BSJ Daily Briefing 04.25.18: Celtics take lead, Sox thrown out ... Game. Seven.

Good morning!

A few random thoughts while I try not to get too excited about tonight's game ...

• That wasn't exactly a Picasso last night at TD Garden, but it was a masterpiece for a Celtics team desperate to get back control of their series with the Bucks. Some really ugly offensive basketball, if you're into that sort of thing.


• What a difference Marcus Smart makes. Yes, sometimes he gets a little out of control on the offensive end and forgets who he is, but, man, his defense and enthusiasm really give the Celtics a different energy. You almost forget about Smart's intangibles when he's out. But when he returns, you're like, 'Oh yeah, that guy is pretty good. We're a different team with him.'


• An interesting dilemma the Celtics will be faced with: Do you want Marcus Smart or Terry Rozier signed to a long-term contract? Certainly, there have been times this season when I've thought ... No doubt Rozier. He's just scratching the surface of his potential. But last night reinforced I'd probably go with Smart. You can find Rozier alternatives. Not so sure there are as many players with Smart's intangibles. But can you trust Smart not to, I don't know, cut his hand in hotel rooms? Also part of the equation.


• Jaylen Brown is coming into his own. It's fun to watch.


• Semi Ojeleye ... also pretty good at the defense.


• Good to see Wendell Kim is back with the Red Sox, sending runners to their death at home. I mean, what the heck was that? Carlos Febles said he made his decision out of the gate ... wait, what? I know it's Curtis Granderson in left, but you have to judge how and where he has to field the ball and other variables. And freaking Mookie Betts was on deck. You let that man get up with ducks on the pound. It wasn't like Christian Vazquez was on deck.


• I mean ... hello!

• And then there are the five greatest words in sports ... Stanley Cup Playoffs Game Seven.


• Yes, the last two games have stunk, the Leafs are feeling themselves, the Bruins are gripping the stick like they're holding onto dear life, but I'm still not backing down: This Bruins team is not a bunch of chokers like years past. They will not blow a 3-1 lead and lose tonight. I didn't watch them play all these months and win 50 games to lose three-straight games to the freaking Maple Leafs.


• I will continue to take solace that these are the Leafs, and few choke like they do. They're like the pre-2004 Red Sox. They make losing an agonizing art form. And it would be just like them to give their fans all this hope, including a lead tonight, and then to crush their souls.


• You know, like 2013.


• When we were in Toronto for Game 4, Mrs. BSJ heard this walking around: "Why's it still cold? Mother Nature doesn't know it's spring because the Leafs are still playing hockey."


• But I'm not ruling out that the recent incident in Toronto could have changed a lot of things. Emotion for a city is a powerful thing and filters to the sports teams. We all lived that in '13.


• That said ... try to enjoy tonight through your fingers. This is why we follow these teams.

@GregABedard My Mom says the BSJ subscription I gave my Dad is the best gift I’ve ever given him. He’s totally obsessed & talks you guys up to all friend & fam. Thanks for making me look good.

— Mandy Johnson Gilman (@MandyGilman) January 23, 2018