Should the Celtics Continue to Start Marcus Smart?

by
Former Writers
November 27, 2018

Palmux via Flickr

Last night, the Boston Celtics found themselves victorious against the New Orleans Pelicans. Before the game it was announced that Celtics’ guard Jaylen Brown would be out (back soreness) after an unfortunate fall in the game against the Dallas Mavericks. Brad Stevens had to decide who would take Brown’s spot in the starting lineup against the Pelicans. Stevens would decide to go with Smart.

The move would prove to be effective, because at the end of the night the Celtics would win 124-107. Smart didn’t score a ton, only eight points on the night, or lockdown the Pelicans by himself. However, Smart being inserted into the starting lineup injected life and energy that this team needed. Smart would play a team-high 39 minutes, and had his hand in every major play throughout the game.

We ended our road trip on a high note by playing with passion and taking down the Pelicans, 124-107. pic.twitter.com/8bYm5QgTno

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 27, 2018

How Should Brad Stevens Go About this?

The average Celtics fan knows that once Brown is healthy, he will return to the starting lineup. Brown earned that spot with his good play last season. However, it should be speculated if Stevens will just put Brown right back into that role. The role that while Brown was in, the Celtics were losing and losing bad.

My idea is that Stevens should keep Smart in that starting spot until the Celtics fall off, or until Smart’s play becomes negative. The truth is that Stevens has no reason to play Brown right now, and every reason to play Smart. Brown has been the worst player on the Celtics by far this year, and a run off the bench can help him gain his footing.

Player of the Game: Kyrie Irving

The other players in the game played good as well. Irving had 26 points and 10 assists. He is having the best passing season of his career, and it’s in big part to his focus on getting everyone involved.

Honorable Mention: Marcus Smart

Looking Forward to the Next Game

Boston finally returns home on Friday to play the Cleveland Cavaliers. Although the Cavs have struggled this season, they’ve had some good games recently. Most notably knocking off the Houston Rockets. The Celtics will need to lock in and keep Cleveland off the offensive glass.