Match point secured! James scores 29+13+6, KD absent, Sengun posts a big double-double but Lakers defeat Rockets in overtime 3-0.

On April 25 Beijing time, Game 3 of the Western Conference first-round NBA playoffs featured the Rockets hosting the Lakers. With Durant unavailable, the Lakers dominated the first half, building a double-digit lead by halftime. In the third quarter, the Lakers' shooting plummeted sharply, scoring only 17 points, allowing the Rockets to narrow the gap to single digits. In the final quarter, the Rockets overtook the lead, and the closing moments were dramatic: Sengun seemingly sealed the win, but Rockets errors led to a tie, forcing overtime. In overtime, the Lakers' offense flourished while Sengun struggled alone. The game ended with the Lakers defeating the Rockets 112-108, taking a 3-0 series lead and securing the match point.

Statistics:

Lakers: James 29 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 8 turnovers; Hachimura 22 points; Smart 21 points, 10 assists, 5 steals, 2 blocks; Kennard 14 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists; Hayes 12 points.

Rockets: Smith 24 points; Sengun 33 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals; Shepherd 17 points; Amen 26 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks.

Game progression:

In the first quarter, Hachimura immediately hit a three-pointer, and Shepherd responded with a three. The game was tight from the start. Hachimura shot exceptionally well, scoring repeatedly to try to extend the lead, but the Rockets countered with a 9-0 run to take the lead. James scored on a low-post isolation, tying the game again. Both teams shot well early, keeping the score close. The Lakers erupted first with an 11-0 surge, but the Rockets quickly answered with a 9-2 run to reduce the deficit. Late in the quarter, Hachimura made a difficult two-pointer, Kennard hit free throws, and the Lakers led 39-32 by 7 points. Notably, Hachimura scored 16 points in the first quarter, setting a career-high for single-quarter scoring.

In the second quarter, both teams remained hot, and the score rose alternately, with the Lakers maintaining a roughly 7-point lead. Midway, shooting efficiency plummeted for both sides, prompting lineup adjustments. Bronny entered the game and immediately hit a three-pointer, then assisted by James, they completed the first father-son assist-and-score in playoff history, widening the gap back to double digits. The Rockets struggled to catch up but couldn't reduce the deficit to single digits. Late in the quarter, Amen scored on isolation, finally cutting the gap to 9 points, but Kennard promptly hit a mid-range jumper. At halftime, the Lakers led 63-52 by 11 points.

In the third quarter, the Lakers suddenly went cold after the start, allowing a 7-2 Rockets run to shrink the lead. Ayton's dunk finally stopped the bleeding, but the Lakers' shooting remained poor; the Rockets then unleashed a 10-3 surge, reducing the deficit to just 1 point. Hachimura finally hit a three, Smart made one of two free throws, giving the Lakers a breather. Late in the quarter, the Lakers regained their touch: James hit a three, Vanderbilt scored on a feed. Amen hit a mid-range jumper on the last possession. At the end of the third, the Lakers led 80-75 by 5 points.

In the final quarter, the Rockets started with a 12-7 run to tie the game, reigniting suspense. Smart hit a mid-range shot to stabilize, but Sengun responded strongly. Shepherd hit another three, giving the Rockets their first lead since being overtaken in the first quarter. The Lakers called a timeout, but after the break Sengun scored again on a drive. Both teams traded scores afterward, with the Rockets holding a slim lead. Entering the final minute, Sengun made a crucial slow-step layup, then completed a key steal and score, nearly sealing the win. But Smart sank three free throws, James made a crucial steal and hit a key three-pointer, tying the game at 101. James missed the potential game-winner, sending the Lakers and Rockets into overtime tied 101-101.

In overtime, Smart opened with a three-pointer, Hachimura made one of two free throws, and the Lakers built a 6-2 run for a 4-point lead. At the critical moment, Sengun again saved the Rockets with a turnaround jumper. Smart aggressively grabbed an offensive rebound, drew a foul, and sank both free throws. Smith missed a three, and Smart secured another key rebound. Shepherd missed a technical free throw at a crucial moment, and Smart then sank two more free throws. Ultimately, the Rockets couldn't recover. The game ended with the Lakers defeating the Rockets 112-108, taking a 3-0 series lead and securing the match point.

Starting lineups:

Lakers: James, Hachimura, Ayton, Smart, Kennard.

Rockets: Eason, Smith, Sengun, Shepherd, Amen Thompson.