The Los Angeles Lakers not only beat the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night; He defeated them. While Luka Doncic made headlines with his game-winning block, the Lakers had that edge thanks to the high-IQ game of Austin Reaves and some veteran guidance from Marcus Smart.
With the game hanging in the balance, Reeves found himself at the charity stripe. Instead of the usual routine, Smart pulled the young guard aside with some very specific instructions.
“I told him to miss it,” Smart explained after the 127-125 overtime win. “I said listen, don’t go out there, don’t do your routine. As soon as you get the ball, one dribble if anything, but shoot it quickly. Nobody’s expecting it, they’re not going to have time to time it.”
“He read one side well.”
Marcus Smart on Austin Reeves’ heads-up play at the free throw line
(via @SpectrumSN)pic.twitter.com/uKBo2vbZXS
– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 15 March 2026
Reeves executed the plan to perfection. He deliberately suppressed free throws, caught the Nuggets off guard, and “read the single side” forcing the Los Angeles Lakers to tie the game and force overtime. It was the kind of savvy play that doesn’t always show up in the box score but wins games against elite competition like Denver.
The game capped a great night for Reeves, who led all scorers with 32 points on an efficient shooting performance of 12-of-21. His backcourt partner, Smart, was equally important, providing 21 points and five steals while serving as a defensive orchestrator. Their combined efforts supported Doncic’s 30-point triple-double and helped neutralize Nikola Jokic’s 24-point, 16-rebound masterclass.
For head coach JJ Redick, it’s a dream to see his veteran leader and rising star collaborate on such a nuanced game. The Lakers are proving they have more than just star power; He has the situational awareness needed to grind out tough matches against the best players in the West.
#Marcus #Smart #props #Austin #Reaves #gamesaving #play #Nuggets
