Rockets SUFFER One Of NBA’s WORST Playoff Chokes EVER Vs Lakers | Is This The END For Ime Udoka?
From Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets by Locked On Podcast Network, Jackson Gatlin
April 25, 2026 · 38 min · Episode 2198
About this episode
The episode discusses the Houston Rockets' historic playoff collapse against the Los Angeles Lakers and its implications for the franchise's future.
Houston Rockets suffer historic collapse as the Los Angeles Lakers steal Game 3 in overtime, igniting questions about the future of the franchise. With a six-point lead and under 30 seconds left, the Rockets unraveled—Jabari Smith Jr.'s costly turnover, Jae'Sean Tate’s critical foul, and Reed Sheppard’s backcourt woes paved the way for LeBron James and Marcus Smart to mount an improbable comeback. Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) dissects the Rockets’ late-game breakdown, the coaching decisions of Ime Udoka, and the long-term implications for Rafael Stone’s front office. The analysis spotlights standout efforts from Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson, examines the coaching staff’s offensive strategy (or lack thereof), and highlights fan discontent amid playoff disappointment. Will this devastating loss spark much-needed organizational change in Houston? Tune in for raw insights on what could be a franchise-defining moment.
People in this episode
Host: Jackson Gatlin
Topics covered
- NBA playoffs
- Houston Rockets
- coaching decisions
- game analysis
- franchise future
- player performance
- organizational change
Keywords
- NBA
- playoff choke
- Houston Rockets
- Ime Udoka
- LeBron James
- Jabari Smith Jr.
- coaching strategy
- franchise change
- game analysis
- fan discontent
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers
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