After the show, commentators state: "Healthy Boston is the most complete team in the NBA"
The return effect of Marcus Smart and Al Horford was well felt in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals: "With them it's a different team. With a defense like that they take a championship"
Walla!
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20/05/2022
Friday, May 20, 2022, 10:15 p.m.
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Jason Taitum celebrates Boston's win in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals (from Twitter)
Boston proves time and time again: as long as it is healthy and sharp, there are very few rivals - if any - who can stop it.
Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals illustrated this excellently, as the comeback of Marcus Smart and Al Horford changed the momentum of the series, leading the Celtics to a crushing 102: 127 victory in Florida.
Smart, the defensive player of the season, was attached to Jimmy Butler who did whatever he pleased in Game 1, making him miserable;
Horford added a lot of quiet and wisdom, as usual;
And after a lukewarm start that led to a double-digit lag in the first quarter, the small-ball lineup with Grant Williams brought the turnaround.
Surprisingly, Smart also made a difference in the offensive section, finishing with 24 points, 9 rebounds and 12 assists versus a single loss.
His responsible and quality play on both sides of the court drew many compliments.
"Smart made the difference. He managed the game excellently, and his defense of Jimmy Butler was outstanding," tweeted Magic Johnson.
Trey Young joined in, tweeting that "Smart makes a huge difference for this team," Jeremy Lynn wrote that "the difference between Game 1 and Game 2 illustrates the impact of Marcus Smart. You can not look at the box-score and understand its impact," and in general, Commentators are convinced that the Celtics' depth, experience and defense may tip the scales in their favor on the road to winning the championship.
More on Walla!
Horford and Smart came back, Boston defeated Miami 102: 127 and tied at 1: 1
To the full article
It is said of him: "Doing things that are not seen in the statistics."
Smart vs. Jimmy Butler (Photo: GettyImages, Michael Reaves)
"The Celtics 'upside with Marcus Smart is incomparable. With him, Boston is the toughest opponent in the NBA, and probably also the best team left in the playoffs," they analyzed in the Bleach Report, explaining that the Celtics' ability to execute a perfect exchange defense, She is unique.
"For most teams, an automatic exchange tactic is a death wish. For the Celtics, when they are healthy - that's what sets them apart from other teams, it's their superpower."
ESPN commentator Kendrick Perkins also explained at the end that "Boston Healthy is just too good defensively. Their communication, coverage and rotations is a completely different level of defense. You can keep talking about an attack as much as you want, but in the end with a defense like that you take a championship."
His wisdom and toughness also helped bring about the turning point.
Horford alongside Taitum on defense (Photo: GettyImages, Michael Reaves)
Smart became only the sixth player in playoff history to reach 24 points, 12 assists, 9 rebounds and 3 steals per game, alongside names like Larry Byrd, LeBron James and Russell Westbrook (Pink Strickland and the "young" Isaiah Thomas).
"I play with a lot of pride, and know I'm capable of being excellent on both sides of the court. That's what I do all my career," Smart said.
"That's why I was selected in the draft. I'm happy that in this class, now everyone can see what I can do not only on defense, but also as a coordinator and game manager. Now no one can miss it - no people on the team, no people in the NBA, Not anyone. "
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NBA
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Boston Celtics
Marcus Smart