LOS ANGELES -- Let’s start with this: If it weren’t for Marcus Smart, the Celtics probably wouldn’t have had a chance to win Tuesday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The reserve point guard had one of his best offensive games of the season, scoring 22 points off the bench on 7-of-13 shooting. He also dished out a team-high eight assists, as he carried the Celtics offense out of its funk throughout the first half at Staples Center.
Much of the goodwill amassed by Smart was undone, though, in the closing seconds of an ugly 108-107 defeat. The Celtics miraculously had a chance at the win despite trailing by six points with 26 seconds remaining. From there, missed free throws by the Lakers and five quick points from Terry Rozier helped the visitors close the gap to 108-107 with just a few ticks remaining.
The Celtics had no timeouts left when Smart gathered the rebound on a Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's missed free throw. He immediately turned on the jets and went full speed ahead down the court, despite being flanked by shooters on both sides. Kyrie Irving popped out at the top of the key for a potential pass. It didn’t matter. Smart had tunnel vision and it became evident quickly on that possession that he was going to take the final shot on a night he believed he was hot.
#Celtics fall to the Lakers 108-107
Postgame Live w/ @tvabby and @ChrisMannixYS starts now
?:https://t.co/idy2OHFLjD pic.twitter.com/t5eeCGtT7F
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) January 24, 2018
If Smart is looking up, Thomas or Bradley is getting an open look. (Still 3 seconds remaining here) pic.twitter.com/pVQwNvVkLg
— Brian Robb (@BrianTRobb) February 23, 2016
