Boston Celtics: 3 takeaways from C’s loss against Wizards

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 27: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts to a non-call during the fourth quarter of the game against the Washington Wizards at TD Garden on October 27, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 27: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts to a non-call during the fourth quarter of the game against the Washington Wizards at TD Garden on October 27, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)

Boston Celtics takeaway No. 2) Dennis Schroder should be starting point guard

Marcus Smart has been the starting point guard so far this season but Dennis Schroder‘s play should at least warrant a discussion with Ime Udoka about the potential change.

Through five games this season, Smart is averaging 7.4 points, four rebounds, and nearly five assists. He is also shooting sub-30 percent from both the field and from deep.

Schroder, on the other hand, has been far more productive.

After a poor first two outings with the Boston Celtics, the C’s guard has turned a corner in the last three.

In these specific games, Schroder is averaging 21 points, 6.3 assists, and four rebounds per game. On top of that, he is shooting at a much better clip than Smart from the field including a 9-16 conversion rate from deep.

Looking at these two players from just an offensive perspective isn’t fair to Marcus Smart, as he’s has solidified himself as one of the league’s peskiest defenders and his contribution oftentimes goes beyond the box score.

The former All-Defensive selection played great defense down the stretch of the Hornets game which was vital to getting the win.

Schroder, however, has done a very solid job on the defensive end that leaves fans wondering if it is worth starting Smart in spite of his offensive struggles.

In the end, it doesn’t really matter who starts the games but, rather, who finishes them. That being said, Dennis Schroder still looks like the clear choice for the starting point guard spot going forward.