Marcus Smart did not sugarcoat the situation after the Los Angeles Lakers suffered a 131-108 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday. The defeat put the Lakers in a 3-0 series hole against the defending champions.
When asked how the team should respond while facing elimination, Smart emphasized urgency and mindset. “We have to stay with it. We need to be even more desperate than we already are. We have to stick together, stay composed, and leave everything out there—what we call emptying the tank. Just give it all.”
The Lakers showed competitive moments early, but Oklahoma City’s third-quarter surge once again proved decisive. Smart described the challenge simply: “We have to stay with it.”
Los Angeles led at times in the first half, but the same issue reappeared after halftime. The Thunder outscored the Lakers 33-20 in the third quarter, continuing a pattern that has defined the series.
Smart acknowledged the difficulty of stopping those mid-game runs. “If I knew the answer, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. We’re trying to figure it out. They’re throwing a lot at us on the fly—different coverages, different looks.”
He also credited Oklahoma City’s system and adaptability. “They have a really good coaching staff, really good players, and a system that everyone buys into. That makes it tough on you.”
Ajay Mitchell led the Thunder with 24 points and 10 assists, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 23 points and nine assists. Oklahoma City improved to 7-0 in the postseason and has now beaten Los Angeles seven straight times this season.
Smart highlighted how the Thunder’s scoring creates pressure without relying only on three-pointers. “Both teams did a good job of getting into the paint, controlling the paint, and scoring inside. The threes won’t kill you. But if you’re giving up paint points and threes, that’s when things get out of hand.”
Oklahoma City’s ability to string together runs has been the key factor in the series. Smart called it one of the hardest elements to handle. “It’s unique. Definitely unique. That’s why they’re the defending champs.”
Despite the 0-3 deficit, Smart rejected any thought of looking beyond the current moment or roster uncertainty. “To be honest, I haven’t even thought about it. I’m just trying not to get my butt kicked out there. That’s where my focus is.”
The Lakers now face elimination pressure heading into Game 4 on Monday night in Los Angeles. They need to extend the series against a Thunder team that has controlled every critical stretch so far.
