The Boston Celtics suffered another blow to their record as it drops down to 2-5 after losing to the Chicago Bulls. This is their third consecutive loss so far and things just aren’t looking up for the team. However, it seems like that isn’t their only problem at the moment. Their superstar duo, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have been blamed by their very own teammate Marcus Smart for not passing the ball enough. Of course, fans had to get a little piece of the discussion as well.
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Fans pick sides as Marcus Smart calls out Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown
The Boston Celtics keep going further downhill as the 2021-22 NBA season continues. Despite holding a 19-point lead in the third quarter, the Chicago Bulls were able to take over in the fourth quarter. They went on a 37-9 run that led to their extraordinary and unexpected 128-114 victory.
Both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown contributed 20 points and 28 points, respectively. But the complaint wasn’t about their contribution, it was about their inability to pass. Marcus Smart said blatantly, “I would just like to play basketball. Every team knows we’re trying to go to Jayson and Jaylen.”
“Every team is programmed and studied to stop Jayson and Jaylen. I think everybody’s scouting report is to make those guys pass the ball. They don’t want to pass the ball.”
Marcus Smart: "I would just like to play basketball. Every team knows we're trying to go to Jayson and Jaylen. Every team is programmed and studied to stop Jayson and Jaylen. I think everybody's scouting report is to make those guys pass the ball. They don't want to pass the ball
In fact, fans also decided to give their opinion on the matter at hand. Some sided with Smart, but some completely went against him.
Took 7 games for Marcus Smart to be tired of it lol
Marcus Smart is shooting 25% from the field and 23% from 3 on SEVEN attempts per game. Of course Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown aren’t passing you the ball, they’re better off shooting it themselves.
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The Boston Celtics duo is working on it
However, Smart was also very clear that both Tatum and Brown are working on this shortcoming of theirs. “That’s something that they’re going to learn. They’re still learning. We’re proud of the progress they’re making, but they’re going to have to make another step and find ways to not only create for themselves but create for others on this team to open up the court for them …” Marcus stated.
"later down in the game where they're always going to have to take those tough shots or take tough matchups when they do get the 1-on-1 or they bring the trap. It's something we've been asking them to do and they're learning. We just gotta continue to help those guys do that ...
He emphasized the importance for them to learn to pass because when they’re in a tough situation and a clutch shot is needed, the decision to pass will be the right one to take. Of course, the entire team is helping them out to get to that point as well. In fact, even stats have proved their assists are quite low, which means this is quite a general problem.
Fewest assists per game by a player taking 20+ shots a game this season: 2.5 — Jaylen Brown 2.6 — Anthony Davis 3.0 — Anthony Edwards 3.4 — CJ McCollum 3.6 — Paul George 3.7 — Jayson Tatum
Marcus Smart: "I would just like to play basketball. Every team knows we're trying to go to Jayson and Jaylen. Every team is programmed and studied to stop Jayson and Jaylen. I think everybody's scouting report is to make those guys pass the ball. They don't want to pass the ball
If Jaylen and Jayson do figure out a way to pass, can they pull the Celtics out of the losing streak that they’re in? Or is it too late and are they a lost cause already?
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