The 2025-26 NBA season was not kind to the Kings, who finished the year with a 22-60 record.
Although it was a long season with plenty of ups and downs, rookie guard Nique Clifford revealed on a recent episode of “The Young Man and The Three” that it he tried to remain positive about his first year in the league.
“I tried to view it as a positive,” Clifford said when asked if he took away a lesson. “Starting at rock bottom, honestly, it can only go up or us. Being one of the worst teams in the league, that’s not what I expected coming into my first year. So, I feel like it’s good to start at rock bottom, because I can only get better as an individual and as a team, so I try to view it as that.
“So honestly just looking at it through the lens of like yeah it sucks we lost, but it also gave me an opportunity to just play a lot and get adjusted and used to the NBA.”
Selected with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft out of Colorado State, Clifford played in 75 games and started in 28 this season for the Kings. The 24-year-old rookie averaged 8.6 points, 2.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game, while shooting 41.8 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from deep.
The Kings’ plans for the upcoming draft and next season in general remain a mystery at this time, as the franchise again faces plenty of tough decisions. However, Clifford might have solidified himself as a player who is worth retaining as they look to rebuild.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 24: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics smile during the game during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Whew. After 48 hard fought minutes of basketball, the Boston Celtics scraped out a gritty 108-100 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. With the win, the Celtics regain control of homecourt advantage and now lead the series 2-1.
The Celtics were dominating for the first 54 minutes of the series, but the Sixers have put together a hell of a response since then. It’s been back-and-forth, punches being thrown left and right, and at the end of three rounds, both teams are still standing. We’ve seen some haymakers, but no knockout punch just yet.
Philly has had a balanced scoring series so far with Tyrese Maxey leading the way with 27 points per game, followed by Paul George at 18, VJ Edgecombe at 17.7, Kelly Oubre at 13, and then Drummond at 8 ppg. Boston, on the other hand, has been very top heavy. Jaylen Brown is averaging 29 points per game, Jayson Tatum at 23, and then the only other double-digit scorer is Payton Pritchard, who squeaks through at 10.3 ppg.
Notably, Boston hasn’t gotten nearly enough from Derrick White in the scoring department. He’s just below the double-digit threshold, currently averaging 9.7 points per game, but he’s third on the team in field goals attempted, and is shooting an abysmal 29.4% from the floor (3.3 FGM/11.3 FGA), and 20% from three (1.7 3PM/8.3 3PA). It’s been easy to get frustrated with White’s production, or lack thereof, but he will always make winning plays at the end of the game, just as he did last night.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 24: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Sixty seconds left on the game clock, Celtics up by 3. Pritchard takes his time bringing the ball up, dishing it to Tatum after crossing half-court. Fifty seconds left on the game clock, Tatum waits patiently as the play develops.
Forty-three seconds on the game clock, 6 seconds on the shot clock; Tatum makes his move, driving against Adem Bona, and then kicks it to Nikola Vucevic in the corner. Thirty-nine seconds on the game clock, 3 on the shot clock; Vuc takes the corner three. The ball taking it’s time in the air. It’s off.
Thirty-seven seconds left on the game clock. Derrick White, after crashing in from the opposite corner, skies over the top of two Sixers players to grab the offensive board and keep the most crucial possession of the game alive. He takes a second to catch his balance and kick the ball over to Payton Pritchard to avoid falling out of bounds with the ball.
Thirty-three seconds left on the game clock; the Celtics reset the possession with Tatum at the top of the key. He burns some time. Twenty-eight seconds left on the game clock; Tatum sizes up Adem Bona. He pulls up for three.
Bang.
25.3 seconds left on the game clock, Celtics up by 6. Tatum hit the dagger. Philly timeout. The rest is history.
Obviously, JT is the one who put Boston up and the game away, but he doesn’t get that opportunity without Derrick White’s awareness. There’s no doubt that White had a really rough showing, 3-12 from the floor, 1-8 from three. It would be easy for most coaches to leave a player having a game like that on the bench at the end of the game, but White has proven time and time again that he will show up and make the right play, and that he did.
If Derrick doesn’t get that rebound, Philly is only down 3 with a perfect chance for a 2-for-1 opportunity. Instead, The Celtics get to limit the Sixers to one last meaningful possession while they hold a two-possession lead.
That also wasn’t the only time White showed up when the Celtics needed him. As hard as Philly was to contain, White managed to pick up 1 steal and 3 blocks over the course of the game. He fought through his own struggles, and gave his full effort on each and every play.
After the game Tatum had this to say about White: “We need him. I can say it 100 times. We need him, we need him, we need him… D-White is an unreal basketball player that still just has his imprint on the game, and makes plays on both end of the floor… When he’s open, we’re going to pass it to him, we want him to be aggressive.”
Joe Mazzulla shared a similar message: “Anybody that ever doubts D-White, they don’t really care about winning. There’s a competitive confidence piece there, there’s a character piece there. He’s not defined by shot making… Those two rebounds were big-time rebounds, and he can impact winning in so many different ways. I’m always gonna double down on his competitive character and who he is.”
It’s going to be hard for Celtics fans to stomach every shot Derrick misses; believe me, I feel it too. But he has a long history of making the right play. The coaches trust him, his teammates trust him, and we should too.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 24: Jaylen Brown #7 and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics high five during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
PHILADELPHIA — A few feet behind my press row seat, a Philadelphia 76ers fan donning a vintage Allen Iverson jersey turned to his friend.
“This time, we’re going to pull it off.”
The score was 85-84 in favor of the Celtics with just under 9 minutes to play in Game 3, but inside Xfinity Mobile Arena, it felt like the tides were turning after Tyrese Maxey hit another three-pointer — his second consecutive, unanswered jumper, which evoked shades of his big fourth quarter in the 76ers’ Game 2 victory.
The Celtics called a timeout, and for a moment, as 76ers fans rejoiced, it felt like time stood still.
It’s in those moments that, as a writer, the story typically begins to unfold in my head.
Teams that win Game 3 end up winning around 80% of NBA playoff series.
Philadelphia looks really, really confident.
And finally, the most overarching thought:
Was this really how such a special Celtics season was going to end?
But, although I had already visualized a 76ers win, Maxey never scored again. The Celtics’ championship pedigree and undying belief in one another powered them to their most crucial victory of the year.
“I liked the mindset that we had, the competitiveness, the togetherness,” said Joe Mazzulla after the 108-100 win. “I thought there was great communication, great body language, great togetherness – just things that can help you get through stuff.”
Jaylen Brown checked into the game with 8 minutes to play
Brown, like most of the Celtics’ top performers, was in the midst of a night that came with plenty of highs and plenty of lows when he came back into the game to close out the fourth quarter. He had already turned the ball over 5 times — two of which came on offensive fouls.
But, with the season seemingly on the line, he delivered.
It started with a defensive play; he stole the ball from Maxey to find a streaking Derrick White, who laid it in to give the Celtics a 3-point lead with 7 minutes to spare.
Then he took over offensively; from the 6:10 mark in the fourth quarter to the 2:39 mark, Brown was the only Celtic to make a basket for Boston.
“This was like a Game 7 for us,” he said at the podium, after a 25-point, 7-rebounds, 4-assist, 3-block performance.
I kept going back to the four minutes in the fourth quarter in which Brown put the offense on his back and scored eight consecutive points, keeping the Celtics alive amid the many things that went wrong (17 turnovers, a Neemias Queta foul trouble, the list goes on).
During that whole time, I couldn’t help but think about all the discourse that has long surrounded Brown’s career: his on-off numbers, the advanced analytics, being pigeonholed as an NBA Robin, and all the inevitable noise that comes with being a star player on one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.
You could put away the spreadsheet; when it mattered most, Brown got bucket after bucket with his team’s season on the line.
“That’s what it comes down to,” Brown said. “All your preparation comes down to those moments. Both teams are tired. Your team is maybe, offensively, in a little bit of a rut. Gotta figure out how to get a basket. Gotta figure out how to create some momentum for your team. And I feel like I did just enough to shift things in our favor.”
Asked Jaylen Brown about this stretch:
“That’s what it comes down to. All your preparation comes down to those moments. Both teams are tired. Your team is maybe offensively in a little bit of a rut. Gotta figure out how to get a basket. Got to figure out how to create some… https://t.co/jZgko3j1nSpic.twitter.com/rzGuUOO4z6
Then, with just over two minutes to spare in the ballgame, he passed the torch to his co-star.
Jayson Tatum, clutch-time heroics, and playing with joy
In the final 130 seconds of the basketball game, Jayson Tatum got to the free line, hit two pull-up three-pointers, and found Payton Pritchard for a huge three-pointer to beat the shot-clock buzzer.
Tatum’s biggest shot — the unequivocal dagger — came after an offensive rebound from Derrick White. White passed it out to Brown, who had the ball in his hands with Kelly Oubre Jr. defending him.
Brown generally likes that match-up (he’ll take most). But, a few feet away, he saw that Jayson Tatum had Adem Bona guarding him. That was an even better match-up.
So, Brown didn’t hesitate before passing the ball to Tatum, who quickly called for the iso. After 118 playoff games together, the correct play was instinctive.
“In those moments, I got nothing but trust for Jayson Tatum,” Brown said. “When it comes down to it, we’ve been through it.”
The final three-pointer gave the Celtics a 106-100 lead with 27 seconds to go.
And, as the ball splashed through the net, the look on Jayson Tatum’s face conveyed one expression: joy.
“I just missed being a part of moments like that, where it’s just like a back-and-forth game,” Tatum said. “We had some moments where things didn’t go our way, and then we had to fight back and get the lead. And it was just a figure-it-out type of game, and make winning plays. The rebound that D-White got, the steal that JB got, P hitting that big shot. Just as a basketball player, being on the team where everybody’s just contributing and making plays.”
Tatum is still rehabbing, he reminded us after Game 1. It hasn’t even been a year since his Achilles rupture. Still, he finished the night with 25 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, scoring or assisting on all of the team’s field goals in the final two minutes. He played a whopping 42 minutes.
But, asked about other people’s expectations for his play, he smiled.
“Obviously, I’m not 100% yet and whatnot, but the expectations of what people want me to do is the last thing that has crossed my mind,” he said. “Just the amount of joy I’ve been able to find in just being back out there, and being out there with my teammates, is all I think about.”
Joy, as a matter of fact, was everywhere. It was all over Luka Garza’s face each time Nikola Vucevic hit a big three. Hugo Gonzalez practically represented it as he jumped up and down after his veterans made game-saving play after game-saving play.
It was all over Deuce Tatum’s face as he danced after his dad hit the dagger; the same dad he watched rely on crutches just months earlier.
But perhaps no one felt the joy more than Tatum.
“I just missed being a part of moments like that,” he said. “And it was just fun.”
For Joe Mazzulla, that fourth quarter stretch — which began with Brown and ended with Tatum — embodied the team’s championship experience.
But, really, it started with both stars’ even response to disappointment in Game 2.
“I trust our group,” Brown said at the TD Garden podium, pointing to the team’s growth throughout the season. “We just got to continue to have the right mentality, have each other’s back, just breathe.”
“What I’ve learned throughout my 9 years in the playoffs is just stay even-keeled throughout, right?” Tatum said. “And I think the team that sticks together and does that from an emotional standpoint will be fine.”
That unflappable demeanor, perhaps even more than their big fourth quarter, is what stood out most to their head coach.
“I think it shows up in how you handle playoff losses, how you handle a bad game, how you handle winning,” Mazzulla said. “I think the experience just kind of shows up in – they’re poised on a day-to-day basis – not getting too high, not getting too low, having a clear understanding of what’s at stake and what’s needed on a consistent basis. And I thought you saw that tonight.”
The other 2024 champions stepped up, too
It wouldn’t be fair to give all the Game 3 credit to the Jays, though the duo did score or assist on all of the Celtics’ fourth-quarter points (with the exception of two end-of-game free throws).
Derrick White has made headlines for his shooting struggles this season; in his series, he’s shooting 29.4% from the field and 20% from three.
But he secured two offensive rebounds in the final four minutes, both of which led to Celtics baskets. His second rebound is what led to the Tatum dagger three-pointer.
“We need him,” Tatum said. “I can say it 100 times. We need him. We need him. We need him. And, it’s tough as a basketball player. We’ve all been through it when you’re not hitting shots at the rate that you expect to or want to. It’s just sometimes you just don’t make them. But D-White is an unreal basketball player that still just has his imprint on the game and makes plays on both ends of the floor.”
Mazzulla said it best: “Anyone who ever doubts D-White, they don’t really care about winning.”
And, Payton Pritchard hit one of his most clutch shots as a Celtic, beating the shot clock buzzer with a deep three and talking smack all the way down the floor. That three-pointer — his fifth of the night — gave the Celtics a 5-point lead with just over a minute to play.
Mazzulla acknowledged that Pritchard hadn’t been super involved in the offense up until that point.
But, with the clock winding down, he delivered.
“We found him,” Mazzulla said, “and he made it.”
Nikola Vucevic doesn’t have the playoff experience that many of his teammates do. Still, the Celtics’ trade deadline acquisition became the team’s most oft-used post player on Friday, tallying 11 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks in 30 minutes.
And, he watched in awe as Tatum and Brown lifted the team to victory.
“Two great players, different players that have been in these situations so many times; you can just tell [when the] game is coming down to the wire, they’re just very poised,” Vucevic said. “They didn’t let the moment or physicality affect them. They knew what they wanted to do. They knew what spots they wanted to get to.”
By the time Tatum and Brown walked off the floor, Xfinity Mobile was mostly filled with Celtics fans, who cheered as they watched one of the NBA’s most successful duos walk off the parquet.
Boston Celtics (56-26, second in the Eastern Conference) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (45-37, seventh in the Eastern Conference)
Philadelphia; Sunday, 7 p.m. EDT
LINE: Celtics -7.5; over/under is 213.5
EASTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND: Celtics lead series 2-1
BOTTOM LINE: The Boston Celtics visit the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference first round with a 2-1 lead in the series. The Celtics won the last meeting 108-100 on Friday, led by 25 points from Jaylen Brown. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 31.
The 76ers are 27-25 against Eastern Conference opponents. Philadelphia ranks eighth in the Eastern Conference in rebounding with 43.6 rebounds. Andre Drummond leads the 76ers with 8.4 boards.
The Celtics have gone 36-16 against Eastern Conference opponents. Boston ranks fourth in the Eastern Conference with 12.5 offensive rebounds per game led by Neemias Queta averaging 3.0.
The 76ers make 46.2% of their shots from the field this season, which is 2.0 percentage points higher than the Celtics have allowed to their opponents (44.2%). The Celtics are shooting 46.7% from the field, which equals what the 76ers' opponents have shot this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Quentin Grimes is scoring 13.4 points per game and averaging 3.6 rebounds for the 76ers. Maxey is averaging 24.5 points and 3.4 rebounds over the last 10 games.
Derrick White is averaging 16.5 points and 5.4 assists for the Celtics. Brown is averaging 24.0 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: 76ers: 5-5, averaging 109.8 points, 44.4 rebounds, 22.0 assists, 8.2 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.6 points per game.
Celtics: 8-2, averaging 119.9 points, 45.5 rebounds, 27.2 assists, 6.7 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 49.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.3 points.
INJURIES: 76ers: Joel Embiid: day to day (abdomen).
Celtics: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
With 4:48 left in the third quarter, Portland took a 15-point lead on a Jerami Grant free throw. The Trail Blazers appeared in control of Game 3 against a shorthanded Spurs team without Victor Wembanyama.
That control was an illusion.
San Antonio stormed back behind the play of rookie Dylan Harper — by the end of the third quarter, the Spurs were already ahead by one. Then, in the middle of the fourth quarter, San Antonio went on a 15-1 run to pull away. By 4:05 left in the game, it was a 15-point Spurs lead — a 30-point swing in San Antonio's favor.
During that run, Dylan Harper scored 20 of his 27 in the night, shooting 7-of-8, including 3-of-3 from beyond the arc. He was putting on a show.
San Antonio held on to win 120-108 on the road, taking a 2-1 series lead. Game 4 is on Sunday in Portland.
San Antonio got this win without Victor Wembanyama, who suffered a concussion on a brutal face-first fall in Game 2. While he traveled with the team to Portland and was on the bench for this game, he was not cleared to play in Game 3, and his status for Game 4 remains unclear. The only update Spurs coach Mitch Johnson would give is that Wemby is "progressing."
Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 33 points, while De'Aaron Fox added 18 points. Luke Kornet, starting at the five in place of Wembanyama, finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds, both career playoff highs.
However, it was Harper who provided the spark and was making history.
Dylan Harper is the second-youngest player to score 20+ points off the bench in a Playoff game 40 years.
This is a tough loss for the Trail Blazers, who needed to pick up a win while Wembanyama was out. It was also the team's first home playoff game since 2021.
Jrue Holiday had 29 points to lead the Trail Blazers and was their best player on the night. Scoot Henderson added 21 points, and while Deni Avdija scored 19, he shot just 3-of-15 from the floor (12-of-16 from the free throw line).
San Antonio Spurs (62-20, second in the Western Conference) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (42-40, eighth in the Western Conference)
Portland, Oregon; Sunday, 3:30 p.m. EDT
LINE: Spurs -5.5; over/under is 219
WESTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND: Spurs lead series 2-1
BOTTOM LINE: The San Antonio Spurs visit the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference first round with a 2-1 lead in the series. The Spurs won the last meeting 120-108 on Saturday, led by 33 points from Stephon Castle. Jrue Holiday led the Trail Blazers with 29.
The Trail Blazers are 29-23 in conference games. Portland ranks sixth in the NBA with 46.0 rebounds led by Donovan Clingan averaging 11.6.
The Spurs have gone 36-16 against Western Conference opponents. San Antonio is second in the league with 47.0 rebounds per game. Victor Wembanyama leads the Spurs with 11.5.
The Trail Blazers average 14.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.5 more made shots on average than the 13.0 per game the Spurs give up. The Spurs average 119.8 points per game, 4.0 more than the 115.8 the Trail Blazers allow.
TOP PERFORMERS: Clingan is averaging 12.1 points, 11.6 rebounds and 1.7 blocks for the Trail Blazers. Deni Avdija is averaging 25.2 points over the last 10 games.
De'Aaron Fox is scoring 18.6 points per game and averaging 3.8 rebounds for the Spurs. Devin Vassell is averaging 2.1 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Trail Blazers: 6-4, averaging 113.8 points, 44.2 rebounds, 24.8 assists, 8.9 steals and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 45.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.8 points per game.
Spurs: 7-3, averaging 119.7 points, 47.1 rebounds, 27.9 assists, 7.5 steals and 5.4 blocks per game while shooting 48.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.1 points.
INJURIES: Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard: out for season (achilles).
Spurs: Jordan McLaughlin: day to day (ankle), David Jones Garcia: out for season (ankle), Victor Wembanyama: day to day (concussion).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Cleveland Cavaliers (52-30, fourth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Toronto Raptors (46-36, fifth in the Eastern Conference)
Toronto; Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT
LINE: Cavaliers -3.5; over/under is 220.5
EASTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND: Cavaliers lead series 2-1
BOTTOM LINE: The Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference first round with a 2-1 lead in the series. The Raptors won the last meeting 126-104 on Friday, led by 33 points from Scottie Barnes. James Harden led the Cavaliers with 18.
The Raptors are 33-19 in conference matchups. Toronto has a 7-4 record in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Cavaliers are 33-19 in Eastern Conference play. Cleveland averages 119.5 points while outscoring opponents by 4.1 points per game.
The Raptors are shooting 48.2% from the field this season, 1.8 percentage points higher than the 46.4% the Cavaliers allow to opponents. The Cavaliers average 14.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.8 more made shots on average than the 12.5 per game the Raptors give up.
TOP PERFORMERS: Barnes is averaging 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.5 blocks for the Raptors. RJ Barrett is averaging 20.3 points and 3.4 assists over the last 10 games.
Harden is averaging 23.6 points and eight assists for the Cavaliers. Donovan Mitchell is averaging 18.1 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Raptors: 5-5, averaging 116.8 points, 38.9 rebounds, 29.4 assists, 8.1 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 52.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.1 points per game.
Cavaliers: 7-3, averaging 118.9 points, 42.5 rebounds, 26.3 assists, 8.3 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 50.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.3 points.
INJURIES: Raptors: Immanuel Quickley: out (hamstring).
Cavaliers: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Los Angeles Lakers (53-29, fourth in the Western Conference) vs. Houston Rockets (52-30, fifth in the Western Conference)
Houston; Sunday, 9:30 p.m. EDT
LINE: Rockets -5.5; over/under is 207
WESTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND: Lakers lead series 3-0
BOTTOM LINE: The Los Angeles Lakers look to clinch the series over the Houston Rockets in game four of the Western Conference first round. The Lakers defeated the Rockets 112-108 in overtime in the last matchup on Saturday. LeBron James led the Lakers with 29 points, and Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 33.
The Rockets are 29-23 in Western Conference games. Houston leads the Western Conference in rebounding, averaging 48.1 boards. Sengun leads the Rockets with 8.9 rebounds.
The Lakers are 33-19 in Western Conference play. Los Angeles has an 8-3 record in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Rockets score 115.2 points per game, 0.6 more points than the 114.6 the Lakers allow. The Lakers score 6.3 more points per game (116.3) than the Rockets allow their opponents to score (110.0).
TOP PERFORMERS: Sengun is averaging 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists for the Rockets. Amen Thompson is averaging 19.8 points over the last 10 games.
Deandre Ayton is scoring 12.5 points per game and averaging 8.0 rebounds for the Lakers. Rui Hachimura is averaging 2.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Rockets: 6-4, averaging 117.2 points, 47.2 rebounds, 25.7 assists, 8.9 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 47.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.9 points per game.
Lakers: 7-3, averaging 110.9 points, 39.6 rebounds, 28.7 assists, 10.3 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 51.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.2 points.
INJURIES: Rockets: Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Steven Adams: out for season (ankle), Kevin Durant: day to day (ankle).
Lakers: Austin Reaves: day to day (oblique), Luka Doncic: out (hamstring).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Jayson Tatum continued to shine in his return from injury with 25 points and Jaylen Brown also scored 25 to help the Boston Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 108-100 on Friday night and take a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference first-round series.
Game 4 is Sunday in Philadelphia.
Tatum was 5 of 9 on 3-pointers in just his 19th game this season following surgery last May to repair his Achilles tendon. Brown scored eight straight points late in the fourth for a 96-92 lead that put some distance between them and a Sixers team brimming with confidence following a surprise Game 2 win in Boston.
Tatum buried a 3 for a 100-96 lead and Payton Pritchard hit a step-back 3 to make it 103-98. Tatum, still looking to regain his top form after not playing for nearly a year, may just be there and hit the final 3-point dagger for the 106-100 lead that even sent Allen Iverson headed toward the exit.
Philadelphia played again without center Joel Embiid for Game 3 as he continues to ease his way back into practice following an appendectomy on April 9.
Tyrese Maxey scored 31 points and Paul George added 18.
LAKERS 112, ROCKETS 108, OT
HOUSTON (AP) — LeBron James scored 29 points, including a tying 3-pointer with 13 seconds left in regulation, Marcus Smart had eight points in overtime and Los Angeles took advantage of Houston team missing Kevin Durant for a win to take a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference first-round series.
The Lakers rallied from a six-point deficit with under 30 seconds remaining and can sweep the series Sunday night in Houston.
Smart added 21 points and 10 assists, and Rui Hachimura added 22 points for the Lakers.
Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 33 points and 16 rebounds. Amen Thompson added 26 points and 11 rebounds.
SPURS 120, TRAIL BLAZERS 108
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Stephon Castle had 33 points and San Antonio overcame the absence of Victor Wembanyama to beat Portland for a 2-1 series lead.
Dylan Harper added 27 points and 10 rebounds for the Spurs, who trailed by 15 points in the third quarter. Game 4 of the first-round series Sunday at the Moda Center.
Before the game Spurs coach Mitch Johnson announced that Wembanyama would not play while he continues to recover from a concussion he sustained in Game 2 on Tuesday night.
Jrue Holiday had 29 points for the Trail Blazers, who were making their first home playoff appearance since 2021, but couldn’t ultimately take advantage Wembanyama’s absence.
Apr 24, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) attempts to steal the ball from Los Angeles Lakers center/forward Jaxson Hayes (11) during the first quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
After defending their home court in the first two games, the Lakers headed to Houston knowing they would receive the Rockets’ best punch in Game 3. And that they did.
With the news they would be without Kevin Durant for the second time in the series, the Rockets played every bit like a team whose back was against the wall. They crashed the offensive glass, flew around the court and tried every option they had on the bench in search of a different result.
However, just like they did in the first two games, the Lakers endured every swing and matched Houston’s desperation en route to a nail-biting 112-108 win in overtime.
It wasn’t a perfect game. No playoff games typically are. But the Lakers proved once again that they can win ugly and in unfathomable ways. And that’s the reason they own a commanding 3-0 lead in the series with a chance for the sweep on Sunday.
Here are the biggest takeaways from the crazy win.
A fourth quarter (and overtime) in two parts
It may seem like it happened last week, but the Lakers led by 15 at one point in Game 3. They dictated the terms, their offense clicked and they looked like the team deserving to be up so convincingly in the series. Then the second half happened. And then it snowballed in the fourth quarter.
After trailing for the majority of the first half, the Rockets outscored the Lakers by 11 points in the second (excluding overtime). They clamped down on the Lakers’ offense and continued to be relentless in the paint and the glass on the other end. With 41 seconds left in regulation, the Rockets were suddenly up six. The brooms would have to be put back into closets across Los Angeles.
The Lakers had blown it. They had not only failed to step on the neck of their weakened foe, but had, even worse, afforded them hope — or so it seemed.
Like they have done all year, the Lakers ultimately came through in the clutch. LeBron James’ game-tying 3-pointer capped off a wild final minute and sent the contest into overtime, where the Lakers ultimately staved off the Rockets’ potentially final gasp.
All of the turmoil, injuries and close games the Lakers endured this season actually ended up preparing them for moments like this. The playoffs are fought in the trenches and it’s the trenches where the Lakers have thrived.
Marcus Smart’s omnipresence
If LeBron James’ clutch 3-pointer goes on to be the lasting picture of Game 3, then it was Marcus Smart’s fingerprints and sweat that were smeared over the lens.
To say Smart played a part in the win would be a severe understatement. In his 39 minutes, Smart finished with 21 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds, 7 stocks (5 steals and 2 blocks) and was the only starter with a positive net rating. The Lakers wound up needing every stat.
Beyond the all-encompassing numbers, Smart consistently found himself involved in every big play down the stretch.
It was his steal and three free throws that breathed life back into a Lakers’ team left for dead with 25 seconds left. It was his three that opened the scoring in overtime. And it was his timely rebounds and trips to the free-throw line that sealed it.
The Houston Rockets had possession with 27.8 seconds left in regulation and a 101-95 lead
Marcus Smart outscored Houston by himself 11-7 to end the game, including 8-7 by himself in overtime alone pic.twitter.com/xV5OXfCPgz
Smart’s Game 3 performance was the latest example of what has made him so valuable this season and the Lakers’ collective spirit in the first round.
No matter how severe the odds, Smart feels like he can beat them with sheer effort and guile alone. And so far, he’s proving he’s right.
A big night from the bench
Once it became known that the Lakers would be without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves for a portion, if not all, of their series against the Rockets, it became evident that it would take a collective effort to extend their season.
After getting key contributions from the likes of Smart and Luke Kennard in the first two games, it was the bench in Game 3 that came up big.
The foursome of Jaxson Hayes, Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt and Bronny James scored a combined 24 points and were each a positive in the plus/minus department. In contrast, the Rockets’ six reserves scored just 3 points and all finished with a negative plus/minus.
Outside of their totals, each player off the bench also chipped in from a momentum perspective.
Hayes’ hard rolls and athleticism on both ends helped alleviate a quiet offensive game from Ayton. LaRavia and Vanderbilt’s hard-nosed defense and second chance creation kept the team afloat during the rough patches. And Bronny James’ helpful second quarter minutes — highlighted by his alley-oop finish that was thrown from his father— provided a spark.
It was always going to take the entire team to make up for what is currently lost. And with all signs pointing to a near return for Reaves, the Lakers have not only succeeded in holding down the fort, but also put themselves in a better position than anyone could have imagined.
All stats courtesy of Cleaning the Glass unless otherwise stated. You can follow Alex on Bluesky at @alexregla.bsky.social.
PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 24: Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots a free throw during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers during Round One Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2026 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The San Antonio Spurs had a tough time in Portland, dealing with physicality and athleticism, but they dug deep for their most impressive win of the season without the mighty Victor Wembanyama. They mucked up the Trail Blazers offensive sets and held them to 111.5 points per 100 possessions, which is good enough for the 37th percentile, per Cleaning the Glass.
They helped loads off the 3-point line to clog the inside, but Portland’s pressure was as unforgiving, forcing six early turnovers and making it equally as difficult to score in the paint with all the incoming help. Yet, the Spurs who stepped up the most were Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle. They gave the team direction when it was badly needed and took them to the finish line.
Observations
The Spurs faced their largest deficit of the night in the third quarter (15), and took a one-point lead going into the fourth thanks to their defense getting nasty and some big-time scoring from Harper, which carried over into crunch time. One questioned if it was a peak into the future, watching Castle and Harper bail out the team, but after pondering before the deadline of this write-up, the future is now. They are both great shot creators and will be the best backcourt in the NBA before long when they start sharing the court more often at the start of games and polish their 3-point shots.
Without Wembanyama (concussion), this is an even series. The Spurs’ front line was vulnerable because it had to go small when Luke Kornet sat, yet they were able to stop the Blazers from going wild on the glass. Still, the Blazers had no fear of attacking the lane for a bucket or kick-out pass, and they did damage in transition for most of the game. This also unlocked 29 free throw attempts for the Blazers, but them being so ineffective at the line was a big help to the Spurs.
Portland’s attack wasn’t anything special. The transition success stemmed from the defense forcing misses, plus turnovers and the Spurs’ inability to generate free throw attempts for 2.5 quarters, which cut the flow of the game.
Last season, Andrew Nembhard was the player whose stock went up the most in the playoffs. This year, it’s maybe Scoot Henderson, whose hot streak continued behind a stream of 3-point shots in the first half, but he went cold after intermission.
Jrue Holiday is a timeless baller, which adds credibility to any advice he gives the youngsters. He was giving it to the Spurs for three quarters, attacking through screen rolls and did well denying the ball. His fingerprints were all over the third quarter, when the Blazers built their largest lead of the game (15).
Deni Avdija is one of the biggest foul baiters in the league, which got him a ton of free throw attempts to soften the blow of his poor shooting. He even drew two of Fox’s three first-half fouls, which limited his aggression following intermission.
The Trail Blazers came into this game, making only 30.3 percent of their 3-point attempts, and the only spot they shot well from deep was the left corner. They shot 36.8 percent this time, but that number is affected mostly by the Spurs defense making them tighter after intermission.
Carter Bryant was instant impact when he came in, hustling to break up transition and screen for his teammates. Yet he was a bit exposed because the Blazers didn’t want to guard him closely for lack of a dependable outside shot, which made things harder for his teammates. Still, he was way more of a positive than a negative.
TORONTO, CANADA - NOVEMBER 24:Immanuel Quickley #5 of the Toronto Raptors passes the ball during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 24, 2025 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Toronto Raptors announced Friday that point guard Immanuel Quickley will not be available for the remainder of the team’s first round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Quickley, who was recovering from a hamstring issue, re-injured it during the rehabilitation process. The team added that an update will be provided “as appropriate”.
After several injury-plagued seasons, Quickley appeared in 70 this past year – his most since 2022-2023 when he was a member of the New York Knicks. He is also one of the team’s better three-point shooters at 37% and he attempts the most threes per game on the team. That floor spacing is imperative on a team that is challenged offensively at keeping up with their opponents when the scoring starts coming. On the year, Quickley averaged 16.4 points and 5.9 assists per game.
In his absence, the Raptors have started Jamal Shead and Ja’Kobe Walter so far in the series. Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, who was very effective in Game 3 with 22 points off the bench, could also start in Quickley’s place.
The Cavs catch a break with Quickley being ruled out for the series, which narrows the margin of error even more for the Raptors. Cleveland’s offense was very poor in Game 3, but they muscled their way through the first half with a tie and put themselves in position to win entering the fourth quarter. The final score is not indicative of how much the Cavs fought back, so there is good reason to believe the offense will look better in Game 4 just due to regression back to the mean. Toronto, meanwhile, shot 61% from deep in Game 3 – well above their season average.
They did not necessarily need him for Game 3, but Toronto certainly would have liked to see Quickley on the court for another near must-win Game 4. The Raptors trail the series 2-1, and its is fair to say that the first two games are more indicative of what the baseline is for these two teams. The Cavs have had one of the best offenses since the All-Star break, and the Raptors have struggled mightily in that same timeframe.
The Cavs and Raptors will square off in Game 4 on Sunday afternoon.
“The desperate team normally wins in the playoffs,” Redick said, “the more desperate team.”
Despite missing two of their best players in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for the entire series, the Lakers have been the better team in the matchup.
And on Friday night, they were also the more desperate team.
After trailing by six points fewer than 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Lakers pulled off a miraculous comeback against the Kevin Durant-less Rockets, beating the Rockets 112-108 in overtime on Friday night at Toyota Center to take a three-game lead in the series.
“There’s a lot of things that happened that were not perfect, including some stuff I did,” Redick said postgame. “But you just kind of get onto the next play. And that, to me, is a hallmark of poise; that’s a hallmark of composure. It’s tough to win on the road in the playoffs. Even without KD, they’re a great basketball team and that was a huge test for us, especially in that moment where we’re down six.”
Despite trailing by six points with 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Lakers pulled off a miraculous comeback against the Kevin Durant-less Rockets APBut the Rockets scratched and clawed their way to victory after falling behind by double digits in the first half. AP
Marcus Smart had 21 points, 10 assists, 5 steals and 2 blocked shots.
Rui Hachimura scored 22 points, including 16 in the first quarter, while Luke Kennard added 14 points, 6 assists and 6 rebounds. Jaxson Hayes had 12 points and 4 rebounds off the bench.
The Rockets scratched and clawed their way back into the game after falling behind by 15 in the first half, trailing by 11 at halftime and five at the end of the third quarter.
Alperen Sengun (33 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists), Amen Thompson (26 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists) and Jabari Smith Jr. (24 points, 6 rebounds) all had their best games of the series so far.
But the Lakers prevailed.
The Lakers are up 3-0 in the best-of-seven series against the Rockets, all guaranteeing that they’ll advance to the second round of the playoffs. AP
What it means
The Lakers are up 3-0 in the best-of-seven series against the Rockets, all guaranteeing that they’ll advance to the second round of the playoffs.
No team in NBA history has come back from down 0-3 in a playoff series, with the teams that were up 3-0 advancing all 125 times since the NBA moved to a 16-team playoff in 1984.
The Lakers haven’t been up 3-0 in a playoff series since 2010 when they swept the Jazz in the second round.
Turning point
With the Rockets leading 101-98 with 20 seconds left in regulation, James tapped the ball out of Sheppard’s hand from behind to Smart in the frontcourt.
Smart passed the ball to James, who passed to Kennard, who passed back to James, who hit a corner 3-pointer to tie the game at 101 apiece with 14 seconds left.
Hayes got the defensive stop on Sengun on the Rockets’ ensuing possession, with James grabbing the defensive rebound.
James missed the potential game-winning 3 at the end of regulation to send the game into overtime.
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HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 24: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a three point basket during the game against the Houston Rockets during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
A couple of weeks ago, the thought of the Lakers being lucky injury-wise was laughable. However, now that they’ve played three playoff games, LA is trending in a positive direction with its injuries, and other Western Conference teams are in trouble.
The Denver Nuggets are trailing 2-1 in their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Aaron Gordon missed Game 3 with tightness in his calf. The San Antonio Spurs are tied 1-1 against the Portland Trail Blazers, but were without Victor Wembanyama in Game 3 due to a concussion.
And the Oklahoma City Thunder may be up 2-0 against the Phoenix Suns, but Jalen Williams sustained a Grade 1 left hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated weekly.
The Lakers, on the other hand, are in front of the Houston Rockets 3-0, have suffered no additional injuries and Austin Reaves is inching closer to a return.
Barring a setback, his return is imminent. LA is winning, Reaves is returning and, suddenly, a season that felt like a loss has gotten interesting once again.
So, let’s dive into the win. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.
LeBron had a slow start to this game, but he certainly picked up his production as the contest progressed. He had an amazing moment in the first half, lobbing the ball to Bronny and adding another historic moment to this family affair.
In the third, LeBron scored some timely baskets to keep the Rockets away and when Houston took over late in the fourth, Bron poked the ball away from Reed Sheppard and hit a huge three to extend the game to overtime.
He was incredible, and as LA’s leader, he’s found a way to get this team out to a 3-0 lead despite their two other stars being unavailable. This series will be part of his highlight reel in a career filled with iconic moments.
Hachimura was an offensive monster in this game. He started the game a perfect 6-6 from the field and remained impactful the rest of the way. Hachimura is a playoff riser, and he’s been that throughout his Lakers tenure.
Ayton had a rough game and was benched once again during clutch time in the fourth. However, he played in overtime, won a jump ball over Alperen Şengün and had some good defensive possessions against the Rockets’ big.
He needs to be better, but he stepped up in small ways when it mattered late in this game.
The Lakers don’t win this game without Marcus Smart. He scored 21 points, had some huge defensive rebounds and knocked down some clutch free throws in overtime to bury the Rockets.
He’s as tough as nails on the court, and his intensity is something you simply can’t teach. He establishes this team’s identity and makes everyone around him better by his mere presence.
Hayes didn’t dominate in this game, but he had a monster dunk in the first half and had a key stop against Şengün in the closing seconds to extend the game to overtime.
He was a defensive liability late in this contest, but the Lakers won and the timely stop helps the outlook on his overall performance.
LaRavia had some awful misses, was turning the ball over, stumbling on the ground and started to get passive with his shot attempts in the second half. Props to LaRavia for playing through an ankle sprain, but he has been horrendous.
Hopefully, he plays better because the Lakers have a tight rotation and can’t afford to have someone playing this badly.
It turns out that if you play Vando more, his offense improves and his defense remains elite. He had some nice passes in this game and an impressive up-and-under finish at the rim.
I doubt head coach JJ Redick will keep him in the rotation once Luka Dončić and Reaves come back, but he should seriously consider it.
Grade: B
Bronny James
9 minutes, 5 points, 1 foul, 2-2 FG, 1-1 3PT, +4
Bronny had a great moment in the second quarter, converting on a lob from LeBron, and a short shift in the fourth that was okay. The growth he’s had recently is impressive, but it still might be a bit too much playing time for a close contest in the postseason.
Grade: B
Nick Smith Jr.
Smith Jr. appeared only on the final play of regulation and will also not be graded.
JJ Redick
It wasn’t a perfect game for Redick. He couldn’t help the Lakers as they struggled offensively in the third and playing Bronny in the fourth was rough.
Still, he made the right calls in overtime, going with Ayton, and used his timeouts effectively down the stretch. Redick has done a superb job with his game plan throughout this series and Game 3 was no exception.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 24: Makai Lemon rings the bell before the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Eagles were busy handling business on Friday night as they navigated Day 2 of the NFL Draft, but the real action was at the Sixers game.
Not only was first-round pick Makai Lemon inaugurated into Philly sports culture by ringing the bell ahead of the Sixers-Celtics game, but he took in the game court-side next to DeVonta Smith. Tank Bigsby was also in attendance, and later in the night, after the Eagles officially traded for Jonathan Greenard, it turns out the former Vikings edge rusher was in the building for the Sixers’ game, too.
John Clark tracked down Jonathan Greenard in record time 😂
Greenard spoke to John Clark about the environment from Philly fans was exactly what he was expecting, and while he doesn’t quite know how he’ll fit into Vic Fangio’s scheme, he called the DC a genius and said they’ll figure it out.
It’s always cool to see the connection between the Philly sports teams, and there’s nothing like a handful of Eagles — new and old — taking in some playoff basketball together, surrounded by the same fans who will be cheering for them in a few months.
