LeBron James made a three-pointer to force overtime before the Los Angeles Lakers moved to the brink of a series victory in the NBA play-offs.<\/p>\n
The NBA’s four-time Most Valuable Player levelled the score with 13 seconds left against the Houston Rockets and almost clinched victory as he hit the rim with a three-pointer on the buzzer.<\/p>\n
But the Lakers went on to win 112-108 in overtime to claim a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven first round of the play-offs.<\/p>\n
James, 41, again stepped up in the absence of the injured Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, claiming a team-high 29 points and 13 rebounds.<\/p>\n
Marcus Smart also recorded a double-double, scoring eight of his 21 points in overtime and adding a team-high 10 assists.<\/p>\n
“With two of our best players down, we’ve got to play desperate,” said Smart. “We’ve got to be the most desperate team.<\/p>\n
“That’s how we’ve been playing, and that’s how we’re winning, right? The chemistry has been good, and you’re starting to see guys’ confidence go up because of that.”<\/p>\n
An ankle sprain ruled out Houston’s leading scorer Kevin Durant for the second time in the series.<\/p>\n
The Rockets also host game four on Sunday and must win to prevent the Lakers earning a sweep of the series and booking their place in the Western Conference semi-finals.<\/p>\n
Conference rivals San Antonio lead the Portland Trail Blazers 2-1 after fighting back to claim a 120-108 win on the road.<\/p>\n
Stephon Castle scored 33 points for the Spurs while rookie reserve Dylan Harper added career bests of 27 points and 10 rebounds.<\/p>\n