Lakers down Rockets in overtime for 3-0 series lead, Celtics hold off Sixers

TL;DR

The Lakers defeated the Rockets 112-108 in overtime, taking a 3-0 lead in their playoff series. The Celtics won 108-100 against the 76ers, leading their series 2-1.

Key points

Lakers beat Rockets 112-108 in overtime
LeBron James scored 29 points and had 13 rebounds
Lakers lead series 3-0 against Rockets
Celtics won 108-100 against 76ers
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each scored 25 points

Los Angeles LakersHouston RocketsBoston CelticsPhiladelphia 76ers

Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics drives against Paul George in the Celtics' victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in game three of their NBA playoff series (Mitchell Leff) (Mitchell Leff/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/Getty Images via AFP) The Los Angeles Lakers, fueled by 29 points from LeBron James, beat the Houston Rockets 112-108 in an overtime thriller on Friday to take a 3-0 stranglehold in their NBA playoff series. James, the 41-year-old superstar playing in his 19th post-season, came up with a steal and a game-tying three-pointer with 13.6 seconds left in regulation. He couldn't get a potential game-winner to drop at the buzzer, but added a steal and a block in a frantic overtime as the Lakers pushed the Rockets to the brink of elimination in the best-of-seven Western Conference series. No NBA team has come back from an 0-3 deficit to win a playoff series. "Just trying to seize the opportunity," James, who added 13 rebounds, six assists and three steals, told broadcaster Prime. "My guys trust me to try to make plays and I'm blessed to be able to do it." The Lakers will have a chance to close out the series in Houston on Sunday. It's not a position many expected them to be in with league-leading scorer Luka Doncic sidelined by a hamstring strain and key offensive contributor out with an oblique injury. The young Rockets, with veteran star sidelined by a sprained ankle, were led 's 33 points and 16 rebounds. They rallied from an early 15-point deficit and led by six with less than 30 seconds left in regulation. But their mistakes caught up with them. A Houston turnover was followed by a foul on as he attempted a three-pointer. Smart made all three free-throws to cut the Lakers' deficit to 101-98 and set the stage for James's game-tying basket. Sengun missed a potential go-ahead basket before James was off-target from beyond the arc and they went to overtime, Smart scoring eight of his 21 points in the extra session as the Lakers pulled away.

Q&A

What was the final score of the Lakers vs. Rockets playoff game?

The Lakers won the game 112-108 in overtime.

How many points did LeBron James score against the Rockets?

LeBron James scored 29 points in the game.

What is the current series lead for the Lakers over the Rockets?

The Lakers lead the series 3-0.

Who led the Celtics in scoring against the 76ers?

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each scored 25 points for the Celtics.