Smart's Stat Line for Today's Game

[ViolentGhandi]

Smart was playing well on both ends - his hustle was as much key to this win as was Sully's rebounding and boxing out against Whiteside.

loco Whiteside didnt only have 8 blocks - for every block made you have to add another shot the shootér had to alter and as result didnt make and another shot close to the basket not taken at all. Whiteside is so dominant at the rim that he disrupts a whole teams offence while Smart "only" messes up his asignment. Smart is most likely the better defender of the 2 but his overall impact on the opponents offence has to be lower as he can only be glued at one guy at a time while Whiteside is meeting everyone who wants to score inside.

Sign him on a max deal and the C's will be a contender. Celtics players have a fun time this season - they do what CBS wants them to do as the results proof him to be right. He has to be a good teacher. Whiteside may have some flaws as a person and as a player but under the right coach and in a team like the Celtics he might just fall in line & even life up to his potential.

A lineup with Smart, AB, Crowder and Whiteside would be a true nightmare to play against.

[chambers]

What was noticeable vs the Heat was his recognition that he didn't have to take the first open shot, and on a few occasions he'd get ready to shoot, and then pull back and look for a team mate or a better shot.
Great game and he shot selection was pleasing.
He's also shooting almost 90% in his last 20 games from the line.

[ViolentGhandi]

...
He's also shooting almost 90% in his last 20 games from the line.

he has stolen ITs Zielwasser (is there something like aiming waters in the englisch lang.?)

[Celtics17]

Some players just know how to win and it seems Smart is one of these. James Posey comes to mind, the guy always seem to make the crucial play. Guys who play this way rarely get their due since everyone is so busy heaping praise on the players who score, shoot well or block tons of shots. It's interesting that we have a couple of this type of player in Smart and Crowder. Is it coincidence or are they designing the team with players like this purposely?

[tstorey_97]

Couple of observations about Smart and yes, I like his game and always have.

He is "reactive" in that his decision making when the ball is free is pretty much better than anyone else on the court. He can "see" a steal quicker, he can see what is going to happen with a loose ball quicker and, most importantly, he can get his body into position to make the play...quicker.

Opponents have to give him "some of their awareness" when he is up against them on the floor. He is a car wreck waiting to happen pretty much for every possession. I suggest he frequently takes an opponent out of his game.

There are plenty of NBA players who have these talents, I just think Smart uses them to significant effect.

Smart's commitment to a game makes his team mates on the floor better. His mates give more effort on defense and are more confident with Smart on the floor. intangible? I would ask his mates, fearlessness is catching.

On the court he leads by nature, not desire to lead or desire to be the recognized leader. With moments left in a game and mayhem is all around, Smart is NOT a part of this chaos, the game is too slow for him to fall behind. This was clear late in the third against the Heat and again in the 4th. Loose ball underneath and Smart makes one very hard move to the ball and saves the play. The Celtics eventually score on the possession and the cupcake Heat fold their chairs and go home.

I am old, there were plenty of great champions who "didn't score" a lot...or, who weren't known for their offensive game. These players transcended their weakness as all great champions do.

I think Smart has a chance of being one of these "great" players, he has along way to go, but his coach, whom I acknowledge as being highly competent has Smart on the floor for every second that counts...doesn't he?

[Chief]

I like how Smart pushes the ball up court with the pass.

Turner could learn from this.

[Surferdad]

Some players just know how to win and it seems Smart is one of these. James Posey comes to mind, the guy always seem to make the crucial play. Guys who play this way rarely get their due since everyone is so busy heaping praise on the players who score, shoot well or block tons of shots. It's interesting that we have a couple of this type of player in Smart and Crowder. Is it coincidence or are they designing the team with players like this purposely?

Yes, I believe so.  Without any superstars, I see the strategy as first building the team, which includes a coach, a style of playing and keeping players with tough mental attitude. We will get the superstar(s) eventually, and everything will fall into place.

Much as I respect Pat Riley, he always does the opposite: get the stars first and figure out the rest later. But sometimes this does not work. Adding Karl Malone and Gary Payton to Shaq/Kobe should have been an invincible lineup, but was missing fundamental which today's Celtics already have. Go Danny!