Marcus Smart Savors Playoff Return as Lakers Claim Series Opener
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LOS ANGELES — Marcus Smart stepped back into postseason action for the first time in three years and helped the Los Angeles Lakers defeat the Houston Rockets 107-98 in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round matchup on April 18 at Crypto.com Arena.
Smart, 32, scored 15 points, handed out eight assists and blocked two shots in his first playoff appearance since leaving the Boston Celtics in 2023. The veteran guard called the experience “a slight new feeling” after the victory.
“It felt good,” Smart said. “Just getting back in that mentality, that zone, definitely felt good to be back out there.”
With Luke Kennard turning in a historic shooting night, Deandre Ayton controlling the paint and LeBron James leading in multiple areas, Smart focused on playmaking and trademark defensive pressure. The win gives Los Angeles a 1-0 edge in the best-of-seven series.
Smart had reached the postseason in each of his nine years with Boston but missed the playoffs with the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards following trades. Saturday’s game marked his return to the heightened intensity of playoff basketball, something he said he had been eager to feel again, especially in front of a loud Lakers crowd.
Los Angeles continues to play without injured guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, with no timetable announced for their returns. Head coach Darvin Ham leaned on Smart’s energy to offset those losses, and the guard said the team’s composure during several physical stretches showed it was prepared for Houston’s challenge.
The Lakers and Rockets meet again for Game 2 on Tuesday night in Los Angeles.
Source: Lakers Nation
