HOUSTON —Lakers coach JJ Redickhad a clear message before his team’s Game 3 first round playoff seriesmatchup against the Rocketson Friday night.
“The desperate team normally wins in the playoffs,” Redick said, “the more desperate team.”
Despite missing two of their best players inLuka Doncic and Austin Reavesfor the entire series, the Lakers have been the better team in the matchup. And on Friday night, they were also the more desperate team.
Despite trailing by six points with 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Lakers pulled off a miraculous comeback against the Kevin Durant-less Rockets, pulling off a 112-108 Game 3 victory in overtime.
LeBron James led the Lakerswith 29 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals.
Marcus Smart had 21 points, 10 assists, 5 steals and 2 blocked shots.
Rui Hachimura scored 22 points, including 16 in the first quarter, while Luke Kennnard added 14 points, 6 assists and 6 rebounds. Jaxson Hayes had 12 points and 4 rebounds off the bench.
But the Rockets scratched and clawed their way to victory after falling behind by double digits in the first half.
Alperen Sengun (33 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists), Amen Thompson (26 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists) and Jabari Smith Jr. (24 points, 6 rebounds) all had their best games of the series so far.
The Lakers are up 3-0 in the best-of-seven series against the Rockets, all guaranteeing that they’ll advance to the second round of the playoffs.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
