In a series between two evenly-matched teams, coaching adjustments were always going to be a big factor in which franchise moved on to The Finals. In a do-or-die Game 3, it was Brad Stevens’ moves that turned the tide for the Celtics.
After Goran Dragic torched Boston in Games 1 and 2 for a combined 54 points on 55.3% shooting, Stevens put Marcus Smart on the Heat guard, moving Kemba Walker as the primary defender on Jae Crowder.
It wasn’t the first time Stevens had turned to Smart to shut down a guard in these playoffs.