Rockets had one of the most catastrophic choke jobs ever to end Game 3

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Rockets had one of the most catastrophic choke jobs ever to end Game 3

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Apr 25, 2026 12:01 AM ET

The Houston Rockets snatched defeat from the jaws of victory on Friday to fall one game away from postseason elimination.

The Rockets led 101-95 with just over 30 seconds left in Game 3 of their first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The contest looked done and dusted after LeBron James clanked a three-pointer, and the Rockets secured the rebound.

Houston had possession and a six-point lead with just a little over a full shot clock of game time remaining. The win was basically guaranteed at that point, which may be why the Rockets got complacent.

Jabari Smith Jr. lofted a lazy pass that was stolen away by Marcus Smart near the halfcourt line. Smart then got fouled by Jae’Sean Tate while from beyond the arc and sank all three free throws.

this genuinely the stupidest play i ever seen like Jabari had NO reason to throw this pass he legit wasn’t even getting pressured???? pic.twitter.com/BQ5TufV8cy
— A ✩ (@adryanashton) April 25, 2026

The Rockets still led by three and just needed to take care of the ball. They did not do that, however, as Reed Sheppard got his pocket picked by LeBron James in the backcourt. The Lakers star then got the ball back and proceeded to drain a contested three-pointer to tie the game with 13 seconds left.

HOUSTON CHOKED pic.twitter.com/KN55AP3o13
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) April 25, 2026

The game went into overtime, where the Lakers prevailed in a 112-108 stunner in Texas.

The Rockets entered Friday’s matchup behind in the series 0-2, making Game 3 an absolute must-win contest. That win was already theirs up until one of the most monumental collapses in recent playoff memory.

No NBA team has ever come back to win after being down 0-3 in a series.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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