Pacific Division Roundup: Suns rule out Mark Williams, Lakers lean on Smart while awaiting Reaves and Doncic
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Phoenix, AZ – The Suns will be without center Mark Williams for Game 2 against the Thunder tonight. Head coach Jordan Ott confirmed the rookie remains in a walking boot after being listed as questionable with a stress reaction in his left foot’s third metatarsal. Williams has appeared in only five games since late March.
Guard Jordan Goodwin is also sidelined, while swingman Grayson Allen has been cleared to return. Ott said Allen, who took part in the morning shoot-around and sprinted at full speed, was “the most ready” of the three players who were testing injuries pre-game. Allen missed the last five contests with a hamstring strain suffered on April 10. Goodwin, slowed by a calf issue since February, exited in the second half of Game 1 and has not recovered in time for tonight.
Smart stifles Durant as shorthanded Lakers draw even
Los Angeles – Marcus Smart spearheaded the Lakers’ Game 2 victory over the Rockets by guarding Kevin Durant and holding the All-Star to 1-for-3 shooting with three turnovers in their head-to-head minutes. Smart also posted 25 points, seven assists and five steals, setting the tone for Los Angeles on both ends.
The Lakers continue to navigate the first round without leading scorers Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic. Reaves has started league-mandated return-to-play protocols, and head coach JJ Redick said Doncic will “soon” begin the same process. No timetable has been given for either guard’s postseason debut.
An unexpected “Big Three” carries Los Angeles
Through two games, Smart has combined with LeBron James and Luke Kennard to supply much of the Lakers’ offense. The trio totaled 76 points and 16 assists in Game 2, highlighted by James’ 28-point, eight-rebound, seven-assist performance. “When you’ve got two big guns out like we have, we all have to pick up our play,” the four-time MVP said. “We’re just trying to contribute in all facets and seize the opportunity.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
