Here is the play, which didn’t impact much, where LeBron James should’ve been called out of bounds. Possession still remained with Houston:
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Alperen Sengun reacts during the Rockets’ Game 3 loss as an NBA review later revealed missed calls in the final moments.
The Houston Rockets’ heartbreaking Game 3 loss is now under even greater scrutiny after the NBA’s official review confirmed multiple missed calls in the final moments of their overtime defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Houston fell 112-108 on Friday night despite holding a six-point lead with under 30 seconds remaining in regulation — a collapse that left them trailing 3-0 in the first-round playoff series. Now, the league’s Last Two Minute Report has revealed that two late infractions by the Lakers went uncalled.
The most significant missed call involved Marcus Smart during a pivotal sequence that helped spark the Lakers’ comeback.
With the Rockets leading 101-95, Smart was fouled on a 3-point attempt and made all three free throws to cut the deficit. However, the NBA later confirmed that Smart entered the lane early on his third free throw — a violation that should have nullified the shot.
“Smart (LAL) enters the lane early, prior to the ball contacting the rim,” the report stated.
Had the violation been called, Houston would have maintained a four-point lead instead of seeing it trimmed to three — a critical difference in the closing seconds.
Moments later, LeBron James tied the game with a 3-pointer, sending it to overtime.
The review also identified another missed infraction involving James during overtime.
“James (LAL) steps out of bounds while he is in possession of the ball,” the report said.
The play occurred with the Lakers leading 107-105. While the Rockets ultimately retained possession after James threw the ball to Reed Sheppard, the missed call added to the frustration surrounding the officiating.
Here is the play, which didn’t impact much, where LeBron James should’ve been called out of bounds. Possession still remained with Houston:
Despite the officiating revelations, Houston had multiple chances to close out the game.
After forcing consecutive turnovers by James, the Rockets surged ahead 101-95 and appeared on the verge of securing their first win of the series — even without Kevin Durant, who missed his second straight game with an ankle injury.
Instead, a series of costly mistakes unraveled their lead.
“Horrendous mistakes,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “I don’t know if you want to say youth or scared of the moment, or whatever the case.”
A turnover in the backcourt opened the door for Smart’s three free throws, and seconds later, James stole the ball from Sheppard and buried a game-tying 3-pointer with 13 seconds left.
“It was a stupid turnover,” Sheppard admitted. “I should have just made the simple play.”
The Rockets still had a chance to win in regulation, but Alperen Şengün missed a short shot in the closing seconds, and James’ potential game-winner rimmed out to force overtime.
In the extra period, the Lakers capitalized with a quick run, while Houston struggled to regain its composure.
The loss marked another late-game breakdown for a young Rockets team that has struggled to close out tight contests.
“It’s obviously a weakness of ours to close out and finish,” Udoka said. “The amount of mistakes or the type of mistakes are egregious and you can’t have those.”
The defeat leaves Houston trailing 3-0 in the series — a deficit no team in NBA history has overcome.
Udoka delivered a blunt message to his team after the game.
“Grow up,” he said. “You’re not that young anymore.”
With Game 4 looming, the Rockets must regroup quickly — not only from their late-game collapse, but also from a controversial finish that could have altered the outcome.
“We’ll be upset tonight. That’s for sure,” Şengün said. “But we’ve got to get over it. Nobody’s giving up.”
Alder Almo is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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