Marcus Smart Takes Responsibility for Costly Inbounding Error
The Los Angeles Lakers held a narrow 118-116 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday despite a crucial error by Marcus Smart in the final seconds. With 1.2 seconds left and the Lakers in possession, Smart stepped on the end line while attempting an inbound pass to Rui Hachimura, causing a turnover that handed the ball back to the Spurs.
Final Moments Fueled by Intense Defense
Following the turnover, Julian Champagnie was fouled by Lakers forward Jake LaRavia with just 0.2 seconds remaining. Champagnie missed his first free throw and intentionally missed the second, aiming to set up a buzzer-beater tip-in opportunity, but the Lakers maintained their lead and secured the win.
Smart Reflects on the Mistake
"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 throws the ball in and there is no call."
Smart ended the game with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, going a perfect 10-for-10 on free throws. He believed that if the pass had been clean, the clock would have expired before the Spurs could react with a foul.
Game Summary
- Lakers led by two points with 1.2 seconds left when the turnover happened.
- Smart's stepping on the end line caused the turnover.
- Spurs' Champagnie was fouled but missed key free throws.
- Lakers held on to win 118-116.
Author's summary: Marcus Smart openly admitted a pivotal inbounding mistake nearly cost the Lakers their win, but the team’s resilience secured a tight 118-116 victory over the Spurs.