The Los Angeles Lakers moved within one win of advancing to the next round after defeating the Houston Rockets 112-108 in overtime during Game 3 of their first-round playoff matchup on Friday night.
LeBron James delivered a clutch three-pointer to send the game into overtime, finishing with 29 points and 13 rebounds for his double-double performance. Marcus Smart then took control in the extra period, scoring eight of his 21 total points to help secure the victory and give the Lakers a commanding 3-0 series advantage.
Smart also led all players with 10 assists, while Rui Hachimura contributed 22 points to the Lakers’ cause. Los Angeles now has the opportunity to complete a series sweep when the teams meet again Sunday in Houston.
Houston played without their top scorer Kevin Durant for the second time in the series. Durant, who previously missed the series opener due to a knee injury, was ruled out shortly before tip-off after suffering a left ankle sprain during the fourth quarter of Game 2. Despite the absence of their star player, Alperen Sengun delivered an outstanding performance with 33 points and 16 rebounds, while Amen Thompson added 26 points and 11 assists.
Spurs 120, Trail Blazers 108
Stephon Castle exploded for 33 points and rookie Dylan Harper achieved career-high marks with 27 points and 10 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs overcame a 15-point third-quarter deficit to defeat Portland in Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round series.
The comeback victory gave San Antonio a 2-1 series lead despite playing without star center Victor Wembanyama, who was sidelined due to concussion protocol. De’Aaron Fox contributed 18 points while Luke Kornet posted a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Portland was led by Jrue Holiday’s 29 points, with Scoot Henderson adding 21 points and Deni Avdija recording 19 points and nine assists in the losing effort.
Celtics 108, 76ers 100
Jayson Tatum scored 11 of his 25 points during the final quarter as the Boston Celtics defeated Philadelphia on the road in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.
Jaylen Brown also finished with 25 points for Boston, while Payton Pritchard chipped in 15 points. The victory gave the Celtics a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-seven series.
Philadelphia received a game-high 31 points from Tyrese Maxey, though he struggled with his shooting efficiency, making just 12 of 31 attempts. Paul George scored 18 points and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 17, but VJ Edgecombe had a difficult night, managing only 10 points on 5-of-17 shooting and missing all seven of his three-point attempts.
