Lakers down Rockets in overtime for 3-0 series lead, Celtics beat Sixers | Basketball News
Lakers Take 3-0 Lead with Overtime Victory Over Rockets
Published: April 25, 2026
The Los Angeles Lakers secured a commanding 3-0 lead in their NBA playoff series against the Houston Rockets following a thrilling 112-108 overtime win. LeBron James led the Lakers with 29 points, showcasing his experience in his 19th postseason appearance.
James made a game-tying three-pointer with 13.6 seconds left in regulation and also contributed a critical steal and block during the overtime period. Despite not being able to convert a potential game-winner at the buzzer, his all-around performance, which included 13 rebounds and six assists, pushed the Lakers closer to eliminating the Rockets in this best-of-seven Western Conference series.
Historically, no NBA team has successfully overcome an 0-3 deficit in playoff series.
“Just trying to seize the opportunity,” James said in a post-game interview. “My guys trust me to try to make plays, and I’m blessed to be able to do it.”
The Lakers have the opportunity to close out the series on Sunday in Houston, a scenario many did not anticipate given the absence of leading scorer Luka Doncic due to a hamstring strain and offensive contributor Austin Reaves sidelined with an oblique injury.
The young Rockets, missing veteran star Kevin Durant due to a sprained ankle, had Alperen Sengun leading their efforts with 33 points and 16 rebounds. Houston mounted an impressive comeback from an early 15-point deficit, eventually leading by six with less than 30 seconds left in regulation.
However, critical mistakes proved costly. Following a turnover, Marcus Smart was fouled while attempting a three-pointer, converting all three free throws to narrow the deficit to 101-98. Sengun then missed a chance to give the Rockets the lead before James’s game-tying shot sent the contest into overtime, where Smart scored eight of his 21 points as the Lakers distanced themselves for the victory.
Celtics Top 76ers to Take 2-1 Series Lead
In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics claimed a hard-fought 108-100 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, taking a 2-1 series lead. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each scored 25 points, contributing to a tightly contested matchup where neither team led by more than 10 points.
The Celtics headed into the fourth quarter with a five-point advantage and faced a momentary setback when Tyrese Maxey’s three-pointer briefly put the 76ers ahead. However, Tatum responded with a critical three-pointer that extended Boston’s lead late in the game.
Maxey led the 76ers with 31 points, while Paul George added 18. Joel Embiid, recovering from an emergency appendectomy earlier this month, was ruled out just before the game, as confirmed by 76ers coach Nick Nurse. Philadelphia will attempt to even the series in Game 4 on Sunday.
Spurs Overcome Blazers Without Wembanyama
The San Antonio Spurs overcame the absence of Victor Wembanyama to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 120-108, taking a 2-1 series lead. Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 33 points, while Dylan Harper added 27 points and 10 rebounds.
Wembanyama was sidelined recovering from a concussion sustained in Game 2, as announced by Spurs coach Mitch Johnson. The Trail Blazers briefly held a 15-point lead in the third quarter but could not maintain their advantage as the Spurs mounted a comeback.
Jrue Holiday scored 29 points for Portland, who returned to action for their first home playoff game since 2021. The Spurs will look to extend their series lead in Game 4 on Sunday at the Moda Center.
