Marcus Smart on game-saving steal, foul and free throws in Game 3

When the Los Angeles Lakers fell behind 101-95 to the Houston Rockets with 40. 6 seconds left in the fourth quarter of Game 3 on Friday after back-to-back turnovers by LeBron James led to buckets by Alperen Sengun, it looked like they were going to lose. Surely, with a full two-possession lead and the momentum of the series on the line, the Rockets weren't going to collapse.

Instead, Marcus Smart saved the day, and in doing so, he delivered a blow to the Rockets that was almost fatal. After James missed a 3-pointer and Jaxson Hayes missed a tip-in attempt, Smart stole the ball in the backcourt from Jabari Smith Jr. He then attempted what looked like a desperation trey, but Jae'Sean Tate fouled him, giving him three free throws, all of which were successful.

Seconds later, James knocked the ball away from Reed Sheppard and hit the 3-pointer that forced overtime. The Lakers prevailed, 112-108 , and now have a shocking 3-0 series lead. After the game, Smart described what happened when he made his game-saving steal and drew that foul in the act of attempting a 3-pointer.

"We knew that they were going to try to ice the game, right? " Smart said. "We needed to make a play, and just using my instincts, Jabari Smith, I think it was him who made the pass, and I just stunted to see what he does.