Boston Celtics key to victory No. 2) Let Marcus Smart run the offense
Since Marcus Smart’s transition to the leadership role and starting point guard spot, the Celtics have transformed into one of the best teams in the NBA.
After trading Denis Schroeder at the NBA Trade Deadline, Brad Stevens created a clear path for smart to be the primary ball-handler at most times.
Smart responded by passing more and shooting less, a trend that’s continued most of the season. The Heat game on Wednesday night saw Smart revert back to his old ways a bit, chucking up fifteen shots and making just three.
On Friday against Indiana, he was much more selective and efficient, shooting four for nine. If the shamrocks want a win against the Wiz, they’ll need the efficient version of Smart, who is a pass-first point guard.
The Smart who heaves shots early and misses a plethora of threes simply cannot happen as we approach the playoffs. Smart needs to maximize his efficiency down the stretch and find the version of himself that has propelled the Celtics to success this season.