Victor Wembanyama is sidelined for Game 3 of the Spurs’ series in Portland due to concussion protocol, with the game airing live on Prime Video. All image rights: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photography by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
Catch the top moments from the 2026 NBA Playoffs, brought to you by Google, through the NBA.com live blog, providing real-time updates on key plays, standout performances, insights, breaking news, and highlights from Friday’s matchups.
A thrilling triple-header is currently playing on Prime Video, showcasing the Celtics versus 76ers, Lakers against Rockets, and the live Spurs-Blazers game!
What we know about Friday’s Game 3s:
- Jayson Tatum delivered a clutch performance in Boston’s 108-100 Game 3 victory against the Sixers, propelling them to a 2-1 series lead. Tatum contributed 11 of his 25 points in a perfect fourth quarter, shooting 4-for-5 overall and 2-for-2 from beyond the arc across all 12 minutes.
- The Lakers secured a 3-0 lead against the Houston Rockets in a dramatic contest, with LeBron James (29 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 1 block) and Marcus Smart (21 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, 5 steals, 2 blocks) leading the charge. A chaotic finish in regulation and overtime saw Los Angeles emerge victorious, becoming the first team in the 2026 NBA Playoffs to achieve a 3-0 advantage. Historically, no team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in a postseason series (159-0).
- Game 3 in Portland is set to be a pivotal matchup featuring De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and the Spurs battling Scoot Henderson, Deni Avdija, and the Trail Blazers, with the series knotted at one game each (10:30 p.m. ET, Prime). Victor Wembanyama has been officially ruled out due to concussion protocols, despite previously being listed as questionable.
Friday’s finals
APRIL 24, 2026 / 11:40 ET
Portland taking control in 2Q
Jrue Holiday sparked a 12-2 surge, giving the Blazers a 47-43 lead with a game-best 17 points, shooting 7-for-10 from the field, including three 3-pointers, in just 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, with 15 points and 2 assists, alongside Luke Kornet, who contributed 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks, are leading the way for the Spurs.
APRIL 24, 2026 / 11:26 ET
Spurs, Blazers in a good one early
Portland finished the first quarter with a narrow 29-27 lead, but San Antonio has since pulled ahead, 36-34, with 8:55 left in the second. Stephon Castle leads all scorers with 15 points on 5-for-7 shooting, highlighted by a difficult ‘and-1’ play.
next up, second quarter!
END 1Q | SAS 27, POR 29 pic.twitter.com/4pPe11H3AN
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 25, 2026
Scoot Henderson has contributed 8 points, including two 3-pointers, while Jrue Holiday leads his team with 9 points on 4-for-7 shooting. Deni Avdija (3 points, 3 assists) and Robert Williams III (6 points, 3 rebounds) are once again showcasing their exceptional postseason synergy.
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 delivered a vintage performance, tallying 29 points (10-22 FG), 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and a block in 45 minutes as the Lakers clinched an astonishing 112-108 win against Houston. Marcus Smart also put up an impressive stat line with 21 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, 5 steals, and 2 blocks.
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
A historic moment unfolded as LeBron and Bronny James (5 points, 2-2 FG) completed the first-ever father-to-son assist in NBA 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 led all scorers with 33 points (15-27 FG) and added 16 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and a block, finishing with a game-high +10 in 47 minutes. Despite Houston holding a 6-point lead in the closing minute of regulation, critical errors allowed the Lakers to rally and secure the win.
In NBA playoff history, no team has ever overcome a 3-0 series deficit to win (159-0 record).
APRIL 24, 2026 / 11:04 ET
Spurs-Blazers underway
The San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers are deadlocked at 15 points apiece with 4:09 remaining in the opening 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
In the closing moments of overtime, the Lakers hold a 112-108 lead over the Rockets with just 7.4 seconds on the clock.
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 contest has been nothing short of spectacular, particularly in the second half. The Lakers are clinging to a 109-105 lead with 52.4 seconds remaining 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!
The game is heading to overtime! LeBron James (29 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals) narrowly missed a turnaround 3-pointer at the buzzer, sending this thrilling postseason matchup to an extra period, 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 sinks a crucial three-pointer, leveling Game 3 at 101 with only 13.1 seconds left. Absolutely wild!
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 engaged in a fierce fight to the finish in the fourth quarter, with the Rockets currently ahead 101-98 with only 25.4 seconds left. Don’t miss the conclusion of this game!
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 electric, fueled by outstanding play from Reed Sheppard (14 points, 3 3PM, 2 steals, 2 blocks) and Amen Thompson (26 points, 11 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks). The Rockets have surged back to claim a 95-91 lead against the Lakers with 3:32 left in the game.
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 maintains his leadership for LA with 24 points on 8-for-14 shooting (including three 3-pointers), 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and a steal in 37 minutes. Head over to Prime Video immediately to witness if the Rockets can maintain their lead or if the Lakers will secure a 3-0 series advantage.
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
Jrue Holiday and the Blazers are set to host Devin Vassell and the Spurs in Game 3 of their knotted series, 1-1, live on Prime Video. All image rights: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photography by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images).
- San Antonio Spurs
- PG – De’Aaron Fox (averaging 17.0 points, 6.0 assists, 1.5 steals)
- SG – Stephon Castle (averaging 17.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.0 steals)
- SF – Devin Vassell (averaging 15.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 1.5 blocks)
- PF – Julian Champagnie (averaging 7.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 steals, 1.5 blocks)
- C – Luke Kornet (averaging 10.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals)
- Portland Trail Blazers
- PG – Scoot Henderson (averaging 24.5 points on 64.3% field goal shooting, 53.8% from 6.5 3-point attempts)
- SG – Jrue Holiday (averaging 12.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 10.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.0 blocks)
- SF – Deni Avdija (averaging 22.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.0 blocks)
- PF – Toumani Camara (averaging 9.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals, 1.0 blocks)
- C – Donovan Clingan (averaging 6.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.0 blocks)
APRIL 24, 2026 / 10:12 ET
Brown, Tatum combine for 50 in G3 W
Relive the standout moments from Boston’s star pairing in their exciting Game 3 win.
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 contributing across the board for Houston, with 21 points on 6-for-11 shooting, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. Los Angeles holds an 80-75 advantage as we head into the final quarter 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 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists) is spearheading the Lakers’ effort to secure a 3-0 series lead.
APRIL 24, 2026 / 9:55 ET
Celtics take Game 3 in Philly
Timely three-pointers in the last two minutes by Jayson Tatum (25 points, 5 3PM, 4 rebounds, 7 assists) and Payton Pritchard (15 points, 5 3PM) propelled Boston to a 108-100 victory over the Sixers, establishing a 2-1 series lead. Tatum had an explosive fourth quarter, scoring 11 points on 4-for-5 shooting (2-2 from deep), along with 2 rebounds and 2 assists, playing the entire final frame.
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 posted a comprehensive stat line with 25 points (9-16 FG, 1-2 3PM, 6-6 FT), 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, and a steal over 40 minutes. Boston significantly improved their long-range shooting, converting 20-for-47 (42.6%) from beyond the arc, a notable improvement from their 13-for-50 (26%) performance in their Game 2 loss.
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 led all scorers with 31 points (12-31 FG, 5-13 3PM, 2-2 FT), complementing his effort with 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks, and a steal in nearly 43 minutes. Paul George contributed 18 points, including four 3-pointers, 5 assists, and 2 steals, while VJ Edgecombe recorded his second consecutive double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists).
APRIL 24, 2026 / 9:44 ET
Rockets climb back in 3Q
Houston is making a strong push, currently outscoring LA 14-7 in the third quarter, reducing their deficit to 70-66 with 4:41 remaining. Jabari Smith Jr. is leading the game with 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting, including four successful 3-pointers.
Bari gettin’ busy 💼 pic.twitter.com/oSyY0Ax2Dn
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 9:40 ET
Clutch time in Celtics-76ers
Kelly Oubre Jr.’s two free throws give Boston a tight 103-100 lead with just one minute left on the clock.
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 ignited a quick 5-0 run, narrowing the gap to just two points, 92-90, with 4:02 left in the game, live 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 heads into halftime with a 63-52 advantage, fueled by 16 points each from LeBron James (3 rebounds, 4 assists) and Rui Hachimura (3 3PM, 1 steal). The Lakers boasted an impressive 57% (23-40 FG) overall shooting and 62% (8-13) from beyond the arc, while the Rockets struggled at 37% (16-43 FG) from the field and 37% (7-19) from three-point range.
THE FIRST FATHER-TO-SON ASSIST IN POSTSEASON HISTORY 🤯
(Via: @Lakers) pic.twitter.com/kv2y5cESxR
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Houston’s offense is spearheaded by Jabari Smith Jr. (14 points, 4 3PM), Alperen Sengun (11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal), and Amen Thompson (11 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 3 blocks).
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’s game-leading 29 points, including five 3-pointers, have propelled Philadelphia to an 85-84 lead with 8:41 left in the contest.
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
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Victor Wembanyama will miss tonight’s Game 3 against Portland due to concussion protocols.
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 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists), Jayson Tatum (14 points, 5 assists), and Payton Pritchard (12 points, 4 3PM, 4 rebounds) are driving the Celtics to a 5-point lead as they enter the fourth quarter, live on Prime Video.
N🚫🚫🚫 pic.twitter.com/IPvcwuk9z9
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 25, 2026
Tyrese Maxey is pacing Philadelphia’s offense with a game-leading 21 points on 8-for-21 shooting (including three 3-pointers), along with 3 rebounds, 5 assists, a steal, and 2 blocks in 30 minutes.
APRIL 24, 2026 / 8:58 ET
LeBron making plays
LeBron James has accumulated 14 points on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting (two 3-pointers), 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and a steal in just 14 minutes, helping the Lakers build a 59-46 lead against the Rockets with 4:49 remaining 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
LeBron delivers an exquisite up-and-under alley-oop pass to Bronny. A truly memorable moment for the father-son pair.
LEBRON TO BRONNY.
FATHER TO SON.BRON ASSIST ➡️ BRONNY REVERSE. pic.twitter.com/OHEWmQuw1O
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Houston’s offense is being propelled by Jabari Smith Jr. (12 points, 4 3PM), Alperen Sengun (11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists), and Reed Sheppard (8 points, 2 3PM, 3 assists) as they aim to stage a comeback 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 dominating the third quarter with a 20-12 scoring run, driven by Paul George (16 points, 4 3PM) and Tyrese Maxey (game-high 19 points, 3 3PM), giving the Sixers a 67-66 lead with 5:14 left in the period.
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
Boston’s star tandem, Jaylen Brown (6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block) and Jayson Tatum (2 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal), both have 13 points.
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 erupted for a game-high 16 points, shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from the field, including 3-for-3 from beyond the arc, as the Lakers established a 39-32 lead over Houston after the first quarter. Luke Kennard chipped in 8 points and 4 assists, with LA showcasing impeccable ball movement by dishing out 14 assists on all 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 in rhythm for the Rockets, recording a team-best 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting, accompanied by 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal.
Alpi for 𝙩𝙝𝒓𝒆𝒆 🌊 pic.twitter.com/FDCWtAoJ1x
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 8:25 ET
Lakers-Rockets battling early
Rui Hachimura (11 points on 4-4 FG, 2 3PM) and LeBron James (5 points, 2 assists) are showcasing strong chemistry early in the first quarter, with the Lakers and Rockets tied at 21 with 4:36 remaining.
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 points, 2 3PM, 2 rebounds) and Alperen Sengun (5 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists) are leading Houston’s charge as they strive to prevent falling into a 3-0 series hole.
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 points, 5 rebounds, 1 block), Jayson Tatum (8 points, 5 assists, 1 steal), and Nikola Vučević (8 points, 2 3PM, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks) filled the stat sheet, giving Boston a 7-point lead over the Sixers at halftime. The Celtics were efficient from deep, hitting 12-for-28 (43%) from three-point range, with four players making at least two triples.
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