Best player of Game 1 in Boston with 35 points, Jimmy Butler did not forget to mention Marcus Smart, author of a good performance, with 13 points and 11 assists, after the defeat of the Celtics. “I have a lot of respect for this player, for what he does in defense but also in attack because he plays his role to the full”comments the Heat boss for The Athletic.
Words that were reported to Smart, who returned the favor by paying tribute to the star of Miami, whom he has faced in the playoffs regularly for a few seasons.
“I have so much respect for Jimmy, it’s obvious”answers the defender of the year 2022. “He’s not one of the best players in the world by chance. He is a warrior and being one myself, as soon as I fight battles with a warrior, I can only have respect. We have shown it in recent years and we will continue. »
Erik Spoelstra is “a great chess player”
The Boston playmaker did not stop at compliments for the former Bulls, Wolves or Sixers. He also highlighted the Heat and Erik Spoelstra, who lead 1-0 in this Eastern Conference final.
“Already they have a great coach, who is a great chess player,” describes Smart. “He understands basketball perfectly and it starts with him. Then there are players who buy in, with a Butler running it all. It’s easy to follow him. They are a dangerous team, which tests you in many ways. This team puts every part of your body to the test. Always be ready for challenges because they know what they want and never give up. They fight to the end and make your life difficult. »
| Marcus Smart | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2014-15 | BOS | 67 | 27 | 36.7 | 33.5 | 64.6 | 0.9 | 2.4 | 3.3 | 3.1 | 2.6 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 7.8 |
| 2015-16 | BOS | 61 | 27 | 34.8 | 25.3 | 77.7 | 1.3 | 2.9 | 4.2 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 9.2 |
| 2016-17 | BOS | 79 | 30 | 35.9 | 28.3 | 81.2 | 1.0 | 2.9 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 2.4 | 1.6 | 2.0 | 0.4 | 10.6 |
| 2017-18 | BOS | 54 | 30 | 36.7 | 30.1 | 72.9 | 0.8 | 2.7 | 3.5 | 4.8 | 2.5 | 1.3 | 2.4 | 0.4 | 10.2 |
| 2018-19 | BOS | 80 | 28 | 42.2 | 36.4 | 80.6 | 0.7 | 2.2 | 2.9 | 4.0 | 2.5 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 8.9 |
| 2019-20 | BOS | 60 | 32 | 37.5 | 34.7 | 83.6 | 0.7 | 3.1 | 3.8 | 4.9 | 2.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 12.9 |
| 2020-21 | BOS | 48 | 33 | 39.8 | 33.0 | 79.0 | 0.8 | 2.7 | 3.5 | 5.7 | 2.6 | 1.5 | 2.0 | 0.5 | 13.1 |
| 2021-22 | BOS | 71 | 32 | 41.8 | 33.1 | 79.3 | 0.6 | 3.2 | 3.8 | 5.9 | 2.3 | 1.7 | 2.2 | 0.3 | 12.1 |
| 2022-23 | BOS | 61 | 32 | 41.5 | 33.6 | 74.6 | 0.8 | 2.4 | 3.1 | 6.3 | 2.8 | 1.5 | 2.3 | 0.4 | 11.5 |
| Total | 581 | 30 | 38.6 | 32.3 | 77.7 | 0.8 | 2.7 | 3.5 | 4.7 | 2.6 | 1.6 | 1.9 | 0.4 | 10.6 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
