Marcus Smart owns error as Lakers hold on: 'Never happen again'
LOS ANGELES — The Lakers survived a late scare in their 118-116 win over the San Antonio Spurs after Marcus Smart took responsibility for a costly inbounding mistake that almost jeopardized the game.
With 1.2 seconds remaining and Los Angeles leading by two points, Smart stepped on the end line during an inbound pass attempt to Rui Hachimura. The violation turned the ball over to the Spurs, giving them a final chance to tie or win.
Julian Champagnie was fouled cutting to the basket by Lakers forward Jake LaRavia with 0.2 seconds left. Champagnie missed his first free throw and intentionally missed the second, trying to trigger a tip-in at the buzzer, but the Lakers escaped with the victory.
"I couldn't believe it," Smart said. "When I released the ball, they said I stepped over the line. We see plays all the time where a guy gets the ball out quickly, his leg hovers past the line, and it’s still ruled inbounds. There was no call this time."
Smart finished with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, including a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line. He admitted that if his pass to Hachimura had been clean, the clock would have expired and the Spurs would not have had time to foul.
Author’s Summary
Marcus Smart admitted to a late mistake that nearly cost the Lakers their victory over the Spurs, showing accountability as Los Angeles narrowly held on to win 118–116.