Boston Celtics: 3 keys to game-six series clinching victory
By Mark Nilon
Boston Celtics key to victory No. 2) Marcus Smart
When the Boston Celtics lost Gordon Hayward to a right ankle sprain in game-one of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, many analysts and fans alike saw it as a substantial hiccup in the team’s chances of winning a championship come the conclusion of the 2019-20 season.
However, fast-forward to game10 of the postseason we see the shamrocks just one win away from advancing to their third Eastern Conference Finals appearance in four years. While there are many reasons as to why Boston finds themselves in the situation they’re currently in (incredible coaching, great production from stars players, etc.) perhaps the biggest factor in their once seemingly improbably success has been the unbelievable play of Marcus Smart.
Stepping in for the injured Hayward, Smart finds himself averaging a solid stat line of 11.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game on 33 percent shooting from downtown and a defensive box plus/ minus of 1.2.
From his fourth-quarter heroics in game two to his most recent all-around sensational performance in a pivotal game five — where he put up 12 points, seven rebounds, and six assists on 40 percent shooting from deep while also holding Kyle Lowry to just 10 points on 38 percent shooting — the Swiss Army man has been an absolute gem for this championship-aspiring Cs team, and should prove to be unbelievably valuable in this highly anticipated game-six.
In order for them to clinch a series win, they’ll need Marcus Smart to show out once more.