The NBA has acknowledged that Marcus Smart, playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, committed a lane violation during a crucial free throw attempt late in the fourth quarter of their overtime win against the Houston Rockets. This admission comes from the league's 'Last Two Minute Report', released a day after the game. The violation, involving Smart stepping over the free-throw line before the ball reached the rim, was on a shot that could have narrowed the Rockets' lead from four to three points with just 25.5 seconds remaining in regulation.
The Lakers, seeded fourth in their conference, ultimately triumphed 112-108 in overtime, extending their series lead over the fifth-seeded Rockets to three games to none. Smart contributed significantly, scoring eight of his 21 points in the overtime period. The Rockets, meanwhile, were reportedly without star player Kevin Durant for parts of the series due to injuries.
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THE VIOLATION IN CONTEXT
Smart was awarded three free throws after being fouled on a three-point attempt. The 'Last Two Minute Report' specifically identifies the violation on the second of these three free throws. While the league has confirmed the infraction, no call was made by officials at the time of the play.
BACKGROUND OF THE SERIES AND TEAMS
The Los Angeles Lakers are a franchise with a long-established history in the NBA, recognized for their considerable success. The team's lineage traces back to Minneapolis before its relocation to Los Angeles. The series between the Lakers and the Rockets is a first-round playoff matchup. Rockets coach Ime Udoka mentioned Durant's ongoing rehabilitation for a sprained ankle, with hopes of his return for the subsequent game.
