Boston Celtics: 3 keys to victory over the Raptors in game-one
By Mark Nilon
Boston Celtics key to victory No. 2) Marcus Smart must lock in on Fred VanVleet
One of the key matchups heading into this series that we talked about earlier this week was between the likes of Marcus Smart and Fred VanVleet.
This theory certainly will take center stage for us heading into game-one.
The fact that Smart was snubbed by the voters for consideration for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award was a complete travesty and, so far throughout the postseason, he has been playing with somewhat of a chip on his shoulder.
For this matchup against VanVleet, his recent string of excellence on “D” will be key.
The fourth-year point guard is finding himself performing at the most consistent rate in comparison to the rest of his team, specifically on offense.
Throughout Toronto’s four-game romping over the Brooklyn Nets, VanVleet finished off boasting an impressive stat-line of 21.3 points and 7.8 assists a game (both best amongst teammates) while shooting at an impressive 53 percent from the field and 56 percent shooting from downtown.
Great offense will have to be met by great defense from Smart if the Boston Celtics want to jump out to an early series lead.