Marcus Smart Stats Tonight: How did former DPOY fare after starting with Luka Doncic in Lakers debut vs Suns? (Oct. 14)

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers-Media Day - Source: Imagn
Marcus Smart Stats Tonight: How did former DPOY fare after starting with Luka Doncic in Lakers debut vs Suns? (Oct. 14) (Image Source: IMAGN)

Marcus Smart made his much-awaited debut in an LA Lakers jersey on Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns in the preseason. The former Defensive Player of the Year started alongside Luka Doncic in his first game. Smart was dealing with Achilles tendinopathy entering this clash.

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There was uncertainty about how he would fare. However, Smart played well in his limited shifts. He made the right reads as a passer on offense and was active defensively, causing issues to the Suns' best perimeter players. Smart also showed his versatility on that end by guarding post players who had a size advantage efficiently.

Just before halftime, he also drew a charge, showing encouraging signs that he's well-conditioned ahead of the season.

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Smart's impact extended beyond the box score in this instance, as he went scoreless in the first half. He didn't attempt a shot. Smart only had one assist and one foul to show for in 14:25 minutes.

Marcus Smart remained passive on offense for the rest of the game. His stats didn't change much, barring an additional personal foul. Smart didn't attempt a single shot in 20 minutes of action, returning with just one assist. He had a plus-minus score of -2.

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JJ Redick on Marcus Smart's Lakers' debut

Lakers coach JJ Redick seemed impressed with Marcus Smart's debut, apart from one issue regarding his zero shot attempts. Redick lauded Smart's tenacious defense but blamed the team's lack of seriousness for the guard's lack of involvement offensively.

"I thought Marcus was very physical and tenacious," he said. "Would have liked to have gotten him a shot, at least one, in 20 minutes. That's where I think just, fooling around with the game a little bit. Didn't like some of the no-pass possessions and some of the shot selection."
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Marcus Smart's closest opportunity for a shot came early in the first quarter when he was at the top of the key. Luka Doncic passed him the ball and instead of taking a shot, Smart made an even better read by throwing a bullet pass to Deandre Ayton under the rim.

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves dominated the ball for most of the contest. Their passes often found shooters on the corners, but Smart wasn't among them. Nevertheless, he was also getting used to the schemes after his first in-game run with the core.

LA still has two preseason games left, so Smart will get his chances.

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Edited by Arhaan Raje
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