It’s hard to find any flaws with the Boston Celtics these days. In the past, Marcus Smart has handled heat for his shot, but no one has experienced any heat during his recent success.
The roles are played perfectly. There is no talk of chemistry issues. As they say, winning heals everything.
Smart played a big role in Boston’s resurgence, and he recently explained why he thinks he’s thriving.
Marcus Smart runs the show for the Boston Celtics
The Celtics were happy to see 2021 disappear. Once the calendar turned to 2022, the Celtics switched from contenders to contenders.
Head coach of the year Aimee Odoka said he called up his team for their lack of mental strength after the 108-105 loss to the New York Knicks in early January. In that game, the Celtics made another big lead late in the game. Since Odoka questioned his team’s mental toughness, the Celtics became a new team.
They are 28-7 since then. Although he doesn’t get the credit for Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Smart’s play was just as important as Tatum and Brown’s recording. Brown Smart gave it its due.
“Marcus was great, man,” Brown said after Wednesday night’s 125-97 win over the Utah Jazz, according to CLNS Media. “Marcus was running the show. We trusted him to be the right guy and he made it easy for everyone. Hats off to Marcus. Marcus did a great job.
“We believe in him, and we empower him. What he did on both sides of the ball has been fantastic for us. He’s a big reason why our team really changed him. So give the credit when the credit is due. Marcus has been a great attacking and defensive anchor for us which has led to the results we see now.” “.
Marcus Smart feels right at home during the Boston Celtics’ winning streak
The one thing he can always count on with Smart is that he’ll bring it up every night. No one will question his efforts in court.
His biggest criticism was that he was shot. He’s more of a distributor than a shooter, and is now able to play that role full-time as the team’s primary goalkeeper. In years past, Kimba Walker ran the show, and Smart was a man without a position.
He provided 13 assists in the win over the Jazz and attributes his success to playing the role he feels comfortable with.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been a key goalkeeper,” Smart said, according to CLNS Media. “I went to college as a Ranger, got enlisted as a Ranger, and to actually be used as a Ranger, I can say this is exactly the right place.
“I am finally in the right place and it suits me and helps this team as well. So this is something I have been doing my whole life, something I will continue to do.”
Smart runs the show and takes what the defense gives him
Smart has always been known for his defense. He is not afraid to step in and take responsibility. He would also have no problem guarding the other team’s best player, no matter the size difference.
Smart never gets into a game with a specific plan. If the defense stops him, he will repay. If not, he will look to put the scorers and manage the offense.
“It takes what defense gives me,” Smart said. “A lot of teams play with me for the pass and here I have to get a little selfish and take those shots.
“But really just get creative, hit my leg, and wait for the other guy to help, especially with the way my teammates were going, making a few shots early, getting it back to them and making them hot.”
At the moment, the Celtics are playing their roles perfectly, and it is paying off significantly.
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