Smart welcomes it all, figuring he’ll do a better job on anyone the next time. He’s heard about how every aspect of the game ramps up in the playoffs, especially the intensity. Nothing could have accentuated those conditions more than the shots Irving hit at the Celtics’ expense.
But Smart gave a calm, almost serene nod when asked about the conditions yesterday. Teammate Evan Turner, recalling his own rookie playoff experience, has talked about going from an “eyes wide open rookie” to an “eyes wide open rookie in the playoffs.”
Based on his own first experience Sunday, Smart acknowledged the change in intensity.