In the first nine seasons of his NBA career, Marcus Smart was in the playoffs every year as a member of the Boston Celtics. But it had been three years since his last playoff contest as he failed to make it as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards after being traded.
Now in his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Smart is back in the playoffs, helping them take down the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their playoff series. And Smart admitted that there was a slightly new feeling this time in his return to postseason basketball.
“It felt good,” Smart said after the 107-98 win. “Definitely felt like a slight new feeling for me, just getting back in that mentality, that zone. Definitely felt good to be back out there.”
Smart finished with 15 points, eight assists and two blocks in the victory as he provided exactly what the Lakers needed on this night. With Luke Kennard having a historic offensive night, Deandre Ayton being locked in down low, and of course LeBron James leading the way in all facets, Smart was able to focus on providing some playmaking and the defensive intensity he is known for.
Playoff basketball is obviously at another level of intensity than the regular season and it has been some time since Smart has been able to experience that. Being able to feel that again, and in front of a raucous Lakers crowd is something a bit different, but the veteran guard was up for the challenge and played a big role in L.A. getting out to a 1-0 series lead.
This team will have to continue playing at this level, and even higher, if they plan on taking down the Rockets, especially as there remains no timeline on a return to the lineup for Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. But as long as Smart is on the court he will always bring that energy and intensity that is needed for success in the postseason.
Marcus Smart reveals when he knew Lakers were ready for Rockets
Smart was undoubtedly prepared for what the Rockets would bring in these playoffs and so were the Lakers as a whole. It was a complete team effort for the Lakers in victory and what impressed Smart the most, and when he knew they were ready for Houston, was the composure they showed even as things got chippy between the two teams.
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