Marcus Smart details the epic comeback by the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers had no business winning game three against the Houston Rockets, but they somehow did the improbable.
The Rockets had the ball with thirty seconds remaining and up six points after a missed three by LeBron James.
Instead of walking the ball into the front court with little to no pressure on him, Jabari Smith Jr tried to get the ball to Amen Thompson. His pass had a little too much air under it, leading to Marcus Smart intercepting the ball.
Smart was fouled by Jae'Sean Tate on his ensuing three point attempted. He knocked down all three free throws to cut the lead to three with 25 seconds remaining.
Marcus Smart On His Interception
Speaking after the game, Smart was asked about his play that helped extend the game.
"They were trying to get the ball (up). Jabari kind of picked his dribble up and was in a no-man zone. He threw a lofty pass that allowed me to get back, and I got it. I was just trying to make a play. I knew they were to try and press up on the three, probably a little too overzealous with it, and I got the foul. Got the three (free throws)," he said.
The game wasn't won just yet for the Lakers as they were still down three.
Fortunately for them, they have LeBron, who poked the ball away from Reed Sheppard and into the hands of Smart.
Smart got the ball up to LeBron, who bobbled it but managed to tip it over to Luke Kennard, who gave is back to LeBron, who pumped and then calmly drilled the game-tying three.
Marcus Smart On LeBron
After the game, Smart was asked what he thought when he saw the ball in the air after it was released by LeBron.
"It's a bucket," he said. "I already knew."
Smart said that LeBron makes big plays, and that's why he's one of the greatest, if not the greatest, to ever play the game.
Though LeBron's shot tied the game, there was still work to be done. The Lakers managed to get a stop on the final Rockets possession, forcing a shot by Alperen Sengun that hit the side of the backboard.
LeBron nearly won the game in regulation, but his three at the buzzer rattled out.
In overtime, the Lakers were in control from the opening tip, and remained in control for the five minute frame, stifling the Rockets offense and getting eight points from Smart, who outscored the Rockets by himself in overtime.