Marcus Smart praised the Los Angeles Lakers’ effort after their 123-115 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, calling the team’s performance “probably B++ now.”
Smart acknowledged his own struggles in the game, saying, “Tonight wasn’t individually a good night for me… but that’s fine. It was opportunities for other guys…Nick Smith Jr., he came in and they just changed the game.”
He highlighted the emergence of Smith Jr., who scored 25 points and hit two late 3-pointers. “Nick works his ass off each and every day…he’s a special talent…we all are, and much well deserved,” Smart said.
Deandre Ayton led the Lakers with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks, while Rui Hachimura added 28 points. Los Angeles played without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, leaving them with only nine available players.
Smart noted the team’s mentality against Portland’s aggressive defense. “It was a lot…they have really good defenders who are really good IQ-wise…we came in believing, and we knew it wasn’t going to be easy.”
He reflected on the team’s resilience under challenging circumstances. “You learn about the heart of the team…we could have easily came in here and quit…this team showed a lot of heart and that resilience…that is starting to grow,” Smart said.
The Lakers trailed 39-29 in the first half but took control in the third quarter with a 10-1 run capped by Smart’s basket. In the fourth, Portland briefly led 97-96, but Ayton’s basket pushed Los Angeles ahead 107-100, securing the win.
Smart described the team’s evolution, adding, “Probably B++ now…just the mentality…championship habits…doing whatever it takes…that’s nights like this…back-to-back…3:00 a.m…you got to have that mentality.”
The Trail Blazers were led by Deni Avdija with 33 points but struggled from three-point range, making only nine of 40 attempts. Portland’s three-game winning streak ended with the loss.
Los Angeles improved to 6-2 with their fourth consecutive victory and will host the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. Portland dropped to 4-3 and faces the Oklahoma City Thunder at home.
