Sunday’s Game 4 battle against the Los Angeles Lakers could be the final time the Houston Rockets take the court.
While it seemed all was going well enough for the Rockets to win on their home court for the first time this postseason in Game 3 on Friday, Houston choked a late fourth-quarter lead. The Lakers didn’t win in regulation, but they forced overtime.
Once the game got there, the Lakers didn’t look back.
The Lakers defeated the Rockets 112-108.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets during the second half of Game Two of the NBA Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 21, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LeBron James had a stellar matchup by producing 29 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists. The forward Rui Hachimura accounted for 22 points, while Marcus Smart put up 21 points and 10 assists in 39 minutes.
Although the Lakers played hard until the final whistle, it was clear the Rockets let this one slip away. The head coach, Ime Udoka, couldn’t hold back while suggesting reasons behind the loss and how it happened.
Ime Udoka Gets Brutally Honest On The Rockets’ Performance
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 20: Head coach Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets watches as his team plays the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter at Ball Arena on December 20, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. 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. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
“Horrendous mistakes. I don’t know if you want to say youth or scared of the moment or whatever the case,” Udoka said.
“You have a six-point lead with 20 or 30 seconds to go. You just have to get a rebound and just hold the ball and get fouled, or it’s basically a one-on-four, throw it away. To combat or make it worse, foul on Marcus Smart to give him free throws. Next play, backcourt, you got it. Double is coming, and you try to split it instead of throwing it to [Alperen Sengun] wide open. Another turnover. Then, in the final play, James makes a tough shot. The final play, we don’t run the last play that was drawn up.”
The Rockets Are Falling Far Behind
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 24: Head coach Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets speaks with Alperen Sengun #28 following the game against the Detroit Pistons at Toyota Center on October 24, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
Throughout the first three games, the Rockets missed Kevin Durant for two of them. The superstar forward was acquired for this very reason.
While the Rockets aren’t totally inexperienced, Durant’s presence was supposed to eliminate the chances of late-game issues. But Durant can’t stay on the floor.
Before Game 1, Durant was ruled out with a knee contusion. As he played in Game 2, Durant suffered a sprained ankle. That setback kept him out for Game 3.
The Rockets are falling far behind. Heading into Game 4, they have no room for error. From this point on, the Rockets are in a win-or-go-home mode.