The Los Angeles Lakers opened their Western Conference semifinal with a 108-90 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on Tuesday night, and Marcus Smart did not soften the evaluation of what went wrong. His postgame remarks focused heavily on execution breakdowns and defensive lapses that shifted control of the game.
“We had a game plan and a few times we didn’t do exactly what we were supposed to do within the game plan and we got a little outside ourselves of the game plan and they made us pay for it,” Smart said when asked about key learnings from Game 1.
Smart stressed that the margin for error against the defending champions is minimal. “We’re playing the defending champs. It’s going to be tough. They’re going to make some tough shots, some tough plays, and we just can’t let that derail us. We got to stay with it,” he added.
The veteran guard also addressed accountability on both ends of the floor, pointing directly at his own performance. “I missed some shots that I usually make. Bron, AR, I didn’t play the best game. Defensively it was okay, but offensively four for 15, two for eight, right? That’s unacceptable,” Smart said. “It starts with me. I take full accountability for it.”
Despite the defeat, Smart highlighted stretches where the Lakers stayed competitive. “We started off great. We were doing very well. We were in the game. We held them to what, 101, 105ish before late in the end,” he said.
Oklahoma City’s defensive versatility on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also drew attention, with Smart acknowledging the need for adaptability. “We’re definitely going to give him some different looks. He’s the MVP, defending champ. He’s seen it all,” he said. “You can’t really give him a steady diet of one thing.”
Smart also reflected on Austin Reaves’ rhythm after returning from injury, noting the importance of team support. “Just try to get him some easy shots, right? Do a really good job of putting him in spots to not only create for himself but create for others as well,” he said.
When discussing the Thunder’s identity, Smart pointed to their sustained pressure. “No matter what, they’re relentless in their pursuit. They’re constantly on the move, constantly putting defenses on their heels,” he said.
He closed with a firm message on approach and adjustments ahead of Game 2. “We’re going to go back. We’re going to look at the film. We’re going to individually look at the film of each other. Collectively as a team, see what we did right, see the things we did wrong, and see the things that we can clean up on,” Smart said.
“It’s not going to be perfect. They’re the defending champs and they’re going to find a way to make some tough buckets. Just got to continue to stay aggressive on both ends.”
