What impact Marcus Smart return could have on Boston Celtics
The Celtics have not been at 100% strength so far this postseason. The missing link, Marcus Smart, is nearing his return to the court. What could that mean for the team’s short-term future?
With Marcus Smart officially questionable for a return tonight in game four of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics almost have their best perimeter threat back in time. The team trails Milwaukee 2-1 after being blown out the past two contests.
Smart being back for the team couldn’t have come at a better time. Well I suppose it could have come before the Celtics got themselves in a hole this series. Regardless though, he could back before its too late.
The Celtics have struggled to contain the perimeter, giving up a Bucks franchise record 20 3-pointers in game two. Game three was only a mild improvement for the Celtics 3-point defense, as Milwaukee still managed a 40% clip from beyond the arc.
Smart is a bulldog that is going to sprint at Bucks shooters that think they have an open look. Smart’s combative persona could be the catalyst to Milwaukee being rattled as they continue to launch 3-pointer after 3-pointer. Having someone that will chase you down and come right at you is a benefit the Celtics just haven’t had in his absence.
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While Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are not negatives defensively, they haven’t adequately defended Milwaukee’s perimeter threats, with Khris Middleton in particular posting 20+ points per game this series. With Smart, who was a starter for a large portion of the season, back in the fold, Middleton’s stats could start declining back to his season averages in the high-teens.
Slowing down Middleton, and to a lesser extent Eric Bledsoe and Sterling Brown, should allow the Celtics defense to force the Greek Freak to carry the offense. As the Celtics proved in game one of the series, forcing Greek Freak to do it all himself is a winning strategy. If the spacing isn’t there, Antetokounmpo’s downhill drives can be contained by Al Horford and Aaron Baynes.
Offensively, Smart is going to function as another offensive fulcrum. While he will never be the primary option in a Celtics offense that features Irving, Tatum, Horford and Gordon Hayward, having another guy who isn’t afraid to attack the glass and get physical is nice to have.
Smart can shift the emotional dynamic of this series. Guys like Smart aren’t always viewed as the most professional opponents to go against, but they are definitely viewed as the best teammates to have. Look no further than Smart to find a guy who can fire up a team that has been seemingly divided all season.
The timing is right for Boston. If Smart can’t provide the spark needed to ignite the team this series, there may not be any stopping the league’s potential new superpower.