Marcus Smart's Inbounding Error Nearly Costs Lakers Victory
The Los Angeles Lakers held a narrow 118-116 lead against the San Antonio Spurs with just 1.2 seconds left in the fourth quarter on Wednesday. However, Marcus Smart made a crucial mistake that almost changed the outcome of the game.
Attempting to inbound the ball to Rui Hachimura, Smart stepped on the end line, causing a turnover that gave possession to the Spurs. Shortly after, Julian Champagnie was fouled by Lakers forward Jake LaRavia with only 0.2 seconds remaining. Champagnie missed his first free throw and intentionally missed the second, hoping for a tip-in at the buzzer, but Los Angeles managed to maintain their lead and secure the win.
Smart's Reaction to the Mistake
"I couldn't believe it. 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 contributed significantly, finishing the game with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, and was perfect from the free-throw line, going 10-for-10. He believed that if the pass had been made cleanly, the clock would have run out before the Spurs could foul him.
Game Summary
- Lakers won 118-116 over the Spurs.
- Smart’s inbounding error gave Spurs a chance to tie the game.
- Julian Champagnie fouled with 0.2 seconds left but failed to capitalize on free throws.
- Smart finished with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and perfect free throws.
Author's Summary
Marcus Smart’s late-game inbounding mistake almost cost the Lakers, but despite the error, Los Angeles held on for a tense 118-116 victory. Smart acknowledged his fault and remains confident it won’t happen again.