Celtics Intensifying Despite Lacking Marcus Smart’s Showstopping Plays
There were concerns about the Boston Celtics’ identity after Marcus Smart was dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the three-team blockbuster transaction that netted Kristaps Porzingis for the franchise.
According to Boston.com’s Conor Roche, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla discussed how the club didn’t necessarily lose the passion and toughness Smart displayed, even though Smart is not expected to play in his first return to TD Garden on Sunday.
“You don’t take his position. According to Roche, Mazzulla stated, “It just looks different.” Jayson Tatum dove to the ground in search of a dropped ball. White’s Derrick is making clutch plays, and the back tips throughout transitions. Jrue Holiday has a steady intensity and focuses on the abilities and capabilities of everyone. Individual defense played by Jaylen Brown is every bit as formidable as that of any other player. It merely has a different appearance.
In order to assist our squad win, Mazzulla continued, “I think you just have to highlight each person’s definition of toughness.”
The Celtics have the best overall record in the league (37-12), and Mazzulla acknowledges the legacy Smart left behind over his nine years in Boston.
Mazzulla stated, “I think you go into it when you have a guard who plays as hard as he does and guards centers, point guards, picks up full court, boxes out, and does all of those little things.” It has always been significant for him to win Defensive Player of the Year because he was the first guard to do so since Gary Payton (in 1995–96). Thus, I believe that’s partially what started it when you witness a guard have such a profound effect on the game on so many different levels.
After suffering their third home loss in five games, Boston was defeated 114-105 by the undermanned Los Angeles Lakers. Now, the Celtics will try to turn things around.
