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JJ Redick praises Marcus Smart's impact after the Lakers' Game 3 win against the Rockets, comparing him to stars like Stephen Curry and Luka Doncic. Smart's key plays were crucial in securing the victory.
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The post âA Showmanâ: JJ Redick Puts Marcus Smart Alongside Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic After Game 3 Win vs. Rockets appeared first on EssentiallySports. Add EssentiallySports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The last two games of the series between the Rockets and the Lakers have shown why Luka Doncic went out of his way to bring Marcus Smart. The former Celtics guard has made winning plays. He was everywhere today, particularly in the moments when the Lakers desperately needed possession. He stole the ball, made the right reads, and became the heartbeat of their comeback win.
Head coach JJ Redick feels joy in having such a player in his arsenal. âI mean, heâs a winner. He makes winning plays,â said the Lakers head coach.
Smart was integral in the Lakers overturning a six-point deficit with just 25 seconds in regulation. He intercepted a pass and drew a foul while shooting the three. That set up the LeBron James game-tying shot at the end. Thereâs something about Smartâs presence on the floor. He doesnât go on scoring tears, but his activity compelled JJ Redick to make a stunning comparison.
âWeâve talked a lot about guys like LuKa or Steph or LeBron being on the stage and being a showman. I think thereâs an element with Smart of that as well. And I think itâs the competitive stage that he really craves and really thrives in,â JJ Redick said about the veteran guard.
JJ Redick praised Marcus Smart for making winning plays and compared him to stars like Stephen Curry and Luka Doncic.
Marcus Smart made crucial plays, including stealing the ball and making key decisions, which helped the Lakers secure their comeback victory.
Luka Doncic sought Marcus Smart for his ability to make impactful plays and contribute to winning, as demonstrated in the recent games against the Rockets.
Marcus Smart served as a pivotal player for the Lakers, especially during critical moments when they needed to regain possession and momentum.

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Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) during the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
For a second-straight game, Marcus Smart recorded 20+ points in the Lakersâ first-round series against the Rockets. As much as LeBron James has influenced the 3-0 scoreline, Smartâs imprints are all over it too. Aside from his scoring injection, the former Celtics guard added 10 assists and five steals tonight.
His hustle turns games around. And the way he does it brings out the âshowmanâ. Smart is diving all over the place, poking balls away and is always in the right place at the right time. Thatâs an ability developed through years of competition. And Marcus Smart embraces the role of being a disruptor.
Heâs been a real difference maker in this tie, as the Lakers are almost through to the next round.
The Los Angeles Lakers have done something imperious. Luka Doncic hasnât played a single game. Analysts like Stephen A. Smith predicted the Purple and Gold would go home in the first round. Matters turned worse when Austin Reaves also picked up an oblique injury right before the playoffs. But the unit still had LeBron James and Marcus Smart to lead them.
Following their direction, they now have a 3-0 lead in the series. In NBA history, there hasnât been a single instance where teams have managed to lose from such a position. By that metric, the job is done. But the mentality inside the Lakers is to finish things off, without taking the foot off the gas.
âFor us, weâre just trying to have that killer mentality right now. We got them on the ropes and itâs our job to try to finish and their job to fight back. Thatâs been JJâs motto all year, bend donât break. I think we really took that to head for us, we lived it, instilled it in us, and you see that the way we played these three games. But we gotta be like a lion. We gotta have that killer instinct,â Smart said after his heroics in Game 3.
Houston isnât going to let history dictate its mindset for the remainder of the series. They played a great game before crumbling in the final plays of regulation. They are wounded, but not out of it. The Lakers need to ensure they donât get complacent after winning the first three games of the series.
The playoffs are a different beast, as you know. Anything can happen. But with Smartâs leadership inside the locker room, the Lakers have experienced a sharp mentality change. Defensively, they are disruptive and physical. Thatâs been the backbone of their success against a Rockets team that thrives with athleticism on their side.
Finishing the series early is a priority. It would allow Luka Doncic and Reaves additional rest, giving them a higher chance of returning for the next series. That could very well be OKC, a team that is at the mountain top of the Western Conference and has yet to lose to the Lakers this season. They will need all the rest and preparation time they can get.
So, even with a 3-0 lead, donât expect the Lakers to turn timid. Itâs going to be 48 minutes of effort and hustle with Marcus Smart setting the tone.