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00:0014 first half turnovers lead to 16 points for Houston.
00:03They've got the 9-point pushers.
00:04The Lakers just too casual with the ball in that first half.
00:08Really, they've been this entire series, been able to get away with it,
00:11but not here tonight.
00:12They're going to have to be more precise with their offensive execution
00:15and get a good opportunity at every possession down the court.
00:18And then Houston, they've just been good.
00:20They've been solid on the offensive end.
00:23They've been efficient from the field, getting to the paint.
00:26And they've just got to continue to swarm on defense
00:29and make life miserable for the Lakers here in the second half.
00:32Who is looking to cut into this deficit.
00:34For more, we go to Ashley Shalmity.
00:36Hey, guys, I talked to Lakers assistant coach Scott Brooks,
00:38and he said, look, the 14 turnovers, and we're only down by 9.
00:41The message in the locker room, we haven't had a bad 48-minute turnover game yet.
00:45It's just been 24 minutes, so let's not turn it into that one.
00:48Said we're also looking to get LeBron closer to the basket.
00:50And as for the three ball, he said, if we can just take care of the ball more,
00:54those threes will start to go in.
00:55Well, LeBron with just eight points in that first half
00:57as Thompson goes right to the rack and finishes.
01:01It's again another nice set to start the third quarter there.
01:05Getting Thompson on that curl.
01:08Great hesitation at the rim.
01:11Here is James working on Tara Eason.
01:13He got into that foul trouble in the first half with three of them.
01:16Now it's James, and he did get right to the rim, but he couldn't finish it.
01:21Shepard in transition.
01:24He'll pull.
01:25He's still cast one day.
01:28Three, Shepard!
01:31Largest lead for the Rockets.
01:33It's up to 14.
01:36Houston's starting to shoot it much better from three as well,
01:39an area that they have struggled so far in this series.
01:43Shooting it at 28.7% coming in as Kinnard misfires.
01:51Houston, six of 16 from the outside.
01:53Shepard has three of his four threes that have gone down.
01:56Now across.
01:57Stop.
01:57Smart stays in front.
01:59Shepard doesn't care, but he can't hit.
02:03Lakers shooting 47% from the floor, but just one for seven from three-point range.
02:09It was Hachimura who made the lone three.
02:12Kinnard in the traffic.
02:13Nearly turned it over.
02:16And it is going to be a timeout.
02:20No, a kickball is going to be the call.
02:22And then she pointed towards that Houston bench.
02:24Instead, it's just going to be a kick and a reload.
02:26This is confidence right here.
02:28In transition, a little sidestep three-pointer.
02:31And we saw some threes from Reed in the first half and starts the second half.
02:36They need him to be aggressive and efficient.
02:40He has done that here tonight.
02:41But you saw him that last drive from Kinnard.
02:43Three guys converge.
02:45This defense of the Rockets is playing at a high level.
02:49Efford was the guy who really stepped up when KD didn't play in just those four games.
02:53But especially in that back-to-back that was talked about in the first half.
02:57Another shot off the mark for this Lakers offense.
03:00Now it's Thompson again at the controls.
03:02Knocked away.
03:03Smart saved it through the legs of Shen Good.
03:05Scooped up by Kinnard.
03:06Rays to the rim.
03:07And Kinnard beats him all the way there.
03:10Crouching into the fence.
03:12Lou Kinnard with a hustle to put one through.
03:20Seven points for Kinnard, who during this series is averaging 21.3 points per game through the first three.
03:29Shepard bounce.
03:31Shen Goon drive.
03:32Behind the back, Thompson.
03:33Outside, Shepard will load it up.
03:35And target from three.
03:37And you saw the first half.
03:39A lot of isolation back down.
03:41If you see a turnover on the inbounds play from the Rockets.
03:45Lakers continuing to get sloppy.
03:47But the Rockets give it right back.
03:49Slope with a swipe.
03:50And a block by Shingun.
03:52The Turkish eraser.
03:55Shepard fell.
03:56Ball still loose.
03:58Kinnard picks it up.
04:00James extra.
04:01But Samora with a finish.
04:04Chaotic sequence here in Houston.
04:09Back to 13.
04:10Just over three minutes into the third.
04:14He's in.
04:16And he's fouled on the way up.
04:18Yeah, a lot went on there in that sequence.
04:21First of all, great block.
04:23Shingun.
04:25Not tweeting on the plate.
04:26Not really known as a shot blocker.
04:28And then Shepard just loses his feet there.
04:30His footing slips.
04:33And the Rockets who had numbers.
04:35Now the Lakers have numbers.
04:37And easy two.
04:38Really, the Lakers have only scored off of turnovers here to start the game and transition.
04:44And then on that last offensive possession,
04:46Eason had the matchup against Kinnard
04:49and drove immediately, initiating the contact.
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05:03So Houston now 10 of 15 at the free-throw line.
05:05The five misses all from Alperin Shingun.
05:08Eason now four for four.
05:10He's up to eight points.
05:11The starting unit has come out with a different level of force
05:15than what we've seen in games one through three
05:18as Houston tries to salvage their season.
05:20Back up by 15.
05:23Smart looking to dance on Smith.
05:26It's eight.
05:27It's off the mark.
05:29You see, everything contested.
05:30Nothing easy in the half-court offense in this third quarter for the Lakers.
05:35Thompson.
05:36The banker goes.
05:38Timeout, J.J. Reddick.
05:40Houston keeping their pedal to the metal.
05:4217-point cushion for the Rockets at home.
05:49Player Spotlight brought to you by Shine.
05:52And Noah, Ahmed Thompson has been sensational this evening.
05:58Just fearless and explosive attack mode on both ends of the floor,
06:04but the offensive production really giving a huge lift here for the Rockets,
06:10but his agility, body control, explosiveness on display,
06:15and, of course, the efficiency 7-for-11 from the field
06:19just to kind of start that him and the Duke were wanted from his group
06:24to start this third quarter.
06:26Meanwhile, Lakers have it.
06:27Only one player in double figures.
06:29That's Eason's got 15 points and nine rebounds.
06:31The Rockets have three with Sheppard Thompson and Shingun all 10-plus.
06:36They've got to get LeBron going.
06:38This could be the start.
06:40He gets right to work, couldn't finish, tip, in goes.
06:43Eason's got a double-double.
06:45A lot of attention on that drive from LeBron.
06:48Three guys converging.
06:49LeBron thought he got fouled,
06:51but Eason continues to play well,
06:55anticipating the miss.
06:58Eason put it on the deck against Kanar.
07:00Eight to shoot.
07:01Eason puts the head down, and Eason gets all the way.
07:04And that's twice.
07:05He's there trying to pick on Luke Kinnard.
07:08Eason getting the mismatch.
07:09No hesitation.
07:11Off the bounce.
07:12Straight line drive.
07:14Smart just one for five from the floor here tonight
07:17after he has been sensational shooting the basketball
07:20in games one through three.
07:22James inside.
07:24Eason continues to eat.
07:26He is eating right there down low with the recognition from LeBron.
07:31A little touch pass knowing that Shepard down there with Aiden is a mismatch.
07:36He's got 19 points and 10 rebounds so far here tonight.
07:41During the season, as the Lakers get the stop,
07:43they were 19-1 when he scored at least 17.
07:46James tried to thread the needle.
07:48Hachimura couldn't save it in time.
07:52Right here just got the mismatch and straight line drive.
07:57Right hand, no help.
07:59And Kanar, who's been so effective,
08:01great strategy to make him work a little harder on the defensive end.
08:05Paying off for the right.
08:09Houston, 52% from the floor, 7 of 17 from three.
08:15Thompson hesitates, spins.
08:17Hachimura stayed with him.
08:18Eason on the outside.
08:19Victory is good.
08:22And that's what happens for a guy like Eason.
08:24You see the ball go through the basket on some drives.
08:27Now the confidence flowing, knocking down that corner three.
08:30Nearly midway through the third,
08:31and it keeps him trying to find Eason.
08:33But instead, this time it's a turnover.
08:36Shingun's been in transition.
08:38And a put-it-throw plus the foul.
08:40Houston clicking on all cylinders, lead by 20.
08:47Right now, you talk about desperation,
08:49the word you use to start this game.
08:52Rockets showing it,
08:54and Shingun showing the skill and the touch there.
08:58Okay, flexing.
09:00You do something like that.
09:01You earn the right to flex.
09:03Well, it's the 21st point off turnover here tonight for Houston.
09:08They have forced 17 Laker turnovers.
09:10We're not even midway through the third.
09:12And we talk about Houston and their problems not having a point guard,
09:16and obviously that was on display in game three.
09:19But the Lakers, the turnovers here.
09:22You know, this is just...
09:24You just can't have this, particularly the postseason out.
09:27Look, you're missing your two best players and leading scores,
09:31but also the two guys who have the ball in their hands the most.
09:34And Austin Reeves and, of course, Luka Dacic.
09:38That move upon this in this series.
09:41He's the Lakers.
09:42Almost another turnover.
09:43Howchamore does end up with it.
09:44Bouncing off of Potties for two.
09:47I'm not sure how he made that right there.
09:50It's impressive.
09:51Back to 19.
09:53It's a 20-10 start in this third quarter in favor of Houston.
09:57Thompson stop.
09:58Shepard on the outside.
10:00Hook it for Shen Goose.
10:01Hell attack.
10:02And he's fouled by Aiden.
10:06It'll be number three on Aiden.
10:08Third team foul on the Lakers with 541 in play in this third.
10:15Ooh.
10:16And, yeah, they're going to look at this.
10:17They've already triggered the monitor view.
10:22And they've just got to look at it here at Toyota Center.
10:28He hit me when, he hit him, excuse me, like you hit me when I talk too much.
10:34No, no, this is, we're not going to publicize anything here.
10:37It's the playoffs.
10:38Ah, yes.
10:39Intensity ramps up.
10:39Well, this feels like game one in Detroit.
10:42You're saying, we're just getting a physical.
10:43I wasn't ready.
10:45Meanwhile, yeah, this is the shot that he took.
10:47Right there.
10:49Yeah.
10:50Yeah.
10:51That is very clearly a shot above the net.
10:55And they will, I'm sure they will elevate that right there.
10:59They've been pretty consistent with that rule throughout the last few years.
11:05You're officiating.
11:08So, they will confer with the replay center.
11:12Shangun now up to 17.6 rebounds.
11:15He's 6 of 9 from the floor, but 5 of 10 from the free throw line.
11:18Aiden's got 19 points and 10 boards.
11:21He had 22 double-doubles during the regular season.
11:23But, it was the first time of his career that he did not average a double-double.
11:2812 and a half points, but just 8 rebounds per game.
11:31We talked about that sacrifice he had to bring.
11:34And, maybe a little frustration right there from DeAndre Aiden.
11:40Defending Shangun and elevating that elbow.
11:42So, Courtney Kirkland and John Butler back in the replay center.
11:46This is the Houston defense that has forced all these turnovers.
11:49This great activity here.
11:51It's just, you know, at a point where you just have a lot of pride.
11:55You're tired and upset about how things have gone this series.
11:58And, how they have responded from the disappointment of Game 3.
12:03You talked about, we talked about it at the start.
12:05But, how will they come out?
12:06We show maturity doing that.
12:08It has been determined that the contact to the head is unnecessary and excessive.
12:11The rooming on the floor has been upgraded to a flagrant foul penalty 2.
12:15DeAndre Aiden has been ejected from the game.
12:17It'll be two shots for Shangun and Houston ball side out.
12:21And, that is a huge swing.
12:23Not only was it unnecessary, but you heard that it was unnecessary and excessive by Aiden.
12:29So, a flagrant 2 means that he is done for the night.
12:33And, he has been essentially their only consistent offense.
12:37With 19 points, 10 rebounds in 25 minutes.
12:41We will not see any more of DeAndre Aiden.
12:44That's a big loss right here.
12:47And, it looked like he extended that left elbow.
12:51And, I thought of flagrant 1.
12:54And, flagrant 2.
12:56Rains it pours right now for the Lakers.
12:58Hayes is going to have to give them a presence.
13:00A different kind of presence.
13:02More of a screen and roller, not the post-up player inside on the interior, like an Aiden.
13:09We just don't see a ton of extra depth at that center spot for the Lakers.
13:14Maxi Klebaugh on the roster doesn't get a ton of playing time as Shangun can't hit initially on the first.
13:21But, they will get the possession after the second free throw from Alperin.
13:25But, the struggles at the Charity Stripe continue right now for the two-time All-Star.
13:31And, he finally gets one to go.
13:3877-57.
13:40Now, here's your spot.
13:41541 to play in the third.
13:43We've talked about the fact that Houston, throughout this season, has given up some of their large leads.
13:48As Sheppard steps in, can't hit the three, rebound posts around, put back, no.
13:54Okoge didn't have the angle.
13:56We were talking about giving up the lead just, I don't know, towards the end of the regular season as
14:01Okoge.
14:03And, a foul is going to be called on a loose ball.
14:05Okoge forcing the turnover and then garners the contact.
14:09That was just great defense, picking up LeBron, full court, anticipating where he was going to go, sliding his feet.
14:17He just gets that hand in the cookie jar there and forces the turnover and the foul.
14:24But, they're not letting up.
14:26But, you talked about, like, there was a game at the end of the season.
14:28And, the Rockets were up 13 in overtime against Minnesota and managed to lose.
14:34So, it's important that they just continue to play as if the game were 0-0.
14:40Shengun missed it, then a loose ball foul going the other way, this time against Houston.
14:46So, if you just missed it a moment ago, DeAndre Ayton's first career ejection comes on a flagrant two-foul
14:53on Alperin Shengun.
14:55And, so, the Lakers will go the rest of the way with Jackson Gaines and whoever else they decide to
14:59put in that center spot.
15:01Eaton with the double-double tonight.
15:03He's going to have to find some offense.
15:05Only 10 points this quarter.
15:09James off the street.
15:11Hachamora comes to flash.
15:13Hachamora the step away for two.
15:15He has been the only light here in this third quarter.
15:19Hachamora has shown his game off the bounce, mid-range.
15:25Houston still above 50% from the floor.
15:27The Lakers are actually 50% themselves.
15:30Shepard.
15:31And he doesn't get the roll.
15:33Rebound taken in by Okoge.
15:35Second chance for Shepard.
15:37Kennard steps up.
15:38Nine to shoot for Okoge.
15:40He'll load it up.
15:41In and out.
15:43A lot of perimeter shots these last few possessions in Houston.
15:47They've got to continue to go and attack the basket.
15:52Coaching four minutes to play in the third.
15:54Get it to James.
15:55Double comes.
15:55Over the top of the Ravia.
15:57His three.
15:58In and out.
15:59The Lakers have gotten great looks from the outside.
16:02But just one for nine from three-point range tonight.
16:07And a foul away from the ball.
16:08That's going to be number four on Jackson Hayes.
16:14And that's where they have to continue to attack the interior of the Lakers.
16:22Shingun posting off.
16:23Driving.
16:24Min Thompson driving as well.
16:27I think at times they settle too much for jump shots.
16:30Right there.
16:31You want to show some resistance if you're Hayes.
16:34But you want to be smart in terms of how you do it.
16:37So Shingun back to the charity strike.
16:40The NBA playoffs continue with distance and magic.
16:44Tomorrow on NBC and Peacock.
16:46What a series that has turned into.
16:48We were there for game one.
16:49Got to see Orlando come in and really set the tone.
16:53Detroit comes back with a game two win.
16:55But Orlando coming through in clutch time in the fourth quarter.
16:58With their game three victory at home.
17:01How about the magic?
17:02How they flip the switch.
17:03And how they're playing in this playoff series against the number one seed.
17:08And it's like another lane violation.
17:12This might be a record for lane violations called in a game.
17:15That's our second tonight.
17:18So Shingun doesn't even get his second attempt.
17:21Stays at a 19-point game.
17:26James Hayes.
17:27Kick it.
17:28Kinnar.
17:30Doesn't get the roll.
17:33That kind of night.
17:34One of ten from three.
17:36Nice set.
17:36Get the ball to Kinnar.
17:38Just couldn't convert.
17:40Shingun back down.
17:41Hayes with four fouls.
17:43Shingun going right at him.
17:44Outside.
17:45Smith.
17:46Short.
17:47Rebound.
17:48Going the other way.
17:51Shingun battling inside.
17:53And he's going to pick it up.
17:56That'll be his second.
17:58And meanwhile, it looks like.
18:00Was there a technical foul after the fact?
18:03I thought it was maybe on Jackson Hayes there.
18:06And it was.
18:09So the flagrant two earlier in the quarter against DeAndre Ayton.
18:13Now the backup center, Jackson Hayes picks up a tee.
18:16And Shepard does convert.
18:19Well, Lakers on the brink of a sweep.
18:22Coming into the night.
18:23Beginning to unravel a little bit in this third quarter.
18:25J.J. Reddick's been so pleased with their poise.
18:28As Shepard got the hand in the cookie jar.
18:31Ayton does the win.
18:35Timeout, J.J. Reddick.
18:44Reed Shepard.
18:47Occupying the space.
18:49And the Rockets are taking off in the third.
18:53Sunday Night Basketball is brought to you by Illuminations Minions and Monsters in theaters July 1st.
19:01By Kia, the official automotive partner of the NBA.
19:05And by The Odyssey in theaters July 17th.
19:11Twin Towers in Houston.
19:12Ralph Sampson, Hakeem Olajuwon.
19:14Take it back to 1986.
19:16Second round action.
19:17Game 5.
19:18One of the all-time great playoff moments for the Rockets.
19:21That was heartbroken.
19:22I was a Lakers fan right there.
19:24Ralph Sampson denied another Celtics-Lakers finals.
19:29What a two-oh to Twin Towers.
19:32Ronnie James rattles home the triple.
19:37He has given legitimate minutes once again here in game four.
19:45Shepard on the other end.
19:47Skip it for Smith.
19:48Three ball.
19:48Book it.
19:50Looked like the Lakers were in the zone right there.
19:53Coming out of the timeout.
19:55Cannot leave.
19:56The two shooters really.
19:59Purple Rockets.
20:00Shepard and Jamari Smith.
20:04Smith makes him pay.
20:06Eight to shoot now for James.
20:08Gets it right back from Hayes.
20:09Pulled up another one.
20:10This time too strong.
20:12We excited rebound falls to Eason.
20:1522-point cushion for Houston.
20:18James steps up on Shepard.
20:20Screen from Shengun.
20:21Shepard on Hayes.
20:23Couple of crosses.
20:24Shengun inside with a size advantage on Smart.
20:27Eason drive.
20:28And an offensive foul.
20:30Smart steps in to take the charge.
20:32That's number four on Tari Eason.
20:36And Marcus smart there with his rotation.
20:40Getting outside the restricted area.
20:42And drawing that charge.
20:44Former Defensive Player of the Year.
20:46And right now, J.J. Redick has this small lineup out there along with Jackson Hayes.
20:53So maybe they can play a little faster on both ends and try to chip away at this lead.
21:01They turn it over 19 times.
21:03And they've gone just 2 of 12 from 3.
21:05With that second one coming to go from Bronny James.
21:09Kennard drive.
21:10Get it outside for James.
21:12Eight to shoot.
21:13Kennard pump.
21:14Into the paint.
21:15Floated up too strong.
21:16Back tap.
21:17Smart tried to die for it.
21:19But he couldn't get there in time.
21:21And one thing the Rockets have done.
21:23They made an adjustment there in that second half of game three.
21:28Guarding and defending the action of L.A.
21:31They're looking at switching now.
21:32And the switching, you've got to be smart.
21:34You've got to be connected.
21:36You've got to be connected.
21:37You've got to communicate.
21:39That's causing all types of chaos and confusion on the offensive end for the Lakers.
21:45Final 90 seconds of this third quarter that has been dominated by the Rodgers.
21:51Shepard on Hayes.
21:52Throws.
21:53Pull.
21:53Shepard.
21:54Loss.
21:55And a foul is going to stay here.
21:57James was battling with Vinnie Smith underneath.
22:00And it'll be Bronny picking up the loose ball foul.
22:03Vinnie Smith had inside position there on that shot attempt from Shepard.
22:09Vinnie James tried to root him out there.
22:13Vinnie Smith went in the air.
22:15Stending that elbow.
22:16That's probably what gave it away.
22:25Continued volume.
22:27Now 22 free throw attempts for the Rockets here tonight.
22:32Vinnie Smith will get one more.
22:34And he makes it a 24-point Houston lead.
22:39They had not even led by double digits in the first three games.
22:48Sparks just one for five from the floor.
22:51James goes to set the screen.
22:53Pocket pass.
22:54LeBron to the rim.
22:55And he missed it with the left.
22:57Poked around.
22:58Bronny goes up to get it.
22:59Second chance for the Lakers.
23:01And James fumbled it out of bounds.
23:02And although the Lakers didn't score, I like that action.
23:05Putting LeBron in the screen and roll.
23:07Let him set the screen and roll.
23:09Just couldn't convert there.
23:12You know, you think back when the Bucs were winning championships
23:15and they put Giannis Antetokounmpo in that action.
23:18But he's setting the screen.
23:20Now he's rolling to the rim so hard to defend.
23:23Ups and downhill.
23:23And he's fouled.
23:26Just relentless attack right now by this Houston offense.
23:29Well, because they are relentless and they're not settling,
23:33they're getting to the free throw line.
23:34And Thompson, one of the best.
23:36He just goes right in there, flails that body,
23:39and forces the officials there to make a call.
23:4331-15 advantage in the third in favor of Houston.
23:46Well, the cases are bigger and the stakes are higher.
23:49It's a full night of justice with back-to-back episodes of Law & Order and SVU.
23:54Law & Order Thursday on NBC and Peacock.
23:59Thompson now up to 17.
24:01Shepard with 17.
24:03Shang-Goon with 19.
24:04Eason with 15.
24:05And Smith with 10.
24:06All five starters and double figures for the Rockets.
24:11Two-point opportunity for the Lakers.
24:13And Smart takes advantage plus the foul.
24:16Smart got hit.
24:18At least he's saying below the bell.
24:20Okoge is going to pick up the foul.
24:22If they're attacking the switch, Mark is Smart.
24:30Nice finish there.
24:31I don't think that was intentional, but you never know.
24:36Well, they're going to at least confirm.
24:38As they'll go back to the scores table, take a look.
24:40It's a defensive foul.
24:41We will take a look to see if it meets the criteria for a flagrant.
24:44They have already called DeAndre Ayton for a flagrant two, so he has been ejected from this game.
24:50Now Okoge with a contact here.
24:54So Smart threw the contact.
24:59And is it the follow-through on the kick, the right leg from Okoge?
25:04That's what Smart was asking for.
25:15So we'll get some extra work in the replay center.
25:18Fourth game of the day here in the NBA.
25:20Fun day of playoff basketball once again.
25:23Portland started with Toronto getting a massive win to tie that series at two against Cleveland.
25:29Then San Antonio with Victor Lombiano returning from the concussion.
25:32A 114-93 victory over Portland.
25:35And dominant effort by the Boston Celtics.
25:38128-96 to take a 3-1 lead in their series.
25:42Can I just say how great the playoffs have been thus far?
25:45Awesome.
25:46I'm not getting any sleep at night.
25:49But it's been worth it.
25:51The games, the high-level play, the upsets.
25:54I mean, just, wow.
25:55It's been so much fun.
25:57And of course, a chance to work with you and Ashley and Tyler.
26:02Yeah.
26:03Second mention for Tyler.
26:05Keep track here.
26:07They're still looking at this play here.
26:09Marcus Smart did finish.
26:10She has a chance for a three-point play.
26:12But you see that follow-through on the leg kick by a Kogi.
26:15That's what they're looking at to see if this should be upgraded to a flagrant, potentially, penalty one.
26:22Remember why they ejected Aiden from the game.
26:25They felt that his contact to Shingun above the neck was not only over the top, but excessive as well.
26:34And that's what they'll be ruling here.
26:37If it's unnecessary, it'll wind up.
26:38The impact is more to the thigh of Smart, and there is no follow-through by Joshua Kogi.
26:43Therefore, the ruling on the floor stands as they come and foul.
26:45It'll be one shot for Smart, and we will play off the make or miss.
26:49That is a textbook description by James Williams.
26:53Took us through everything.
26:54That was excellent.
26:55Very precise.
26:56Very much so.
26:57It is 16th season as an NBA official, so Smart will get one free throw and then no possession for
27:04the Lakers.
27:0538.5 left is enough for the 2-for-1 now for Houston.
27:12This has been a third quarter in which the Rockets have just completely taken control.
27:28Seven points for Smart.
27:32Thompson, Smith, Shepard, Akogi, Finney-Smith.
27:36The five on the floor for Houston.
27:38Two-for-one available.
27:39Thompson going for it.
27:41And Thompson floats it in.
27:43He's relentless.
27:44He's tenacious as well.
27:46Nice two-for-one play.
27:48Let Thompson get downhill.
27:50And finish.
27:52Wow.
27:54Seven-second difference.
27:55Shot clock and game clock.
27:57Smart on the outside.
28:00James with seven to shoot.
28:01Working on Thompson.
28:03Four to work with.
28:04Back down.
28:05Spann.
28:05Lost it.
28:06Another turnover.
28:07Akogi on the run.
28:08One on three.
28:09Had it stripped by Smart out of bounds.
28:11And it's Lakers' ball.
28:14And great defense on both ends.
28:15One on LeBron forcing that turnover.
28:17And then Smart with the active hands.
28:19Four-point-nine seconds left in the third.
28:23Smart put the head down.
28:24Two seconds left.
28:25Forced it up.
28:26And Smart's off the mark.
28:28LeBron and Marcus both looking for a foul.
28:31Won't get one.
28:31It is a 25-point Houston lead.
28:35Going to the fourth.
28:36A 34-18 quarter in favor of the Rockets.
28:39You're watching Sunday Night Basketball presented by KM.
28:47Playoffs presented by Google.
28:5090-65.
28:52The Houston Rockets have come to play.
28:54They needed the win to keep their season alive.
28:56You always are curious about a younger team specifically without Kevin Durant, the guy they brought in for these moments.
29:02How would they come out?
29:04The desperation's been obvious.
29:05The desperation's been obvious.
29:06But to have the kind of character that they've shown here, you could easily just melt, quit, quit, excuse me,
29:13and give in because of the disappointment there of game three and how it ended.
29:18But it has galvanized this group.
29:20This group is playing inspired basketball.
29:23And they just got to continue for 12 minutes here in this court.
29:26Keeps the momentum on their side going into a potential game five back in L.A.
29:31As James misfires, he's still stuck at eight points.
29:35He made his first shot of the night.
29:37And he has now missed his last seven from the floor.
29:40I'm glad you said that.
29:42You know, you want to keep playing.
29:46Amen, Thompson.
29:50The basketball gods are saying amen.
29:54The banker goes for smart.
29:57But this guy is as physical a freak.
29:59Thompson, along with his twin Asar, to go up and get it and then have the wherewithal to just simply
30:06put it in.
30:07Well, I mean, I didn't think he was going to be able to catch up, but the pass was way
30:10too high.
30:11But then that second jump, oh, man.
30:16A minute gone in this fourth quarter.
30:19Thompson is now up to 21 points.
30:23Jabari Smith working on Kinnar.
30:25Size advantage.
30:26Got the bump.
30:26He'll get two free throws.
30:29Take another look at this.
30:30This is pogo stick in human form.
30:34Well, I had a pogo stick when I was 10.
30:35I fell and broke my arm.
30:38And then Thompson, look at the cat.
30:40And it goes right back up.
30:42I mean, this is next level freakish athlete and just making it look easy.
30:51Human pogo stick.
30:53Yeah, I don't.
30:53You'd have to ask, what vegetables did he eat as a kid?
30:57What allows for him to have that springboard vibe?
31:01Oh, man.
31:02He and his brother.
31:04Just similar to athleticism.
31:08I can't imagine those backyard one-on-one matches there.
31:11Well, they've talked about it.
31:12They would get heated.
31:13And when Assar would win, Amen is known to be incredibly competitive.
31:18And so he wouldn't let them go home until he beat them at some point.
31:22And then he's, Assar would say, okay, cool, and would try to let him win.
31:25And the men go, I know you're trying to let me win.
31:27Don't do that.
31:30But whatever they did, it worked.
31:32Both of them had great careers in front of both of them in the postseason
31:37contributing, but they're close.
31:38Assar on that number one seed in the Eastern Conference in Detroit.
31:41Finalist for defensive player of the year, won by Wendell Yama,
31:44as Vanderbilt goes right to the rack.
31:47But you mentioned it earlier with the men, but it's the same with Assar.
31:50If they could develop a jump shot,
31:52you just feel like they have everything else available to them right now
31:56with the athleticism, defensive ability, anticipation,
31:58and even playmaking ability on the offensive end.
32:01They don't need to be like three-point shooters.
32:03That mid-range game, people are going to give them space.
32:07Nice find.
32:09Colomay catches it.
32:10When you talk about that point guard ability,
32:12you just mentioned getting into the paint,
32:14springing it out by the shooters.
32:18Mentions of this.
32:19It was out of the mustachey.
32:22Vanderbilt high off the window.
32:25Back-to-back possessions for the Lakers.
32:27Vanderbilt getting to the rim.
32:29Pick and roll action as a roller.
32:32You can't exchange baskets here.
32:34If you're the Lakers, you're going to have to put together some stops
32:36with some resistance on this end.
32:39JJ Redick said that he was finding it
32:43when that crazy comeback as Shen Goon comes up short.
32:46The game is never quite over.
32:48He always believes that his team can find a way.
32:51It's not going to help if they keep turning it over.
32:53Another deflection in steel.
32:55Holiday, the trailer is swift.
32:57And they'll slow it down.
33:01Shen Goon attack on Haynes.
33:03Shen Goon keeps the footing.
33:06Haynes has the rejection.
33:07And he kept it alive for James.
33:12Vanderbilt on the fly.
33:15James picked up by Holiday.
33:18Double comes.
33:20Extra from Smart is kicked by Smith.
33:22And a reset to 14.
33:25Noah on the other end.
33:26Just great patience here by Haynes.
33:28Shen Goon, footwork, a lot of ball fakes.
33:31Haynes just keeps his hands high.
33:33He was admiring his shot.
33:34And then, oh, I got to go get it.
33:36Miring his block.
33:38Vanderbilt again this time.
33:39He's fouled.
33:40But they continue to go to Vanderbilt.
33:42LeBron setting the table.
33:44And Jared Vanderbilt will get a pair.
33:48They found something here.
33:50I mean, this Vanderbilt screen and roll action.
33:54It looks like Houston's going to review this right here.
33:59Why not?
34:00Yeah.
34:00Well, they're going to make it so that it's guaranteed that they have the right answer when we come back.
34:09Successful coaches challenged by Eme Odoka.
34:12They say this is a clean block by Aaron Holiday.
34:15No imminent possession, so it'll be a jump ball at center court.
34:19Eme Odoka was 66% in his challenges during the regular season.
34:27But he gets a good one here.
34:29Lakers keep possession.
34:33If you go back to that screen and roll action with Vanderbilt.
34:40James off the gamble from Benny Smith.
34:43And he's got his first bucket since the early portion of the first quarter to give him 10.
34:49Right now, the Lakers, look.
34:51You know the story on the Rockets, how they give up these leads.
34:55He's got to keep playing, keep competing.
34:58He's going to have to get some stops.
35:01Easier said than done.
35:04Get some stops and keep the ball in your hands, which is something these two guys do at a very
35:10high level.
35:11But 22 turnovers for the Lakers and another challenge.
35:14This time it's going to be J.J. Reddick who is going to ask for the review here.
35:19So Marcus Smart.
35:20It is.
35:21Who's going to challenge more?
35:25Eme Odoka with a successful challenge.
35:27J.J. Reddick says, I got you back.
35:30Marcus Smart knocks it away off of a man.
35:32And Thompson originally ruled Rockets ball.
35:35This is going to the Lakers and LeBron James.
35:37And LeBron James, it's been a tough night for him.
35:40The Rockets have been incredibly physical with him, trying to wear him down.
35:44And then they just kind of swarmed in different looks.
35:47Make him work on every possession.
35:49Ten points, two of nine from the field.
35:52He does have eight assists, but also eight turnovers.
35:55And the Rockets have done a great job in this game here.
36:00And midway through the fourth with LeBron.
36:06And it's been a second half that has essentially been all of Houston.
36:10Smart lob, Vanderbilt slam.
36:13Vanderbilt providing some nice energy off the bench here on the fourth.
36:19The Andre Aiden was ejected from this game in the middle of the third quarter
36:23with a flagrant two foul on Alfred Shangoon.
36:27Now Houston trying to keep this momentum on their side
36:30through the rest of this fourth quarter into game five.
36:34As Holladay finds another three ball.
36:37And I've been impressed with the offensive execution,
36:40particularly in the second half, running their sets,
36:44the sets creating offensive opportunities as Holladay knocks down that corner three.
36:49Vanderbilt, that was a hold on the basket.
36:52It didn't matter.
36:53Vanderbilt finishes through the contact of Shangoon.
36:55And now Vanderbilt is going to have a chance to go up to nine points off the bench
37:01with wholesale changes coming for the Lakers.
37:05Vanderbilt points in the paint.
37:07At the rim, as you see, looks as though J.J. Redick is waving the white flag.
37:16But Vanderbilt has been really the only bright spot here in this fourth quarter,
37:21kind of taken up where Aiden was scoring in the paint.
37:24Now he has scored in the paint here in this fourth quarter.
37:27He'll get subbed by Maxi Kleba after the free throw in the next dead ball.
37:32So Dalton connect, Nick Smith, Adou Thero,
37:36Bronny James, all on the court.
37:40And Kleba set the check in next dead ball.
37:42J.J. Redick said that it usually takes him quite a while to really wave that white flag
37:50and get the bench unit in much earlier than what you're accustomed to seeing.
37:54But understanding that his team, including LeBron James,
37:56played major minutes in game three to grind out that overtime victory.
38:01LeBron played 45 minutes as Bronny comes away with a loose ball.
38:05James lobbed.
38:06And, oh, up top, Thero detonates over the top of Benny Smith.
38:11And, oh, up top, Thero detonates over the top of Benny Smith.
38:16Great defense swarming there on Shingun and then Bronny James in the open floor.
38:24And that was a beautiful alley-oop and the foul.
38:28Wow, look at the strength and the concentration.
38:32Thero.
38:33You're going to Thero.
38:34Nice.
38:36I was waiting.
38:37I was leaving it up for you.
38:38Yeah, you know, it's low-hanging fruit.
38:40Well, a rookie from Arkansas, 21 years old, 36th overall pick in this past draft.
38:46Didn't play a ton throughout the season.
38:48We got his opportunities at times with the G League squad along with Bronny James.
38:52In fact, a number of these guys on the court right now played for the South Bay Lakers throughout the
38:57season.
38:58Have that connectivity coming over.
39:00And J.J. Reddick had so many great things to say about the entire South Bay Lakers G League staff.
39:06As Smith misses on the pull-up and the rebound cleared by Kinect.
39:11Second-year man out of Tennessee.
39:14And he dropped the three.
39:16Emi Odoka doesn't love what he sees in the last two possessions.
39:19And this young squad for the Lakers, trimming it down to 17.
39:2614-3.
39:27Lakers run 100-83.
39:30They have got it back to within 17.
39:32Still 6.23 to play here with this young group.
39:35James Thero, Kinect, Smith, and Kleba on the floor for J.J. Reddick.
39:40They're still playing without Luka Doncic.
39:41Has not played since April 2nd at Oklahoma City.
39:45The same could be said about Austin Reeves,
39:46who was a question mark coming in with the oblique injury.
39:49Went through his warm-up.
39:50Just didn't feel 100% ready to clear for a return.
39:54But his return is imminent.
39:55Luka is still not really a timetable on his return.
39:59Certainly not in this series.
40:01The hope would be in the second round against potentially Oklahoma City.
40:04But the Lakers looking to see if they can pull off a miracle
40:08to finish this sweep here in Houston
40:10as Thero is going to be called for the foul on Smith.
40:13See him at Luka on his bench.
40:17Kevin Durant, Fred Van Vliet.
40:18Durant played there in game two.
40:20Has missed the two games here in Houston.
40:23We're coming out of that timeout to match this small ball lineup.
40:28Houston has gone small themselves,
40:30and Jabari Smith Jr. earns a trip to the charity strike.
40:36And it does convert on the first.
40:38We take a look at the upcoming playoff schedule in this series.
40:42A lot of TV deems on when and where you can find all of these.
40:46But game five will be Wednesday should Houston hold here.
40:49Back in Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles,
40:53then if there's a game six back here in Houston May 1st,
40:56and game seven would be Sunday May 3rd,
40:58at least from today.
41:00For more on these games, please go to NBA.com
41:02or visit the NBA app.
41:04So Jabari Smith Jr. up to 14 points,
41:07seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
41:11Houston has a team, 16 steals.
41:13Thero thought about another one.
41:15And this one just thrown out of bounds.
41:20Well, J.J. Redick was talking to us before the game.
41:24LeBron had mentioned for Bronny
41:25how much of a confidence builder it can be
41:27to play real playoff minutes and play well
41:30in building blocks for the rest of your career.
41:33And J.J. said he remembers early in his career
41:36he just wasn't playing a lot in Orlando.
41:38And in his third year,
41:40Courtney Lee ends up breaking his face.
41:42Dwight Howard ends up getting suspended.
41:45There was a closeout game that he had to start.
41:48And it was his first real foray
41:50as the follow goes down from Smith
41:52into major playoff basketball.
41:54He played well in that game.
41:56He ends up starting the rest of the way,
41:57going up against Ray Allen
41:59in the Eastern Conference Finals.
42:02Feeling like that was the springboard then
42:04moving forward for him
42:06as James steps away three, doesn't go.
42:09And Akoge swipes it down.
42:11And he said then had to break out here
42:12the next regular season.
42:13He said, it's just regular season basketball.
42:15I just did this in the postseason
42:16at the highest level.
42:17Nothing phased him from that point on.
42:20Everyone's path is different.
42:21You have to stay ready
42:23and take advantage of those opportunities.
42:25And J.J. Redick turned himself
42:27into a pretty dynamic player in his league.
42:30Smith no.
42:31Thompson on the second chance.
42:33And I was there at J.J.'s rookie year
42:35in Orlando.
42:36And he struggled.
42:38You know, I wasn't sure
42:39if he was going to, you know,
42:40survive as a player.
42:41But his credit worked and worked,
42:43stayed ready,
42:44and made the most of it.
42:46Thompson mid-range.
42:48I've been impressed with that
42:50from him tonight.
42:50That little pull-up off the bounce
42:52of 15 feet.
42:54He's been efficient
42:55with the mid-range game.
42:57Smith dribbled off his foot,
42:59scooped up by Thompson.
43:00Up ahead for Eason.
43:01And Eason showing off.
43:06If there's been a storyline to this game,
43:10it's been turnovers.
43:1224 turnovers for the Lakers,
43:14leading to 30 points for the Lakers.
43:18That's really been it.
43:22J.J. Redick still pulling out his set
43:26for this young group.
43:27And Smith laces that triple.
43:311-0-8-86.
43:34So for Bronny James off the bench,
43:3511 minutes played,
43:363 points, 4 assists,
43:38and a rebound.
43:40All three of his attempts
43:41coming from three-point range.
43:43Houston keeping their
43:45majority of their
43:46rotation in there.
43:48As Smith can't hit,
43:49leaks out,
43:50Eason 3,
43:51it's pure.
43:52That was a nice tip there
43:54by Jabari Smith Jr.
43:55Couldn't get the rebound,
43:57but tipped it to the corner.
43:58And look out here,
44:00Kleba and Jabari Smith Jr.
44:02getting into it
44:03on their way back down
44:03the other side of the court.
44:05And now Thompson and Kleba
44:07very calmly
44:08chatting it through
44:09as Smith will head
44:10towards the Houston bench.
44:13Looks like maybe
44:15Kleba hit
44:16Okoge there in transition.
44:22You see Okoge kind of
44:23stops there,
44:24then walks away.
44:25Smith gets in Kleba's face,
44:27but no harm,
44:28no foul.
44:29This is that fast break.
44:31Good.
44:35Good to see Tari Eason
44:37have a game like this
44:38offensively.
44:3820 points
44:39on 7 of 10 shooting.
44:41Meanwhile,
44:41they did call double technicals
44:43on Okoge and Kleba.
44:45So,
44:45they'll play on
44:48for all intents and purposes.
44:50But,
44:51for Tari Eason,
44:5220 points,
44:538 rebounds,
44:544,
44:54make it 5 steals now
44:56and 2 assists
44:57as Holiday checks back in
44:58for Thompson.
44:59You look at
45:00what Eason did
45:01over the course
45:02of the season
45:03and how streaky
45:05his 3-point shooting was,
45:06but when he shot it well,
45:08this team played
45:09at a really high level.
45:1042.6% from 3
45:12over the first
45:1337 games
45:14he played this year,
45:15then 21% from 3
45:17over his last
45:1723 games played.
45:19They went 11-4
45:21in the regular season
45:22when he made
45:22at least 3 3's.
45:23He's got 2 of them
45:24here tonight.
45:27Tari Eason,
45:28you talk about him
45:29starting in replacement
45:30of Kevin Durant
45:32and 20 points,
45:33but everybody really
45:34stepping up all
45:36five starters
45:37and double figures.
45:38I thought Eason's defense
45:39on LeBron,
45:40the physicality,
45:41just making him
45:42work for everything,
45:43was also a huge factor
45:45here as Kevin Durant
45:46looks on
45:47from the Rockets bench.
45:48so Ima Odoko
45:50will now clear out
45:51his own bench
45:52as well.
45:53KD,
45:54will he be ready
45:54for game five?
45:56And now
45:57a warning
45:58on the Houston bench.
46:00No technical,
46:02but
46:02James Williams
46:03making sure
46:04things stay under control
46:05over the final
46:063-0-7 here.
46:07And a foul
46:08is going to be called
46:09on that inbounds pass
46:10as Klebo is diving
46:12to the rim.
46:13Let's go to Ashley.
46:14I've been watching
46:15the veterans
46:16on the bench
46:17for the Rockets
46:17in street clothes
46:18this whole game.
46:19Steven Adams,
46:20Fred VanVleet,
46:21Kevin Durant,
46:21a pretty good list
46:22of guys that are
46:22helping the younger guys
46:23get through a game
46:24like this.
46:25And I've listened
46:25to multiple timeouts.
46:26They're all so vocal.
46:28Fred VanVleet
46:28with Reed Shepard
46:29from covering Rockets
46:30games this season.
46:31I've kind of seen
46:31his mentorship
46:32with Reed all year long.
46:34But I also need
46:35to get a degree
46:35in lip reading
46:36because I'm not good
46:37at all.
46:37And I finally asked
46:38Steven Adams,
46:39I said,
46:39what are you talking
46:41to these guys about
46:42in these timeouts?
46:43And he said,
46:44look,
46:44it's the defensive effort,
46:45it's the overall focus,
46:46but he said,
46:47look,
46:47Ash,
46:47just make me look
46:48really good.
46:49Give me the credit
46:50for this win.
46:51Obviously,
46:51he's totally kidding,
46:52but it has been fun
46:52to see just their
46:53involvement.
46:54And then,
46:54of course,
46:55Katie checking
46:55that box for
46:56every chance he gets.
46:57So,
46:58it has been fun
46:59just seeing
46:59what these veterans,
47:00the impact that they're
47:01making on the numbers.
47:02Ashley,
47:02not to undersell you,
47:03but it doesn't take
47:05Steven Adams look good.
47:07Grant saw him pregame
47:08and goes,
47:08oh man,
47:09he looks good.
47:11He looks in shape.
47:12I'll be sure
47:13to try and tell him
47:13not too great.
47:15He does look in shape,
47:16though.
47:16Oh man,
47:17and they do miss him
47:18when he brought
47:19to this ball club.
47:22You look at the numbers
47:24in terms of
47:25offensive rebounding
47:26second chance points
47:27when they had Adams
47:28versus after he went down
47:30with Adams,
47:3116.4 offensive rebounds
47:33per game,
47:33which was head and
47:33shoulders number one
47:34in the league.
47:3418.9 second chance
47:36points per game
47:37as Holiday has
47:38it a race by Smith.
47:40Without Adams,
47:4113.8 offensive rebounds
47:42and they're still
47:43top five
47:44at 16.9 second chance
47:46points.
47:46So,
47:46two fewer second chance
47:47points
47:48and nearly
47:49three fewer
47:50offensive rebounds
47:51per game.
47:52Smith misfires
47:53on the three.
47:55But the toughness,
47:56the grit,
47:57the playoff experience,
47:57that all comes in
47:58play,
47:59especially late
48:00in these games.
48:01No question.
48:01And then,
48:01you know,
48:02when Shingu's
48:02out of the game,
48:03a guy who can come in
48:04and he's just physical,
48:06tough,
48:07knows how to play,
48:08been in playoff games
48:09as the Lakers here
48:12still continuing to compete.
48:14Smith with the out,
48:16the layup in transition,
48:17but you've got those
48:19veterans.
48:20You need them
48:20in the postseason
48:21and unfortunately
48:22for the Rockets,
48:22they're on the bench
48:24right now.
48:27We'll see the status
48:28of Austin Reeves
48:30and Kevin Durant
48:31for game five
48:32as Holiday
48:32can't deliver
48:33on that swooping
48:34attempt.
48:36Durant's been getting
48:37nonstop treatment
48:38over the last couple
48:39of days
48:39and Emi Odoka
48:40said with each day,
48:41each moment that
48:42passes,
48:42the likelihood of him
48:43getting on the court
48:44goes higher
48:45and higher
48:45with a whistle.
48:47A couple of
48:50players getting
48:51interlocked.
48:52Durant
48:53means so much.
48:54There's a reason
48:55they went out
48:55and got this guy.
48:56He only missed
48:57four games
48:57in the regular season.
48:58It was his most games
48:59played in a season
49:00since the 2018-19 season
49:03in which he eventually
49:05got hurt
49:05in the NBA Finals
49:07and would miss
49:08the entirety
49:08of the next year.
49:10But he played
49:11all but four games.
49:13The Rockets did go
49:144-0 in the regular season
49:16without him.
49:17This is his third game
49:18he's missing in this series
49:19and this will be
49:20their first win.
49:21Good to just see
49:22everybody smiling
49:24joy on the Houston side
49:26after such a despair
49:28was left
49:29in the way they lost
49:30game three.
49:31Winning cures all.
49:33Your food tastes better.
49:34Everything's better.
49:35But Durant,
49:36how about that?
49:37At 37.
49:3726 points per game
49:39and
49:41continuing
49:42way at a high level
49:43at his advanced age.
49:46Three off the mark
49:47for Finney Smith
49:47but the offensive rebound
49:49and kickback
49:49for Jayshon Tate.
49:51Coming up on NBA Showtime
49:53presented by AT&T
49:54Victor Wendon Young.
49:57Monstrous is probably
49:58just a good term
49:59all the time.
50:00Yeah, all the time.
50:01He's like a monster
50:02from Space Jam.
50:03But in real life
50:05offensive rebound
50:06connect open line
50:07and he does
50:08connect for three.
50:10And another
50:11tangle.
50:13Thero and
50:14Holiday
50:14and
50:15oh,
50:16James Williams
50:17is tossing.
50:18Aaron Holiday
50:19out.
50:20Aduh Thero
50:21it looks like
50:21is out.
50:26So,
50:27Holiday
50:27just trying to battle
50:29with the bigger body
50:30Thero
50:31who had that
50:31monster poster
50:32earlier in the quarter
50:33and now the rookie
50:36out of Arkansas
50:38is going to have to join
50:40DeAndre Eaton
50:41in the back.
50:42Eaton got ejected
50:43for the flagrant two.
50:44This one
50:45for the back and forth
50:47with Holiday.
50:48They are not
50:49messing around
50:50at all.
50:52Maintain
50:54everyone's composure
50:55here
50:55and not let things
50:56elevate
50:56as you see
50:58Holiday down low
51:00and
51:00get into it
51:02a little bit
51:02trying to keep
51:03Thero off the glass.
51:06I'm not sure
51:07that warranted
51:08a
51:10see the
51:11yeah
51:11see the little
51:12forearm shiver
51:13there from Holiday
51:14first
51:14then Thero
51:15comes in
51:16but more than
51:16anything
51:17they're just
51:17trying to make
51:17sure
51:18given
51:18I would imagine
51:19as well
51:19some of the events
51:21at the end
51:21of that Denver
51:22Minnesota game
51:23last night
51:23or 1.3
51:25second remaining
51:26trying to just
51:27keep order here
51:28with this
51:29final 111
51:31that would have
51:32been nothing
51:32back in the 90s
51:35that's fair
51:37we certainly
51:38saw everything
51:39with now
51:40Nicola Jokic
51:40and Julius Randle
51:41that was very
51:4290s like
51:43that was
51:44they were
51:44fined
51:45today
51:46but the good
51:46news is
51:47no suspensions
51:48going into
51:48game 5
51:49in Denver
51:50tomorrow night
51:51the crew chief
51:52James Williams
51:52one of the best
51:53in the business
51:54as he said
51:55just keeping
51:56things
51:57controlled
51:58seven
51:59finals games
52:00under
52:01the belt
52:02of James Williams
52:03and that's
52:04going to be a
52:04backcourt violation
52:06J.D. Davison
52:08was trying to keep
52:08his footing
52:09couldn't do so
52:10with 57.6
52:11left
52:11well
52:12Imi Odoka
52:13truly did feel
52:14coming into this game
52:15that his team
52:16had a chance
52:17to be that
52:18first team
52:19to come back
52:19from 0-3 down
52:20there have only
52:21been
52:22four other
52:23teams
52:24as James
52:25gets all the way
52:26in
52:26and he does
52:26get the
52:27wall on the
52:27leg
52:27so
52:28Bronny James
52:29up to 5
52:30there have only
52:31been
52:32four teams
52:33that have come
52:34back to force
52:35a game 7
52:35win down 0-3
52:37there have been
52:37zero that have
52:38won the series
52:38but the 1951
52:40New York Knicks
52:411994 Denver
52:42Nuggets
52:432003
52:43Portland
52:44Trailblazers
52:45and the 2023
52:47Boston Celtics
52:48a couple years ago
52:48going down 0-3
52:50to Jimmy Butler
52:50in the Miami Heat
52:51they had that
52:52incredible putback
52:54Derek White
52:55forced the game 7
52:58but they came up
52:59short in that
53:007th game
53:02and eventually
53:03that 8th seed
53:04Miami team
53:05goes on to the
53:06finals to lose
53:06to Denver
53:07this is a Houston
53:08team that
53:09coming into the
53:10season
53:10had the 3rd
53:12highest odds
53:13to win the
53:15NBA title
53:16and now
53:17maybe a little
53:18momentum going
53:19back to LA
53:19again we wait
53:20for the news
53:21on Austin
53:21Reeves
53:22but this is
53:23far from over
53:25in Houston's
53:26eyes
53:27this was an
53:28important win
53:29in terms of
53:30how they won
53:31just exerting
53:32their will
53:33executing defensively
53:34and just
53:35dominating the
53:37Lakers
53:37particularly in the
53:38second half
53:38now can they
53:39carry that momentum
53:40into game 5
53:41and go
53:42get a win on
53:43the road
53:44come back here
53:45things could get
53:46real interesting
53:47if that were to
53:47happen
53:48likely the final
53:49possession for the
53:50Lakers
53:51connect no
53:52offensive rebound
53:54James
53:54they'll attack on
53:55Tate
53:56try to create
53:56some space
53:588th to shoot
53:59for Smith
54:01screen comes
54:02from Clever
54:02step back
54:03for Smith
54:05and the rebound
54:07ricocheted into
54:08the hands
54:08of
54:09Davison
54:12fewest
54:13made threes
54:13all season
54:14in a game
54:15for the Lakers
54:15and the Rockets
54:17keep their season
54:18alive
54:19115 to 96
54:20there will be
54:21no sweep
54:22in Houston
54:25Marcus Smart
54:27Tari Eason
54:28getting into it
54:30after the buzzer
54:30Jeff Green
54:31trying to stay
54:32in the middle
54:32of it
54:33LeBron James
54:33comes in there
54:36Eme Odoka
54:37made sure
54:37nothing escalated
54:39but the temper
54:39certainly flaring
54:41playoff basketball
54:42alive and well
54:43as they'll go back
54:44to game 5
54:44in L.A.
54:45I thought they were
54:46all doing the
54:46handshake
54:47after the game
54:48no handshake
54:50but also no problem
54:52but this is typical
54:52of the playoffs
54:53it gets a little
54:54chippy
54:54you know
54:56to be expected
54:57you just get tired
54:58of seeing everybody
54:59all the time
54:59Marcus Smart
55:00is still chatting
55:02trying to make sure
55:02that his point
55:03is heard
55:04LeBron James
55:04and the Lakers
55:05will go back
55:06to the drawing board
55:07fewest points
55:08that LeBron
55:08is still in the
55:09playoff game
55:09since the bubble
55:11as we go to Ashley
55:13all right all man
55:14a little drama
55:14to end the game
55:15but overall
55:16a do or die situation
55:17not only did you guys
55:18do it
55:19but you did it
55:19with an exclamation point
55:20what did it take
55:22to get a win
55:22like this
55:23in an elimination game
55:24we were
55:25we were all ready
55:26you know
55:26Alpi gave us
55:27a motivational speech
55:29this morning
55:29and we took that
55:30and we ran with it
55:31and we got to go
55:32do that next game
55:33in LA
55:34absolutely
55:35I love that
55:35a good pregame talk
55:36but 24 Lakers
55:38turnovers
55:38overall this game
55:40what does it say
55:41about this group
55:41the defensive effort
55:43how was this game
55:43won on that end
55:44of the four
55:45I mean
55:45you saw Tari
55:46you saw J.O
55:47you saw Reed
55:47you know
55:48diving on the ball
55:49they were great
55:49just forcing turnovers
55:51and we capitalized
55:52off that
55:52man thanks so much
55:54good luck in LA
55:55I didn't hear you
55:56sorry
55:56thank you so much
55:57good luck in game 5
55:58in LA
55:58thank you
55:59well at least he's honest
56:01and a man Thompson
56:02was also explosive
56:0323 points
56:047 assists
56:05in 41 minutes
56:07it is a Houston victory
56:09115 to 96
56:11to force a game 5
56:12first round continues
56:13tomorrow on NBC
56:14and Peacock
56:14Pistons and Magic
56:15they tip off
56:16at 8.06 p.m. Eastern
56:17then Thunder and Suns
56:19followed by Wolves
56:20and Nuggets
56:20coming up next
56:21it's NBA Showtime
56:22presented by AT&T
56:24for Grant Hill
56:24Ashley Shomady
56:25our entire crew
56:26I'm Mill Eagle
56:27saying
56:27you're watching
56:28the NBA Playoff
56:29presented by
56:29Google and Kia
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