Marcus Smart Accepts Responsibility for Crucial Error
The Lakers held a narrow 118-116 lead over the Spurs with just 1.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter on Wednesday when Marcus Smart made a critical inbounding mistake that nearly cost the game.
The Error That Nearly Changed the Outcome
Smart stepped on the end line while trying to pass the ball inbound to Rui Hachimura, resulting in a turnover and giving possession to the Spurs.
Final Moments and Lakers’ Victory
With 0.2 seconds left, Spurs player Julian Champagnie was fouled by Lakers forward Jake LaRavia as he drove to the basket. Champagnie missed the first free throw and intentionally missed the second, hoping for a buzzer-beater tip-in, but Los Angeles managed to hold on for the 118-116 win.
Smart’s Reaction
“I couldn't believe it,” Smart said. “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 with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, going a perfect 10-for-10 on free throws. He believed a clean pass would have let the clock expire without the Spurs having time to foul.
Game Details
- Score: Lakers 118, Spurs 116
- Time left when error occurred: 1.2 seconds
- Smart’s stats: 17 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 10-10 free throws
Summary: Despite a costly inbounding mistake by Marcus Smart in the final seconds, the Lakers narrowly secured their 118-116 victory over the Spurs, with Smart taking full responsibility for the error.