Coming into the series, it was believed that the Los Angeles Lakers, without superstar Luka Doncic, would struggle to score against the Oklahoma City Thunder’s defense. The Thunder are considered to be one of, if not the best defense in the league. The numbers beared that out in Game 1 as the Lakers managed just 90 points on 41.2% shooting in their 18-point loss.
Following the loss, however, veteran guard Marcus Smart pushed back on that idea, believing the Lakers were able to create good looks, but simply failed to make open shots they normally make while taking responsibility on himself for needing to be better on that end of the floor.
“I wouldn’t say that’s the main concern,” Smart said. “Because we can score the ball, we’re going to score the ball, just gotta do it. Rui missed some shots that he usually makes. I missed some shots I usually make. Bron, AR, I didn’t play the best game, I know. Defensively it was OK, but offensively 4-for-15, 2-for-8, that’s unacceptable. I only had two turnovers which is good, but I gotta be better.
“It starts with me. I take full accountability for it. I know I’m not the reason we lost, but I feel like I coulda gave more and I gotta be better. But we’re gonna make shots, it’s just a matter of time and we just gotta continue to make sure we shoot em.”
The Lakers are going to need more from Smart offensively in the absence of Doncic, but his mindset reflects that of the rest of the Lakers as well. Head coach JJ Redick spoke on this as well and LeBron James also mentioned that he felt the Lakers were able to create good looks.
The outside shooting of the Lakers has been up and down throughout the season, but the team had been able to find a groove down the stretch and they need to find that rhythm once again. If they can consistently hit those outside shots it opens up the paint, which is where James and Austin Reaves do their best work. It isn’t easy to pull off against this Thunder defense, but Smart and the rest of the Lakers remain confident in their ability to do so.
Austin Reaves knows he has to be better for Lakers
While Smart struggled, it was Reaves who was the target of much of the criticism after scoring just eight points on 3-of-16 shooting in Game 1. And the Lakers guard didn’t mince words, saying he simply has to be better for the Lakers.
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