LeBronimated: James Sets Tone for L.A., as Lakers Beat Rockets 112-102, Snatch 2-1 Series Edge
House Violation. LeBron James Seven. Tip of the Cap.
“Wherever there’s a fight so hungry people can eat, I’ll be there.” One of many classic quotes from The Grapes of Wrath. And in Game 3, Houston felt LeBron’s wrath. The Lakers superstar showed why, even at age 35, he’s still the best player in the world. LeBron was the hungriest player from the opening tip, and was everywhere on both ends of the court. James scored 29 of his 36 points in ferociously dominant first half that set the tone for the entire game. Houston held a 3-point lead at halftime, 64-61, but you knew LeBron was in Game 7 mode, and the edge didn’t feel comfortable. Even after three quarters, and a tie game, LeBron’s presence completely controlled the environment. From his dominant play on both ends, to his persuasive barking at the refs, the guy most compared to Michael Jordan wasn’t losing Game 3. The disheartening fact is the Rockets didn’t play poorly. James Harden and Russell Westbrook combined for 63 points, but the lack of bench play and LeBron’s overwhelming presence resulted in a Game 3 loss to the Lakers, 112-102, giving L.A. a 2-1 edge in the series. The Beard had 33 points, 9 dimes, and 9 boards to lead Houston, despite being double-teamed nearly every time he touched the ball. Russ had a much-improved Game 3 compared to his previous outing. Westbrook scored 30 points on 13-for-24 shooting, and also grabbed 8 rebounds while dishing out 6 assists. For L.A., LeBron set the tone with a 36 points, and Anthony Davis was solid enough for the Lakers, with 26 point and 15 points.
Houston shot 40% from beyond the arc in Game 3, and still lost. The Rockets usually always win they’re making their threes. Maybe they didn’t fire enough. For a team who’s no stranger to launching 60 threes in a game, they attempted half as many (30) in Game 3. Part of that’s due to L.A.’s defensive adjustments. Forcing guys to drive and finish. The Lakers took pushed Houston into the paint and off the perimeter, forcing the Rockets to shoot less than a typical Houston launch-fest from deep. The Beard and Brodie did their part, outscoring LBJ and AD 63 to 61. The story of Game 3 came down to the bench. Houston’s Danuel House Jr.’s absence was sorely felt in Game 3. As I wrote in my pregame (before hearing news if his shenanigans), House is the glue guy for the Rockets. And in a game that was back-and-forth for the three quarters, House’s absence stunted Houston’s depth, preventing the Rockets from breaking away for a win. Instead, the Lakers outscored the Rockets by 10 points in the final quarter, and pulled away as Rajon Rondo hit some key threes late, which has happened in years, scoring 14 points to help seal the victory for L.A. Kyle Kuzma also stepped up with 21 point off the bench for his best game of the series. Houston’s MVP’s outscored L.A.’s superstars were but the Lakers “others” outplayed the Rockets “others.” Houston needs more any sort of production from Austin Rivers and Ben McLemore, who have been ghosts in this series. In Game 3, two of the Rockets biggest bench assets in the regular season combined to log 21 minutes, but combined for 0 points, rebounds, and assists. Houston needs more production from Rivers and Benny Mac if they want to have any chance against LeBron and the LakeShow in Game 4. And if the Rockets want any hope of winning this series, they need House back. But, that’s looking unlikely, as House violated NBA Bubble-protocol. Rumors are House had a female Covid-19 tester in his hotel room. He’s been ruled out for Game 4, and his status for the rest of the series is currently unknown, but it doesn’t look like House will return. And that’s a huge blow for the Rockets. Along with P.J. Tucker and Robert Covington, House is one of the few guys on Houston who can at least make things difficult for LeBron. LBJ’s forceful energy was the biggest factoring setting the the tone of Game 3. Even with a Houston halftime lead at the break, if you know LeBron, you knew the Rockets were in trouble. LBJ played the best all-around game I’ve seen him play in a while. Houston played well enough to win Game 3. They just got outplayed by the best player on the planet. And you gotta tip your hat. He put on quite a show. But the Rockets aren’t done. Unless Rajon Rondo turns into Steph Curry again, Houston still has a chance to even the series in Game 4.
Robert Covington was brutally elbowed by Anthony Davis in Game 3 during a dirty play, initiated by Kyle Kuzma. Luckily, RoCo is listed as probable for Game 4. The Rockets need RoCo if they have any chance in Game 4 without House. Despite denying his involvement, House is currently under investigation by the NBA, and likely ruined the season, and potentially stained legacies on Houston’s MVP’s Harden and Westbrook. From a human standpoint it’s understandable. The Bubble is also an “abstinence camp” in disguise, a camp no one would want to be stuck in for months. It’s human nature what House did, but in the process, he jeopardized his career, reputation, and he’s put the Rockets on the brink of being closer to vacation. Kind of ironic, House’s quote he mentioned before seemingly disappearing from team activities, “I’m slept on. Heavily.. with a pillow and a blanket.” Maybe he just had enough, and thought he could get away with it, return with more gusto. Instead the Rockets are in big trouble heading into Game 4. Rumors are the omnipresent LeBron James snitched on Danuel House Jr. He knows the Rockets are the better team when both teams have their full squads. I’m not saying LBJ was involved, but I wouldn’t be surprised. Game 4 is a must-win situation for Houston. The Rockets aren’t coming back down 1-3 against these Lakers. Houston needs the bench to step up, and the shots have to fall. The Beard and Brodie need to continue to attack the rack with visceral intensity and the focus of a rifle-sniper. It’s gonna be quite a fight. Hungry players will be all over the court in Game 4. Houston needs their best performance of the season on Tuesday. The next tilt won’t be any easier than Game 3. If anything, with these swirling rumors, and a season on the line, the next battle in this series could be the game that decides the victor, and swings the momentum permanently their way. In Game 4, The only problem for Houston is… LeBron will be there, and he’s not going anywhere.