Outside of maybe the Hawks and Grizzlies, I’m not sure the Celtics can beat any team without Al Horford (sick), Jaylen Brown (concussed) and Kyrie Irving (that damn knee again). But they pushed the surging Pacers to the final seconds tonight, ultimately falling 99-97 after a Terry Rozier runner clanged off the backboard and rim as the clock expired.
We saw peak Marcus Smart (20 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals) tonight. Suffocating defense, reckless hustle and a head-shaking addiction to the 3-point line. He was amazing.
Kyrie didn’t appear concerned in his post game interview, but I’m worried.