Marcus Smart is well-known as one of the best guard defenders in the league. He is generally viewed as a pest on that end of the floor. While his offensive game needs some work, there are definitely times where he can heat up from beyond the arc.
One of the key things that Marcus Smart is known for is his ability to draw fouls on opposing players. That often provides an irritant for the opposing team and causes them to play differently than they usually would.
During the recent Boston Celtics – Denver Nuggets game, Marcus Smart was involved in a dustup with Nuggets guard Facundo Campazzo. Marcus Smart seemingly hit Facundo Campazzo in the face, but the play was deemed a defensive foul on Campazzo. It is clear though, that Campazzo was trying to exaggerate the amount of contact on that play.
Marcus Smart appears to hit Facundo Campazzo in the face on this play.
After review, this was deemed a defensive foul on Campazzo and, 'nothing hostile,' from Smart 🤔pic.twitter.com/XkV8A56FxZ
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 12, 2022
Marcus Smart was later asked about Facundo Campazzo “flopping” on that play. Smart himself had an interesting take, claiming that Campazzo made a “smart play” and added that “everyone does it”.
Marcus Smart figured he would get a technical from his dustup with Facundo Campazzo. Asked about Campazzo flopping, Smart said: "I love it. I love it. Flopping is trying to get the call. It's a smart play. Anyone who says they never flop is lying. Everyone does it."
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) February 12, 2022
Marcus Smart figured he would get a technical from his dustup with Facundo Campazzo. Asked about Campazzo flopping, Smart said: “I love it. I love it. Flopping is trying to get the call. It’s a smart play. Anyone who says they never flop is lying. Everyone does it.”
There is no question that there are instances where players can exaggerate the amount of contact they receive on a given play. Getting two free throws from a foul is definitely beneficial to one’s team.
The Boston Celtics have had a renaissance as of late. They have an 11-4 record in their last 15 games and are currently 7th in the Eastern Conference. The recent acquisition of Derrick White from the San Antonio Spurs will help them be even better down the stretch, and hopefully we see them make it to the playoffs.
