Amazing! Triple-double with 61+25+11! Lakers' top surprise player emerges.

Durant missed Game 3 due to a left ankle sprain.

Game 3 was hosted by the Rockets, with starting lineup Amen + Sheppard + Sengun + J. Smith + Eason; Lakers starting lineup Kennard + Smart + Ayton + Hachimura + James.

In the first quarter, the Lakers' offense flowed smoothly, scoring 14 field goals via 14 assists, exploding for 39 points, while the Rockets also scored 32.

In the second quarter, the Lakers' offensive momentum slightly declined, but still outscored the Rockets by 4 points.

At halftime, the Lakers led by double digits 63-52, shooting 57.5% FG, 61.5% 3PT (8/13); Rockets shot 37.2% FG, 36.8% 3PT (7/19).

However, the situation changed dramatically in the second half, Rockets outscored Lakers 23-17 in the third quarter; midway through the fourth, Sheppard's three-pointer helped the Rockets complete the comeback.

The Rockets actually had a great chance to finish the Lakers in regulation, but at the crucial moment Sheppard made a mistake passing and got stolen, James seized the opportunity and hit a tying three-pointer under two defenders.

In overtime, the two teams engaged in even fiercer battle, and the Lakers prevailed.Ultimately, led by James, they defeated the Rockets 112-108, leading the series 3-0.Only one win away from advancing to the second round of playoffs.

41-year-old James, his dedication is unquestionable, scrambling for floor balls with a bunch of young players~

James 29 pts 13 reb 6 ast 3 stl 1 blk 8 TO truly filled the stat sheet, Hachimura 22 pts 4 reb 2 ast 1 stl, Smart 21 pts 4 reb 10 ast 5 stl 2 blk, Kennard 14 pts 6 reb 6 ast.

Amen 26 pts 11 reb 4 ast 3 stl 3 blk, Sengun 33 pts 16 reb 6 ast 3 stl, J. Smith 24 pts 6 reb, Sheppard 17 pts 4 reb 7 ast 3 stl 2 blk.

If acquiring Kennard was the Lakers' best trade this season, then signing Smart last offseason was absolutely the best signing for the Purple and Gold, this guy is all-around offense-defense plus organizing, in this playoffs so far totaling 61 pts 8 reb 25 ast 11 stl 5 blk.