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Post by Admin on Apr 24, 2018 16:56:09 GMT -5
How the Return of Marcus Smart Impacts the Boston Celticsby Andy GoffinBrad Stevens has announced that if Marcus Smart feels ready to play, then he is physically cleared to rejoin the Celtics’ lineup Heading into a crucial Game 5 against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Boston Celtics are hopeful for the return of their fiery point guard Marcus Smart. After dropping two in a row on the road, the team could use a significant boost that could provide defensive energy and leadership. While the series might not be dramatically changed by the return of Smart, it has the potential to be climactic in raising the intensity level for the Celtics as a whole back at home. As the NBA’s strongest defense, the Celtics have consistently been plagued by injuries, but have shown significant resilience so far in the playoffs. But in a series that now stands as a best of three, anything can happen. In Game 4, the Celtics almost pulled out a victory. Down 20 at one point, they fought back after a brutal first half. If Smart can be the difference maker in leading a strong first half, he could be what would make for a complete 48-minute victory for the Celtics. Defensively, Smart crucially helps the matchup issues that have dominated the team all series long. Smart has guarded all five positions in his career, and his versatility is a massive upgrade against the long, athletic Bucks offensive stars. Khris Middleton continues to be near unguardable, but when he looks up and sees an elite defender in Smart guarding him (as opposed to a less reliable defender like Shane Larkin), he may reconsider his approach. Smart also takes some of the point guard duties off Terry Rozier, who has struggled as of late after two spectacular performances in Games 1 and 2. Rozier would be able to take more high-percentage shots particularly off catch-and-shoot. In addition, the rivalry of Rozier and Eric Bledsoe would be more relaxed for Rozier with Smart taking some pressure off Rozier on the defensive end. While Smart is not always the best presence on offense, he would create spacing for other bright young stars. His playoff experience has shown that he might be able to impact the Celtics with his three-point shooting. Additionally, his passing skills are underrated which coincide well with his critical leadership skills. Smart’s mother has been recently diagnosed with cancer, and she has asked Smart to play for her. It brings her joy to see him shine on the court, and Smart has vowed to fight for his family. As Celtics fans are excited for Smart’s return, they also continue to keep her in their prayers. The Celtics are preparing for their toughest game of the series thus far, and they might return their electric glue-guy. Playing in front of the home crowd will only help boost the energy of the Garden in the hopes of taking the series lead. With Smart back, the Boston Celtics have a chance to turn around the momentum of the series. hardwoodhoudini.com/2018/04/24/return-marcus-smart-impacts-boston-celtics/
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Post by Admin on Apr 24, 2018 17:12:13 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Apr 24, 2018 17:34:29 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Apr 24, 2018 17:42:01 GMT -5
Buck's head coach Joe Prunty starting Tyler Zeller in Henson’s place even though Maker has been the difference in this series so far for the Bucks.
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Post by puddin on Apr 24, 2018 17:48:29 GMT -5
Celtic fans of all shapes and sizes are keeping more than Marcus' mama in their prayers... for darn sure! Pud
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Post by Admin on Apr 24, 2018 17:50:06 GMT -5
Smart's quadruple-A goals vs. Bucks? - Aggression, Aggravation, Agitation, AnnoyanceBy Tom LanePhoto via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports ImagesNo one does it as well as Marcus Smart! No one! We may have other players in this League that supply 30-or-so minutes of verbal annoyance and aggravation to their opponents, but Marcus does it quietly. And he does it very well. He can be aggressive, aggravating, agitating and annoying all at the same time and has the ability to frustrate opponents like no other. ... at least six Milwaukee players that Marcus can guard and slow down their production. Let's start with Kris Middleton. He is averaging 26 points in this series on 62% from the field. He's having a field day - sorry! Giannis Antetokounmpo? Averaging 28 points on 62% from the field, along with 8.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists. If Marcus ends up guarding The Greek Freak on a switch, he can make it hard for the big guy. Eric Bledsoe isn't having a terrific series, but he is averaging 12 points, four rebounds and four assists. Eric seems easily annoyed, and Smart is the guy to do it. Thon Maker has come out of nowhere and has become a factor to be dealt with. How about Jabari Parker? He is shooting 45% from the floor and averaging 8.8 PPG. He has found his minutes and his game. It may be time for him to lose some of what he has found. Malcolm Brogdon? Double-digit scoring at close to 50% shooting. Here are the thoughts of the Boston Globe's Chad Finn: www.celticslife.com/2018/04/marcus-smarts-quadruple-goals-vs-bucks.html
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Post by drboogiebone on Apr 24, 2018 18:01:51 GMT -5
Go C's! Energy! Poise! Focus!
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Post by drboogiebone on Apr 24, 2018 18:07:45 GMT -5
Smart is in the hizzle... Coming off the bench tonight.
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Post by drboogiebone on Apr 24, 2018 18:10:30 GMT -5
Kyrie being presented the Red Auerbach award by our ownership group.
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Post by drboogiebone on Apr 24, 2018 18:13:05 GMT -5
Good sign with a foul on Horford. Refs going to be calling all that pushing The Bucks got away with in Milwaukee.
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Post by drboogiebone on Apr 24, 2018 18:14:55 GMT -5
C's starting off cold. As Bledsoe gets away with a travel.
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Post by drboogiebone on Apr 24, 2018 18:16:36 GMT -5
C's starting 0 for 6. Geez...
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Post by drboogiebone on Apr 24, 2018 18:17:41 GMT -5
Corner 3 for Semi
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Post by drboogiebone on Apr 24, 2018 18:18:15 GMT -5
Tatum and-1!
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Post by drboogiebone on Apr 24, 2018 18:18:44 GMT -5
C's with the lead 7-6
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Post by drboogiebone on Apr 24, 2018 18:19:55 GMT -5
TRo has been a ghost. Needs to step up. Brown with the jumper.
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Post by drboogiebone on Apr 24, 2018 18:20:38 GMT -5
Beautiful pass to find a wide open Horford.
Bucks TO... C's ball.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2018 18:21:41 GMT -5
Better start than the last 2 games. Keep up the poise and keep grinding. Don't let their bench run away with the game.
The Celts still look tight. Hope they loosen up soon.
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Post by drboogiebone on Apr 24, 2018 18:21:54 GMT -5
I think our home crowd is having an effect on the boys. Just wait til Smart checks in...
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Post by drboogiebone on Apr 24, 2018 18:25:02 GMT -5
Smart about to check in. Crowd already cheering...
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Post by drboogiebone on Apr 24, 2018 18:27:23 GMT -5
Excellent block from TRo. Crowd going nuts as Smart checks in. TRo floater over Maker.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2018 18:27:33 GMT -5
Two Celts go for the same offensive put back. WTF!!
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Post by drboogiebone on Apr 24, 2018 18:27:46 GMT -5
Smart already with a steal!!!!!! YEAH BOY!!!!!!!!
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Post by cole on Apr 24, 2018 18:27:59 GMT -5
We got a break on that backcourt call. Dont' the refs know the rules?
oh fratello just acknowledged
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Post by drboogiebone on Apr 24, 2018 18:28:50 GMT -5
C's aren't hitting shots.
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