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.
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.
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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
— Chris Grenham (@chrisgrenham) November 2, 2021
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
— Raj C. (@UnwrittenRul3s) November 2, 2021
Marcus Smart…. LOL
Some stuff isn't for the press dude lol
— Jason Maples (@JJMaples55_MST) November 2, 2021
Marcus Smart every other shot attempt: pic.twitter.com/EtLlwXKqNM
— . (@6ixLeBron) November 2, 2021
Now I wish Smart would've talked to Jaylen and Tatum before he made those comments to the media. Clearly he wasn't thinking. Even if he was right now people are running with this story.
— MySportsReviews (@BiggChuck_) November 2, 2021
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.
— Colb (@___Colb___) November 2, 2021
Been saying the Celtics should trade Marcus Smart for like 3 years
— Julian. (@JuWop4) November 2, 2021
Marcus Smart tell me to pass the ball more ima go take 50 shots next game lmao like who the fuck is u nigga
— WhoDat (@KantGetRich) November 2, 2021
Marcus smart say Tatum and brown need to pass more…..
Man’s said that with 0 assists tonight.— Ghetto Gatsby (@_MoneyBenss) November 2, 2021
Time to press panic?? @ByJayKing @JaredWeissNBA https://t.co/6Fq5jda57m
— Jared With A View (@J_Micou) November 2, 2021
WATCH THIS STORY: From Kobe Bryant to Jayson Tatum, Players Who Embarrassed LeBron James on the Court
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 …
— Chris Grenham (@chrisgrenham) November 2, 2021
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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 https://t.co/JczC7WhMrD pic.twitter.com/hwRuCLdYYJ— StatMuse (@statmuse) November 2, 2021
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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?
READ MORE: WATCH: Boston Celtics Interested In Having Jayson Tatum Be A Wide Receiver For New England Patriots