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By Matt Audilet
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Los Angeles Lakers took a commanding 3-0 lead over the Houston Rockets with an improbable Game 3 victory on Friday night.
The Rockets had the ball up six points with just 30 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. However, a series of costly mistakes ultimately resulted in a game-tying three pointer from 41-year-old NBA superstar LeBron James.
James played a team-high 45 minutes in the Lakers' overtime win, recording 29 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and three steals.
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The Lakers have leaned heavily on James as both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are sidelined with injuries. And in his 23rd NBA season, the veteran has delivered.
During his media availability on Sunday, Rockets forward Amen Thompson explained the team's plan for James heading into Game 4.
"If he doesn't slow down, we've got to make him slow down," Thompson said. "Just being physical with him, keeping [the Lakers] in positions where he's got to play the whole game. We've got to win the minutes when he's off the court too. Being physical with him and making him run."
James acknowledges that he and his healthy teammates need to step up with Doncic and Reaves away from the court.
“Everyone has to do a little bit more because of how much we’re missing,” James said after Game 3. “It’s a challenge for all of us and just trying to figure it out together.”
Reaves is listed as questionable to play in Game 4. Doncic is expected to miss the remainder of the first-round series.
Sunday's Game 4 matchup will tipoff at 9:30 p.m. ET.
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