Kevin Durant Sidelined with Ankle Sprain as Rockets Fall into 0-3 Hole

Kevin Durant was ruled out for Friday's Game 3 against the Lakers due to a left ankle sprain sustained in Game 2. This marked his second absence in three playoff games, having previously missed Game 1 with a bruised right knee. His absence proved significant as the Rockets fell 112-108 in overtime, dropping to a 0-3 series deficit. The team now faces a must-win scenario to avoid elimination while navigating the remainder of the series without their star forward and leading offensive threat.