Marcus Smart’s standout performance propels Lakers to a 2-0 lead over Rockets
LOS ANGELES — The Houston Rockets welcomed back Kevin Durant for Game 2 of their first-round series on Tuesday. However, the Lakers assigned Marcus Smart to defend him in their 101-94 victory, extending their series lead to 2-0.
“It was beneficial for them to have KD back,” Smart remarked, “and it was advantageous for us to perform as we did tonight against him.”
Durant made his return from a right knee injury that sidelined him for Game 1, scoring 23 points on 7-for-12 shooting. However, he managed only 1-for-3 shooting and committed three of his playoff career-high nine turnovers during the 18 possessions he faced Smart, as noted by ESPN Research.
“He’s not intimidated by the moment,” stated LeBron James, who topped the Lakers with 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. “Throughout his career, he has been tasked with guarding some of the best players to ever play this game. Having someone like that adds a great deal of composure to our team.”
“Especially with the absence of — I don’t want to keep bringing it up, but it’s two significant players — with AR [Austin Reaves] and Luka [Doncic] out. So, having that presence is crucial for our team.”
Smart was not only effective defensively, recording five steals, but he also contributed significantly on offense, scoring 25 points on 8-for-13 shooting (5-for-7 from three) along with seven assists.
“Smart had an outstanding game today,” remarked Lakers coach JJ Redick.
The veteran guard, who signed a two-year, $11 million contract in the offseason after being recruited to L.A. by Doncic, started Game 2 strong, netting 14 of his points in the first quarter.
“He set the tone for us and got us going,” said Luke Kennard, who followed up his 27-point performance in Game 1 with 23 points in Game 2. “And we understand that with those players out, it could be anyone’s night right now.”
Houston, which was held under 100 points for the second consecutive game and shot just 40.4% as a team, narrowed what was once a 15-point Lakers lead to just five with less than three minutes left in the fourth quarter.
At that moment, Smart hit his fifth three-pointer of the night, restoring the Lakers’ eight-point lead with 2:23 remaining, providing them with some crucial breathing room.
“He made a significant shot,” Redick commented.
While Redick mentioned prior to the game that Reaves had begun his return-to-play progression, confirming ESPN’s Shams Charania’s report that he had started on-court one-on-one workouts as he continues to recover from the Grade 2 oblique strain that has kept him out since April 2, the coach did not provide an updated timeline for Reaves’ return to the lineup.
Redick also noted that Doncic had not yet started his return-to-play progression from the Grade 2 left hamstring strain that has sidelined him since April 2, and offered no timetable update on the Slovenian star either.
In summary, as the series moves to Houston for Game 3 on Friday, Smart will remain a vital asset.
“I can look at him and he understands exactly what I’m saying,” said James, who revealed that his viral meme moment from Game 1 involved making eye contact with Smart to gain his attention from across the court. “He can relate to me.”
Redick added that the team resonates with Smart’s determination to win.
“Due to his influential voice, he can foster belief and confidence within our group,” Redick stated. “And I believe he has accomplished that.”
For Smart, who earned the Defensive Player of the Year award for the 2021-22 season and helped the Boston Celtics reach the 2022 NBA Finals before facing two injury-plagued seasons in Memphis and Washington, Game 2 served as a reminder of his abilities.
“I’m extremely thankful to be in this position,” Smart expressed. “I thank God every day, because I could have been out of the league, right? With injuries and such. So, to be back on this stage again, making the plays I am with these guys, with this team, this organization, I am just grateful.”
