HOUSTON \u2014 The Los Angeles Lakers were on the verge of letting Game 3 slip away late Friday night.<\/p>\n
Instead, they delivered their biggest comeback of the postseason.<\/p>\n
Trailing by six with under 30 seconds remaining in regulation, the Lakers closed the fourth quarter on a late surge before pulling away in overtime for a 112-108 win over the Houston Rockets<\/a> in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n With the win, L.A. takes a 3-0 series lead and moves one victory away from advancing and a sweep.<\/p>\n The Lakers had control for much of the night, leading by 11 at halftime after a strong offensive first half, but Houston responded after the break and eventually grabbed the momentum late in the fourth quarter.<\/p>\n The Rockets looked poised to secure the win after building a 101-95 lead in the final seconds, but the Lakers responded under pressure behind their season vets.<\/p>\n Marcus Smart<\/a> knocked down three free throws after drawing a foul on a 3-point attempt, cutting the deficit to three. On Houston\u2019s next possession, the Rockets<\/a> turned the ball over, giving LeBron James a chance to tie it.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n James delivered.<\/p>\n With 13 seconds left, LeBron knocked down a clutch 3-pointer to even the score at 101-101 and send the game to overtime, swinging the momentum completely in L.A.\u2019s favor.<\/p>\n That momentum carried into the extra period.<\/p>\n The Lakers opened overtime with more energy defensively and executed on the offensive end, outscoring Houston 11-7 in overtime to complete the comeback.<\/p>\n James led the way with 29 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, making several key plays late to help L.A. steal the win on the road.<\/p>\n Marcus Smart added 21 points, including the clutch free throws late in regulation, while Rui Hachimura<\/a> finished with 22 points after helping the Lakers build an early lead.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Smart also had 10 assists, four rebounds and five steals\u2014which is the second straight game he\u2019s had five total steals.<\/p>\n L.A. came out aggressive offensively, scoring 39 points in the first quarter and creating good looks early. Hachimura set the tone with 16 first-quarter points, helping the Lakers establish rhythm offensively.<\/p>\n