Kyrie Irving was cool as a cucumber after the Boston Celtics’ 126-116 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday. He said he’s already past the loss.
Marcus Smart, on the other hand, is not. Based on his comments to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe, he was fairly frustrated with the Celtics’ effort in the loss, to put it mildly.
The way our effort is, it’s just embarrassing.
Smart was asked if he can use anything from previous Celtics groups. He wasn’t short on answers.
Our toughness. Our will to fight. Our will to do everything. It’s just like, we don’t got the will to do it anymore. I don’t know how you teach effort, will, want-to. I don’t think you can.
So, Marcus Smart is unhappy with the team’s effort level. Kyrie Irving isn’t concerned about the loss and is ready for the postseason. Not exactly typical 2018-19 Celtics drama, but the mixed messages are odd.
There’s only one way this isn’t an issue.
Smart is used to playing on teams that have to scratch and claw every step of the way to get a decent slot in the postseason. Irving is used to playing for teams that are a lock for the playoffs and kick things into second gear come playoff time. If that’s not the case, there’s some disconnect in the locker room, which is most probable of any possibility, given the way this year has gone.
