Russ Smith would have had a good game Wednesday night if his layups were the only field goals that counted, as he registered 32 points on such shots. But he added another 33 on 24 total field goals, 16 more free throws and just one three-pointer.
The former Louisville guard set the NBA D-League single-game scoring record with 65 points against the Canton Charge. However, the night was bittersweet for Smith and the Delaware 87ers, who lost 140-129.
Smith filled out the box score with six rebounds, four assists and two steals.
"I tried to get in the lane," Smith said after the game. "The last game [against Canton], I think I had about 18 assists, and I didn't play that whole third quarter because of foul trouble, so the lane was going to be open. I read the scouting report. The big guys were so worried about the lob that I just floated in, and I kept getting layups."
He added, "I just sort of did my homework, and I really circled this game on the calendar because Canton's a good team. They have some good players. They play tough. It was just a good one."
The 87ers are in third place in the Eastern Conference Atlantic Division at 19-26, while the Charge are 29-17, trailing the Sioux Falls Skyforce in second place of the Central.
Jordan McRae, now a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, set the previous single-game scoring record with 61 points when he played for the 87ers. Smith is the top prospect on the D-League's watch list for players who could get a call up to the NBA. He most recently played in the NBA earlier this season, playing 15 games for the Memphis Grizzlies before being waived in December.
It was fun while it lasted @Sir_Saudade
— Jordan McRae (@JordyMac52) March 24, 2016
I still love you tho bro lol https://t.co/RRh2QAcL04 — Russ Mata Mata Smith (@Sir_Saudade) March 24, 2016
At Louisville, Smith averaged 18 points per game in back-to-back seasons as a junior and a senior, helping the Cardinals win the 2013 National Championship.
"I was looking forward to winning," Smith said. "I've been a winner all my life."
John Holland led the Charge with 26 points, while C.J. Wilcox and Nick Minnerath added 22 and 24, respectively. The 87ers could not slow the Charge, as four other players registered double-digit point totals.
