At 41 years old, for his 23rd season and his 19th play-offs, a record, LeBron James had a memorable evening during the Lakers’ victory over the Rockets 112-108 after overtime, to lead the series 3-0. Geneva’s Clint Capela didn’t even play 4 minutes (2 points 2 rebounds).
The “King” accumulated 29 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 interceptions and offered a riot of crazy energy, throwing himself on each ball on the ground, notably during a twisty end to the game which he completed with his hands on his knees. “I just tried to seize opportunities, I feel lucky to still be able to achieve this kind of thing,” he said on Prime Video.
Although he missed the winning basket at the siren of the 4th quarter, James equalized behind the arc 13 seconds from time, after jumping on a very aerial alley-oop 2 minutes from the buzzer.
The Rockets, still without Kevin Durant (left ankle), will try to save their season on Sunday at home in Game 4. No team has ever overcome a handicap of 0-3 during the NBA play-offs.
The Lakers create a surprise by being almost in the 2nd round while they are still playing without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, injured.
San Antonio wins without “Wemby”
In Friday’s other games, the San Antonio Spurs ended up winning 120-108 over the Portland Trail Blazers to lead 2-1.
The Texans had to cope without Victor Wembanyama, who was withdrawn just before the match and still under concussion protocol following his head impact on Tuesday. The 22-year-old Frenchman is “doing better” and “progressing” according to his coach, and could thus return on Sunday for match 4.
For their part, the Celtics triumphed after a bitter encounter typical of the play-offs on the field of the Philadelphia 76ers 108-100 to lead 2-1.
The gap has never exceeded 10 points in this match between ancestral rivals: it is the 23rd series between the two franchises, an NBA record.
