Marcus Smart Takes Responsibility for Critical Inbound Error
The Lakers held a narrow two-point lead over the Spurs with just 1.2 seconds left in the fourth quarter on Wednesday, owning the ball possession. However, Marcus Smart made a crucial mistake during an inbound pass attempt that nearly cost Los Angeles the game.
Smart stepped on the end line while trying to pass the ball to Rui Hachimura, resulting in a turnover that gave the Spurs possession. With 0.2 seconds remaining, Julian Champagnie was fouled by Lakers forward Jake LaRavia as he drove toward the basket. Champagnie missed his first free throw and intentionally missed the second to try for a buzzer-beating tip-in, but the Lakers ultimately secured a 118-116 victory.
Smart's Reaction to the Error
"I couldn't believe it," Smart said. "I mean, I think when I released the ball, they said I stepped over [the line]. I'm like, we see the play all the time when a guy gets the ball out quick and his leg is [hovering past the line] and he still inbounds it and he throws the ball in and there is no call."
Smart finished the game strong with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, while being perfect from the free-throw line, going 10-for-10. He believed that if the pass to Hachimura had been clean, the clock would have run out before the Spurs could foul.
Game Summary
- Lakers led by two points with 1.2 seconds left.
- Smart's inbounding error resulted in turnover.
- Spurs had a chance to catch up but failed at the free throw line.
- Final score: Lakers 118, Spurs 116.
Author's Summary
Marcus Smart acknowledged a costly inbound mistake late in the game but helped the Lakers secure a narrow 118-116 win over the Spurs, demonstrating resilience despite the error.