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Lakers completely gave up but still won Game 3 vs. Rockets
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- Lakers completely gave up but still won Game 3 vs. Rockets
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The Los Angeles Lakers was on the verge of losing Game 3 before an unlikely rally ignited them to stun the Houston Rockets on Friday night.
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Los Angeles had incredible momentum going into Game 3. They valiantly defended homecourt without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves , seeing LeBron James and the supporting cast step up in big ways throughout the first two games at home.
However, it wasn’t going to be easy winning Game 3 on the road. Houston, despite being without Kevin Durant due to injury, had to fight with everything it got to avoid a 3-0 series deficit.
Houston was very close to getting a game back in the series, leading by six points with less than 30 seconds to go after James conceded a layup to Alperen Sengun . However, Marcus Smart forced the steal as the rest of the team gave up and then fouled on a 3-point attempt, making all three free throws. After that, James stepped up as he forced a steal and make a huge triple to tie the game and force overtime.
How Lakers played against Rockets in Game 3
The Lakers were down but certainly not out. And thanks to Marcus Smart’s efforts on both sides of the ball, they now boast a 3-0 series lead over the underperforming Rockets squad.
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Shot accuracy and ball movement made the difference in this matchup. 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.
Five players scored in double-digits for Los Angeles in the win, including James. He finished with a stat line of 29 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, three steals, and a block. He shot 10-of-22 from the field, including 4-of-9 from beyond the arc, and 5-of-6 from the free-throw line. Rui Hachimura came next with 22 points and four rebounds, Marcus Smart had 21 points and 10 assists, Luke Kennard put up 14 points and six assists, while Jaxson Hayes provided 12 points and four rebounds.
The Lakers will look to complete the sweep when they face the Rockets in Game 4. The game will commence on April 26 at 9:30 p.m. ET.
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