With Victor Wembanyama (concussion) out, Dylan Harper shined with a career-high 27 points off the Spurs’ bench during their Game 3 win against Portland. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
We’re bringing you the best of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, with the NBA.com live blog, featuring all of the meaningful moments, performances, observations, news, notes and highlights from Friday’s action.
That’s a wrap for tonight’s action-packed triple-header on Prime Video, as the Celtics, Lakers and Spurs all claim victories on the road.
- All-Access: Spurs vs. Trail Blazers
- All-Access: Celtics vs. 76ers
- All-Access: Lakers vs. Rockets
- Last night’s live blog: Hawks, Raptors & Wolves earn crucial Game 3 wins
- 2026 NBA Playoffs Hub
- Download the NBA App
What we know about Friday’s Game 3s:
- Jayson Tatum rose to the occasion in Boston’s 108-100 win over the Sixers in Game 3 to take a 2-1 lead in the series. JT scored 11 of his 25 points while shooting 4-for-5 and 2-for-2 from 3-point range in all 12 minutes of the fourth quarter.
- The Lakers survive to go up 3-0 on the Houston Rockets behind LeBron James (29 pts, 13 reb, 6 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk) and Marcus Smart (21 pts, 4 reb, 10 ast, 5 stl, 2 blk). The final two minutes of regulation and overtime were wild, but LA held on to be the first team in the 2026 NBA Playoffs to go up 3 games to none. No team in postseason history has lost a series after being up 3-0 (159-0).
- No Wemby, no problem for the Spurs. San Antonio took down the Blazers 120-108 to take a 2-1 lead in the series despite a 15-point second-half deficit. Dylan Harper (career-high 27 pts) and Stephon Castle (postseason career-high 33 pts) propel the West’s No. 2 seed to a gritty win without Victor Wembanyama (concussion).
Friday’s finals
- Celtics 108, 76ers 100 – (BOS leads 2-1)
- Lakers 112, Rockets 108 – (LAL leads 3-0)
- Spurs 120, Trail Blazers 108 – (SAS leads 2-1)
Stephon Castle (33 pts, 2 reb, 5 ast, 1 stl) is your player of the night!
STEPH CASTLE: THREE-LEVEL SCORER.
33 PTS I 5 AST I 3 3PM I SAS G3 W
He becomes the youngest player in Spurs franchise history to record 30+ PTS in a postseason game (21y, 171d)!
Spurs take a 2-1 series lead in Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs presented by @Google! pic.twitter.com/qD5wQUWpNK
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 1:41 ET
Harper’s career night
Dylan Harper goes OFF in the second half on his way to a career-best performance in the Spurs’ Game 3 victory.
DYLAN HARPER SHOWED OUT IN GAME 3!
🔥 27 PTS (22 in 2H)
🔥 10 REB
🔥 4 3PM
🔥 SPURS WHe becomes the second youngest player to score 20+ PTS off the bench in a postseason game since 1970-71!
The youngest?
Kobe Bryant (2x) pic.twitter.com/OkaKM7IeDb
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 1:26 ET
Castle, Harper lift Spurs to G3 win
Stephon Castle drops a game-high 33 points (10-18 FG, 3-4 3PM, 10-11 FT) with 2 rebounds, 5 assists and one steal, and Dylan Harper catches fire with 22 of his career-high 27 points (9-12 FG, 4 3PM) in the second half to spark the Spurs to a 120-108 victory against Portland. San Antonio secures a 2-1 series lead and takes back home court.
climbing the ladder 🪜
📺 @NBAonPrime pic.twitter.com/pXHsxsbcnf
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 25, 2026
Harper adds 10 rebounds, 3 dimes, one steal and one block in 30 minutes off San Antonio’s bench. He started taking the game into his own hands during the third quarter, going back and forth in a duel with Scoot Henderson (21 pts, 5 3PM) to rally his team back from a 15-point deficit.
Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper join KD and Russell Westbrook as the only duos in NBA history, age 21 or younger, to each score 25+ points in the same playoff game 🔥 pic.twitter.com/mgZ89KBIv9
— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) April 25, 2026
Jrue Holiday was sensational at both ends, finishing with a team-high 29 points on 12-for-18 from the field with five made 3s, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Deni Avdija tallies 19 points on 3-for-15 shooting with 6 boards and 9 dimes, and he and the Blazers will look to regroup for Game 4 on Sunday (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)
APRIL 25, 2026 / 1:10 ET
Harper taking over in 2H
Dylan Harper takes off and detonates over and around Robert Williams III, and he’s up to a career-high 27 points on 9-for-11 shooting and 4-for-5 from downtown in 25 minutes. The Spurs are in the midst of a 15-2 run and hold a 108-97 lead over Portland with 5:01 left in the contest.
“Yeah, Wemby can’t believe it.” 😅 https://t.co/7BTvywqx5h pic.twitter.com/YEPk15yOa4
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Jrue Holiday leads the Blazers with 27 points on 11-for-17 shooting (5-9 3PM), along with 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals in almost 37 minutes.
https://t.co/LpVVwIvS5x pic.twitter.com/zeqSesTLkZ
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) April 25, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 12:52 ET
To the 4th we go!
San Antonio closes the third quarter on a 21-5 run to take an 88-87 lead over Portland as we head to the final quarter on Prime Video.
NOT FINISHED YET! 😤
END 3Q | SAS 88, POR 87 pic.twitter.com/mkHldBw5Z9
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 25, 2026
DYLAN HARPER BRINGS THE SPURS WITHIN 2.
WEMBY IS HYPED! pic.twitter.com/ot6IWHo4g9
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 12:39 ET
Spurs not going away
Jrue Holiday is cooking with a game-high 25 points on 10-for-15 shooting and 5-for-8 from beyond the arc, adding 4 rebounds, one assist and 2 steals in 30 minutes. Portland leads San Antonio 84-78 with 2:43 left in the third.
5 THREE-POINTERS FOR JRUE HOLIDAY!
He leads all scorers with 25 for the Blazers 🫡
Portland leads midway through the 3Q in G3! pic.twitter.com/EZhvARLUvz
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Stephon Castle leads the Spurs with 22 points on 7-for-14 shooting, while Dylan Harper chips in 13 points (4-5 FG, 2-3 3PM), 5 rebounds, one assist and one steal in 17 minutes off the bench.
so crafty 🪄
📺 @NBAonPrime pic.twitter.com/AFF2LuuiHU
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 25, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 12:26 ET
Avdija, Blazers clicking
Portland starts the third quarter strong to gain a 77-66 lead over the Spurs with 6:45 to go in the period. The Blazers look to secure a 2-1 series lead and home court.
can i order a deni triple please pic.twitter.com/Y0o9ZO0Kd5
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) April 25, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 12:22 ET
Smart 🤝 Jordan
Marcus Smart was elite at both ends of the court in the Lakers’ Game 3 victory.
WHAT A PERFORMANCE BY MARCUS SMART.
21 PTS
10 AST
5 STL
2 BLKHe’s the FIRST player since Michael Jordan (6/12/1991) to record 20+ PTS, 10+ AST, 5+ STL, and 2+ BLK in a postseason game!
LAL leads 3-0 I G4: Sunday, 9:30pm/et, NBC, Peacock pic.twitter.com/6DrNjVhwn9
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 12:05 ET
Blazers lead 65-59 at half
Portland is getting tremendous performances from Jrue Holiday (17 pts, 3 reb, 1 stl), Scoot Henderson (14 pts, 4 3PM) and Robert Williams III (7 pts, 4 reb, 1 stl, 3 blk) en route to a 7-point advantage at the break.
STRONG FINISH TO THE 1H FOR PORTLAND!
Jerami Grant TRIPLE.
Robert Williams III SWAT.Blazers lead the Spurs by 6 at the half on Prime 👀 pic.twitter.com/riwUAKfjPm
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Not fooled by pumpfakes 😜
Robert Williams III with his second swat of the night!
Blazers looking to take a 2-1 series lead on Prime. pic.twitter.com/cHYe7xNKUa
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Stephon Castle has a game-high 19 points on 6-for-11 shooting (6-7 FT) with 2 rebounds and 3 assists, while De’Aaron Fox (10 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast) and Luke Kornet (9 pts, 7 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk) do a bit of everything for San Antonio.
DEV THREE BALL 🔥
📺 @NBAonPrime pic.twitter.com/QBrvng0nJM
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 25, 2026
The second half will start soon on Prime Video. Do the Blazers hang on, or will the Spurs fight back to grab a 2-1 series lead without Victor Wembanyama (concussion)?
APRIL 24, 2026 / 11:50 ET
Witness The King
LeBron James took over and came up clutch to help the Lakers go up 3-0 on the Rockets.
LEBRON PUT ON A SHOW IN H-TOWN TONIGHT.
👑 29 PTS
👑 13 REB
👑 6 AST
👑 3 STL
👑 4 3PM (1 which forced OT)@Lakers take a commanding 3-0 series lead!
Game 4: Sunday, 9:30pm/et, NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/cjfOcL89lu
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Since 1996–97, no player has made more clutch-time field goals in the postseason than LeBron James (151).
The closest? Kobe Bryant (104).
Tonight… The King added another memorable moment to his resume 👑 https://t.co/1nFMhvLtXu pic.twitter.com/61ZDDQDRGm
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 11:40 ET
Portland taking control in 2Q
Jrue Holiday fuels a 12-2 run and a 47-43 lead for the Blazers with a game-high 17 pts on 7-for-10 shooting (3 3PM) in 16 minutes.
2ND QUARTER JRUE:
11 PTS
(4-4 FG) perfect from the field 🎯 pic.twitter.com/O0udl9trMg— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) April 25, 2026
Stephon Castle (15 pts, 2 ast) and Luke Kornet (9 pts, 7 reb, 2 blk) pace the Spurs.
APRIL 24, 2026 / 11:26 ET
Spurs, Blazers in a good one early
Portland led 29-27 after the first quarter, but the Spurs hold a 36-34 advantage with 8:55 remaining in the second. Stephon Castle has a game-high 15 points on 5-for-7 shooting after a tough and-1.
next up, second quarter!
END 1Q | SAS 27, POR 29 pic.twitter.com/4pPe11H3AN
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 25, 2026
Scoot Henderson has 8 points with two made 3s, while Jrue Holiday has a team-high 9 points on 4-for-7 shooting. Deni Avdija (3 pts, 3 ast) and Robert Williams III (6 pts, 3 reb) continue to display some elite chemistry this postseason.
2 plays.
2 alley-oops between Deni Avdija and Robert Williams III 🔥
Series tied 1-1 I SAS/POR Game 3 on Prime pic.twitter.com/o6RepJXNei
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 11:21 ET
Lakers hang on for 3-0 series lead
LeBron James turns back the clock en route to 29 points (10-22 FG), 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals and one block in 45 minutes during the Lakers’ unreal 112-108 victory over Houston. Marcus Smart adds 21 points, 4 boards, 10 dimes, 5 steals and 2 blocks in an all-around performance.
WHAT. A. GAME. 😲
LAKERS WIN A THRILLER IN OVERTIME!
THEY TAKE A 3-0 SERIES LEAD!
Game 4: Sunday, 9:30pm/et, NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/e87pL6T5JT
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
LeBron and Bronny James (5 pts, 2-2 FG) connect on the first-ever father-to-son assist in postseason history.
“I was like ‘Just go get it!’… that was a special moment.”@KingJames on his alley-oop to Bronny James!
It’s the FIRST father-son assist in postseason history! https://t.co/P078F11Qvb pic.twitter.com/TFRt2Eg5ve
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Alperen Sengun drops a game-high 33 points (15-27 FG) and 16 rebounds to go along with 6 assists, 3 steals and a block, recording a game-best +10 in 47 minutes. Houston had 6-point lead in the final minute of regulation, but some bad miscues allow the Lakers to come back and eventually prevail.
No team has ever rallied to win a playoff series when trailing 3-0 (159-0).
APRIL 24, 2026 / 11:04 ET
Spurs-Blazers underway
San Antonio and Portland are tied at 15 with 4:09 to go in the first quarter.
Steph 🤝 LUUUUUUKE!
📺 @NBAonPrime pic.twitter.com/wGTztUgbOB
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 11:00 ET
Nail-biter in Houston
The Lakers lead the Rockets 112-108 with 7.4 seconds remaining in the extra period.
LEBRON WANTS THIS W.
WHAT A TIMELY PLAY TO FORCE THE JUMP BALL. pic.twitter.com/mU5G8tBSsm
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
REED SHEPPARD MAKES IT A 3-POINT GAME.
28.6 SECONDS LEFT IN OVERTIME. pic.twitter.com/XH7okaUNzr
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 10:51 ET
Lakers-Rockets down to the wire
This game has been incredible, especially in the second half. The Lakers hold a 109-105 lead with 52.4 seconds left in overtime.
Marcus Smart connects from DOWNTOWN.
Lakers have the lead in OT on Prime 👌 pic.twitter.com/Mjh7o133nZ
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
ALPY GETS THE TOUGH SHOT TO FALL.
2-POINT GAME WITH 2:06 LEFT IN OT. pic.twitter.com/tPYrC61IGh
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 10:39 ET
Overtime in Houston!
We’re headed to OT after LeBron (29 pts, 12 reb, 5 ast, 2 stl) misses the turnaround 3 just before the regulation buzzer. Extra postseason basketball is live on Prime Video!
HIS FOURTH THREE IN THE GAME.
BUT THE BIGGEST OF THE GAME SO FAR 😮
WE ARE HEADED TO OT ON PRIME!! https://t.co/1nFMhvLtXu pic.twitter.com/rLFI4ks0IC
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 10:36 ET
The King ties it at 101
LeBron James drills the clutch triple to tie Game 3 at 101 with 13.1 ticks remaining. Insanity.
LEBRON JAMES TIES THE GAME AT 101 🤯
13.1 SECONDS TO GO ON PRIME. pic.twitter.com/V5LqcXlt7I
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 10:34 ET
3-point game in H-Town
Houston and LA are battling to the very end in the fourth, as the Rockets lead 101-98 with 25.4 seconds remaining. Get to this game NOW!
MARCUS SMART ↗️ LEBRON JAMES ↘️
10 assists for Smart… 26 for Lebron!
2-POINT GAME… 4Q WINDING DOWN ON PRIME. pic.twitter.com/Q3fD7QnI7K
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
SENGUN. pic.twitter.com/HJUaMcQFeD
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 10:26 ET
Rockets storm back in 4Q
Houston is absolutely buzzing right now, thanks in large part to Reed Sheppard (14 pts, 3 3PM, 2 stl, 2 blk) and Amen Thompson (26 pts, 11 reb, 3 stl, 3 blk). The Rockets fight back to take a 95-91 lead over the Lakers with 3:32 remaining in the contest.
REED SHEPPARD WING 3.
ROCKETS HAVE THEIR FIRST LEAD SINCE THE 1Q!
LAL leads HOU 2-0 I Game 3 on Prime pic.twitter.com/u4H3fgIH0M
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Alperen Sengun spins..
Alperen Sengun fades…
Alperen Sengun scores!TOUGH… 2-point game in the 4Q on Prime 👀 pic.twitter.com/jWvNpGqiTj
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
LeBron James continues to lead LA with 24 points on 8-for-14 shooting (3 3PM), 10 rebounds, 5 dimes and one steal in 37 minutes. Tune in now on Prime Video to see if the Rockets hold on or if the Lakers claim a 3-0 series lead.
LeBron James couldn’t help but mess with Bronny during his halftime interview 😅 pic.twitter.com/6s8sDvDhpL
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 10:17 ET
Starting Lineups: Spurs-Blazers, Game 3
Jrue Holiday and the Blazers host Devin Vassell and the Spurs for Game 3 of their series tied at 1-1 on Prime Video. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
- San Antonio Spurs
- PG – De’Aaron Fox (17.0 ppg, 6.0 apg, 1.5 spg)
- SG – Stephon Castle (17.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 6.0 apg, 1.0 spg)
- SF – Devin Vassell (15.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.5 spg, 1.5 bpg)
- PF – Julian Champagnie (7.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.0 spg, 1.5 bpg)
- C – Luke Kornet (10.0 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.5 spg)
- Portland Trail Blazers
- PG – Scoot Henderson (24.5 ppg on 64.3 FG%, 53.8% on 6.5 3PA)
- SG – Jrue Holiday (12.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 10.0 apg, 1.0 spg, 1.0 bpg)
- SF – Deni Avdija (22.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.0 bpg)
- PF – Toumani Camara (9.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.5 spg, 1.0 bpg)
- C – Donovan Clingan (6.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.0 bpg)
APRIL 24, 2026 / 10:12 ET
Brown, Tatum combine for 50 in G3 W
Check out the best highlights from Boston’s superstar duo in their thrilling Game 3 victory.
JB’s 25 + JT’s 25 = CELTICS G3 W.@FCHWPO: 25p, 7r, 4a, 3b@jaytatum0: 25p, 7a, 5 3pm
BOS (2-1) PHI I G4: Sunday, 7pm/et, NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/FrND3fDkmy
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 10:03 ET
Lakers up 5 heading to 4Q
Amen Thompson is doing it all for Houston, tallying 21 points on 6-for-11 shooting with 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks. Los Angeles takes an 80-75 lead as we head to the final frame on Prime Video.
🗣️ AND-1!
Amen Thompson showing off his strength!
LAL (2-0) HOU I Game 3 on Prime pic.twitter.com/bYlyTpM7jc
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
LeBron James (20 pts, 8 reb, 5 ast) leads the way for the Lakers as they seek a 3-0 series lead.
APRIL 24, 2026 / 9:55 ET
Celtics take Game 3 in Philly
Clutch triples in the final two minutes from Jayson Tatum (25 pts, 5 3PM, 4 reb, 7 ast) and Payton Pritchard (15 pts, 5 3PM) give Boston a 108-100 win over the Sixers and a 2-1 series lead. JT erupts for 11 points on 4-for-5 shooting (2-2 3PM), 2 boards and 2 assists while playing all 12 minutes of the fourth quarter.
NOTHING BUT NET FOR JT.
CELTICS TAKE A 2-1 SERIES LEAD ON THE ROAD!
Game 4: Sunday, 7:00pm/et, NBC and Peacock https://t.co/dacEpUsDtJ pic.twitter.com/prVFID6F9t
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Jaylen Brown tallies a full line with 25 points (9-16 FG, 1-2 3PM, 6-6 FT), 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks and one steal in 40 minutes of action. The Celtics finish 20-for-47 (42.6%) from 3-point range after going 13-for-50 (26%) in Game 2’s defeat.
POV: You witnessed JT’s game-sealing shot 😱
Celtics win Game 3 in Philly! https://t.co/dacEpUsDtJ pic.twitter.com/LjQb0CdtFz
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Tyrese Maxey drops a game-high 31 points (12-31 FG, 5-13 3PM, 2-2 FT) to go along with 4 boards, 6 dimes, 2 blocks and one steal in almost 43 minutes. Paul George adds 18 points with four made 3s, 5 assists and 2 steals, while VJ Edgecombe secures a double-double (10 pts, 10 reb, 5 ast) for the second straight game.
APRIL 24, 2026 / 9:44 ET
Rockets climb back in 3Q
Houston is outscoring LA 14-7 in the third to trim their deficit to 70-66 with 4:41 left in the period. Jabari Smith Jr. has a game-high 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting with four made 3s.
Bari gettin’ busy 💼 pic.twitter.com/oSyY0Ax2Dn
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 9:40 ET
Clutch time in Celtics-76ers
Two free throws from Kelly Oubre Jr. make it a 103-100 lead for Boston with 1:00 remaining.
HUGE SHOT BY PAYTON PRITCHARD 🥶
BOSTON UP 5. 1 MINUTE REMAINING IN G3! pic.twitter.com/5AFyaeWT8w
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Jaylen Brown (25 PTS) EXTENDS Boston’s lead to 4!
Under 4 to go in Game 3 on Prime 🍿 pic.twitter.com/SLXN5AsGpA
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 9:30 ET
2-point game in Philly
The Sixers rattle off a 5-0 run to trim their deficit to just 2, 92-90, with 4:02 remaining on Prime Video!
ANDRE AGAIN! 👌 pic.twitter.com/UT5c24uHWf
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 9:25 ET
Lakers up 11 at halftime
Los Angeles takes a 63-52 lead into the break as LeBron James (3 reb, 4 ast) and Rui Hachimura (3 3PM, 1 stl) pour in 16 points apiece. The Lakers shoot 57% (23-40 FG) overall and 62% (8-13) from downtown, while the Rockets finish at 37% (16-43 FG) from the field and 37% (7-19) from 3.
THE FIRST FATHER-TO-SON ASSIST IN POSTSEASON HISTORY 🤯
(Via: @Lakers) pic.twitter.com/kv2y5cESxR
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Jabari Smith Jr. (14 pts, 4 3PM), Alperen Sengun (11 pts, 4 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl) and Amen Thompson (11 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 3 blk) lead the way for Houston.
straight 🆙 pic.twitter.com/sLfHsZwSJE
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 9:15 ET
Maxey gives Sixers lead in 4Q
Tyrese Maxey has a game-high 29 points and five made 3-pointers to give Philadelphia an 85-84 lead with 8:41 remaining in the game.
A GAME-HIGH 29 FOR TYRESE MAXEY.
HE PUTS PHILLY IN FRONT ONCE AGAIN!!
GET TO PRIME FOR 4Q ACTION. pic.twitter.com/uYsN91uhRG
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
TYRESE MAXEY. pic.twitter.com/jFS7eUmBoo
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 9:09 ET
Wemby out for Game 3
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Victor Wembanyama (concussion protocol) is out for tonight’s Game 3 against Portland.
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama (concussion protocol) has been ruled out of Game 3 against the Portland Trail Blazers.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 9:06 ET
Boston leads 79-74 heading to 4Q
Jaylen Brown (17 pts, 7 reb, 3 ast), Jayson Tatum (14 pts, 5 ast) and Payton Pritchard (12 pts, 4 3PM, 4 reb) power the Celtics’ 5-point advantage heading to the final frame on Prime Video.
N🚫🚫🚫 pic.twitter.com/IPvcwuk9z9
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 25, 2026
Tyrese Maxey leads Philadelphia with a game-high 21 points on 8-for-21 shooting (3 3PM), adding 3 boards, 5 assists, one steal and 2 blocks in 30 minutes.
APRIL 24, 2026 / 8:58 ET
LeBron making plays
LeBron James is up to 14 points on 5-for-5 shooting (2 3PM) with 3 rebounds, 4 dimes and one steal in 14 minutes, giving the Lakers a 59-46 lead over the Rockets with 4:49 left in the first half.
LBJ goes no-look to Jake LaRavia for ✌️
Lakers still ahead in the 2Q! pic.twitter.com/KoaegVMyUU
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
The King connects with Bronny for the up-and-under oop. What a moment for the father-son duo.
LEBRON TO BRONNY.
FATHER TO SON.BRON ASSIST ➡️ BRONNY REVERSE. pic.twitter.com/OHEWmQuw1O
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Jabari Smith Jr. (12 pts, 4 3PM), Alperen Sengun (11 pts, 4 reb, 3 ast) and Reed Sheppard (8 pts, 2 3PM, 3 ast) fuel Houston’s offense as they look to climb back in Game 3.
it’s slippery around SHEPP ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/8b32EYt36J
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 8:50 ET
Sixers take lead in 3Q
Philadelphia is outscoring Boston 20-12 in the third behind Paul George (16 pts, 4 3PM) and Tyrese Maxey (game-high 19 pts, 3 3PM), and the Sixers grab a 67-66 edge with 5:14 remaining in the quarter.
looking like @alleniverson out there. 🍿 pic.twitter.com/hAdADy9P02
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 25, 2026
TYRESE MAXEY FOR THE LEAD.
SIXERS ON A 17-4 RUN AT HOME.
PHILLY FANS ARE ON THEIR FEET. pic.twitter.com/vexGKIBuS8
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
The Celtics star duo of Jaylen Brown (6 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk) and Jayson Tatum (2 reb, 5 ast, 1 stl) each have 13 points apiece.
With his left hand up like woo 🤌 pic.twitter.com/DPwJkr4Vil
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 8:42 ET
Hachimura catches fire in 1Q
Rui Hachimura drops a game-high 16 points on 6-for-6 shooting and 3-for-3 from long range, giving the Lakers a 39-32 edge over Houston after 12 minutes. Luke Kennard adds 8 points and 4 dimes, and LA dishes out 14 assists on 14 made field goals.
This Lakers sequence…
Jaxson Hayes hustle.
Luke Kennard assist.
Rui Hachimura triple.Hachimura: 14 PTS, 3-3 3PM, 5-5 FGM pic.twitter.com/E0DYgAcdRG
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Jaxson Hayes THROWDOWN.
Lakers lead by 7 after the 1Q in Houston 👌
LAL leads 2-0 I Game 3 on Prime pic.twitter.com/kkZgCHqNd8
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Alperen Sengun is feeling it for the Rockets, tallying a team-high 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting with 2 boards, 2 assists and one steal.
Alpi for 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙚 🌊 pic.twitter.com/FDCWtAoJ1x
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 8:25 ET
Lakers-Rockets battling early
Rui Hachimura (11 pts on 4-4 FG, 2 3PM) and LeBron James (5 pts, 2 ast) are clicking in the first quarter, as the Lakers and Rockets are tied at 21 with 4:36 to go in the frame.
LeBron James making plays early in H-Town 👀
Dime to Rui Hachimura for 3.
Knocks down his own 3.Lakers seeking a 3-0 series lead on Prime! pic.twitter.com/iqqfca6JW6
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
6/6 to start the game. 17 points.@Lakers off to a HOT start on the road 👀
LAL leads HOU 2-0 I Game 3 on Prime pic.twitter.com/JecgmBjarQ
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Jabari Smith Jr. (6 pts, 2 3PM, 2 reb) and Alperen Sengun (5 pts, 1 reb, 2 ast) lead the way for Houston as they hope to avoid a 3-0 series deficit.
hit the 🔄 pic.twitter.com/zxBlFpSBFG
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 8:20 ET
Celtics lead 54-47 at halftime
Jaylen Brown (11 pts, 5 reb, 1 blk), Jayson Tatum (8 pts, 5 ast, 1 stl) and Nikola Vučević (8 pts, 2 3PM, 4 reb, 2 blk) stuff the stat sheet to help Boston take a 7-point advantage over the Sixers at the break. The Celtics shoot 12-for-28 (43%) from 3 as four C’s have hit at least two 3-pointers.
Things you love to see: HUSTLE PLAYS 🙌
Jaylen Brown runs back for the chasedown swat! pic.twitter.com/OmmwugtjXM
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Derrick White gives Boston a 7-point advantage heading into halftime 🔥
Series tied 1-1 I BOS/PHI Game 3 on Prime pic.twitter.com/esv7nXGSVq
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Kelly Oubre Jr. (11 pts, 3 reb) is the only Sixer in double figures, but Tyrese Maxey (9 pts, 4 ast, 1 blk), Paul George (8 pts, 2 3PM) and VJ Edgecombe (8 pts, 5 reb, 1 blk) are right behind him.
the rook gets it to go. 👊 pic.twitter.com/1NNg2THRcJ
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 8:01 ET
Starting Lineups: Lakers-Rockets, Game 3
LeBron James and the Lakers look for a commanding 3-0 series lead when they visit Alperen Sengun and the Rockets on Prime Video. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
- Los Angeles Lakers
- PG – Luke Kennard (25.0 ppg, 72.7% on 5.5 3PA, 5.0 rpg, 1.5 spg)
- SG – Marcus Smart (20.0 ppg, 7.5 apg, 3.0 spg, 1.5 bpg)
- SF – Rui Hachimura (13.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.5 spg, 1.0 bpg)
- PF – LeBron James (23.5 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 10.0 apg, 1.5 spg)
- C – Deandre Ayton (12.5 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.0 bpg)
- Houston Rockets
- PG – Reed Sheppard (8.5 ppg, 5.5 apg, 1.0 spg)
- SG – Amen Thompson (16.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 8.0 apg, 2.0 spg)
- SF – Tari Eason (13.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.5 spg)
- PF – Jabari Smith Jr. (17.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.0 spg)
- C – Alperen Sengun (19.5 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 5.5 apg, 2.5 spg, 1.5 bpg)
APRIL 24, 2026 / 7:56 ET
Sixers keeping it close
Defense to offense brings the Sixers to within 6, but Boston leads 43-35 with 6:56 remaining in the second quarter.
RIM-ROCKER FROM THE ROOKIE! https://t.co/nImqjIkGwq pic.twitter.com/pGr37MJ1qT
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
After shooting 13-for-50 from 3-point range in Game 2’s loss, the Celtics have already knocked down 11 of their 23 attempts from behind the arc.
This was cold 🥶 pic.twitter.com/91XulNotN7
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 24, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 7:43 ET
C’s up 5 heading to 2Q
Boston takes a 29-24 edge over Philadelphia heading to the second frame behind Jaylen Brown (7 pts, 4 reb, 1 ast) and Jayson Tatum (6 pts, 3 ast). The Celtics are outscoring the Sixers 21-6 from the 3-point line.
Tyrese Maxey (9 PTS) with the score.
Jayson Tatum (6 PTS) with the response!
High-level hoops early in Game 3 🍿 pic.twitter.com/PDABU46rSw
— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2026
Tyrese Maxey has a game-high 9 points on 3-for-9 shooting, adding 2 boards, 3 assists and one block in 12 minutes.
Paul George & Adem Bona 🤝 playing tough defense
Tight contest in the 1Q on Prime! pic.twitter.com/963mwhzD1F
— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 7:33 ET
Celtics-76ers underway on Prime
It’s been somewhat of a slow start in Philadelphia, as both teams are shooting below 39% from the field with the game tied at 18 with 3:08 left in the first quarter.
TYRESE TRANSITION THREE. 👌 pic.twitter.com/yVxuSfqm04
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 24, 2026
Tyrese Maxey (5 pts, 2 reb, 3 ast, 1 blk) and Adem Bona (6 pts, 3 reb, 1 blk) pace the Sixers early.
VJ Edgecombe’s athleticism 😮
Watch BOS (1-1) PHI Game 3 on Prime! pic.twitter.com/WnLWNalnhl
— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2026
Jaylen Brown leads six Celtics with 5 points (2-2 FG, 1-1 3PM) and 3 rebounds in 9 minutes of play.
Throws it down 😤 pic.twitter.com/8PlQykmqLE
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 24, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 6:43 ET
NAW wins Most Improved Player award
Congratulations to the Atlanta Hawks’ Nickeil Alexander-Walker for being named the 2025-26 Kia NBA Most Improved Player!
NAW: 2025-26 @Kia NBA Most Improved Player 🏆
’24-25: 9.4 PPG, 0.6 SPG, 1.7 3PM, 43.8 FG%
’25-26: 20.8 PPG, 1.3 SPG, 3.2 3PM, 45.9 FG%
The @ATLHawks are the first team in NBA history with back-to-back Kia NBA MIP winners (Dyson Daniels). https://t.co/shwOdtTgHZ pic.twitter.com/0axZngFJSd
— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2026
Congrats, Nickeil!@NickeilAW is your 2025-26 @Kia NBA Most Improved Player 🤩
(Via: @ATLHawks) pic.twitter.com/m44yDN2Ifc
— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 6:15 ET
Starting Lineups: Celtics-76ers, Game 3
Jaylen Brown and the Celtics visit Tyrese Maxey and the 76ers for Game 3 of their series tied at 1-1 on Prime Video. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
- Boston Celtics:
- PG – Derrick White (9.0 ppg, 4.5 apg, 1.0 bpg)
- SG – Jaylen Brown (31.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.5 spg)
- SF – Sam Hauser (9.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 42.9% on 7.0 3PA)
- PF – Jayson Tatum (22.0 ppg, 12.5 rpg, 8.0 apg, 1.5 spg)
- C – Neemias Queta (10.5 ppg on 88.9 FG%, 4.0 rpg)
- Philadelphia 76ers:
- PG – Tyrese Maxey (25.0 ppg, 8.5 apg, 1.0 spg)
- SG – VJ Edgecombe (21.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.0 spg)
- SF – Kelly Oubre, Jr. (11.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg)
- PF – Paul George (18.0 ppg on 52.4 FG%, 4.0 rpg)
- C – Adem Bona (1.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg)
APRIL 24, 2026 / 9:13 ET
Tonight’s injury report
BOS @ PHI — Joel Embiid will not play as he recovers from Appendectomy surgery.
LAL @ HOU — Luka Dončić (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) are both out for the Lakers.
Kevin Durant (ankle) is out for the Rockets.
SAS @ POR — Victor Wembanyama (concussion protocol) traveled with the Spurs to Portland but has been ruled out. Jordan McLaughlin (ankle) is out for the third straight game.
Damian Lillard (Achilles) remains out for the Blazers.
