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The Houston Rockets were astir 25 seconds distant from sealing their first triumph of nan NBA playoffs - instead, they'll person to make an unprecedented comeback.
The Rockets blew their precocious six-point lead to nan Los Angeles Lakers aft costly turnovers and now way 3 games to none.
No NBA squad has ever travel backmost from that deficit, and successful bid to do so, Rockets caput coach Ime Udoka gave his squad a stern message.
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Head coach Ime Udoka of nan Houston Rockets speaks pinch Tari Eason during nan first 4th against nan Los Angeles Lakers astatine Toyota Center successful Houston connected April 24, 2026. (Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
"Grow up," he said was his connection to nan squad aft nan loss. "You’re not that young anymore. You’ve been to nan playoffs once, and we watched each business conscionable now."
Even pinch Kevin Durant retired for a 2nd crippled successful this bid — this clip pinch a sprained ankle aft missing Game 1 pinch a knee wounded — nan Rockets were successful position to adjacent retired nan crippled aft LeBron James had consecutive turnovers that Houston turned into a 101-95 lead.
It was past that everything went incorrect for nan Rockets. Marcus Smart was fouled connected a 3-point effort pinch 25 seconds to spell successful nan 4th aft a Houston turnover and made each 3 free throws to get nan Lakers wrong three.
Houston Rockets Head Coach Ime Udoka reacts during nan 4th fourth against nan Los Angeles Lakers successful crippled 3 of nan first information of nan 2026 NBA Playoffs astatine Toyota Center successful Houston, Texas, connected Apr. 24, 2026. (Troy Taormina/Imagn Images)
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James past stole nan shot from Reed Sheppard, and his 3-pointer tied it astatine 101-all pinch 13 seconds to spell successful nan fourth.
Los Angeles past outscored Houston 11-7 successful nan overtime play to return a 112-108 victory.
The 41-year-old James, who put up 29 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, played much than 45 minutes Friday night. He said pinch apical scorers Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves retired pinch injuries, he has nary prime but to do immoderate he can.
LeBron James of nan Los Angeles Lakers gestures during nan pregame ritual earlier nan first 4th against nan Houston Rockets astatine Toyota Center successful Houston, Texas, connected April 24, 2026. (Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
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That sentiment will person to tally done nan Rockets locker room if they want to make history.
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