range shot for Houston, and James couldn't convert at the buzzer, sending the game to overtime.
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In overtime, the Los Angeles Lakers struck first with a 6-2 run, capped by another Smart three-pointer for a 107-103 lead. The veteran point guard remained composed from the free-throw line and added eight points in overtime to secure the road victory. Smart finished with 21 points and 10 assists, while Rui Hachimura added 22 points.
LeBron James, at 41 years old, played more than 45 minutes and in addition to his 29 points grabbed 13 rebounds. He also provided one of the game's memorable moments with an alley-oop assist to Bronny James during the first half.
For Houston, Sengun closed out a strong performance with 33 points and 16 rebounds, while Thompson contributed 26 points and 11 rebounds. The Rockets competed again without Kevin Durant, sidelined by an ankle sprain after missing the first game of the series as well.
The Los Angeles Lakers have won three consecutive games in this Western Conference playoff series and will have the opportunity to close out the series this Sunday, again in Houston.