Lakers-Rockets takeaways: Houston has some problems

leading the series 2-0. It only got worse from there. Houston blew a six-point lead in the final 30 seconds as LeBron James hit a 3-pointer with 14 seconds left that forced overtime in the Lakers’ eventual 112-108 victory that pushed their series lead to 3-0.

Everyone knows what a 3-0 lead means in a best-of-seven series, but here are the key takeaways from a Game 3 that feels like the Lakers stole it. Reed Sheppard may not be the answer Durant's late scratch from Ime Udoka's starting lineup forced his hand to start third-year guard Reed Sheppard, but the young sharpshooter struggled overall, finishing with 17 points on 6-of-21 shooting from the floor and 4-of-13 from deep, and it was his turnover that led to James’ heroic 3. The 21-year-old had a few bright moments attacking closeouts and a rare drive-and-finish with contact, but he fell victim to the Lakers’ pressure more often than not, finishing with five turnovers.

Sheppard's ability to space the floor and operate as a primary and secondary ball-handler has been vital in Houston's offensively challenged season, but his shortcomings — namely, defensively — have been utterly exposed over the course of the series. Sheppard is an aggressive defensive playmaker who certainly doesn't lack in effort, but his size and level of physicality aren't enough to keep up with a very lengthy, tough Lakers group. It's apparent Udoka is hesitant to play Sheppard alongside Alperen Şengün for coverage reasons, but if Sheppard’s jump shot isn't falling, which could potentially offset issues at the other end, his minutes become challenging to overcome or maximize.

(It doesn't help matters that Şengün continues to shoot ineffectively — 27 shots for 33 points on Friday night — and is unable to take advantage of post-ups against smaller defenders and convert at the rim. ) Whether Durant is able to go in Game 4 or not, Sheppard — and Şengün — must be sustainable offensive sources or the Rockets' season is over. Rui Hachimura’s emerging role Because of the national storylines that have dominated this series — one more matchup between LeBron James and Durant, the absences of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves — not much attention has been paid to Rui Hachimura, the calm, composed presence paying dividends for an in-control Lakers team.