Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown are clearly partners

All lights are green in Boston. Away from last year’s chaotic start to the season and despite the Udoka issue, the Massachusetts franchise didn’t waver tonight to maintain its lead in the East despite the absence of Jayson Tatum. The winger left exceptionally with more than 30 points, almost 8 rebounds and 5 assists and logically attracts the praise of the NBA world.

Tonight’s meeting, however, made it possible to highlight the brilliant form of two other important elements of the C’S system: Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown.

Effective communication

With 7.1 assists per game, Marcus Smart is the primary spawner for the Jays. The Smart-Brown connection is one of the most sought after in the league with 43 assists from guard to teammate. Only Indiana’s Haliburton-Hield tandem (54) and Golden State’s Green-Curry (47) do better. The Smart-Tatum line is also in the Top 10 with 39 assists.

“It’s always been like that. I think it’s more emphasized now that I’ve started playmaking. Marcus Smart assured. “JB is one of the most athletic players in the league, especially when he gets on the court. He’s one of the fastest guys in any direction he goes. So when he gets out and runs, it’s hard for people to follow him, and that’s how we get easy baskets, not only for him, but for our team.

In turn, Jaylen Brown also stands out in the “shadow” of Jayson Tatum, with the best scoring average of his career, 26 points per game and the best shooting percentage on 19 attempts per game (50.7%). JT’s absence tonight allowed him to have a season-best 36 points.

Gone are the days of confrontation

The combination between the three main elements of Boston is optimal. It’s a far cry from the statements made at the beginning of last season, when Marcus Smart publicly lampooned his two assistants, accusing them of not passing.

Jaylen Brown, for his part, assures that internal conflicts are sometimes sharper between the two oldest members of Boston’s locker room, but it is necessary to allow everyone to move in the right direction.

“He is my brother. We had our ups and downs, we had fights, all kinds of things. You wouldn’t even want to know the details, I promise. But at the end of the day, he’s my brother and I appreciate him trying to get the best out of me.”JB recalled. “He’s one of the guys who always told me that I’m one of the best players in the league and I shouldn’t let anyone forget that. I appreciate that he is a great teammate and a great support.”