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Rockets HC Ime Udoka shares crucial Kevin Durant update amid 0-3 deficit vs. Lakers
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- Rockets HC Ime Udoka shares crucial Kevin Durant update amid 0-3 deficit vs. Lakers
Rockets HC Ime Udoka shares crucial Kevin Durant update amid 0-3 deficit vs. Lakers appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Ime Udoka provided a key injury update on Kevin Durant as the Houston Rockets face a 3-0 series deficit against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round ahead of Game 4.
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Durant has only taken part in Game 2 of the playoff series, missing Games 1 and 3 due to injury. This has created a significant hole in the Rockets' offense, which relies on Durant to be their most reliable scorer. It resulted in Alperen Sengun , Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. taking in more responsibilities.
Udoka spoke to media during the team's press conference on Saturday, per reporter Vanessa Richardson. The head coach noted progress within the veteran star's injury recovery.
"Ime Udoka says Kevin Durant is receiving around-the-clock treatment for his ankle. Udoka says last night during the game, Durant was receiving treatment which included running on an underwater treadmill," Richardson wrote.
How Rockets played Game 3 against Lakers without Kevin Durant
Ime Udoka will hope to have Kevin Durant back for Game 4. The Rockets' season is on the line, and they will need all the help they can get to fend off elimination against the Lakers.
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Shot accuracy and ball movement made the difference throughout Game 3. The Lakers prevailed in both categories as they made 48% of their total shots, including 41% from downtown, and created 28 assists. It wasn't the same for the Rockets as they only converted 41% of their total chances, including 28% from deep, and dished out 21 assists.
Four players scored in double-digits for Houston in the loss. Alperen Sengun led the team with 33 points, 16 rebounds, six assists, three steals, and one block. He shot 15-of-27 from the field, including 1-of-5 from beyond the arc, and 2-of-3 from the free-throw line. Amen Thompson came next with 26 points and 11 rebounds, Jabari Smith Jr. had 24 points and six rebounds, while Reed Sheppard provided 17 points and seven assists.
The Rockets will fight to keep their season alive and avoid a series sweep when they face the Lakers in Game 4. The contest will take place on April 26 at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Related: Lakers' Austin Reaves receives injury status for Game 4 vs. Rockets
Related: Kevin Durant burner allegations resurface after Rockets Game 3 collapse vs. Lakers
