Smart explains what has made the team so good in close games after a bounce-back win against Memphis.
The Los Angeles Lakers came into Friday night needing to shake off a tough loss, and they did exactly that.
After falling to the Detroit Pistons, the Lakers bounced back with a 128-121 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena.
The win moved Los Angeles to 21-11 on the season, while Memphis dropped to 15-19.
It was not an easy night for the Lakers, though. They watched a 15-point lead disappear in the second quarter when Memphis went on an 18-0 run to take their first lead of the game.
But in the fourth quarter, Los Angeles showed why they have been one of the best teams in crunch time this season, as they pulled away with a decisive 12-2 run to put the game out of reach.
Smart Points to Big-Game Experience
After the game, veteran guard Marcus Smart talked about what has helped the Lakers stay so calm when games get tight. He pointed to the team's experience as a major factor in their success during close games.
"I definitely think it has something to do with it… with guys like LeBron, Luka, and myself who's been in that," Smart said when asked about the Lakers' 11-0 record in crunch-time situations this season.
The 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year also spoke about what it takes to play winning defense, saying that effort is the most important part.
"Everybody's trying to do it in this league… do everything you can best of your ability. Usually when the effort is there, you get a good result," Smart explained.
Veteran Leadership Making a Difference
Smart has fit in well with the Lakers since signing with them this past summer.
After a rough stretch with injuries the last two seasons that saw him bounce between the Grizzlies and Wizards, he joined Los Angeles looking to provide veteran depth and defensive toughness behind stars Luka Dončić and LeBron James.
Through 22 games this season, Smart is averaging 9.6 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game while shooting 29.6 percent from three.
Against Memphis, Smart also gave praise to teammate Jaxson Hayes for his energy and impact on both ends of the floor.
"His ability to control the paint… going to get the ball at the highest point and altering shots allows our defense to pick it up for my guards even more," Smart said. "The urgency he brings is huge for us."
Smart wrapped up his comments by noting how energy spreads through a team, for better or worse.
"Energy is contagious whether it's negative or positive," he said, explaining why the Lakers have been able to stay locked in during big moments.
Stars Deliver in the Fourth Quarter
Dončić led the way for Los Angeles with 34 points, including 17 from the free-throw line, while also adding eight assists and six rebounds.
James was right behind him with 31 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.
The two superstars took over in the fourth quarter, combining to carry the Lakers past a short-handed Memphis team that was missing six players, including big man Zach Edey.
The Lakers and Grizzlies will run it back on Sunday in the second game of a two-game set in Los Angeles.
Memphis has now dropped four of their last six games and sits at 15-19, two games under .500 on the road this season.