Some parting shots about Game 7 and the series as a whole as one of the most entertaining second-round series in NBA history comes to a close
1. Marcus Smart adapting to the Celtics' needs
There’s not a lot that needs to be said about Smart’s defense in this series. His game-saving block in the final minute will be on highlights reels for years, bringing back shades of LeBron James’ chasedown block on Andre Iguodala in Game 7 of the NBA Finals back in 2016. It also highlighted an adjustment he made after watching Norm Powell blow by him for a crucial fast-break layup in the second overtime of Game 6.
Game 6: Smart gets in front of Powell. And-1.
Game 7: Smart lets Powell go by. Block. pic.twitter.com/iQVILXdMjr
— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) September 12, 2020
Brown’s job in this series will be to hold up from a strength standpoint. Siakam will try to bully him in the post down low but Brown needs to stay disciplined, avoiding fouling and making it tough on the fourth-year forward. Siakam’s offensive game is much more straight forward than Tatum’s, so it doesn’t translate as well to the postseason. That should play to Brown’s advantage on the defensive end. The Celtics don’t need to win this matchup outright, but they must have Brown play Siakam to a draw in terms of production.