‘Horrendous mistakes’: Rockets choke Game 3 vs. Lakers in epic fashion
After a historic collapse in the final 30 seconds of Game 3, the Rockets are somehow on the verge of being swept in their first-round playoff series.
HOUSTON -- Prior to Friday, in the last 29 years , NBA teams were 1713-1 when leading by 6 or more points in the last 30 seconds of regulation during a playoff game. Make it 1713-2 — and in this case, the Rockets were up 6 and with possession of the basketball! After a series of baffling mistakes in the final 30 seconds, Houston was pushed to overtime by the Los Angeles Lakers and eventually lost, 112-108 ( box score ).
All-Star forward Kevin Durant (left ankle sprain) did not play for the second time in three postseason games. That Game 3 victory gives the Lakers a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven, first-round series, which no team in NBA playoff history has overcome. “Horrendous mistakes," Rockets coach Ime Udoka said postgame.
“I don't know if you want to say youth or scared of the moment, or whatever the case. ” When asked about his postgame message to the team, Udoka said: ‘Grow up. You’re not that young anymore.
’ I talk about age all the time but I’m not talking about 23, 22, whatever it is. I’m looking at five years, four years, three years in the league and going from there and not learning from previous experiences. The defining sequence went as follows, and you can watch it below: Up 6, Jabari Smith Jr.